Decals That Won't Get Trashed

Miami, FL — Top decal companies screen-print enamel ink on top-coated vinyl to make their products more durable and weather resistant. They also use adhesives that are suitable for both metal and plastic. The very best provide all of that and make it exceptionally easy for customers to do business with them.

Waste disposal companies custom-decal trash containers and related products with corporate logos and contact information that advertise their services to prospective clients. They make use of roughly fifty generic decals as well, addressing a wide range of proper use and safety issues.

"We were using stencils up to twelve years ago," says Dave McWilliams, co-owner, Mac Pac Waste and Recycling, Inc., a medium-sized waste service company in Dade County, Florida.

But decals, like any other product, differ widely in quality. There are decals, and then there are decals, so it makes sense to devote the same care to the purchase of decals that you would to any other piece of business equipment.

"Custom decals tell prospective customers who you are and how you can be contacted," says Larry Grant, President of Fed-Cal, a national provider of high-quality waste industry decals based in Miami, Florida. "Because they are advertising tools, you will want to make certain your custom decals represent you properly. You want quality products that speak well of your company."

Decals helps companies in the waste disposal business stand out from their competitors, but there's more involved in buying decals than picking up the phone and placing an order.

While many printers list decals on their product menu, waste industry decal providers specialize in the needs of the industry they serve. The best in the business offer clean, attractive products that stand up to the elements, more than fair pricing, and service second to none. So what are the criteria that separate merely adequate providers in this area from great ones? According to Grant, waste haulers should look for a company that offers all of the following.

1.) Ensure a sunfast, sharp image with enamel inks on durable, top-coated vinyl
What's the point in putting on a decal that fades away in harsh sunlight or simply falls off? That's why waste disposal companies that care about safety or attracting new customers should avoid water or UV ink-based decals, which are typically mass-produced and not as durable. Instead they choose decals printed with sunfast enamel inks on durable vinyl for fade-resistant longevity, easy reading and a sharper image.

"With enamel inks "printed twice," your decals provide a more durable product with far greater fade resistance," Grant says. "The UV inks, printed just once, used by many decal makers, lose color faster, especially in places like Florida or Arizona where you get a lot of heat and sunlight. Red, for example, is one of the fastest-fading colors. A decal printed with red UV ink will pale sooner with too much sun exposure. But with enamel inks printed twice, your decal has greater longevity. Your decal holds up in tough weather, and your reds stay red, even if your business is in Phoenix."

2.) Opt for a vendor that offers free design with no add-on charges
Pick a vendor that provides custom design at no cost. Revisions should be free of charge as well, however many there may be. According to Grant, few decal makers are willing to work with customers on design, billing terms and shipping. Nor do many get orders out as quickly as their customers would like.

Instead, waste disposal companies should choose a decal vendor who does not charge extra for artwork, logos, color matching, back slitting, or other related services.

"Many companies in the decal business drag their feet on delivery, and that can kill you in this business," McWilliams says. "You're better off with a company that's totally open with you and makes the whole ordering process, including design, fast and easy."

3.) Choose a vendor with the right decal adhesives for the job
Screen-printed, vinyl decals are made with a solvent-based adhesive known in the printing industry as "permanent adhesive." This is designed for outdoor use but is usually ineffective on anything not made of metal. Despite this disability, many screen-printers use permanent adhesive exclusively, creating big headaches for haulers using decals for "toters," port-o-lets and other plastic or resin-based waste industry products.

Other companies provide labels with an acrylic-based adhesive not suitable for outdoor use. Instead, waste disposal companies should choose a decal vendor that offers decals with solvent-based adhesives suitable for both metal and plastic applications.

"For plastic and resin-based applications, you need a special kind of adhesive," Fed-Cal's Grant explains. Some screen printers don't sweat the details in this area but they should - because details matter a lot where adhesives are concerned."

4.) Optimize credit with open terms or pre-paid discounts up to 10%
Typical decal vendors offer credit for payment within 30 days, or perhaps a small discount for net 10 days. But savvy waste disposal companies can do better. Some national vendors offer both open credit terms and up to a 10% discount for prepayment.

"A government buyer recently pulled out his credit card to secure an immediate 10% savings," says Grant. "Others prefer open terms. Either way, look for a vendor that lets you optimize credit terms for your situation."

"If you have an inventory of new containers in your yard, they won't be ready for delivery until the decals are installed," adds Doug Ross, President, Capt. Trash, Inc., a Miami-based hauler. "Open account eases payment pressure, and makes it possible for you to have decals on hand when you need them."

5.) Choose a vendor that offers free shipping and other perks
Waste haulers that purchase decals from local screen printers not only pay more for decals; they also miss out on the service amenities that a national company can provide. A competitive national decal provider, for instance, can afford to guarantee its work and offer free shipping because of its larger sales volume. A small screen printer simply can't match this. Because a small screen printer typically has just one or two waste haulers on its customer list, it feels little need to offer competitive deals.

"More often than not you won't get free shipping from a small company, and most national providers won't throw it in either," Grant says. "Shipping can be expensive though, so you'll want to do business with a company that will absorb that cost for you."

If you're a hauler you need decals. Period. But it's important that you work with a decal provider that will help you stay competitive. Make sure you pick a company that will give you quality products, good service and reasonable pricing.

SOURCE: Fed-Cal