Quality above all else: SloanLED

Based in Zoetermeer, the Netherlands, SloanLED Europe provides high-quality customer service, logistics and technical support in Europe, Africa and Asia. Through a network of representatives and distributors, SloanLED, part of Principal Industries (USA), ensures global product availability while maintaining a high level of service; an advantage that few LED brands can match on this scale.

SloanLED’s commitment to quality is evidenced by its industry-leading warranties of up to ten years on selected products. This makes SloanLED an ideal partner for high-altitude applications or hard-to-reach locations, where failure is not an option. But even the most advanced products depend on proper installation. That’s why SloanLED offers education and training so that even experienced installers stay abreast of the latest developments, installation methods and product innovations.

Adapting to dynamic market
SloanLED serves a wide range of markets in addition to the sign industry. Although the approach varies by country, SloanLED is committed to working closely with customers: directly or through trusted distributors and partners.

“Over the past decade, the industry has changed significantly,” observes Paul Koch, Marketing Manager Europe & Sales Manager Benelux for SloanLED. “Traditional distribution models no longer apply everywhere. Especially in the sign industry, a growing number of companies present themselves as manufacturers, but in reality function as trading companies selling existing brands under their own label. In such cases, service and warranty promises are often unreliable. At the same time, many sign makers have stopped in-house production. They are outsourcing this to specialized manufacturers who are now taking over the role of distributor.”

These shifts bring new challenges, especially in the area of product knowledge. Many sign makers and installers today have less understanding of the LED products they offer. Important aspects such as LED type, efficiency, proper installation and warranty are often overlooked. They rely on the sign manufacturer, who often does not have the full picture of the required solution. Koch: “Since sign makers and installers are responsible for the warranty to their end customer, it is crucial that they have the right information. SloanLED plays an active role in closing this knowledge gap and helps signmakers select the right manufacturing partners to deliver optimal solutions to end customers.”

Preferred Partner Program
To further enhance quality and customer solutions, SloanLED Europe has launched the SloanLED Preferred Partner Program. This initiative offers partners exclusive benefits including: premium support, access to an extensive knowledge base, visibility with global brands, free design and lighting studies, VIP events and access to the LED Wizard software for creating advanced LED layouts.

True collaboration works both ways. Customers often need customized solutions, and SloanLED’s global presence allows the company to respond accurately. This program opens the door to a wealth of expertise, innovation and customized solutions.

EZ Layout Builder

Any registered user (including non-preferred partners) can access the online portal on SloanLED Europe’s website, with a range of tools and information. One unique feature is the EZ Layout Builder, which makes it easy to design layouts for LEDs for light boxes and box letters. In addition, installations can be recorded with images of the entire process from start to finish. Geo-location data and installation data are automatically saved, making tracking and maintenance easier.

Some projects are even highlighted as case studies on SloanLED’s website, providing additional visibility for installation companies. In addition, SloanLED’s specification experts work closely with global brands to ensure partner visibility and opportunities in major rebranding and maintenance initiatives.

Continually evolving

Although still in its early stages, the SloanLED Preferred Partner Program continues to evolve continuously. Every customer request contributes to the knowledge base, so both customers and the SloanLED team continue to learn and improve.

One of the first participants in the program is Dutch sign company De Goede Visuele Communicatie in Brummen, a long-time SloanLED customer. Initially, De Goede used only a selection of SloanLED products, but after joining the Preferred Partner Program, they quickly saw the benefits of an established LED partnership. They now benefit from on-site training, ongoing support, custom layouts, competitive pricing and even a fully customized LED product developed just for them. “This is the service we had been looking for for a long time. We found it at SloanLED,” says owner Bob de Goede.

Learn more about de Goede Visual Communication: www.degoede.com

Source: Sign Magazine. www.sign.nl