How Much Does a Business Sign Cost? Overview and Comparison Chart
Your business sign cost is dependent upon several price factors and knowing what they are is a smart way to manage your budget. Illumination, shape, size, wiring options and other custom features will have the most noticeable impact on price.
How much does it cost to get a sign made? This is a question that pops up in the minds of every entrepreneur looking to brand their business premises. But it’s challenging since every company is different.
Let’s go over the average signage cost for business establishments and calculate them based on these key characteristics. To get a more in-depth look at each, just follow the resource links provided within the content.
Average Business Sign Costs On The Current Market
Business signs cost $3,000 to $5,000 on average. This is true for standard projects but less likely for custom creations. There are cheaper options if you’re on a limited budget. But if you opt for a greater impact, go bigger.
Tailor-made options such as custom trade show displays have a lot of variables that will play into cost, giving them a wide price range. Go on reading to check the cost based on different applications. Don’t miss the cost comparison chart at the end.
Note: The average cost of logo signs ranges between $300 and $1,300. The cost variations depend on the complexity of the design. For example, a simple round or square-shaped logo is cheaper than those with atypical angles.
#1. Business Sign Cost for Storefront Solutions
How much does a business sign cost for a storefront? The minimal cost of storefront signs starts at $300 for standard designs. It applies to simple branding options where no complex features are needed. This includes window wraps, directional signs and other basic tools. The cost can reach well beyond $5,000+ based on custom specifications.
Concepts for full branding solutions that include interior signs and outdoor signage installations will take the price to the higher limits. That’s because outdoor solutions act as silent marketers and help to distinguish your business. Interior designs, like lobby signs with unique displays, lead to impulse purchases.
The price will also be reflected in the materials used for completing the project. Wood is one of the most eco-friendly options but it may boost the price as compared to PVC, for instance. Other price defining elements like shape and installation method should also be considered.
Read about storefront sign cost to learn more details regarding custom features.
#2. Commercial Signage Costs for Illuminated Solutions
The price difference often comes from whether the illumination is external or internal. The external illumination is considered to be cheaper. It has the advantage of providing many design options in terms of shapes and materials.
LED floodlights can be used to illuminate the display from below. It’s especially effective with ground-mounted constructions. The overhead spotlights deliver a continuous ‘wash’ of light over a sign and enhance the ambient lighting for your business.
Now let’s take a look at price details regarding the most common type of internally illuminated corporate solution: light box signs. These visual communication tools cost higher than non-illuminated varieties of 3D signs. The cost rises due to electrical wiring and diodes located inside the displays. These light up signs require extra labor in both design and installation, not to mention material costs.
So how much does a business sign cost with illuminated features? The average cost of business signs with lighting varies between $1,500 to $3,000 but again, this is not strictly defined. Size and shape play a role in the price as they change the lighting design accordingly. Body and face materials are other attributes that reflect in the prices because they further impact lighting configurations.
Overall complexity of the design also makes a significant difference in price. This applies to the number of sides for the display, illumination style, custom features and material quality. Creative artworks and premium paints for the cabinet color are among secondary factors impacting the cost.
Find out more about light box sign cost by reading this article.
#3. Price for Other Commercial Solutions
How much does it cost to get large building signs made for a business? Channel letters and monument signs are the most popular advertising solutions for large-scale corporate building. So how much does a sign cost for prominent commercial firms?
In today’s market, the average cost for elegant channel models ranges between $3,000 to $4,000. Signage cost for business use changes based on mounting, size and illumination options. Other qualities affecting business sign cost include LED type and fabrication materials.
Follow this resource link to learn about channel letter signs cost in more detail.
How much does it cost to get a sign made for larger designs? Monument displays and pylon signs are often grand structures and depending on size, their cost can range between $5,000 to $15,000+ on average. The cost of business signs in this category gets higher in the case of ornate and sculptural structures. Large format printing may also impact the price. And of course, material combinations for bigger architectural signs or high rise signs require more investment than small and simple constructions.
Our experts will listen to your requirements and offer the best custom solutions for your needs. Contact us.
Comparison Chart: Signage Cost For Business
How much does a sign cost after all? Here we have a business sign cost comparison chart based on location, illumination and material choices. Business sign costs vary depending on whether it’s installed inside or outside your premises. The specific installation areas, such as walls or windows, also impact the price.
How much does a business sign cost based on illumination? We show the price difference in the comparison chart of illuminated and non-illuminated solutions.
Material choice also plays a great role. Below, find a price comparison of common materials used for manufacturing such displays.
It’s worth mentioning that the chart displays the average prices for standard models based on 18”x18” materials. It’s indicative but not applicable for custom signage solutions.
BONUS: Your establishment’s location will also impact your signage cost for business. Depending on your local sign code, the number of signs and their sizes commercial signage costs will be determined.
So how much does a business sign cost with custom design features? Contact us to discuss your specific requirements or fill in the project form to get a free quote.
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
A logo is an essential part of any brand’s identity—it’s often the first thing a potential customer will see, and it’s critical to use a logo that stands out from the competition. But how much should a logo design cost? As with all business spending, you want to weigh the cost of logo design against the quality and value you will gain.
Hiring a professional designer or design firm helps ensure that your final logo design will be distinctive and communicate your brand’s message. Like with any service, there is a variety of logo design price points and packages, and it’s important to understand what you’re getting—or not getting—for your money.
How much does logo design cost?
The cost of a logo design is anywhere from $0 to tens of thousands of dollars, but if you’re a small business or startup looking for quality design, a good logo design should cost between $300-$1300.
Logo design prices can vary, for instance, the price of a logo design depends on the quality and who created it. Take a look at your budget and let us help you decide the best way to spend based on your needs.
