#Custom Sign Makers

[signresourcesofnc]

Showcasing Creativity: The Craft of Custom Sign Makers

In a world brimming with visual competition, custom signs have emerged as more than just a medium for communication; they’re works of art. Behind these striking pieces of craftsmanship are skilled custom sign makers who blend creativity, technical expertise, and an understanding of branding to produce signage that commands attention.

The Evolution of Sign Making

Signage has been around for centuries, evolving from simple stone carvings to sophisticated digital displays. However, custom sign makers focus on a more personalized approach, creating pieces tailored to the unique needs and identity of their clients. From hand-painted wooden boards to neon-lit marvels, the craft has transformed into a dynamic intersection of tradition and innovation.

The Creative Process Behind Custom Signs

Every custom sign starts as an idea. Here’s a glimpse into the creative process:

Client Consultation: Understanding the client’s brand, audience, and vision is crucial. Whether it’s a cozy café or a cutting-edge tech firm, the design needs to resonate with its target audience.

Concept Development: Using design software and sketches, sign makers bring ideas to life. Colors, fonts, shapes, and materials are selected to align with the brand’s identity.

Material Selection: Modern sign makers have a plethora of materials at their disposal, from rustic wood to sleek acrylic, vibrant LEDs, and durable metals.

Fabrication: This is where the magic happens. Advanced tools like CNC routers, laser cutters, and 3D printers often complement traditional handcrafting techniques to create the final product.

Installation: A well-made sign is only as impactful as its placement. Sign makers ensure optimal positioning and durability for maximum visibility.

The Role of Creativity

Custom sign makers are more than technicians; they are artists. They combine typography, color theory, spatial awareness, and artistic flair to design signs that leave lasting impressions. Creativity plays a vital role in:

Brand Differentiation: A unique sign helps businesses stand out in crowded marketplaces.

Storytelling: Effective signage tells a brand’s story at a glance, fostering an emotional connection with viewers.

Aesthetic Appeal: From minimalist elegance to bold statements, custom signs contribute to the overall ambiance of a space.

The Impact of Custom Signs

Well-crafted custom signs are investments that deliver measurable benefits:

Enhanced Visibility: An eye-catching sign draws customers to your door, increasing foot traffic.

Brand Reinforcement: Consistent, well-designed signage strengthens brand recognition.

Longevity: High-quality custom signs often outlast generic, mass-produced alternatives, making them cost-effective in the long run.

Challenges and Opportunities

The craft of sign making isn’t without its challenges. Balancing creativity with functionality, meeting tight deadlines, and staying within budget constraints can be demanding. However, advancements in technology, such as augmented reality (AR) for design visualization and sustainable materials, are opening new doors for innovation.

Why Custom Signs Matter

In today’s competitive landscape, a cookie-cutter approach simply doesn’t cut it. Custom signs enable businesses to communicate their uniqueness, create memorable first impressions, and establish a strong visual presence. They transform spaces, guide customers, and bring a brand’s identity to life.

Conclusion

Custom sign makers are unsung heroes of the creative industry. Their work goes beyond crafting functional signage; they produce masterpieces that inspire and communicate. Whether it’s a small business looking for its first storefront sign or a global corporation rebranding its image, custom sign makers turn visions into reality.

Next time you pass by a stunning piece of signage, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind it—it’s more than just a sign; it’s a story

[premier-graphics]

Custom Wraps and Decals for Commercial Vehicles - Richmond, BC

Commercial vehicle wraps and decals are applied to business vehicles to promote a company's brand and services. This type of mobile advertising transforms ordinary vehicles into a moving advertisement, catching the attention of potential customers wherever they go.

In a competitive market, standing out over the crowd is crucial. Commercial vehicle wraps and decals offers an advantage and effective ways to increase brand visibility and reach a wide range of audience without the recurring costs associated with other advertising forms. Whether you're a small business or a large corporation, vehicle wraps and decals can play an important role in your marketing strategy.

Compared to traditional advertising methods, vehicle signage is highly cost-effective. Once installed, it provides continuous exposure without recurring costs, making it a smart investment for long-term advertising. Unlike other forms of advertising, your vehicle signage works around the clock. Whether parked or in transit, your brand and message is always on display, providing continuous marketing for your business.

