We get a lot of calls from customers who just don't know where to begin when it comes to getting a lobby sign for their business. They've never had to get one before and their not sure what they need to do to make sure they get what they really need. So, to help people out, we've created a simple checklist anyone should go through before contacting a company to get a lobby or logo sign for their business.

This sign is made using acrylic letters in standard colors on an ACP panel.

1. Do some research

Go online and try and find examples of signs you think would look good for your business. This will be a good starting point for getting ideas for your own sign. Besides just doing a general Google Image search, Pinterest and other image sharing sites can be a great resource for finding images. Keep in mind that when you're looking online for cool examples of signs you'll probably get results for well-designed, custom signs using the highest quality materials so be realistic about whether what you're seeing matches your budget for the sign project. It's also good to look around your area and see the type of signs the other businesses around you are using. Are most of them using electric channel letters? Metal signs? Acrylic letters? If you see a sign you really like, ask the manager of that business where they got it from and what materials are used.

2. Choose a material

Other than choosing a style, choosing a material is going to be one of the biggest parts of the process in getting a new sign. When choosing a material you'll need to consider a couple of things:

a. What types of materials are allowed by the city codes in your area

b. How much different materials cost

c. Which materials best fit your image

d. How long you want the materials to last

To get a general sense of how much different materials cost, check out our blog post about it here. In general, natural materials like glass, wood, and metal will be the most expensive and man-made materials like vinyl, plastic, foam, and acrylic are the least expensive. But, sometimes going with a more expensive option like metal can be the best choice for your company. For example, if you work for a prestigious law firm a metal sign is going to indicate stability and professionalism to your potential clients. You'll also choose material based on how long you think you'll need the sign. If you're in a temporary location then investing in a bronze sign might not be the best idea. If you're unsure about which materials for signs are allowed by city codes, take your cue from the signs for the businesses near you or contact your nearest full-service sign company to find out.

3. Take measurements

Having precise measurements of how big you want the sign to be and how big the area you want to put it is super helpful before approaching a sign company with what you want. It will help them get you a more accurate quote because it will help them know exactly how much material they will need to use and what they'll need to do to install the sign.

4. Gather your high quality art files

Odds are that you'll have a logo designed before before you go to get your sign. Make sure you have the original high-quality vector files of your logo ready to send to the sign shop as well as the font you want any of the text to be in. Vector art will keep your designs from becoming pixelated or blurry when resized. If you don't have a logo or idea for a design, talk to your sign makers about the general idea of what you want and they should come up with design options for you. 

After that you should be good to go! If you have any other questions about getting a logo sign for your business, contact us today!