Home Forums Sign Making Discussions Vinyl Vinyl lettering job warranty?

  • Vinyl lettering job warranty?

    Posted by Carlos.Martins on 10 June 2013 at 12:21

    Hi there,
    I have done a van lettering job and the customer asks for a proof of warranty because his other vans that he used to do at another sign shop started cracking and tearing after a couple of months.
    I am confident about my work and I only use ritrama O range 5 year vinyl.
    I understand the vinyl should last at least 5 years, but that sounds too long for a warranty for me.
    What would you do in this situation?
    Thanks in advance,
    Carlos

    Jill Marie Welsh replied 12 years, 4 months ago 5 Members · 5 Replies
  • 5 Replies
  • Graeme Harrold

    Member
    10 June 2013 at 13:25

    Guarantee your workmanship for as long as you like and 5 year on the vinyl will normally apply to the pigment. Premature cracking vinyl is usually down to a poor choice of vinyl applied to the wrong material/area. Ive used calendered vinyl on a van, inc the bonnet. Panels were fine, bonnet shrunk and cracked after 18 months due to the additional engine heat……

    Read the small print on the vinyl supply and see what is covered, after all its not a definite guarantee, just guidance……

  • David Rogers

    Member
    10 June 2013 at 19:44

    I used O range for years (switched to 3M 50 series). Will last many years on a van but WILL shrink slight slightly over time. Also it WILL pop out / shrink where applied over recesses. No amount of post heating can solve this with the Ritrama 0 range.

    I give a ONE year warranty on installation but mention that the MANUFACTURER warrants the material for colourfastness and that it won’t break down under UV exposure for up to 5 years.

    Also it’s a LIMITED warranty…does not cover accidental or willful damage, jet or steam washing, machine polishing etc…

    …never had a complaint ever, lots of compliments on the jobs lasting longer than the (cheaper) companies though…

  • Chris Windebank

    Member
    11 June 2013 at 07:40

    and a lot of companies state 5 years vertical not horizontal where it gets more exposure to the sun and other elements

  • Chris Wool

    Member
    11 June 2013 at 08:38

    ten years or the end of the street which ever comes first. 😉

    give them a few do and don’t tips all should be well, if they have a problem do not get heavy handed with them just change the odd bit foc.

  • Jill Marie Welsh

    Member
    11 June 2013 at 11:49

    You also need some sort of disclaimer such as you will not be responsible if the client is not properly caring for the job.
    I was at the bank yesterday when a guy pulled up complaining that his print was peeling off. I had all my stuff with me so I trimmed it on the spot. His co-worker said in passing "I notice whenever I pressure wash it, it seems like it wants to come off"
    😮
    I do only use high performance vinyl on signs and vehicles, most have at least a 5 year lifespan.
    I tell the client what to do and what not to do and that seems to have worked for me.
    It’s sad that your client has lost his trust due to a hack using cheap materials.
    Love….Jill

Log in to reply.