Service Metro Vancouver and beyond, Premier Graphics Inc. is a full-service signage and graphics production and installation company. They offer commercial vehicles as well as food trucks and trailer custom wraps and decals. From the design process and production, right through to the installation they prioritize the needs of your business. They are proud to have the largest 3M Preferred Install Team in Western Canada that offers custom signage and graphics solutions.

Check their website: https://www.premiergr.com/commercial-vehicle-decals-and-wraps/ for more information about their custom wraps and decals for commercial vehicles.

[besuremart]

New Year, New Look – Shop BeSureMart’s Handcrafted Treasures with Amazing Discounts!

If you're looking to start the new year by adding something meaningful and unique to your home, BeSureMart is the place to be. With incredible discounts on handcrafted goods and stunning custom neon lights, you can celebrate the season with a touch of culture and creativity. From Pipili handicrafts to handmade ladies' bags, there’s something for everyone in our New Year collection.

Explore Our Curated Collection of Handcrafted Goods

Every product at BeSureMart is a testament to the craftsmanship and culture of Odisha. Our extensive range of products includes:

Handmade Ladies’ Bags: Stylish, functional, and deeply rooted in Odisha’s textile traditions, our handmade bags make the perfect accessory for any occasion.

Paper Mâché & Marble Dust Crafts: Quirky and charming, these crafts offer a modern twist on traditional techniques and are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your home.

Wall Décor: From ornate brass sculptures to tribal-inspired artwork, our wall décor options are sure to elevate your space.

Silver Filigree Jewelry: Lightweight and elegant, our collection of silver filigree jewelry is perfect for any fashion-forward individual who appreciates artisan craftsmanship.

Light Up Your New Year with Custom Neon Lights

Give your New Year celebrations an extra pop with custom neon lights from BeSureMart! Whether you want to create a fun, vibrant atmosphere or add a bit of personal flair to your home, our neon lights are the perfect way to brighten up your space.

Don’t Miss Out – Shop the Sale Today!

The New Year is all about new beginnings, and what better way to start fresh than with a collection of Odisha’s finest handcrafted goods? With our special discounts on select items, you can bring home authentic pieces of Odisha’s culture while saving big.

Brass Handicrafts: Perfect for home décor or as a thoughtful gift, these items celebrate Odisha’s ancient craft traditions.

Jagannath-Themed Décor: A perfect addition to your spiritual space or a meaningful gift for someone special.

With our limited-time New Year deals, there’s never been a better time to shop at BeSureMart. Don’t wait – explore our collection today and get ready to celebrate the season in style!

Visit us: https://www.besuremart.com/

[vibrantsigns]

How Custom Blade Signs Can Boost Your Business Visibility in Miami, FL

If you’re looking to elevate your business’s visibility in Miami, FL, custom blade signs could be the game-changer you need. These sleek, attention-grabbing signs are designed to hang perpendicular to a building’s facade, providing a unique and effective way to advertise your business. Whether you’re located in the busy streets of downtown Miami or in a more suburban area, blade signs can significantly increase foot traffic and enhance brand awareness. Here’s why blade signs are the perfect solution for businesses in Miami.

What Are Blade Signs?

Blade signs, also known as projecting signs, are a type of sign that extends outward from a building or storefront. They’re typically mounted on brackets or poles and often hang perpendicular to the building’s wall. Blade signs offer high visibility, especially in areas with pedestrian traffic, as they are more noticeable from a distance than traditional flat signs. Their compact, double-sided design means they can catch the attention of people from both directions.

These signs can be customized in terms of size, shape, color, and material, making them versatile for a wide variety of business needs. From a café to a boutique or a law office, blade signs can be tailored to reflect your brand’s identity and message.

The Benefits of Blade Signs for Your Miami Business

Increased Visibility in Miami’s Busy Streets

Miami is a city where competition is fierce, and standing out is crucial. Blade signs provide an excellent opportunity to capture attention from pedestrians and drivers alike. When installed on the exterior of your building, they’re positioned to be seen from different angles and distances, making them ideal for businesses on crowded streets or in areas with heavy foot traffic. They are also highly effective in Miami’s urban setting, where traditional signs may not stand out as much.

