Be Prepared! 9 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Logo Sign

Always be informed when making a purchase; especially one as significant as the signage that represents you and your company to the world. These important tips will help you be prepared as you consider sign styles and details, choose a sign company, and ultimately purchase custom signage for your business.

1. Logo Design vs Sign Design: Even though your sign maker will likely include a digital rendering of your sign, understand that logo design firms are a completely different business than sign manufacturers. Make sure you have your logo and brand established BEFORE you start shopping for a sign company.
   
   
2. Price Range: In a nutshell, plan on spending anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars for a good logo sign. The low end would include signs that are simple, flat, thinner material, printed, indoor, smaller, etc. As you add features like laser cutting, LED lighting, artistic grinds, custom paint jobs, layers, outdoor, oversized, etc., your price will climb up into the thousands.
   
   
3. Never Been Made Before: One thing clients often forget is that every sign is a 1 of 1 original; it's not as easy as pulling a box off the shelf and slapping a shipping label on it! That exact sign with those exact specifications and your exact logo has never been made before. This means that the rules (and cost savings) of bulk manufacturing go out the window. So understand how that can affect your price, and do your best to be patient as the sign company deals with any unexpected surprises that pop up along the way.
   
   
4. Quality Varies Significantly: If you recall from my previous email, there are at least 23 different decisions made by a sign maker as they make your sign. So don't assume that just because two digital renderings or examples look similar in a picture that they are equal in quality, durability, longevity, etc.
   
   
5. Different Signs for Different Purposes: If you don't know exactly which type of sign you want, consider what it is being used for. Is it going outdoors to draw foot traffic to your shop? If so, something bold and flashy with artistic grind patterns and LED lights might be in order. Is it going behind your reception desk? Something with a lot of layers, texture, and a very high-end finish will help establish quality and authenticity in your brand. Is it a wayfinding or break room sign? A simple print on durable aluminum may do the trick.
   
   
6. Not All Renderings Are Created Equal: Some sign companies will provide free digital renderings in advance, while others will not begin the graphics work until at least a design deposit is paid. If they require a payment, you might ask for an example of their digital renderings, to give you an idea of the type of visual you can expect before the work begins. Some companies take the time to create renderings that are much more detailed, realistic and accurate than others!
   
   
7. Local Permits: Typically the sign maker does not get involved with the process of acquiring any necessary building/construction permits related to your sign, so you will want to research that in advance and relay any design requirements and specifications to your sign maker before you place the order. Your landlord or local municipality should be able to confirm whether you need a permit, especially if the sign is going outdoors, has LED lights, is particularly large/heavy, etc.
   
   
8. Sign Installation: Much like an artist and their artwork, most sign makers do not install the sign. If they do, it would be an additional cost, and can be a pretty significant expense, depending on the size and mounting details. If you purchase an illuminated sign, you will need to hire a local electrician to wire it up and connect it to a power source. Generally speaking, the sign company should include the hanging hardware (like mounting brackets, rail brackets, standoffs, etc.) and your maintenance person, a handyman, or a local general contractor can handle the install.
   
   
9. Maintenance: The level of maintenance required will vary based on the type (and quality) of sign and the environment it is in. A marquee sign will require light bulb replacements, an outdoor sign may require periodic cleaning, an indoor sign with cuts and layers will benefit from the occasional feather duster. Regarding finish quality, request UV resistant colors and durable clear coat finishes, especially if the sign will be exposed to sunlight, humid weather, salty air, etc.

You may have a bit of homework after reading these tips, but the extra effort will pay off! You will know what to expect, what to ask for, and be prepared to make a decision. Feel free to reach out to a rep at Custom Logo Signs if you have more specific questions on any of these points, or need help anywhere along the way.