When discussing a potential custom sign with your salesperson, it's important to have some sort of a budgetary number in mind from the beginning. Even the most "ballpark" of numbers will prove more valuable than no answer at all and help you to avoid the pitfall of assuming you have the funds available no matter the outcome. Your salesperson should know the basic ins-and-outs of signage pricing (although the final amount will typically be calculated by an internal signage estimator) and they can give you a rough idea of the best way to leverage your funds for maximum signage potential up-front. Many people vastly underestimate the sticker cost of custom high-quality, lasting signage, and end up disappointed or frustrated when their first estimate returns. 

An effective sign should be considered as an advertising investment, not an afterthought. A high percentage of your business will come from people that live in the vicinity and who drive past your business signage daily. A smart business owner will understand and budget for an effective engaging sign that gets noticed. Sure, big companies like McDonald's spend millions on advertising on TV and online but try to imagine if they did not have effective signs. McDonald's did an experimental study where they raised and lowered the visibility of their signage. They found that when the signs were raised higher and made more visible, sales were higher and vice versa when the signs were lowered. From that study, McDonald's learned the value of investing in effective business signage and budgets accordingly. 

However, don't take this to mean that all custom signage is unnecessarily expensive! Not all signage needs are equal, and a limited budget doesn't mean your storefront sign's impact must be diminished. Your salesperson from the sign company you are dealing with should be equipped to provide you with the insight you need, matching your business signage needs with the right product to satisfy them. 

Electra Sign is a full service custom sign company located in Winnipeg Manitoba. We offer professional sign design, skillful manufacturing, experienced installation, and quality sign service. 
 

Website: http://electrasign.com/  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Electra-Sign  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/electrasign  
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/electrasign  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/electra-sign-ltd-  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electra.sign

If you're at this point, odds are good you have a logo you love picked out for your business. But unfortunately, not all logos are natively signage friendly! For example, the delicate scripted logo font you may have selected for your business cards and stationery will cause even the most adept custom sign company to stumble. If you had your heart set on having them built for your business storefront as sculpted LED trim-cap letters, graphical compromises such as stroke thickening or outline addition will undoubtedly come into play.  

Manufacturing ability isn't the only concern either. Another example of a common pitfall; thin-stroked letters may look clean and crisp right in front of you on a screen or sheet of paper but can become unreadable on a storefront signage from a distance. You wouldn't want to invest in a sign solution that doesn't put the work in for you! If you haven't picked out a logo yet and a uniform look for your logo across all mediums is your goal, consider selecting bold, sans-serif letters with clear colour contrast and fewer granular details. This will ensure your logo will stand out effectively as a custom business sign, and match 100% accurately to its portrayal in other mediums. But don't fret if you've already selected a logo that may be problematic; any sign company worth their salt will strike the right balance for optimum signage impact. 

If you're from an established company and it's been a few years since purchasing your last signage, attempt to have the logo files given to you by your graphic designer on hand from the outset of your purchasing process. Providing these to your salesperson at the sign company as soon as possible for their art department to use will help prevent branding errors, potential graphical revisions, and 11th hour production delays down the road.  

No logo? No problem! Many sign companies will work with you for little additional cost to craft a logo solution that will keep your business looking fresh for years to come. 

Electra Sign is a full service custom sign company located in Winnipeg Manitoba. We offer professional sign design, skillful manufacturing, experienced installation and quality sign service. 

Electra Sign is a full service custom sign company located in Winnipeg Manitoba. We offer professional sign design, skillful manufacturing, experienced installation, and quality sign service. 

Website: http://electrasign.com/  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Electra-Sign  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/electrasign  
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/electrasign  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/electra-sign-ltd-  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electra.sign 
 

If you're almost ready to open and cut the ribbon on your very first business (congratulations, by the way), you've probably got just about everything you need on deck for your opening. But what about your sign? Business signage is so commonplace in our urban environments that it's not typically thought of in day-to-day life by most. But no matter the business sector, you're going to need a way for your business to physically stand out and bring clients and partners alike in your direction. The unfortunate truth is that forgetting to arrange your restaurant signage in time for opening is a common mistake shared among many first-time business operators. When proper research isn't done well in advance, many budding entrepreneurs are left frustrated by the realities and time constraints shared by all sign companies. But luckily for you, you're right here reading this! In this series, we're going to put you ahead of the curve and give you some points to consider that will help speed your custom signs along to its new home. 

You've been focused on the technical, behind-the-scenes aspects of your business that the visual aspects aren't really something you've maybe considered. If so, you aren't alone. Many first-time business owners don't have an "IDENTITY" in mind for their business right away, let alone a logo. But considering just a few basic questions will help bring that character closer to the limelight, and that identity will inform the style of custom signage your business will need. Your new sign will be the face of your business and you want to make sure it tells people what you're all about before they even know what you're selling! 

What is our mission statement as a company? Nobody starts a business for no reason, so what's our reason?  

What atmosphere (casual, modern, sophisticated, etc.) do we want to portray? Is it consistent with our mission?