Perfect for Businesses Located in High-Traffic Areas

Whether your business is near popular tourist destinations, busy shopping districts, or vibrant nightlife spots in Miami, a custom blade sign is an excellent way to attract attention. Blade signage can be seen by passersby who may not have noticed your business otherwise, whether they’re walking down the street, biking, or driving by. If you’re looking for a way to increase foot traffic, a strategically placed blade sign can be a powerful tool.

Maximizing Brand Exposure

Custom blade signs allow you to showcase your brand in a way that’s both creative and functional. The design options are endless, from bold colors to unique shapes and materials. Blade signs are not just functional; they’re also a form of advertising. They act as a constant visual reminder of your business, ensuring that your brand remains top of mind for anyone who passes by. With a blade sign, your business gets extra exposure, even from people who may not be specifically looking for it.

Cost-Effective Marketing Solution

In comparison to other forms of advertising, blade signs offer excellent value for money. Traditional ads like billboards, TV spots, or print advertisements can be costly and may have a limited impact. Blade signs, however, are a one-time investment that can continuously draw attention to your business. The visibility they offer makes them a long-term, cost-effective marketing solution, especially for businesses on a budget.

Why Choose Custom Blade Signs for Your Business?

Tailored to Your Brand’s Unique Identity

One of the major advantages of custom blade signs is that they can be fully tailored to your specific branding needs. You can choose the color palette, font style, materials, and even additional design features like lighting to ensure your blade sign aligns perfectly with your business’s aesthetic. Whether you want a modern, minimalist design or something more ornate and vintage, custom blade signs offer the flexibility to make your vision come to life.

Durable and Weather-Resistant

Miami’s hot and humid climate can take a toll on exterior signage. The good news is that custom blade signs are designed to withstand the elements. Made from durable materials like metal, acrylic, and wood, blade signage is built to endure rain, wind, and intense sun exposure. This makes them an ideal choice for Miami businesses that need reliable outdoor signage that can last year-round.

Double-Sided Advertising

One of the unique features of blade signs is their double-sided design. This allows your message to be seen from both directions, maximizing the exposure of your business. Whether someone is walking past on one side of the street or driving from the other direction, your sign will be visible, increasing the likelihood of them noticing your business.

Finding Blade Signs Makers and Installers in Miami

When it comes to getting the best blade sign for your business, working with experienced blade signs makers and installers in Miami is essential. Local experts can help you choose the right design, material, and placement to ensure maximum impact. They also understand Miami’s local regulations and zoning laws, ensuring your blade sign is installed in compliance with the city’s rules.

Quality Craftsmanship and Expertise

By partnering with professional blade signs makers, you ensure that your signage is crafted with care and precision. These experts understand the intricacies of designing signs that are not only visually appealing but also effective in driving traffic to your business. Whether you’re looking for a classic look or something more modern, these specialists can create a blade sign that suits your needs.

Efficient Installation Process

Once you’ve chosen the perfect design for your custom blade sign, professional installers will ensure that it is mounted securely and positioned for maximum visibility. With their expertise, you can rest assured that the installation process will be smooth, quick, and done to the highest standards.

Where to Find Blade Signs Near Me in Miami

Searching for blade signs near me in Miami? Look no further than Vibrant Sign Studio, your trusted local provider of custom blade signs in Miami. Whether you’re located in the heart of downtown or in a quieter part of the city, they specialize in creating and installing high-quality blade signs that elevate your business’s visibility and branding.

Custom Blade Signs Tailored to Your Needs

With Vibrant Sign Studio, you get more than just a standard blade sign. You get a product designed to match your business’s unique personality. From the initial consultation to the final installation, the team at Vibrant Sign Studio ensures that every aspect of your blade sign reflects your brand and captures the attention of your target audience.

