The Letterville BullBoard: Customer Responsibility... or mine???

This is topic Customer Responsibility... or mine??? in forum Letterhead/Pinstriper Talk at The Letterville BullBoard.

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Posted by Devin Fahie (Member # 3961) on :

I have a great customer, who has an existing sign frame made from 6" I-Beams. At this point we have done some sign on this frame for him. He would like to add more, and I am concerned about the I-Beams carrying the weight, mainly because of the wind factor. He is located on a lake, it gets very large wind gusts (90+ at times). When I let him know that I was sending a engineer down, he declined the offer and does not want an engineer to survey the sign. He stated that these signs were very important, and he would sign a waver assuming all responsibility (his idea). I called my insurance co., who gave me advice to write up an "Hold Harmless Agreement", that would put him responsible for anything that happens to the signs/sign frame, etc. Has anyone else ever done this before? I'm a little nervous about doing this, at the same time I do not want to jepordize my relationship with my customer.

Posted by Michael Latham (Member # 4477) on :

[For Your Information]

It is funny how a relationship can change once the sign blows down. Then it is your fault and insurance companies go to town. In order to keep good relationships, sometime we have to do things like "hold harmless" waivers, especially when you are in doubt. Just the fact you are worried should be enough for him to be ok with signing waiver. Don't trust friendships or business relationship over responsiblity for a sign. Now, if he installs it....

Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :

Devin

We cannot even hope to forsee everything thst can happen to a sign over it's lifetime. I have seen a variety of situations, as have most of the people here.

As sign people, we have to use our knowledge to do the best job we can with the resources currently available. After that, there's not much else we can do. Have him sign the paper, and hang the sign. 90 MPH winds will take down lots of signs.....perhaps even a new one.

[Cool]

Posted by Joe Rees (Member # 211) on :

You never know - the sign may have been put up illegally in the beginning. Bring in an engineer and next thing you know he's in violation and must remove altogether. He'd sign anything to stay under the radar.

Posted by Sheila Ferrell (Member # 3741) on :

Kevin,
Quote: "He stated that these signs were very important, and he would sign a waver assuming all responsibility . . ."

This is a paradox . . .if the signs are 'so important' seems like he would go the way of an absolute best course towards insuring that they are egineered properly...hello, by submitting his thick skull to an engineer . . .

Why do so many people think they're 'saving' money on something that's going to end up costing them 3 times more to remove the damage, repair & replace??? DUH!

I done seen in person what straight out strong wind can do . . .and I'm impressed [Razz]

. . .it WILL tear stuff up, turn over 100 year old water oaks, and remove roofs . . .

Posted by Tony Vickio (Member # 2265) on :

I would have an attorney draw up papers, have him sign it and do the sign. This isn't jepordizing anything. It is good business. I carry "Product Liability Insurance" for years. Say you install a hanging sign over a sidewalk. 5 years later it falls on some one. You are in trouble! I would look into it!

Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :

I'm sure you've heard the old adage, "Get it in writing." Agree with Tony; get something legal drawn up, have him sign it. Friendship or long history of good customer is no longer viable when it comes to lawsuits or damage claims. C.Y.A!

Posted by Kevin Gaffney (Member # 4240) on :

In a case like this, I always let the customer look after the install. Keeps everything nice and simple. I make sure invoice shows supply only.

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