A good business sign is one of the most visible investments you can make, but the price is never one-size-fits-all. Two signs that look similar from the street can cost very different amounts once you account for what is behind them.
What changes the price of a sign
- Type of sign. Channel letters, cabinet signs, monument signs and pole signs use different materials and take different amounts of labor.
- Size. Larger signs need more material, more lighting and often more installation equipment.
- Lighting. Front-lit, halo-lit and non-lit signs differ in cost and in look.
- Mounting. Brick, stucco, metal panel and a freestanding foundation each call for different hardware and work.
- Permits and engineering. Some signs need drawings, structural engineering or electrical permits.
- Timeline. A rush can add cost, especially if it means changing production schedules.
Why the installed price matters
A sign quote that only covers the sign itself is not the full picture. Ask whether the price includes design, permits, installation and any electrical work, so you are comparing like with like.
How to get an accurate quote
- Take a straight-on photo of the wall or spot where the sign will go.
- Send your logo, ideally as a vector file.
- Tell the sign company the size you have in mind and whether the sign should be lit.
- Share any landlord sign criteria.
- Ask for an itemized quote that separates design, permits, production and installation.
Ways to keep the cost under control
- Ask for two options, such as lit and non-lit, so you can see the difference.
- Choose a simpler layout if your logo has fine detail that adds fabrication time.
- Start early so you are not paying for a rush.
- Agree the mockup before production starts, so changes happen on screen, not in the shop.
Want a clear number for your sign? Send Legacy Signs a photo of your location and your logo, and we will put together a written quote.