What should I expect now that I've placed my Readerboard sign order?
Here's a brief overview of the process that begins when you place your order.
See also: "Why is freight so costly?" below.
Once your order is received, it is received by accounting and entered into the first checkpoint for review. The first checkpoint is where we review the order and determine that, if there are different options or accessories ordered, that they will all work well together so the correct sign ends up shipping with exactly what you expected.
Once the order passes our preliminary order review, we check for the necessary signed forms. What forms, you may ask?
The first form (if you haven't already sent it in to us) is to determine the cost to ship the sign by freight to your specific address. This is the freight quote request form. When you order, a 'placeholder' amount (usually $450) is applied as a hold on your card for part (or all) of the cost of crating and freight to your ship-to address. Any overpayment or balance due must be taken care of for the order to proceed.
The second form is also required before the sign can be scheduled for production. This form [Delivery Checklist] is to show your acceptance of responsibility, by agreeing that when you accept delivery, you will inspect the sign for any damage or sign of damage before signing the delivery driver's Bill of Lading (delivery receipt). If there is any damage or a torn/dented carton, make sure to inform the driver that you need to inspect the sign or you cannot sign off on it.Signing the Bill of Lading informs the insurance companies that you accept the delivery as is, where is without any damage. This is a legal document, so take as much time as you need to check for any damage. See below: "What happens if I sign the Bill of Lading and discover damage afterwards?"
Once the two forms have been received and any balance of freight debit or credit is satisfactory, a project scheduling request is sent with the forms signed to our plant to be entered into the production schedule.
Signs are scheduled for production based on the order date and time the order is accepted at the factory. A typical readerboard sign is usually ready for pickup within 12-14 work days, following assembly, electrical work, inspection and preparation for shipping or pickup.
If you have ordered freight shipping to your address, we will notify you when the sign as been boxed/crated and has been picked up. We will send you something called the PRO Number and the name of the final freight company that will do the delivery.
Getting ready for your new signIt's exciting to prepare for the delivery of your new sign. Take photos of the delivery and inspection. Send them to us for our website and a chance for free gifts! Be sure to have a clean location where you can safely unwrap the sign and recycle the packaging. You may need scissors or a utility knife, a couple of screwdrivers and an adjustable wrench to assemble the legs onto the base of the sign.
Where are the legs and the letter set?You will find that to lower shipping costs, items are consolidated. To access the legs and letters, you'll need to find the side of the sign with the outlet. [A8 model shown] The opposite side of the sign has a removable vertical panel. Take the panel off. Slide out one of the sign faces (plastic with ridges and track) to see inside the sign, where you'll find the leg assembly and a box of letters. Assemble the legs using the wrench- you may want some assistance in holding the sign while you put the legs on. The replace the sign face and the side panel. Now you're ready to plug the sign into your extension cord and create your first sign!
What can I do with the letters to keep them sorted?Some like the simplicity of getting 40 or so folders and a plastic crate to store and sort the letters.
Others like to get our Pronto Case, a molded storage case available with wheels which holds up to 600 (two sets) of flex letters.Get one for 25% off retail when you order within five days of delivery!
Why is freight so costly?The main reason is that freight and labor charges have gone up dramatically several times during and since the pandemic of 2020. Another reason is that, since freight companies operate in certain regional areas, it usually takes multiple freight companies to get the new sign delivery to your door.
A third reason is that when a special delivery is requested, like a liftgate delivery van (when delivering to an address with no dock), indoor delivery or delivery to sprawling campuses, fields, stadiums, industrial areas and other requests all add time to the delivery schedule.
LetterBank charges exactly what the freight company(ies) charge. We do not augment the bill.
What happens if I sign the Bill of Lading and discover damage afterwards?Sadly there is very little we can do once you sign off on the bill of lading (the delivery contract). 1. Inform the delivery company immediately that damage has been discovered and that you need to file a claim.2. Contact us with photos right away so we can notify the factory. Include a copy of the claim filed.
The overall total costs with freight may be greater than you originally planned, but our profit is a very small fraction of the total costs. We want our customers to be happy with their experiences with the LetterBank/MyDIYsigns team so that you may recommend us to a friend or think of us for replacement supplies and well-thought-out signs to complement your business!
