How Much Does a Custom Sign Cost for Business?

Signs are a great way to promote your business and help potential customers find you. They are the first thing people will see when they walk up to a building or business. They have the potential to make an impression on people that is both positive and lasting. They are also a great way of adding personality to a space, whether it is interior or exterior. They can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and vinyl.

The cost depends on many different factors such as the type of sign, design complexity, fabrication time, material, and installation services required. If you need a custom-made sign, you should expect to pay more than if you were buying a prefabricated one.

Choosing the Correct Type of Sign

Choosing the right sign sometimes depends on the type of business and brand you have. For example, if you are a high-end store selling unique and expensive merchandise, you would want to relay that information to your sign vendor. They will help pick the correct type of business sign that will add to the elegance of your store. However, if you have a store, that exterior aesthetic doesn’t mean much to you. Then go for a simple front-lit channel letter sign or a non-illuminated sign with less expensive material.

4 Main Types of Signs & Costs

There are many types of signs in the market. However, the list below is the 4 most common exterior signs you will find on buildings. The standard method most companies price out their signs for individual letters is the dollar per upright inch, meaning if a letter is 12” inches tall and the sign vendor is charging you $18/per upright inch, that means this letter will cost you $216. If you add up all the inches of all your letters, then you will get the cost of the entire sign. Keep in mind there may be additional costs, such as installation, permit procurement, design fees, etc. It may vary depending on the type of sign company you decide to go with.

Front-Lit Channel Letters

The front-lit channel letters are the most iconic type of sign and the most popular. It is a custom-made sign that lights up from within the sign and shines out towards the front of the sign. These are not the cheapest types of signs, and not the most expensive either. These typically cost anywhere between $15-$22.

Back-Lit/Halo-Lit Channel Letters

A back-lit sign or commonly known as a Halo-lit sign is a custom sign used with more high-end businesses, such as jewelry stores, high-end clothing stores, high-end dealerships, etc. Common materials used are aluminum and stainless steel and can be either painted or you can pick from a wide variety of metal finishes. The cost of these types of signs is between $20-$40/per upright inch.

Pole Signs, Pylon Signs, & Monument Signs

Poles signs are less common with most businesses. Businesses that own entire properties or property owners that rent out commercial real estate usually are the buyers of this type of sign. They are a good way for customers to view business signage from the street and way finders for buildings that have a large parking lot separate between the main street and the building. These are calculated by the square foot and the price per square foot ranges from $120-$200/per SF for a basic sign and $200+ per SF being on the higher end.

Cabinet Signs

Cabinet Signs are another way of advertising a company’s brand. The sign consists of a metal box with a translucent plastic face, LEDs inside for lighting, and d vinyl copy for the business name and logo. These range from $100-$120/ per SF.