Conclusion: Boost Your Business with Blade Signs

Custom blade signs offer Miami businesses an excellent way to increase visibility, build brand recognition, and attract new customers. Whether you’re a restaurant, retail store, or service provider, investing in blade signage can significantly improve your business’s presence in the city’s bustling environment. From their high visibility to the ability to customize them to suit your brand, blade signs are an investment that pays off over time. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, consider working with professional blade sign makers and installers in Miami to create a sign that’s as unique as your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are blade signs? Blade signs are perpendicular signs that extend out from a building’s facade, providing high visibility from both directions.

How do custom blade signs help my business? Custom blade signs increase visibility, attract foot traffic, and build brand recognition, helping your business stand out in a competitive market.

Are blade signs durable in Miami’s weather? Yes, custom blade signs are made from weather-resistant materials like metal and acrylic, ensuring durability in Miami’s hot and humid climate.

How can I find blade signs near me in Miami? You can find local blade sign makers and installers, such as Vibrant Sign Studio, by searching for "blade signs near me" online or asking for referrals.

Can I customize my blade sign? Absolutely! Custom blade signs can be designed to fit your brand’s colors, fonts, materials, and overall aesthetic.

[signsolutions]

Enhance Your Brand with Custom Vehicle Signs in Cayman - SignSolutions

If you're searching for custom vehicle signs near me in Cayman, look no further! At SignSolutions, we specialize in creating impactful vehicle signs that turn your vehicles into mobile advertising tools. Our expert sign makers near you in Cayman offer a full range of indoor signs, outdoor signs, and vehicle signs. With high-quality sign printing near me in Cayman, you can ensure your brand is always on display and driving business growth.

Visit on: https://www.signsolutions.ky/vehicle-signs-cayman-islands

[vitalsignsolutions]

Custom & Illuminated Pylon Signs in Houston - Vital Sign Solutions

Elevate your business with custom and illuminated pylon signs from Vital Sign Solutions in Houston. Our expert team creates high-quality tenant signs and business directory signs that stand out. Trust us for professional pylon sign solutions that enhance your visibility and attract customers. Get in touch with Vital Sign Solutions for your pylon signage needs!

[dlxadv]

🛣️🎨 Unleash Your Creativity with Custom Signs! 🎨🛣️

[neoniconsusa]

Visit neonicons.com for best Led neon signs

A home bar is more than simply a place to sip your favorite beverages; it also serves as a meeting space for friends and family and is a reflection of your own style. At Mondo Neon, we recognize the value of designing an individual and welcoming atmosphere.

In this post, we'll look at how our unique neon signs can turn your home bar into a chic retreat where cool neon lights command attention, boosting the mood and leaving a lasting impression on your visitors. Social media has coverd our lives in the recent digital era. It serves as more than simply a channel for communication; it also allows us to connect with people and express ourselves.

With this handmade, one-of-a-kind neon artwork, illuminate your house and make it pop. With your very own LED or Glass Neon sign, you can stand out, impress your friends, and make a statement. Our neon artworks are manufactured from your choice of LED or Glass Neon and are created with both companies and consumers in mind. Therefore, we can handle both inside and outdoor installation of your sign. Please take note that LED Neon is only suitable for indoor applications. Glass Neon is the best option since it is waterproof by nature, making it perfect for outdoor installation.

One of the most important days of your life is your wedding, and what better way to make it even more magical and unique than with neon signs? Any wedding location may become a wonderful place with neon signs by transforming it into a colorful and fashionable setting. It's critical to distinguish yourself from the competitors in the hectic world of restaurants by creating an atmosphere that guests will never forget.

Led neon signs have gained popularity as a preferred option among restaurant owners seeking to make a statement because of its alluring light and classic charm. Creativity and fashion are key components in designing a child's room. Custom neon lights are one striking and eye-catching feature that has been sweeping the interior design industry.

[kemsigns]

3D Signs Melbourne: Your One-Stop Shop for Custom 3D Signage in Melbourne

3D Signs Melbourne is the premier provider of custom 3D signage solutions in Melbourne. We offer a comprehensive range of services, from design and fabrication to installation and maintenance, to help you create the perfect 3D sign Melbourne for your business or organization.

Our team of experienced and knowledgeable sign experts will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and goals. We will then design a custom 3D sign that is tailored to your brand and messaging.

