The Truth About Out-of-Area Jobs (Most Installers Get This Wrong)
Out-of-area jobs are one of the biggest hidden profit killers in the sign installation industry. Many installers assume that a job outside their normal service radius is automatically worth it—after all, it’s “just another install.” But the truth is, out-of-area sign installation jobs require a different strategy. Travel time, fuel costs, scheduling gaps, and crew efficiency all impact your bottom line. If you treat these jobs the same as local installs, you’re likely losing money without realizing it.
The Real Cost of Travel (It’s More Than Gas)
Most installers only factor in mileage when pricing an out-of-area job. That’s the first mistake. Travel affects labor hours, vehicle wear and tear, opportunity cost, and even employee morale. If your crew spends two extra hours driving, that’s two hours they aren’t completing another revenue-generating install. Over time, these small inefficiencies add up. Smart sign companies calculate total travel impact—not just fuel—before accepting out-of-area work.
Scheduling Mistakes That Hurt Profits
Another common error is failing to batch or strategically schedule out-of-area jobs. Sending a crew 45–90 minutes away for a single install is rarely efficient. The most profitable installers group installations by ZIP code or region and dedicate specific days to out-of-area routes. This reduces windshield time and maximizes daily job counts. Proper route planning transforms out-of-area service from a liability into a scalable growth opportunity.
Pricing Strategies Most Installers Overlook
If you’re not charging properly for distance, you’re subsidizing your client’s location. Many companies hesitate to add travel surcharges, fearing they’ll lose the job. In reality, clear and consistent pricing builds trust and protects margins. Successful sign installers implement structured travel fees, tiered distance pricing, or minimum job thresholds for remote areas. When pricing reflects true costs, out-of-area jobs become profitable instead of stressful.
Pricing Strategies Most Installers Overlook
Out-of-area sign installation jobs aren’t the problem—poor planning is. When you accurately calculate travel costs, schedule efficiently, and price strategically, these jobs can expand your service footprint and increase revenue. The installers who struggle with remote work usually treat it like local work. The ones who succeed build systems around it. If you want consistent profits in your sign installation business, it’s time to rethink how you handle out-of-area jobs.
For additional information on SignTraker’s real estate sign tracking and real estate sign installation software, or how to join SignTraker’s network of professional sign installers throughout the United States and Canada, contact Douglas Deist, Vice President, Marketing and Technology, at 443-938-9178 Ext 2.
SignTraker Technologies LLC is a privately held sign installation service software provider located in Gaithersburg, MD. The company supplies cloud-based mobile software, consulting, and durable products to companies and real estate firms interested in providing a superior ordering and sign marketing experience for their stakeholders. For additional information, contact sales@signtraker.com.
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