Whether you’re starting a new business or refreshing an established one, you know that signage is a key component, and sign costs are probably one of the first things you think of.

Countless businesses have reported that enhancing or modifying the design of their business sign positively impacted the number of transactions and sales.

While some business owners prefer expensive channel letters, others find glass or metal outdoor signs more cost-effective. 

Therefore, as a business owner, it’s important to monitor sign costs and understand how manufacturers decide the pricing of their outdoor signs.

Factors That Determine Sign Costs

Some critical factors determine the cost of an outdoor sign. These include:

• Material and size
• Number of colors in the sign
• Durability
• Complexity
• Installation challenges 

The complexity of an outdoor sign is the degree of customization the customer requires. An example of complexity is upgrading a flat-faced outdoor design to a three-dimensional sign with electronic messaging. From captivating, tall digital pole signs to plain outdoor banners, the complexity of outdoor signs can impact their cost. The greater the complexity, the higher the outdoor sign’s cost.

4 Types of Signs to Consider

Channel Letters. Channel letters are the most commonly used storefront signs. Using channel letters, you can freely create custom messaging for your business. Channel letter outdoor signs can be designed using a variety of colors, fonts, sizes, styles, and so on. You’ll find channel letters in churches, community centers, grocery stores, malls, office buildings, and retail stores. An average 12-inch channel letter outdoor sign has about 20 LEDs per letter and costs an average of $100 per letter. 

Awnings and Canopies. Awnings and canopies are primarily used by cafes, boutique stores, and restaurants. The sign contains a printed canvas fitted to a frame. Awnings and canopy signs can help engage more prospective customers and enhance your business profile. The boutique’s luxurious feel, provided by awnings and canopy signs, makes it popular among hotels, jewelry shops, salons, and specialty shops. The average cost of most awnings and canopies is between $1,278 and $3,846. 

Monument Signs. Monument signs are mostly used by churches, colleges, manufacturing plants, private clubs, shopping malls, universities, hospitals, and other larger organizations. These signs are durable and can easily endure all four seasons. The average monument sign cost is around $275 per square foot. However, depending on the complexity, the cost can vary from $150 to $400 per square foot.

Pole and Pylon Signs. Pole signs can be seen outside hospitals, hotels, shopping malls, etc. They are used to represent a single business or multiple businesses in one location. Pylon signs are illuminated cabinets mounted on staged poles 20 feet to 80 feet tall. Pole and pylon signs are excellent markers for customers finding your premises. Since they are installed higher in the air than monument signs, pole and pylon signs provide great visibility from a distance. The starting range of pylon signs is $8,000 and can go up to more than $200,000.

Regardless of the type of outdoor sign, all the below-listed features should be included in the cost. If not, you need to find a better signage partner!

• Inspection of local codes before initiating the design process
• Detailed quotations with clearly listed specifications
• Layout by professional sign designers who understand readability at various distances and traffic speeds
• High-quality materials for construction
• Installation by professionals
• Warranty backup

Brady Signs is a third-generation family business that’s been a premier provider of business signage solutions throughout the North Central Ohio region and beyond for over 50 years. Want to learn how we can convert your brand into a statement using our eye-catching signage for business? We’re here to talk.