When it comes to installing signage, nothing is more foundational than the site survey. For many medium-to-large sign shops, conducting site surveys is already a standard part of the process. But for smaller, mom-and-pop operations, it’s something that might get skipped, or at least done informally. And that can be a costly mistake.
Whether you’re working on a small storefront sign or a large-scale rebranding across multiple locations, a thorough site survey is what ensures that your sign will be installed properly, safely, and in compliance with local regulations. It’s the groundwork that sets up everything that comes next: design, fabrication, permits, installation, and client satisfaction.
If your shop isn’t conducting formal site surveys or if you’re still using outdated methods like paper checklists and spreadsheets, it’s time to rethink your process. Not only do site surveys protect your bottom line, but with the right tools, they don’t have to be a headache.
What Is a Sign Shop Site Survey?
A sign shop site survey is a detailed on-site evaluation of the location where a sign will be installed. This step is crucial for understanding site conditions, identifying potential obstacles, collecting precise measurements, and gathering the information needed to create an accurate quote and design plan, as well as aid in installation if you win the bid.
A comprehensive site survey typically includes:
- Measurements of the install location
- Photos from various angles
- Information about surface material and condition
- Notes on access points and obstructions
- Electrical availability
- Visibility from various vantage points
- Local permitting considerations
Why Site Surveys Are Critical for Sign Shops
Site surveys might feel like a chore, but they are one of the most important aspects of a signage project. Here’s why every shop should be doing them:
1. They Prevent Expensive Mistakes
When measurements are off, photos are unclear, or you’re unaware of other details about the job site, you risk creating a sign that doesn’t fit or can’t be installed safely. A proper survey helps eliminate the need for return trips, reprints, and missed deadlines.
2. They Boost Your Professionalism
Clients expect accuracy and clear communication. A detailed, organized survey report gives you an edge when bidding for projects and builds client confidence in your process.
3. They Save Time and Money in the Long Run
Although surveys take time upfront, they streamline the entire project lifecycle. By reducing rework and ensuring everyone is on the same page from day one, you save time and avoid unnecessary costs.
4. They Improve Win Rates on Bids
For national brands sourcing surveys from multiple local sign shops, a clean and thorough site survey can help your shop stand out and win the job.
The Problems with Traditional Survey Methods
Too many sign shops still rely on outdated methods: paper forms, hand-written notes, poor photos, and reports cobbled together in Excel. This disjointed process creates major issues:
- Inconsistent information
- Forgotten or unclear notes
- Lack of oversight or accountability
- Extra trips to gather missed info
- Unprofessional final reports
And often, the people conducting surveys aren’t signage experts or tech-savvy. They might be operating from a crane bucket 50 feet in the air, or balancing on a ladder in windy conditions, making simplicity and reliability crucial in the tools they use.
Enter SAi OnSite: A Better Way to Do Site Surveys
SAi OnSite is a digital site survey tool built specifically for sign shops. Whether you’re a team of two or a national operation, OnSite streamlines the entire survey process, helping you get it right the first time.
Here’s how it works:
For Sign Shop Owners:
- Customizable Survey Templates – Create and standardize survey forms for different sign types and installation scenarios. Templates can be built from scratch or modified from a master list of fields for consistency.
- Real-Time Progress Tracking – Monitor survey progress as it happens and review uploaded images from your office.
- User & Role Management – Assign tasks, control access, and manage collaboration between office and field crews.
- Map Integration – Upload site maps, drop pins, and plan precise installs. Great for multi-sign or complex jobs.
- Report Prep Tools – Choose which data and photos to include in final reports and send to clients as PDFs or shareable links.
For Survey Crews:
- Mobile & Tablet Friendly – Designed specifically for use in the field with tablet interfaces, even from cranes or ladders.
- Checklist Validation – A built-in “Survey Checker” ensures nothing is missed before the crew leaves the site.
For Customers:
- Polished Survey Reports – Send clients clean, consistent, professional-looking reports.
- Multi-Shop Request Management – Submit survey requests to multiple shops and compare results side-by-side in a standardized format.
Turning a Necessary Evil into a Competitive Advantage
Site surveys may never be the “fun” part of sign work, but they can become the most powerful tool in your shop’s toolbox. SAi OnSite takes what used to be a messy, time-consuming chore and turns it into a professional, streamlined, and repeatable process.
Whether you’re trying to eliminate costly errors, win more bids, or simply bring your site survey workflow into the 21st century, OnSite is built to make your job easier.
No more clipboards. No more scattered notes. Just fast, accurate site surveys, done right the first time.
Learn more about SAi OnSite here.
