Any kind of signage is going to be a significant investment for your business. That is why you need to consider what drives the cost of business signage, especially if you are on a budget. As a savvy business person, you are definitely keeping your eye on the bottom line, but still want to make your storefront look as impressive as possible. So, we’ve decided to lay out the plain and simple answer to how much a channel letter sign costs right here.
Channel Letters – Quick Review
Before we get into the details of channel letter costs, let’s have a quick refresher on channel letter signs. Channel letter signs are often required by shopping plazas, since they help the keep things looking consistent and professional. Furthermore, raceway mounts are also a common requirement when installing channel letters, since they require less holes drilled and less damage to the building.
Channel letters also come with or without illumination. Naturally, the kind of lighting you want may drive up the cost. Materials, too, will add to the overall estimated cost of your proposal.
At Tupp Signs, we make our channel letter signs with cost-effective aluminum—a rust-resistant and pliable metal. Any paints used will remain vibrant for many years, so you don’t have to worry about replacing or repairing your channel letter sign any time soon.
Consider The Process & Your Design
Ultimately, the design of your channel letter sign is going to be the main driver of cost. However, we believe that, if you use a professional sign company, channel lettering can be very affordable. Find a local company, like us, who sells, fabricates, and installs their signage. That way, you get a guaranteed warranty for all parts and labor.
But what about the factors affecting the cost? That comes down to your business location, illumination, sizing, and so on.
UL Certification
You should always guarantee that your signage has an Underwriter Laboratory (UL) certification. Though this will add to the cost of your sign, it means that the signage has been inspected after manufacturing and is guaranteed to meet international standards. UL certification assures you that the electrical connections have been insulated, that the sign will be grounded properly, and, if outdoors, it will drain properly when exposed to the elements.
What Goes Into a Quote for Channel Letters
When you get in touch with the sign company for a quote, they are going to ask you certain things, like about the letters and the logo, mounting, and materials. Here is how those things affect the cost:
- Illuminated Letters: A single normal sized letter will require around 20 LED lights, averaging between $100-250 per piece. Larger sizes will need more bulbs and will cost more. Multiply that estimate by how many letters your sign requires.
- Logos and Images: Depending on the size of the logo or image, the cost will change. Of course, it is difficult to estimate how much that will be, so ask a sign company directly.
- Raceway Mount: You will have to pay based on the length of your total sign and the number of LED lights you have, which averages around $30 per foot. You will also be paying for a transformer or two, which costs between $100-250 per transformer.
- Materials: Are you using plastic? Stainless steel? Aluminum? Do you need special paints? These are factored into the cost.
- Accessibility: Where your business is located and the site where the sign is to be installed are taken into consideration. If additional equipment and labor is needed, the cost of installation will increase.
As you can see, with design, fabrication, and installation, the cost will be well over $2,000. Longer signs may even be within the $5,000-10,000 range.
What About Wholesale?
If you plan on purchasing a wholesale sign, then the price is calculated a little differently. There is no exact equation, as the cost varies depending on what the sign includes. Most sign companies will have a 100 percent gross markup of the manufacturer’s price. So, for instance, if the wholesale sign costs around $2,000, then a 100 percent mark up makes it $4,000. Since the sign company will need to get the permits for installation, they might add another $350 or more.
The quote to you, the customer, is then $4,350.
Some markets may have smaller markups of 40-50 percent. Knowing your market and getting a couple of quotes from different companies will help you find the most competitive price.
So, How Much Is a Channel Letter Sign?
What you should take away from this is that channel letter signs are an investment. Whether you decide on a wholesale model or what something fully customized, you are going to end up spending upwards of $2,000 easily. Be sure to buy from a reputable sign company that offers competitive pricing, and you will be able to find exactly what you need.
Tired of poor quality signs and bad installation? Want a fully customized channel letter sign that looks exactly as you imagined? Tupp Signs has you covered. We’ve been in this business for many years now and are known for our customer service and the quality of our signs. Call us today to receive your quote or fill out the contact form.