Tips for Buying Business Signs

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• For many small businesses, signs are an important
  means of advertising a company's existence.
  However, signs are not for public display only.
  They can also help direct visitors around your
  office and alert employees to hazardous or
  off-limit areas.
• This guide is designed to give you the facts you
  need to evaluate and choose signs for your
  business. The various sections are listed in the
  box above. You can choose to read this guide from
  beginning to end, or jump directly to a section
  of interest.

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Types of Signs

• Signs can be created for outdoor or indoor use.
• Typically, outdoor signs are used for marketing
  purposes or to direct visitors. They can be found
  on rooftops, walls, and awnings standing alone
  by buildings hanging as banners and even
  displayed on the sides of cars and trucks.
• Indoor signs are usually hung from ceilings or
  attached to walls. These signs are usually
  created for use in a reception area or to direct
  visitors. Signs are also often created for trade
  show displays

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Sign Materials

• There are many different materials companies can
  use to make signs. Sign makers typically break
  down requirements in terms of lettering and
  substrate materials.
• Sign lettering can be as straightforward as
  adhesive vinyl or as eye-grabbing as neon. Other
  materials commonly used for lettering include
  metal, wood, plastic, and foamcore. Lettering can
  also be engraved. While once quite prevalent,
  paint is now much less common as a lettering
  medium.
• Get free price quotes on business signs at
  adtronics.com.Buyers also have the choice of many
  substrates, which serve as the backing for the
  lettering. Materials used for backing include
  plastic, paper, cloth, vinyl, wood, foamcore,
  glass, and aluminum. Mixed substrates are also
  available.

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Designing Signs

• Buyers need to consider a number of factors to
  create effective, long-lasting signs.
• First, think about the distance the average
  viewer will be from the sign. In addition,
  factors such as as sign height, lighting, and
  time of day can affect how easily the sign can be
  viewed.
• Also think about the sign's expected wear and
  tear, and make sure the appropriate materials are
  used. Signs can be destroyed not only from
  weather conditions, but also from travel and
  general mishandling.

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Choosing a Company

• One of the first things to do when choosing a
  sign company is to find one that specializes in
  the type of sign materials you desire. Although
  most companies will not claim any specialties in
  their advertising, many will in fact be
  particularly proficient at making a certain type
  of sign. You will often find faster turnaround,
  higher quality execution, and better pricing when
  working with such a company.
• Sign companies can also specialize in particular
  types of projects. For example, some companies
  have substantial experience in the planning and
  placement of signs throughout a building. Working
  with people who are particularly knowledgeable
  about the issues surrounding a given project can
  significantly impact the types of signs that are
  created.

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Complying with the ADA

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  requires all commercial facilities (which include
  any building open to the public) to accommodate
  the special needs of individuals with
  disabilities by removing physical and
  communication barriers. This means that buildings
  such as hospitals, government buildings, public
  and private schools, transportation terminals,
  hotels, restaurants, and manufacturing facilities
  must meet ADA requirements in terms of signage
  design and installation.
• There are companies familiar with the ADA and
  that can help your firm conform to the
  regulations. Keep in mind that while there are
  costs involved with ADA compliance, the
  government also provides ADA-specific tax refunds
  for businesses.

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About Zoning Regulations

• Many towns have specific regulations about the
  type or size of outdoor signs businesses may
  erect. If the zoning laws in your area prevent
  you from installing the type of sign you desire,
  you may need to apply for a variance to the
  existing code. Sign companies should be familiar
  not only with local regulations, but also with
  the process for applying for a variance.

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Pricing

• Sign costs depend on size, material, color, and
  content. They can range from 8 for a small sign
  (12" by 6" with a basic design) to nearly 100
  for a larger sign (30" by 30" with more
  complicated features). Sign costs can easily
  climb up to the hundreds or even thousands of
  dollars when using costly materials or producing
  gigantic signs.
• When comparing quotes, remember to add in any
  delivery charges.

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Special Tips

• Allow for Updates if NeededIf you expect signs
  to change over time, look for a design that is
  easy to update or change. In many cases, updates
  can even be made by your staff instead of
  returning the sign to the signage company.
• Consider Stock SignsAlthough most signs are
  custom made, it is possible to find pre-made
  standard signs. You can often find stock signs
  for use in laboratories, retail stores, and
  warehouses. Buying stock signs can be much
  cheaper than having a sign custom-made.

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• Make Use of MagnetsMagnetic signs can be a good
  alternative for companies seeking to add a sign
  to cars or trucks. That way, employees who also
  use the car for personal use can remove the sign
  after business hours.
• Be Prepared to Wait During the SummerSign
  companies are generally busiest during the
  summer. Expect longer turnaround times during
  this time of the year.

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