4 Questions to Ask Your Nameplate Supplier Before You Commit

Choosing a supplier for your nameplates and other product identification is a big decision. Ask the following questions to gain understanding of the supplier's capabilities, track record, and confidence in taking care of your needs.  

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Do you have the type of material we need?

Suppliers who offer a variety of material solutions can help streamline your supply chain. Defining the right material for your nameplate takes an understanding of its end use environment and application. Common metal materials for nameplates include aluminum and stainless steel. Flexible material options include vinyl, polyester, and polycarbonate.

What is your lead time?

It is important to understand what lead time is needed to build your order. The more complex the process involved in making the nameplates or labels, the more time should be allowed. Factors affecting lead time to produce parts include:

  • Is the order a repeat from previous run with no changes? Graphic or dimensional changes to a nameplate can mean that more resources are needed to give attention to the order. This may require additional time to build tools or for your approval on colors or artwork proofs.

  • Does your nameplate require special purchase material? If so, depending on what that material is, the lead time for us to procure the material may impact when parts can be ready to fill your order.

  • Where does your order need to be delivered? Your purchase order should indicate the instructions for shipping product along with your chosen carrier and account information. If you are shipping overseas there can be lengthy transit time. Domestic carriers typically follow schedules for pickup and delivery. Take this information into consideration as you define purchase order details.

What value-added services do you offer?

From offering a variety of materials, pre-production prototypes, quality assurance, and more, the value added services your nameplate supplier offers should indicate their primary focus in taking care of their customers. A manufacturer who works with you and works to meet your deadlines and requirements ensures you are completely satisfied. Some of the value-added services offered by McLoone include:

  • Design and Engineering Support - We work with you to understand your product identification needs and then identify materials, processes and tooling options that are high quality and cost effective.
  • In-House Tool and Die Capabilities - A library with thousands of dies means many options for your nameplate and label needs. In-house tooling means quick turnaround for custom builds.
  • Protoypes and Samples - Timing is critical for product launches and updates. Production quality prototypes and samples give opportunity to fine tune designs and ensure the right look for your nameplate, label or overlay. 

Are there any post-production costs?

Establishing a relationship with a new supplier or adding a new part to your order system means understanding the cost impact - both immediate and future. The first time a nameplate is ordered there will be artwork and prep costs along with any tooling that will need to be built. These will be outlined in your quote. Once those initial pieces are in place there should be minimal future expense. However, there are instances where you could incur additional investment. These include:

  • Material Cost - Every effort is made to keep the cost of materials at a minimum. Each supplier is subject to their supply chain, and unfortunately prices for metal and plastic material do fluctuate. 
  • Artwork Changes - If there has been a change for your company in terms of logo, corporate colors, a merger, or acquisition there may be need to update the graphics or text that is printed on your nameplate or label.  Another reason for changing artwork is receiving a mandate from a regulation update such as OSHA or UL. 
  • Expired Files - Nameplates that are ordered on a regular basis should be able to expect that material, graphics, and tools are ready for the next order. If it has been several years since your last order or if there is a change in part size, these will need to be reviewed and quoted.

Is McLoone the right choice?

Companies in just about every industry have trusted McLoone to produce durable and attractive nameplates, labels, and overlays that work hand in hand with their brand strategy. With a variety of processes on both metal and plastic substrates, we help elevate your brand and make you stand out in the market. Whether you are just starting out with a project or looking for a facelift to update the look, we have a team of professionals ready to work with you.

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