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Operations of a PSP: Sign Shops

Operations of a PSP: Sign Shops

Operations of a Sign Shop PSP – Episode Summary

In this dynamic episode of The Print University, Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee explore the inner workings of a sign printing business—from garage start-ups to multi-warehouse enterprises. Sign shops serve an exceptionally broad range of clients and applications, making them one of the most flexible segments in the printing industry. This episode is perfect for printing industry training programs for new employees, print shop employee onboarding templates, and teams developing outsourced training for print production staff.

The hosts explain how sales and operations are closely tied to environmental use cases—like printing banners for chemical plants vs. retail signs for fast food chains. The sales team must understand substrates, weatherability, coatings, finishing, and mounting methods. Signs may be printed on paper, metal, plastic, textiles, or vinyl using wide-format inkjet technologies (UV, latex, solvent). Installation requirements and regional climate conditions directly influence production and pricing.

Prepress workflows require specialized nesting, step-and-repeat impositions, and resolution management for large-format viewing distances. Shops often run multiple RIPs for different materials and device types. Finishing—still largely manual—includes sewing gussets, welding fabrics, laminating, and grommeting. Innovations in automation are emerging, including robotic loading, motion cutters, and fabric welders.

This episode also addresses MIS/ERP systems, kitting for seasonal campaigns, warehousing, and installation logistics—making it a comprehensive view of how sign PSPs operate at scale with flexibility.

You Will Learn:

  • Sign shop workflows: sales, prepress, printing, finishing, installation

  • Substrate and ink considerations for climate, durability, and use case

  • Software needs: RIPs, MIS/ERP, nesting tools, and color management

  • Manual vs. automated finishing: sewing, welding, grommets, motion cutting

  • Sign industry sales strategy: coaching non-experts, quoting, and upselling

Who This Course Is For:

Sign shop owners, production managers, wide-format operators, onboarding trainers, and anyone exploring digital printing press training or lean manufacturing training printing industry

Time to Watch:

Approx. 25 minutes