We use only the highest quality materials and cutting-edge technology to create our 3D signs. This ensures that your sign will be durable, long-lasting, and visually stunning.

In addition to our custom design services, we also offer a wide variety of pre-designed 3D signs. This means that you can find the perfect sign for your needs, even if you have a limited budget.

We are committed to providing our customers with exceptional service. We will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you are satisfied with your 3D sign.

[neonvibes3]

Custom Neon Sign Maker Kuwait | Neonvibeskw.com

Create the perfect neon sign for your business with Neonvibeskw.com! Our custom neon sign maker in Kuwait offers unique designs, quality craftsmanship, and fast delivery to make your vision come to life.

Custom Neon Sign Maker Kuwait

[signresourcesofnc]

Sign Resources of NC

Are you ready to take your Greensboro business to the next level with high-quality, custom signage? Sign Resources of NC is here to help. Our team of signage experts has the experience, creativity, and local knowledge needed to deliver signs that make an impact. From boosting your brand’s visibility to enhancing customer experience, our custom signage solutions are designed with your success in mind.

Get in touch with us today to start crafting signage that makes a difference in Greensboro’s vibrant marketplace. Whether you’re looking for outdoor signs, indoor signs, vehicle graphics, or any other custom signage solution, Sign Resources of NC is your trusted custom sign maker in Greensboro!

[ngssignsmithslondon]

Top 5 NGS copperplate script fonts

Our Famous Slant on Scripts Love Hate Social Club Notting Hill Gallery of hand crafted Copperplate Script sign writing works and inspiration. Fitzbillies of Cambridge Crazy Pig Covent Garden The George Tavern Stepney Soho inspiration Belgium Dutch style Sarf’ Lundun . Script or Cursive lettering is an art and a whole area of expertise that writers either have or not.  Luckily I always…

[environprint]

Beverage Labels | Custom Bottle Labels | Environprint

Creating a Bottle Label Maker is a crucial step in enhancing your brand's image, particularly when it comes to Custom Wine Labels and Custom Bottle labels. Neglecting the importance of professionally printed beverage labels can lead consumers to quest0ion the quality of your products. On the contrary, a thoughtfully designed label not only conveys reliability and trustworthiness but also sparks consumer curiosity, setting your bottles apart on the competitive retail shelves.

Know More: https://environprint.com/ep-beverage-labels-2.html 

[mostlysignssomeportents]

The one weird monopoly trick that gave us Walmart and Amazon and killed Main Street

I'm coming to BURNING MAN! On TUESDAY (Aug 27) at 1PM, I'm giving a talk called "DISENSHITTIFY OR DIE!" at PALENQUE NORTE (7&E). On WEDNESDAY (Aug 28) at NOON, I'm doing a "Talking Caterpillar" Q&A at LIMINAL LABS (830&C).

Walmart didn't just happen. The rise of Walmart – and Amazon, its online successor – was the result of a specific policy choice, the decision by the Reagan administration not to enforce a key antitrust law. Walmart may have been founded by Sam Walton, but its success (and the demise of the American Main Street) are down to Reaganomics.

The law that Reagan neutered? The Robinson-Patman Act, a very boring-sounding law that makes it illegal for powerful companies (like Walmart) to demand preferential pricing from their suppliers (farmers, packaged goods makers, meat producers, etc). The idea here is straightforward. A company like Walmart is a powerful buyer (a "monopsonist" – compare with "monopolist," a powerful seller). That means that they can demand deep discounts from suppliers. Smaller stores – the mom and pop store on your Main Street – don't have the clout to demand those discounts. Worse, because those buyers are weak, the sellers – packaged goods companies, agribusiness cartels, Big Meat – can actually charge them more to make up for the losses they're taking in selling below cost to Walmart.

Reagan ordered his antitrust cops to stop enforcing Robinson-Patman, which was a huge giveaway to big business. Of course, that's not how Reagan framed it: He called Robinson-Patman a declaration of "war on low prices," because it prevented big companies from using their buying power to squeeze huge discounts. Reagan's court sorcerers/economists asserted that if Walmart could get goods at lower prices, they would sell goods at lower prices.

