The cost of making and installing signs depends on several factors. For one, indoor designs generally cost less than outdoor signs because indoor signs don't need to resist wind and other elements that could cause destruction. Similarly, lighted signs such as neon signs or billboards typically cost more than designs that don't use electricity. Furthermore, temporary signs for events such as promotions or sales are less costly than longer-lasting designs such as those with business names or those meant for driving traffic.
It's also worth taking into consideration the number of letters that will go on the sign and what substrate materials will be used to produce the item. Typical custom steel signs cost about $20 to $30 per square foot while aluminum and plastic designs usually cost between $10 to $20 per square foot. The least expensive signs are made from urethane and generally cost about $5 to $10 per square foot. Lighted signs may cost $30 or more per square foot while neon-lighted items are typically the most expensive and cost about $200 to $1,200 per square foot.
What Should Be Included
A full-service sign company will include a wide range of services to their customers from the designing process to manufacturing, distributing, and installing. Many companies offer to come to an individual or a business' location and survey the customer's needs directly through a representative. Sign companies should also be responsible for ensuring that designs meet local ordinances, regulations, and zoning codes; for example, some cities have banned billboards, and the American Disabilities Act has strict rules about signs that need to be followed. Furthermore, the company should be responsible for the design process. Occasionally, the sign company may also need to be responsible for installation. This can be especially useful if items need to be distributed throughout many places or if an article is particularly large or meant to be placed in a space that is difficult to reach.
Factors Affecting Costs
Several factors affect the cost of signs, like the number of colors on a design. Usually, black and white signs will cost less than colorful items. Additionally, if a design is complex, it will likely be more expensive than a sign with a few words written on it. Other factors to consider include the material the item is made from and what the buyer will use the sign for. If a customer is running a promotion, less expensive plastic signs may be a better solution. However, a business design should be made from long-lasting material, which will reduce costs over time.
It's also crucial to consider the size of the item. Generally, larger designs cost more than smaller signs. Finally, installation challenges may greatly affect the cost of an item. Installing a billboard or a neon design is far more expensive than installing a sign in front of a building. Deciding on these factors is a way to control costs.
Choosing the Right Company
Choosing the right sign company will depend on the cost, services, and types of signs a customer desires. For long-lasting items, it's imperative to choose a company that specializes in the material the consumer is interested in purchasing. It's also worth considering the type of designing options a company offers. Several important factors include whether the company being chosen can produce articles with the size the customer desires, whether they are able to install items, and whether they offer illumination if the customer is interested. Signs offer a way of marketing and are usually read quickly, so it's imperative that the company has good designing options and is able to produce a worthwhile sign that may be used to capture customer attention.
Ways to Save Money
Customers may save money on signs by ordering stock signs instead of custom designs. While most signs are custom-made, pre-made standard items are a great money-saving solution. Stock signs are typically available for laboratories, retail stores, and warehouses. Another way to save money is to order multiple copies of the same articles. Generally, prices tend to decrease per design as the number of items ordered increases. If an individual or business knows they'll need to order more copies in the future, they should consider ordering copies at the same time to save money in the long run. In addition, customers who believe their signs may change over time should consider ordering a design that is easy to update and may be done by the customer or a staff member instead of a designer at a signage company to reduce costs.
A great tip is to order designs in the off season during the winter because sign companies are typically busiest in the summer. Ordering during the winter may result in promotions and discounts on an order as well as a shorter turnaround time.
