Compare Prices on Storefront Signs
in Milwaukee, WI
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Business Signage Cost Explained
For any new company business signs cost is always an important question because budget and quality is what matters most when your cash flow is limited. But why don’t sign companies show their prices?
One of the biggest pet peeves for new businesses when shopping for custom signage is that there really are no price sheets. You walk into a few sign companies and you’ll often find a wide variety of sign examples showcased but when asking for prices they’ll often ask you reverse questions like it depends on the size of your sign.
Sign prices are based on the amount of materials needed, and how much labor to complete. So it makes providing a price difficult.
Trust me it’s just as frustrating to them as is it to you, the reason behind this is that they charge based on the amount of materials they need to order for your sign.
So if you have 12 red letters for your channel letter sign, but the example they have is 8 blue letters then they won’t quote you the same price as the example they are displaying.
Storefront Business Signs
Just about every company with a physical store front has some form of commercial sign. They are considered permanent signage, which require permits from your local city and must be installed by a licensed electrician.
Channel Letter Signs
These are your light up logo signs on the front of buildings you see on companies like Best Buy or Wal-Mart. They are raised lettering on bent aluminum edges, and have an electrical cable drilled through the wall.
Prices for channel letter signs normally include the type of materials used for the letters, how big they are, and the cost for installation. Many sign companies outsource these and then double the price due to the amount of time they save.
These signs after installation can run you around $3k-$18k dollars, but definitely worth the price due to the type of visibility you can achieve from most angles.
| Channel Letter Sizes | Prices | Install |
|---|---|---|
| 6' x 2' | $3.5k-$6k | $600-$1,250 |
| 8' x 4' | $6k-$9k | $800-$2,500 |
| Estimated prices based on surveys in Washington 2020 | ||
Lightbox Signs
Simply one of the most common and cheapest storefront signs available. Some building owners actually don’t allow them anymore in favor of channel letter signs.
Lightbox signs are simply a metal cabinet with florescent bulbs, and a strip of white acrylic. Vinyl is then applied to this acrylic allowing some light to shine through.
| Lightbox Sizes | Prices | Install |
|---|---|---|
| 4' x 3' | $3.5k-$5k | $400-$550 |
| 6' x 2' | $4k-$6k | $450-$600 |
| 8' x 4' | $5k-$7k | $500-$650 |
| Estimated prices based on surveys in Washington 2020 | ||
Blade Signs
Blade signs are commonly used for high foot traffic sidewalk strip businesses. They don’t usually have much space for normal signage, and these stick out from the wall making it easier on peoples necks.
These signs come in many shapes and sizes, and have strict city requirements before being installed. They can usually only extend so far from the wall before becoming a hazard.
| Blade Sign Sizes | Prices | Install |
|---|---|---|
| 2' x 3' | $800-$3k | $540-$1,500 |
| 3' x 5' | $1.4k-$5k | $700-$1,600 |
| Estimated prices based on surveys in Washington 2020 | ||
Outdoor Business Signs
Typically signs which are considered outdoor would be permanent signage, which are signs that require a permanent installation, and a permit from a local city.
Below we will cover prices of some of the most common ones.
Monument Signs
Monument signs are the large signs you see in the grassy lot of an apartment complex, or business center. These signs range in many different materials, and can be built to withstand a lot of different weathering conditions.
These signs range around $275 per square foot, depending on the type of materials used. For example there are real brick and foam brick which is made to look real! Many sign companies will order them direct from a manufacturer like Foamcraft.
| Monument Sizes | Foam | Real |
|---|---|---|
| 6' x 3' | $1.5k-$5k | $5k-$14k |
| 8' x 5' | $2k-$6k | $5k-$15k |
| 12' x 5' | $4k-$8k | $8k-$18.5k |
| Estimated prices based on surveys in Washington 2020 | ||
Pole Signs
Pole signs are very popular and are commonly used to help traffic see the business from hundreds of yards away. The longer the pole the more visibility it projects.
Size, location, and height restrictions will depend on your local city guidelines. They need to be installed to withstand hurricane winds, and cannot be done cheaply for this reason.
Prices will vary based on the type of sign placed on top of the pole, and if it needs electricity.
| Pole Sign Sizes | Prices | Install |
|---|---|---|
| 6' x 4' x 25' pole | $6k-$17k | $3k-$6k |
| Estimated prices based on surveys in Washington 2020 | ||
Promotional Signs
These would be your typical vinyl banners, sandwich boards, trade show materials. They are normally two dimensional and don’t require much labor costs for installation.