Which was true…up to a point. Because preferential discounting (offering better discounts to bigger customers) creates a structural advantage over smaller businesses, it meant that big box stores would eventually eliminate virtually all of their smaller competitors. That's exactly what happened: downtowns withered, suburban big boxes grew. Spending that would have formerly stayed in the community was whisked away to corporate headquarters. These corporate HQs were inevitably located in "onshore-offshore" tax haven states, meaning they were barely taxed at the state level. That left plenty of money in these big companies' coffers to spend on funny accountants who'd help them avoid federal taxes, too. That's another structural advantage the big box stores had over the mom-and-pops: not only did they get their inventory at below-cost discounts, they didn't have to pay tax on the profits, either.

MBA programs actually teach this as a strategy to pursue: they usually refer to Amazon's "flywheel" where lower prices bring in more customers which allows them to demand even lower prices:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaSwWYemLek

You might have heard about rural and inner-city "food deserts," where all the independent grocery stores have shuttered, leaving behind nothing but dollar stores? These are the direct product of the decision not to enforce Robinson-Patman. Dollar stores target working class neighborhoods with functional, beloved local grocers. They open multiple dollar stores nearby (nearly all the dollar stores you see are owned by one of two conglomerates, no matter what the sign over the door says). They price goods below cost and pay for high levels of staffing, draining business off the community grocery store until it collapses. Then, all the dollar stores except one close and the remaining store fires most of its staff (working at a dollar store is incredibly dangerous, thanks to low staffing levels that make them easy targets for armed robbers). Then, they jack up prices, selling goods in "cheater" sizes that are smaller than the normal retail packaging, and which are only made available to large dollar store conglomerates:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/27/walmarts-jackals/#cheater-sizes

Writing in The American Prospect, Max M Miller and Bryce Tuttle1 – a current and a former staffer for FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya – write about the long shadow cast by Reagan's decision to put Robinson-Patman in mothballs:

https://prospect.org/economy/2024-08-13-stopping-excessive-market-power-monopoly/

They tell the story of Robinson-Patman's origins in 1936, when A&P was using preferential discounts to destroy the independent grocery sector and endanger the American food system. A&P didn't just demand preferential discounts from its suppliers; it also charged them a fortune to be displayed on its shelves, an early version of Amazon's $38b/year payola system:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/11/28/enshittification/#relentless-payola

They point out that Robinson-Patman didn't really need to be enacted; America already had an antitrust law that banned this conduct: section 2 of the the Clayton Act, which was passed in 1914. But for decades, the US courts refused to interpret the Clayton Act according to its plain meaning, with judges tying themselves in knots to insist that the law couldn't possibly mean what it said. Robinson-Patman was one of a series of antitrust laws that Congress passed in a bid to explain in words so small even federal judges could understand them that the purpose of American antitrust law was to keep corporations weak:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/14/aiming-at-dollars/#not-men

Both the Clayton Act and Robinson-Patman reject the argument that it's OK to let monopolies form and come to dominate critical sectors of the American economy based on the theoretical possibility that this will lead to lower prices. They reject this idea first as a legal matter. We don't let giant corporations victimize small businesses and their suppliers just because that might help someone else.

Beyond this, there's the realpolitik of monopoly. Yes, companies could pass lower costs on to customers, but will they? Look at Amazon: the company takes $0.45-$0.51 out of every dollar that its sellers earn, and requires them to offer their lowest price on Amazon. No one has a 45-51% margin, so every seller jacks up their prices on Amazon, but you don't notice it, because Amazon forces them to jack up prices everywhere else:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/01/managerial-discretion/#junk-fees

The Robinson-Patman Act did important work, and its absence led to many of the horribles we're living through today. This week on his Peoples & Things podcast, Lee Vinsel talked with Benjamin Waterhouse about his new book, One Day I’ll Work for Myself: The Dream and Delusion That Conquered America:

https://athenaeum.vt.domains/peoplesandthings/2024/08/12/78-benjamin-c-waterhouse-on-one-day-ill-work-for-myself-the-dream-and-delusion-that-conquered-america/

Towards the end of the discussion, Vinsel and Waterhouse turn to Robinson-Patman, its author, Wright Patman, and the politics of small business in America. They point out – correctly – that Wright Patman was something of a creep, a "Dixiecrat" (southern Democrat) who was either an ideological segregationist or someone who didn't mind supporting segregation irrespective of his beliefs.

