Regulations about having LLC on a sign?

[Andy D]

When putting LLC ( for limited liability company) on a sign, are there regulations about size and/or placement?
For example, I'm working on a layout where it would be better if I stacked it at the end of the company's name, like:
L
L
C

Is that allowed?

 

[James Burke]

I don't think so. But to me, that would be distracting.

JB

 

[Andy D]

I agree, but it's what the customer wants...
They want their name as big as possible in a limited space
and stacking it gives me more space, plus, because the LLC is is much smaller
text, it makes their name look off center when it's not stacked.

 

[Gino]

It's like all the other suffixes........ on a sign, truck lettering or other advertisments.... they are not legally needed. Only needed on legal documents, quotes, letterheads, websites, stationery and so forth.

Think about it, are they gonna answer the phone, good morning, ABC, llc company can I help you ??

​

Why waste time trying to fit a stoopid buncha unneeded letters onto a layout ?? Some people figure, I paid extra for that, fit it on. ​

 

[Christian @ 2CT Media]

In your jurisdiction is it even required? It's not here so you can write it backwards if you wanted.

 

[SignProPlus-Chip]

LLC can be set up anyway you like. LLC is not a requirement on a sign or logo and is only needed for official legal use.

 

[Andy D]

Hmm, thanks all, good to know!
I was always under the impression that it was required
on any advertisements. I'm not savvy on the whole LLC thing,
doesn't it mean if you choose a LLC company it limits what they can be sued for?

 

[SignProPlus-Chip]

It is usually is used to insulate the owners from the debts of the company. If somebody sues your business, they cannot touch your personal property etc...

It's not required, as long as you are registered as an LLC you are afforded all of the benefits thereof.

We are actually Sign Pro Plus, LLC, but we do not use the LLC on any of our signage.

Hmm, thanks all, good to know!
I was always under the impression that it was required
on any advertisements. I'm not savvy on the whole LLC thing,
doesn't it mean if you choose a LLC company it limits what they can be sued for?

 

[Gino]

They all protect you, as the founder/creator of the business, from the business, as to safeguarding you and your personal assets. They are somewhat flexible and can help you in certain situations.... like taxes.

 

[signcrafters london]

I go around and around (round and round?) with customers, trying to explain to them that LLC is not needed on their signage. I'm not sure I've ever won. If I have, it's maybe 2 out of 200. Usually it's a car lot that tells me their full business name has to be in at least 6" letters on a 4x8 and must include the complete legal name, address, phone, etc.

Maybe one day I'll look it up and present it to them in writing.

 

[Gene@mpls]

I have heard that a lawyer would say that if the customer does not know you are a LLC, you may lose the protection.

 

[shoresigns]

Adding LLC/Ltd/Inc to your sign or logo looks tacky. Big, successful business don't do it, and it makes you look like a small, local company that's trying too hard to look "legit", for lack of a better word.

 

[Gino]

I have heard that a lawyer would say that if the customer does not know you are a LLC, you may lose the protection.




Perhaps, that's so, but how would someone be a customer, if they didn't get a quote, letter, invoice or something which DOES have your legal name on it ??

Besides, someone walking down the pavement trips over a tree root on your property, I'm sure after the first letter is sent, they'll know.



Many years ago, we had a deadbeat customer who had no mention of being LLC, so after we took all the measures to collect this way or that, we filed suit against him. We found out we couldn't sue him, as his business [LLC] was filing bankruptcy. The district magistrate, told us for a small extra fee, we could file against his business and also him personally. So, we did. Of all the many people suing this guy, we were the only ones that paid the extra amount. Everyone said, you're dumb, that's stupid, never heard of that.......... It finally went to court and all those other guys lost everything he owed them, but our suit stuck. He actually went to jail because of us. He had the best defense attorney the area has/had. We had no attorney. Like I said, he went to jail and when he met parole, he hadda wear an ankle braclet, until we got paid off in full. All total with court costs, merchandise and added expenses, it was about $7,000. It took 3 or 4 years for him to pay it off, but everytime we saw this guy, we'd just think, for the extra $130 or whatever, which we got back, too..... it was worth to make this deadbeat pay.

The thing is..... you can't purposely commit fraud and other stuff and get away with it, hiding behind something like an LLC or corporation. The law is on the side of the innocent, sometimes, if you pay attention.

 

[shoresigns]

He actually went to jail because of us. He had the best defense attorney the area has/had. We had no attorney. Like I said, he went to jail and when he met parole, he hadda wear an ankle braclet, until we got paid off in full. All total with court costs, merchandise and added expenses, it was about $7,000. It took 3 or 4 years for him to pay it off, but everytime we saw this guy, we'd just think, for the extra $130 or whatever, which we got back, too..... it was worth to make this deadbeat pay.

Debtor's prison? When was this, in the 18th century?

 

[Gino]

Debtor's prison? When was this, in the 18th century?

No silly........ it started around 1999 and came to a head around 2002.

 

[Andy D]

Debtor's prison? When was this, in the 18th century?

It's against the law to knowingly spend money you don't have (except of course via credit)
Happens to people all the time that write checks knowing there account doesn't have it.

 

[Andy D]

and btw, there is still one form of debtors prison, just ask any
guy that lost his job and can't keep up with child support....