They get the name temporary signs by the city permitting guidelines, signs which are not mounted to a wall are considered temporary and don’t need a permit. Let’s have a look at some of them.
Printed Vinyl Banners
Vinyl banners are one of the most purchased signs on the market, they are an easy way to quickly get something up in a window or fence.
They don’t require any permitting, and installation is relatively easy. Prices for banners are priced based on square foot and usually does not matter how much ink will be used. A good estimate for pricing it yourself would be $3.85 per square foot.
| Banner Sizes | Prices |
|---|---|
| 2' x 4' | $40-$60 |
| 3' x 6' | $60-$90 |
| 4' x 10' | $140-$180 |
| 5' x 16' | $210-$450 |
| Estimated prices based on surveys in Washington 2020 | |
Sandwich Boards and A-Boards
They have a few different names, and are simply made of two pieces of wood or plastic with a hinge attached at the top. A-boards are not typically built from scratch they are purchased in bulk from manufacturers where sign shops print and apply vinyl.
Prices should not vary for this reason, however different shops charge more or less depending on their own cost of living. Based on our results we’ve estimated these costs: MDO plywood $0.40 per square inch and plastic $0.27 per square inch.
| A-Board Sizes | Plastic | Plywood |
|---|---|---|
| 24" x 24" | $165-$205 | $155-$320 |
| 24" x 32" | $185-$290 | $175-$385 |
| 24" x 36" | $195-$266 | $260-$446 |
| 32" x 48" | $185-$265 | $245-$403 |
| Estimated prices based on surveys in Washington 2020 | ||
Get quotes on your sign project
If you’re in need of simple quotes on your project just post your listing on the Signtag, local sign companies will see your project and make offers to you!
To support small business owners in the pursuit of getting their business up and running affordably.
Frequent questions
A storefront sign usually costs around $2,500-$6,500 depending on size and installation cost.
Yes you must get approval from your city to install a storefront sign, sign companies will normally do this for you.
Size of your sign and location are important factors, generally prices range from $800-$2,500.
Your installer will normally set aside 3-6 hours, so definitely within one business day.
Other Sign Options
Light Box Signs
Channel Letter Signs
Blade Signs
Pole Signs
Wood Signs
Monument Signs
Neon Signs
Vehicle Wraps
Truck Wraps
Storefront Signs in Other Wisconsin Cities
What Are the Advantages of Milwaukee Storefront Signs?
A business sign on your store is a powerful tool for attracting customers and establishing your brand's presence in Milwaukee. It serves as a constant advertisement, making your business easily identifiable to passersby and helping to draw in foot traffic. A well-designed sign reflects your brand's identity, creates a strong first impression, and can set you apart from competitors. Additionally, it reinforces brand recognition, ensuring that customers can easily find and remember your business. Overall, a business sign is an essential investment that can significantly enhance visibility, credibility, and sales.
Different Types of Storefront Signs
There are a wide variety of Storefront Signs to choose for your business. Many of which have different expected outcomes with the ultimate goal of getting your business noticed. If your interested in learning more about how much different signs cost in Milwaukee checkout our article How much do business signs cost?. Below are the most common type of signs for your business.
Channel Letter Signs
Channel letter signs are three-dimensional, individually crafted letters typically used for exterior signage on commercial buildings. Made from durable materials like aluminum and acrylic, these signs are designed to stand out, with each letter being hollow and often illuminated from within using LEDs. This lighting feature ensures that the signage is visible both day and night, making channel letter signs a popular choice for businesses looking to enhance their visibility and brand presence.
These signs are highly customizable, allowing businesses to choose the font, size, color, and lighting effects that best align with their branding. Whether mounted directly to a building facade or onto a raceway, channel letter signs offer a sleek and professional look that can effectively attract attention from passersby in Milwaukee, making them an essential component of a business's exterior advertising strategy.
Light Box Signs
light box signs are illuminated signs typically used by businesses to enhance visibility and attract attention, especially during evening hours or in low-light conditions. These signs consist of a sturdy frame, usually made from materials like aluminum, that houses internal lighting elements such as fluorescent bulbs or LEDs. The face of the sign, often made of acrylic or polycarbonate, is printed with the business's logo, name, or other branding elements, which are illuminated from behind to create a bright, eye-catching display.