$0 – $50 USD$300 – $800 USD800-$2,500 USD$2,500+ USDLogo design optionsLogomakerFreelance designer or design contest (starting at $150 USD for an essential logo pack)Freelance designer or design contestDesign agencyQualityBasic and generic logos are built with a selection of stock icons and fonts. Very quick turnaround time.Designers with promise but limited experience or a smaller portfolio.Experienced designers and professional service and advice.Guaranteed high-quality designs from a full-service team of creative strategists.Who should use it?Extremely budget- & time-conscious businesses that are OK with a generic designBusinesses that have a good understanding of the design process and would rather spend time than moneyBusinesses that want quality on a mid-range budgetWell-resourced businesses that want a complete, top-to-bottom branding packageLow cost: under $300 USD
Logomaker
The cheapest option for getting a logo is to make it yourself. If you’re a trained designer and know your way around Illustrator well, there ya go. If you’re not, that leads you to use a logomaker.
While logo generators are the cheapest option ($0 to use the service and $10-$50 to purchase your design), they only offer limited, generic icon and font options. If you go this route and you have a fairly honed design aesthetic, you might get a usable (if generic) logo. If you don’t have a design eye or training, you may end up with something that feels just a little off.
Logo makers generate hundreds of concepts based on the name and industry of your business. Image via Logomaker by VistaPrint
You may find freelancers who are willing to give you a logo for under $300. It may be a great deal, but like with all great deals, you should ask yourself why you’re getting it… If it’s because you did a favor for the designer’s mom, then score one for you! If you found them on an anonymous website, it’s not unlikely they’re going to give you something as generic as you could have made yourself. (Or the design could be stolen!)
Midrange: $300-$2500 USD
If you have a few hundred to a few thousand dollars in your budget, you’ve hit the sweet spot for logo design cost: you’re probably going to get a pretty good design, and won’t have to break the bank.
Within this logo design price range, you have two options for getting a design: working with a freelancer or a logo design contest.
And we know: there’s a big difference between $300 and $2000. Don’t worry, we’ve made sure to break down why and when you’ll want to pay more.
Freelance designer
Using a freelance designer can be a great experience—you get an expert customizing your logo based on your feedback. However, there is a very wide range of experience, which means a broad spectrum of cost and quality of work. It’s important to vet prospective designers if you want to work one-on-one. Viewing their portfolios and testimonials is imperative, and getting a direct referral from someone you trust is even better.
via Behance
When choosing a freelancer, you’ll want to consider:
- how they bill (hourly vs. per project)
- how much experience do they have
Generally, you’re going to get a higher quote from someone who has a proven track record. They will also give you a detailed breakdown of what you get for your money (or how long they anticipate your project to take).
via Behance
If you’re looking to spend $300-$800 you will likely be working with a less experienced graphic designer. This can be great if you have a clear vision, experience giving feedback on design work and time to work out the kinks. If you’re looking for more support in getting what you want, and you don’t have hours to spend going back and forth, you should probably consider spending in the $800-$2000 range.
Logo contest
Combining the stability of flat fee pricing with a wide range of design options for your logos, a logo design contest commissions multiple design ideas from a global community of designers, giving you dozens of unique ideas for your company’s logo. During the contest (which typically takes one to two weeks to complete), you have the opportunity to interact with designers and give feedback on different versions of their designs, so you can help shape the end product.
by deea ♥ for malhana via 99designs by Vista.
by -NLDesign- for Burger Joint via 99designs by Vista.
by ludibes for Flytanium via 99designs by Vista.
One of VistaPrint’s design services, 99designs by Vista, has logo packages ranging from $299 to $1299, so a business on any budget can invest in a professionally designed logo.
Like with freelancers, you can get a good logo design for any price, but if you pay more it will be easier to do so. When you pay more, the prize for the winning designer is bigger, too. More experienced designers participate in your contest, so you get more high-quality designs to choose from. For example, 99designs by Vista’s Gold and Platinum packages have an account manager to help streamline the design process by assisting you in writing creative briefs and giving your designers feedback.
High end: $2,500+ USD
When you buy a logo design you end up with… a logo! But if you’re willing and able to pay more, you can get more. Usually, this means working with a design agency. Which also means a price tag that could go up to $10,000 or more.
Design Agencies
A professional design or branding agency is another option for getting your logo designed and often includes a top-to-bottom branding package for the cost. Design agencies often conduct market research and competitor analysis to figure out how your brand can stand out in a good way. Agencies employ creative teams that will approach your project from all angles, ensuring thorough work that is backed up with business data.
via Pentagram
Of course, one of the biggest hurdles to hiring a design agency is the cost. Brand identity packages (which include a logo) start at about $10,000 with an agency and are typically out of budget for small business owners. Additionally, not all agencies are created equal. As with hiring a freelance designer, you should do your research into their work, style and client satisfaction.
For more information about different logo design options, check out this post on the best way to get a logo designed. Be sure to read how to create a brand style guide to get started on defining your brand, which will help you develop a great logo with your designer.
Want to learn more about logo design? Learn how to design a logo.
What do I get for my money?
Regardless of what direction you choose for your logo design project, it’s important that you know exactly what you should be getting for your money. Whether you opt to hire a freelance designer, launch a design contest, spring for an agency or take the DIY route, make sure that the following checklist is a part of your agreement:
- Your final logo design in multiple formats
- High-resolution, vector format for printing
- Web-optimized format for website, social media and other digital needs
- Full legal copyright
- This ensures that your logo design is exclusively yours
Author: Marianne Kipp
This article was originally published in 2016. It has been updated with new examples and information.
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