Outdoor business signs are a crucial investment for companies looking to boost brand visibility and attract new customers. However, quality signage can require a significant upfront cost. If you’re considering an outdoor sign for your business, it’s important to understand the different factors that influence overall pricing. This guide will examine the average costs of various outdoor signs and the elements that cause prices to fluctuate.

Average Costs of Common Outdoor Business Sign Types

The specific type of signage you choose for your company will be a major cost determinant. Here are average price ranges for some of the most popular outdoor business sign options:

Channel Letter Signs

Average Cost: $1,500 – $5,000
Custom or Standard: Custom-made
Single or Double Sided: Usually single sided
Lighting: Often illuminated with LEDs

Channel letter signs featuring illuminated, three-dimensional letters are a popular choice for many businesses. Prices depend on the number of letters, font styles, lighting, and additional decorative elements. Expect to pay $1,500 to $5,000+ for a high-quality, professionally fabricated and installed channel letter sign.

Monument Signs

Average Cost: $1,500 – $5,000
Custom or Standard: Customizable standard shape
Single or Double Sided: Usually double sided
Lighting: Optional illumination

Freestanding monument signs are highly visible at eye level. The average cost ranges from $1,500 to $5,000. The price depends on factors like materials, size, engraving, and lighting.

Pole/Pylon Signs

Average Cost: $1,000 – $5,000
Custom or Standard: Customizable standard shape
Single or Double Sided: Typically double sided
Lighting: Often illuminated

Pole and pylon signs stand tall to capture attention from far away. Budget $1,000 to $5,000 for a pole or pylon sign installed on your property. Expect to pay towards the higher end for larger, illuminated signs.

Wall Signs

Average Cost: $500 – $3,000
Custom or Standard: Customizable
Single or Double Sided: Usually single sided
Lighting: Optional illumination

Wall sign pricing starts around $500 for a simple vinyl decal and ranges up to $3,000+ for a customized, illuminated sign. Factors like material, size, graphics, and installation impact cost.

Window Signs

Average Cost: $100 – $500
Custom or Standard: Customizable
Single or Double Sided: Usually single sided
Lighting: Non-illuminated

Window signs tend to be budget-friendly at $100 to $500. Opt for vinyl decals and graphics over more expensive materials for the best value.

Yard Signs

Average Cost: $50 – $300
Custom or Standard: Customizable standard sizes
Single or Double Sided: Either single or double sided
Lighting: Non-illuminated

Temporary yard signs start at around $50 for corrugated plastic and cost up to $300 for higher-end metal or wood signs with custom graphics.

Projecting/Blade Signs

Average Cost: $500 – $2,000
Custom or Standard: Customizable
Single or Double Sided: Usually double sided
Lighting: Optional illumination

For $500 to $2,000, projecting and blade signs mount perpendicular to your building to stand out from the crowd. Custom shapes, materials, sizes, and lighting add to the cost.

Marquee Signs

Average Cost: $3,000 – $10,000
Custom or Standard: Custom-made
Single or Double Sided: Usually double sided
Lighting: Illuminated flashing lights/displays

At the high end of the price spectrum, marquee signs have an average cost of $3,000 to $10,000. These customized signs may incorporate neon tubing, LED displays, changing text, and other lighting effects.

Factors That Increase or Decrease Sign Costs

Many variables impact what you’ll ultimately pay for new outdoor business signage. Consider the following cost factors as you evaluate signs for your company:

Materials

The materials used to construct your sign significantly influence pricing. Some typical options include:

Wood: Classic material for customized signs with carved/engraved letters and designs. More expensive than many other choices.
Plastic: Affordable option for temporary yard signs and basic window decals.
Aluminum: Lightweight, durable metal commonly used for channel letters and monument signs.
Acrylic: Optically clear plastic perfect for illuminated signs.
Vinyl: Low-cost flexible material for decals, graphics, and lettering.
Neon tubing: Used to create glowing lighting effects for eye-catching marquee signs.

High-end materials like carved wood, metal, and neon lighting increase costs. Vinyl, plastic, and acrylic signs tend to be more budget-friendly.

Size

Larger signs equal bigger price tags. The physical dimensions of your signage directly impact material needs, construction labor, and installation requirements. Evaluate the optimal size to maximize visibility without unnecessary excess.

Custom Features

Personalizing signage with custom shapes, engraved designs, specialty lighting, electronic displays, and other enhancements adds to the bottom line cost. Simple, standardized options keep prices lower.

Installation

Professional installation is often required for permanent outdoor business signs, especially large or heavy options installed at height. Complex installation adds $200 to $2,000+ to the total project cost.

Lighting

Illumination ensures your signage stands out day and night. While lighting adds cost, it’s an impactful investment. From subtle halo lighting to neon and LEDs, assess lighting options to determine the right fit for your brand and budget.

Single vs. Double Sided

Double sided signs maximize visibility but also increase material and construction requirements compared to single sided displays. Choose single or double sided based on placement visibility and cost impact.

Quantity

economies of scale come into play when producing multiple signs. Per unit cost generally decreases when creating more than one sign for different business entrance points, franchises, or locations.

Design Complexity

More elaborate signage design requires extra effort from architects and sign fabricators, driving up pricing. Simpler is usually more affordable. Prioritize essential branding elements and messaging in your design.

Geographic Location

Like many services, sign costs vary by region and are typically higher in large metro areas. Shipping and travel can bump up costs for rural locations. Be sure to obtain quotes from local sign companies.