That's a valid critique of Wright Patman, but it's got little bearing on the substance and history of the law that bears his name, the Robinson-Patman Act. Vinsel and Waterhouse get into that as well, and while they made some good points that I wholeheartedly agreed with, I fiercely disagree with the conclusion they drew from these points.

Vinsel and Waterhouse point out (again, correctly) that small businesses have a long history of supporting reactionary causes and attacking workers' rights – associations of small businesses, small women-owned business, and small minority-owned businesses were all in on opposition to minimum wages and other key labor causes.

But while this is all true, that doesn't make Robinson-Patman a reactionary law, or bad for workers. The point of protecting small businesses from the predatory practices of large firms is to maintain an American economy where business can't trump workers or government. Large companies are literally ungovernable: they have gigantic war-chests they can spend lobbying governments and corrupting the political process, and concentrated sectors find it comparatively easy to come together to decide on a single lobbying position and then make it reality.

As Vinsel and Waterhouse discuss, US big business has traditionally hated small business. They recount a notorious and telling anaecdote about the editor of the Chamber of Commerce magazine asking his boss if he could include coverage of small businesses, given the many small business owners who belonged to the Chamber, only to be told, "Over my dead body." Why did – why does – big business hate small business so much? Because small businesses wreck the game. If they are included in hearings, notices of inquiry, or just given a vote on what the Chamber of Commerce will lobby for with their membership dollars, they will ask for things that break with the big business lobbying consensus.

That's why we should like small business. Not because small business owners are incapable of being petty tyrants, but because whatever else, they will be petty. They won't be able to hire million-dollar-a-month union-busting law-firms, they won't be able to bribe Congress to pass favorable laws, they can't capture their regulators with juicy offers of sweet jobs after their government service ends.

Vinsel and Waterhouse point out that many large firms emerged during the era in which Robinson-Patman was in force, but that misunderstands the purpose of Robinson-Patman: it wasn't designed to prevent any large businesses from emerging. There are some capital-intensive sectors (say, chip fabrication) where the minimum size for doing anything is pretty damned big.

As Miller and Tuttle write:

The goal of RPA was not to create a permanent Jeffersonian agrarian republic of exclusively small businesses. It was to preserve a diverse economy of big and small businesses. Congress recognized that the needs of communities and people—whether in their role as consumers, business owners, or workers—are varied and diverse. A handful of large chains would never be able to meet all those needs in every community, especially if they are granted pricing power.

The fight against monopoly is only secondarily a fight between small businesses and giant ones. It's foundationally a fight about whether corporations should have so much power that they are too big to fail, too big to jail, and too big to care.

Community voting for SXSW is live! If you wanna hear RIDA QADRI and me talk about how GIG WORKERS can DISENSHITTIFY their jobs with INTEROPERABILITY, VOTE FOR THIS ONE!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/08/14/the-price-is-wright/#enforcement-priorities

[signsolutions]

Get the Best Custom Building Signs in Cayman - Sign Solutions

Enhance the experience of your customers and employees on the inside and gain maximum visibility on the outside with a creative mix of business signs. Sign Solutions has pioneered many innovative concepts in the Cayman Islands business signs and has helped hundreds of businesses reinforce their identity. For the services of building, vehicle, indoor, outdoor, and Custom Building signs in Cayman feel free to contact us.

[birbgalaxy]

Hey. You there. Do you not want to be mistaken for a bot, but you've also grown attached to the default icon you got when you signed up? Great news! Worry no longer because now you can customize your very own icon!

Examples:

Usage notes: (1) Due to how the website works, it will struggle in mobile portrait mode. Try viewing the page in landscape or stick to desktop. (2) Use the cube option + the color selector to change the shape of your icon. (3) I think legally this counts as fanart, so remember that Tumblr, and all other referential items, belong to their respective creators and very much not me! Non-commercial only.

Thank you so much to the fine folks at @meikerio! Without their platform, this wouldn't be possible!