Highly customizable, light box signs can be designed in various shapes, sizes, and colors to match a business's specific branding needs. They are commonly installed on building exteriors, where their consistent illumination ensures that the business remains visible to passersby at all times. Light box signs are a popular choice for storefronts, shopping centers, and other commercial locations in Milwaukee due to their effectiveness in drawing in customers and reinforcing brand recognition.
Blade Signs
Blade signs, also known as projecting signs, are a type of signage that extends perpendicularly from the exterior of a building, making them easily visible to pedestrians and drivers passing by. Mounted at eye level, these signs are designed to catch attention from both directions along a street, offering businesses a prominent way to display their logo, name, or other branding elements. Blade signs are especially effective in busy urban areas or shopping districts where visibility from the sidewalk is crucial for attracting foot traffic.
These signs are highly customizable, allowing businesses to choose from various shapes, sizes, and materials, such as metal, wood, or acrylic. Some blade signs are illuminated, using internal or external lighting to ensure visibility at night. Their unique positioning and ability to be seen from a distance make blade signs an excellent choice for businesses looking to enhance their street presence and guide potential customers to their entrance.
Dimensional Letter Signs
Dimensional letters are three-dimensional signage elements that are typically mounted on the exterior or interior walls of a business to display the company’s name, logo, or other important information. Unlike flat signs, these letters are raised, giving them a sense of depth and prominence that draws attention. They can be made from various materials, including metal, acrylic, wood, or plastic, and can be customized in terms of size, color, and finish to align with the business’s branding.
These signs are versatile and can be used both indoors and outdoors, offering a sleek and professional look that enhances a business’s aesthetic appeal. Whether used on a building facade or within a lobby, dimensional letter signs create a strong visual impact, making them a popular choice for businesses looking to convey a high-quality and established image. The durability and customizability of these signs make them a long-lasting investment that helps reinforce brand identity and attract customers.
Awning Signs
Awning signs are a type of signage that is integrated into or attached to a fabric or metal awning, extending over the entrance of a business. These signs serve a dual purpose: they not only display the business's name, logo, or branding elements but also provide shade and weather protection for customers. Typically mounted above storefront windows or doors, awning signs are highly visible from the street, making them an effective way to attract attention and enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building.
Customizable in terms of shape, color, and material, awning signs can be tailored to match the unique branding and architectural style of a business. The fabric or metal surface can be printed or painted with the business’s logo or message, and some awning signs may even include lighting to ensure visibility at night. Awning signs are particularly popular among retail stores, restaurants, and cafes, where they contribute to a welcoming and professional exterior that invites customers inside.
Engraved Wooden Signs
Sandblasted wood signs are handcrafted signs that are created by using a sandblasting technique to carve designs, text, or logos into a wooden surface. This process involves blasting sand at high pressure onto the wood, eroding the softer areas and leaving the desired design raised or recessed. The result is a textured, three-dimensional sign with a rustic and natural appearance, making it an ideal choice for businesses that want to convey a sense of tradition, quality, and craftsmanship.
These signs are typically made from durable woods like cedar or redwood, which are resistant to weathering and decay, ensuring longevity even in outdoor settings. The carved areas can be painted or stained to enhance visibility and match the business's branding, while the natural wood grain adds character and warmth. Sandblasted wood signs are often used by inns, restaurants, boutiques, and other businesses seeking a distinctive and timeless look that stands out in both rural and urban environments.
Neon Signs
Illuminated Neon signs are bright, illuminated signs created by bending glass tubes into various shapes and filling them with neon gas, which emits a vibrant glow when electrified. These signs have been a popular choice for businesses for decades, known for their distinctive, colorful appearance that instantly grabs attention. Neon signs are often used to display logos, business names, or eye-catching graphics, making them a powerful tool for attracting customers, especially in nighttime settings.
Highly customizable, neon signs can be crafted in a wide range of colors and designs, allowing businesses to create unique and memorable displays that reflect their brand identity. The warm, glowing light of neon adds a nostalgic or retro feel, which can enhance the ambiance of places like restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Despite the rise of LED alternatives, traditional neon signs remain a favored option for businesses seeking to create a bold, visually striking presence.
From sign companies near you!