How Much Do Outdoor Business Signs Cost?

Whether you’re starting a new business or refreshing an established one, you know that signage is a key component. But how much do outdoor business signs cost?

Approximately 60% of businesses reported that enhancing or modifying the design of their business sign had a positive impact on the number of transactions and sales, with an average improvement of about 10%. While some business owners prefer expensive channel letters, others find glass or metal outdoor signs more cost-effective. Therefore, as a business owner, it’s important to stay on top of outdoor business signs cost and understand how manufacturers decide the pricing of their outdoor signs.

Factors That Determine Outdoor Business Signs Cost

There are some critical factors that determine the cost of an outdoor sign. These include:

• Material and size
• Number of colors in the sign
• Durability
• Complexity
• Installation challenges

The complexity of an outdoor sign is the degree of customization required by the customer. A simple example of complexity is upgrading a flat-faced outdoor design to a three-dimensional sign with electronic messaging. From captivating, tall digital pole signs to plain outdoor banners, the complexity of outdoor signs can impact their cost. The greater the complexity, the higher will be the cost of the outdoor sign.

4 Types of Outdoor Signs

Channel Letters. Channel letters are the most commonly used storefront signs. Using channel letters, you can freely create custom messaging for your business. Channel letter outdoor signs can be designed using a variety of colors, fonts, sizes, styles, and so on. You’ll mostly find channel letters in churches, community centers, grocery stores, malls, office buildings, and retail stores. An average 12-inch channel letter outdoor sign has about 20 LEDs per letter and can cost an average of $100 per letter.

Awnings and Canopies. Awnings and canopies are primarily used by cafes, boutique stores, and restaurants. The sign contains a printed canvas fitted to a frame. Awnings and canopy signs can help a great deal engaging more prospective customers and enhancing your business profile. The boutique and luxurious feel provided by awnings and canopy signs make them popular among hotels, jewelry shops, salons, and specialty shops. The average cost of most awnings and canopies is between $1,278 and $3,846.

Monument Signs. Monument signs are mostly used by churches, colleges, manufacturing plants, private clubs, shopping malls, universities, hospitals, and other larger organizations. These signs are durable and can easily endure all four seasons. The average monument sign cost is around $275 per square foot. However, the cost can vary from $150 to $400 per square foot depending on the complexity.

Pole and Pylon Signs. Pole signs can be seen outside hospitals, hotels, shopping malls, and so on. They are used to represent a single business or multiple businesses in one location. Pylon signs are illuminated cabinets mounted on staged poles that are 20 feet to 80 feet tall. Pole and pylon signs are excellent markers for customers finding your premises. Since they are installed higher in the air than monument signs, pole and pylon signs provide great visibility from a distance. The starting range of pylon signs is $8,000 and can go up to more than $200,000.

Regardless of the type of outdoor sign, all the below-listed features should be included in the cost. If not, you need to find a better signage partner!

• Inspection of local codes before initiating the design process
• Detailed quotations with clearly listed specifications
• Layout by professional sign designers who understand readability at various distances and traffic speeds
• High-quality materials for construction
• Installation by professionals
• Warranty backup

At Brady Signs, we’re a third-generation family business that’s served as a premier provider of business signage solutions throughout the North Central Ohio region and beyond for nearly 50 years.

Want to learn how we can convert your brand into a statement using our eye-catching signage for business? We’re here to talk.

Pixel Pitch:

The amount of LED bulbs per panel will be a determining factor in the pricing. The higher the pixel pitch (the more bulbs per panel), the higher the price will be.

Brand:

Which brand are you buying?  Watchfire, Samsung, Daktronics etc.  There are many and they all offer different levels of quality.

Single or Double-Sided:

Again, determine your budget and needs. If you can get away with a one-sided LED sign, your price is going to be considerably lower. However, if you need to capture traffic going both ways, you might want to shell out the extra bucks for a double-sided sign.

Sign Housing:

An LED sign could be a lot less expensive if you are posting it on a pole or pylon. However, if you want a monument style encasement for the LED sign, the cost is going to be much higher.

Sign Combination:

By this, we are referring to an LED sign combined with carved, electric or channel letters. That is almost like a sign within a sign. This too will add a higher cost to your sign.

Dealer/Installer:

Consider the sign company’s ability to install and service the sign after the initial install.  Are the techs factory trained? Does the sign dealer have the proper equipment to service the sign?

Manufacturer:

Where is product manufactured and assembled?  Will parts be available after initial sale? How long will it take to get them?  How much down time will there be?

Warranty:

What is the type of warranty offered? Some sign companies have different options to consider before making your decision.

Municipality Regulations:

Outdoor LED signage, often regulated by townships that have clear codes based on zoning and other factors, may determine the answer to many of the above features. Size, materials, light emittance and more will need to conform to your zoning ordinance.

Once we get a clearer picture of what the exact needs, budget and zoning ordinances of your particular location, we can create a clearer estimate on your LED sign.

LED Signs costs from the lower to higher end:

Least Expensive LED Sign: 4’ tall x 8’ wide x 16mm single sided wall mount:  $18,500.00 or $400.00 per month for 60 months

Middle of the Road LED Sign: 5’ tall x 10’ wide x 16mm double-sided:  $31,430.00 or $690.00 per month for 60 months.

Most Expensive LED Sign: 7’ tall x 11’ wide x 8mm (high definition) double sided:  $92,000.00 or $1,900.00 per month for 60 months

Get Outdoor LED Signs for Your Business Today

As you can see, we offer leasing which is a great option when purchasing this type of a sign.  If looked at on a monthly basis you can compare to other competing forms of advertising.

There you have it. The short and long answers to ‘How much does an outdoor LED sign cost?’ I hope this has helped you to understand the different variables, options and considerations when it comes time to make your decision on what type of LED sign is right for your business or organization.