Getting a custom sign for your business is an exciting step, but navigating the process to get a signage quote can feel a little daunting. From knowing what information to provide to understanding what actually drives the cost, a little preparation goes a long way. This guide breaks down everything you need to request a sign quote like a pro, ensuring you get an accurate price for a sign you’ll love.
Before You Ask: What to Prepare for Your Signage Quote
The more detailed your request, the faster and more accurate your signage quote will be. A sign company can provide a much better estimate when they have a clear picture of your vision from the start.
Start with a Checklist
Don’t try to remember every detail on the fly. Create a simple signage quote template or checklist for yourself. This ensures you cover all the essentials every time you reach out to a new company. Key details include sign type (for example, a shopfront blade sign), dimensions, materials, colors, quantity, and your desired timeline.
Provide Crystal Clear Details
When you ask for a signage quote, be specific. Instead of asking for a “medium sized sign”, provide approximate dimensions like “about 4 feet wide by 2 feet tall”. Specify the shape you envision, whether it’s a classic rectangle, a Circle Sign, a custom cut logo shape, or individual 3D letters. Be upfront about the quantity you need, as ordering more than one sign can often reduce the price per unit. Finally, detail your color requirements, providing brand color codes (like Pantone or RGB) if you have them. A sign with multiple colors often costs more than a simple black and white version.
Get Your Artwork Ready
To get a truly accurate quote and a high quality final product, you need high quality artwork. Provide your logo or design in a vector format, such as an AI, EPS, or high quality PDF file. Vector files can be scaled to any size without losing sharpness, which is essential for sign production. A low resolution JPEG from your website simply won’t work for a large sign. For menu displays, a Menu Board with reversible tiles lets you avoid custom artwork while keeping updates easy.
Use Their Online Form
Most professional sign companies have an online quote request form. Use it. These forms are designed to guide you through all the necessary information and usually allow you to upload files like your logo, photos of the installation spot, or design mockups. Filling out the form completely saves time and reduces the back and forth emails, getting a detailed signage quote into your hands much faster.
Decoding Your Signage Quote: What Are You Paying For?
Understanding the factors that influence sign costs will help you set a realistic budget and make informed decisions. Several key elements determine the final price.
Size: Bigger Sign, Bigger Price Tag
It’s the most straightforward factor: larger signs cost more. They require more material, more production time, and sometimes more complex installation. In fact, sign costs can range from just $10 per square foot to over $1,000 per square foot depending on the other factors involved.
Complexity: From Simple Text to 3D Art
A simple sign with just a few words will naturally cost less than one with an intricate, multi part logo. Elements like 3D layers, custom shapes, and internal lighting add significant labor and material costs. Every extra detail or curve adds manufacturing time, which is reflected in your signage quote.
Materials and Finish: The Look and Feel
The materials you choose have a major impact on price. Premium options like polished metal or thick acrylic cost more than standard vinyl or PVC. The finish also plays a part. A brushed stainless steel sign will have a different price than the same sign with a standard powder‑coated color. Many ready‑made aluminum signs, like the standing sign, arrive powder‑coated for durability. While durable materials might cost more upfront, they often save you money on maintenance and replacement in the long run.
Material Thickness: Sturdiness vs. Cost
Many materials, like acrylic and metal, come in various thicknesses. A thicker sign uses more material and often has a more premium, substantial feel, but it also costs more. For example, a 1/2 inch thick acrylic letter will be more expensive than a 1/8 inch one. Be sure to specify your desired thickness in your request, or ask the sign maker for a recommendation based on your project.
A Note on Lobby Sign Costs
To give you a ballpark idea, lobby sign costs vary widely. Simple vinyl graphics might run from $150 to $500, while standard acrylic signs are often in the $500 to $1,500 range. If you want something premium, like an LED illuminated or polished metal lobby sign, you can expect costs to be anywhere from $1,500 to over $5,000.
Beyond the Basics: Logistics, Timelines, and Terms
A comprehensive signage quote covers more than just the sign itself. Don’t forget to clarify these important logistical details.