Branding Change Costs

If you require sign alterations down the road, expect to pay 30-50% of the original price. Factor in potential rebranding or messaging changes during initial budgeting.

How to Save Money on Outdoor Business Signs

Follow these tips to get quality signage that maximizes your marketing impact without overspending:

Prioritize essential info – Pare down sign text and graphics to the most vital branding, messaging, and contact info to reduce unnecessary costs.
Consider materials carefully – Compare material pros, cons, and costs. Often, lower-cost materials like vinyl can still offer durability.
Evaluate basic vs. advanced lighting – Simple affordable lighting solutions like halo and standard LED provide ample illumination without the higher cost of advanced lighting effects.
Start small if needed – Invest in smaller permanent signage or inexpensive temporary yard signs now, with plans to size up later as budgets allow.
Price compare – Don’t assume the first bid you receive is your best or only option. Seek quotes from at least 3 reputable local sign companies.
Time installations strategically – If possible, schedule sign installations during slower seasons when sign companies may offer discounts.
Choose wind-resistant designs – Signs engineered and anchored to withstand wind and weather will have lower maintenance costs over time.
Account for insurance – Ensure your business insurance covers possible damage to outdoor signs so you’re not stuck with unexpected replacement costs.
Consider leasing – Some sign companies offer leasing options for a lower upfront cost, allowing you to upgrade later if needed.

Sign Materials Cost Comparison

Take a closer look at how different sign materials impact overall pricing:

Outdoor Sign Size Examples

Visualize how different sign sizes work for various business types and settings:

Small Retail Store Signage

Window decal sign: 2 ft x 1 ft
Wall sign beside door: 3 ft x 2 ft
Yard sign: 2 ft x 3 ft

Appropriately scaled for a small retail space in a dense shopping area. Moderately priced materials like vinyl and plastic keep costs low.

Office Building Lobby Sign

Freestanding lobby monument sign: 8 ft x 6 ft
Wall signage behind reception desk: 10 ft x 4 ft

Larger durable aluminum and acrylic signage make an upscale impact in an office building lobby.

Warehouse & Distribution Center Sign

Roadside pylon sign: 15 ft tall x 3 ft wide
Large wall sign on side of warehouse: 20 ft x 16 ft

Oversized signs capture attention from a distance at industrial facilities. Durable metal and acrylic materials withstand outdoor elements.

Regional Branch Signage

Monument sign at parking lot entrance: 10 ft x 6 ft
Channel letter wall sign over entrance: 8 ft x 3 ft
Window vinyl decals at entrance: 4 ft x 2 ft

Welcome customers with multiple professionally designed and installed signs scaled appropriately for a branch location.

Do’s and Don’ts for Outdoor Business Signs

Follow these guidelines to choose signage that effectively markets your brand:

DO:

Research sign costs and plan accordingly.
Prioritize visibility in your placement.
Ensure signs comply with local regulations.
Scale signage appropriately for your location.
Use high-contrast colors and fonts.
Include lighting for visibility in low-light conditions.
Consider professional installation for complex or large-scale signs.
Choose durable, weather-resistant materials.
Timely address any sign damage or malfunctions.
Update signage if your brand, messaging, or offerings evolve.

DON’T:

Skimp on long-term maintenance budgets.
Choose cheaper materials that deteriorate quickly.
Scale signage too small to adequately attract attention.
Pick low-contrast colors or fancy script fonts that are hard to read.
Overload signs with excessive text.
Place signs where they will be obscured by landscaping or other buildings.
Allow signage to become outdated.
Wait until signs are damaged beyond repair before replacing them.

FAQs About Outdoor Business Sign Costs

Still have questions about investing in outdoor signs? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How much do cheap outdoor business signs cost?

You can find very basic signs starting around $50-100, like small plastic yard signs or vinyl window decals. However, these affordable options won’t have the same visual impact or longevity as higher quality signs.

How much do small business signs cost?

For a typical small retail store or restaurant, plan to budget $1,500 to $5,000 for a professional monument, wall, or projecting sign installed on-site. Yard signs, window decals, and banners can also be inexpensive temporary options under $500.

How much should I expect to pay for a large outdoor business sign?

Custom-designed large signs often run $3,000 to $10,000+, depending on materials, size, installation, lighting, and other enhancements. Big investments like these help make a bold impression but require significant upfront budgeting.

Is it cheaper to buy signs online or work with a local sign company?

Quality is important when investing in outdoor signage designed to withstand weathering. Local sign fabricators and installers offer the benefit of professional guidance and materials best suited for your climate and location.

Should I lease or buy new outdoor signs for my business?

If cash flow is a concern, some sign companies do offer lease options that reduce upfront costs. However, you’ll likely pay more over the full term of a lease. Purchasing signs outright is typically the more cost-effective approach.

Key Takeaways

When budgeting for new outdoor business signage, begin by defining signage goals and maximizing visibility. Seek quotes from trusted local sign fabricators and compare costs of different materials and sizes to balance durability with affordability. While quality signs require an investment, they make a lasting impression on customers and passersby. With smart planning and strategic choices, you can control sign costs while boosting your brand’s curb appeal.

Conclusion

An attractive, durable outdoor sign communicates professionalism and helps customers notice your business. But quality signage carries a significant price tag, ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars. Carefully weigh the factors that impact cost, from materials and sizing to design complexity and customization. With research and planning, you can make cost-effective choices scaled appropriately for your brand’s needs and budget. Investing in the right signage pays dividends through greater visibility and elevated curb appeal for years to come.

How Much Do Outdoor Business Signs Cost?