New vinyl sign firm opens in Sikeston

SIKESTON - Amy and Greg King are in hopes more and more Sikeston residents will sign up.

As the owners of Royal Signs and Graphics, 900 E. Malone Ave., the couple are working to create their own sign company providing everything from billboards to magnets and everything in between.

"Greg and I have always been involved in lettering and graphics through our involvement in racing," explained Mrs. King. "When the opportunity became available to buy this business, we did."

Since they opened the doors of Royal Signs and Graphics Dec. 1, she said the business has been busy creating a variety of banners, magnetics, race car and fleet graphics, yard signs and more.

Working primarily with vinyls and at her computer, Mrs. King explained the company can create designs to meet the customers' needs. Together she and the client will discuss lettering styles, colors and aspects of the business to create a business logo or for those with an existing logo and design simply scan it in to the computer to convert to a sign design.

This type of personal service, she explained, is what she enjoys about owning their own business. "I believe in customer service. I want to help the customers create the look they want."

Computer programs and software have changed the sign business, Mrs. King pointed out, making it easier for the client to create unique designs. "Most of my time is on the computer," she said. "Today we can create holographic or mirror images, all types of eye-catching designs for vehicles and signs for a unique look."

After the computer cuts out the vinyl designs it can be applied to a vehicle, building or aluminum signboard. According to Mrs. King, vinyl signs offer many advantages including being able to remove a sign or make changes easily without having to repaint an entire sign or building.

A vinyl sign typically lasts from five to eight years with the cost dependent upon the size of the sign as well as the number of colors and materials.

Another advantage is the quick turnaround. Mrs. King estimated a customer who knows exactly what they want on a sign can have it in days while if she is designing a logo to accompany a message it typically takes about a week.

Describing their first months of operation as "very busy," the Kings are already looking at ways to continue to meet customer needs. Mrs. King said there are a number of new printers and cutters coming out in the sign business and they are looking at one which could create vehicle wraps.

"We are pleased that so many of the Sikeston customers stayed with us when we bought this business," she continued. "We want to continue to meet their needs and to grow."

Royal Signs and Graphics is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.