Production Timeframe: When Do You Need It?
Be honest about your deadline. Do you need the sign for a grand opening next month? Let the company know. This allows them to check their production schedule and factor in any rush fees if necessary. Custom signs can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, so aligning on a realistic timeline is crucial.
Installation: DIY or Pro Install?
Decide how the sign will be installed. Some simple interior signs can be a DIY project, but larger, exterior, or illuminated signs require professional installation. The average cost for professional sign installation is around $464, so it’s a significant factor. Ask if installation is included in your signage quote or if it’s a separate line item. For pavement signage in windy areas, add a Sandbag for A‑Frame Signs to improve stability.
Warranty: Your Peace of Mind
A quality sign is an investment, so ask about the warranty. Most reputable companies offer at least a one year warranty on their work, covering defects in materials or craftsmanship. Some companies, showing great confidence in their products, offer extended warranties of two, three, or even five years. Clarify if the warranty covers just the parts or labor as well.
Payment Terms: Know the Deal
Understand how and when you will be billed. It is standard practice in the industry to require a deposit, often 50% of the total cost, before production begins. The remaining balance is typically due upon completion or installation. Get these terms in writing to avoid any confusion.
Maintenance: Planning for the Long Haul
Think about the future. Ask what kind of maintenance the sign will need. Illuminated signs may eventually need new bulbs, and all outdoor signs benefit from routine cleaning to stay looking sharp. Some companies offer maintenance plans, which can be a great option for complex or hard to reach signs. Powder‑coated aluminum options like the Round Outdoor Shop Sign are built to handle the elements and reduce upkeep.
Is There a Faster Way? Instant Quotes and Ready Made Solutions
The traditional custom signage quote process takes time. If you’re looking for speed and clarity, you have options. Some companies offer instant online quote tools for simple projects, allowing you to get a price immediately.
An even more straightforward approach is to opt for ready made, design forward signage. Brands like George & Willy have perfected this model. Instead of a lengthy back and forth quote process for a custom piece, you can browse a curated collection of beautiful, durable signs with transparent pricing listed right on the product page. Whether you need a timeless A‑Frame Sign for the sidewalk or an easy to update Magnetic Menu Board for your café, you know the cost instantly.
This approach is perfect for businesses that value a cohesive, minimalist aesthetic and want to avoid the friction of custom fabrication. You get a high quality, thoughtfully designed product that ships quickly, and you can easily have a local signwriter apply your vinyl branding for a custom touch. If you value your time and prefer clear, upfront costs, exploring a curated signage provider like George & Willy is a smart alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a Signage Quote
1. What is the most important information to provide for a signage quote?
The most critical details are the sign’s dimensions (height and width), the desired materials, the quantity, and a high quality vector file of your artwork or logo. The more specific you are, the more accurate your quote will be.
2. How much does a typical business sign cost?
Costs vary dramatically. According to HomeAdvisor data, the national average is around $400, but the real world range is huge. A simple sign might cost $10 per square foot, while a complex, high end sign could be over $1,200 per square foot.
3. Why is a vector file so important for a sign quote?
A vector file (like an .AI or .EPS) is made of mathematical lines and curves, not pixels. This means it can be scaled to any size, from a business card to a billboard, without losing any quality. This is essential for creating crisp, professional looking signs.
4. How long does it take to get a sign made?
Production time depends on complexity. A simple vinyl banner might be ready in a few days. A custom fabricated, illuminated sign that requires permits could take several weeks or even a couple of months from the initial signage quote to final installation.
5. Should my signage quote include installation?
It depends on the company and the sign. Always ask. A full service sign shop will often include installation or quote it as a separate line item. If you plan to install it yourself, make that clear to ensure you are only quoted for the sign’s production.
6. What’s a standard payment structure for a custom sign?
It’s very common for sign companies to require a deposit to cover materials and begin work. A 50% deposit with the remaining 50% due upon completion is a standard arrangement in the industry.
