-- Is your sign company: Licensed and insured in the state you want the work done? Contractors license current (Sign and/or Awning Contractor)? Insured? Liability minimum 2mm umbrella Workers Comp Insurance? UL Rate shop (Underwriters Laboratory certification)? Fabricating all stages of the project in house or do they sub work out? Subs: are they licensed and insured to work on your building? Get a conditional lien release from all subs before final payment. Do your homework on sign brokers. Doing the install and giving a warranty on the full project for a minimum of one year? Warranty = Parts & Labor A full service sign shop? Using the highest quality products with the longest manufacturer warranty? Rated with the BBB (Better Business Bureau)? Involved in any local or national associations involving signs and/or awnings? Manufacturing the product to engineered sign standards? -- Do they have a large number of satisfied clients who would give a referral or a testimonial? -- Have they been in business long enough to have established good credit with vendors etc.