10 Things To Consider When Creating New Signage

Signage is often one of the last things people consider from a long list of things to organise when moving into a new premises. Whilst the process can be relatively straight forward and cost-effective, occasionally the process can be drawn-out, more painful and expensive that it should need be. There are a few things the customer should take into consideration and have on hand prior to contacting signage companies to tender on the works.

Find below a top ten list of things you should do prior to contacting signage companies to quote on your job:

1. Prepare some photos of where you would like each sign to go. If you dont know exactly then take a few shots showing the large external fascade areas along with large internal walls that could be used for main reception signs or as feature walls. photos should show the area from a distance so it is clear what the access is like. for example if the sign is going on a building it is important to see the footpath and road to work out what access and traffic management may be required.

2. Provide measurements for both the sizes of the areas shown in the photos and also for how large you would like the signage to be. approximate measurements are ok as generally sign companies will undertake a thorough site inspection prior to starting the manufacturing process to ensure what has been quoted on and allowed for will actually fit in the space provided.

3. Have a look at the wall surfaces and possible fixings that the signs will be installed onto – are they concrete,brick,gyprock, small, rough. Is the paint peeling away? Most signage companies can provide a painting service in addition to the manufacturing and installation of the signs, so it may prove perfect timing to re-paint some walls or create some bright feature walls at the same time as the signage in order to minimise the number of trademen coming to site and keep costs to a minimum.

4. Decide on whether you would like illuminated or non-illuminated signage? Illuminated signage will always stand out more and create that extra “wow” factor.

5. Prepare some basic mockups of the signs you are after. signage is a visual industry and the more visual you can be from the beginning will mean the quicker you and your preferred sign company can be speaking on the same page.

6. Choose 2 or 3 sign companies that can provide the services you require. it is important to choose companies that have proven experience in the type of signage you require. whilst many companies make ordinary looking signage, very few actually offer signage consultancy that focusses on marketing and driving consumers into your store. if it is an office you are needing signage for, choose a signage company that understands and has experience in ways to brighten up the environment for all those who spend many hours a day there. It it generally not a good idea requesting more quotes than 3 otherwise you will waste ten of hours trying to decipher what each sign company has offered and trying to work out the difference in materials and costs. you will end up being confused and often making your choice solely on price which could lead to signage that lasts only short term.

7. The lifespan required from the signage. do you need the signage to last 5-10 years or is it more of a short term promotional solution you are after? whilst signs made out of better materials will often last longer, they also cost more.

8. Cleaning and maintenance are important factors to think about – if the signs are going high up on the outside of your building then you want to minimise the amount of maintenance required as the cost of access equipment and getting sign installers to site can often outweight the initial cost of going with a signage choice that requires less on-going maintenance.

9. BUDGET. This word is in capitals for a reason. Often people request quotes with very little idea as to what signage costs to manufacture and install. sign companies do not want to know your budget so that they can charge you more, they want to know how flexible you are on other alternatives. there are literally hundreds of different options for your signage and as sign manufacturers are constantly being exposed to new and exciting designs, concepts, and manufacturing methods, being honest and letting a sign company know how much you have to spend will mean they can suggest other options.

10. Finally, once you have requested tenders ensure you compare apples with apples. by this we mean ensure the sign companies are quoting on the same materials and specifications. There are always ways to do things cheaper, so you need to ensure the sign company specifies the materials being used are the best ones for the application and they are suitable. too often do people choose the cheapest quote and end up having signage that is installed outside in the rain that has been made out of materials only suitable for indoor use. the end result if you choose solely on price?…. signage that looks pretty damn average after a short period of time.

By: Ridfan Tonde

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This article was written for the blog of Sydney Sign company, Blueprint Concepts. Blueprint Concepts are signwriters who help businesses with a wide range of signage needs, from neon to car graphics.