Valley businesses call on sign designer to deliver or pay up

Not So Innocent boutique shop opened in Palm Springs on Feb. 1.

“To get new customers, you need a sign bright enough for people to find you,” said owner Bill Freyer.

In search of a good deal on signs, Freyer signed a contract with Sal Martinez, local owner of Martinez Print company. Martinez promised two signs and extras for Freyer’s store, but several months and $3,000 later he only got one.

“We have a sign up that we’re not happy with. It’s not lit well. He keeps on saying, ‘I’m going to fix it.’ Nothing’s happening,” he said.

He’s not alone. Across the street, there’s unfinished signs at the soon-to-be Palm Springs Hotel and at the D Resort after owners paid thousands of dollars.

Martinez said he’s no longer in business after a falling out with his partner, the manufacturer of the signs.

“I don’t have a sign business. I’m taking responsibility I want to help them. I want to get it done,” he said.

He’s asking for extra time to make it right with the business owners. But, they don’t want to get left hanging.

“That’s all we want is for him to finish the job over here. He could have at least been in contact with us instead of us chasing him down,” said D Resort owner Daniel Doiron.

“If he does anything, I’ll be very surprised and if not we will find someone else to do the work for us when we can afford it,” said Freyer.