Shop Signs?

[lolage]

Hi,

My grandad has a Fireplace shop, selling fires and fire surrounds. He has a really out dated logo, with an advertisement designed by some numpty from the paper which looks terrible.

I'd have no problem sorting this out for him - however has no sign outside of his shop which is an absolute stupid idea in my opinion. I could design him one but wouldn't know where to start in regard to getting something like that bought? Does anyone have experience with this sort of thing? Whats the general cost of these - and how do you get them printed?

Thanks!

 

[serasan]

You must remember that your Grandad may have been in business for many years and has been successful doing it his way.

You see things differently and are probably right for todays market.

Ask him how he see's things going in the future and how he sees his business going forward. I'm sure he would love it if you showed an interest in taking it over, I would if my sons did.

You can then both talk about updating logos etc

Good luck !

 

[LicensedToTrade]

You must remember that your Grandad may have been in business for many years and has been successful doing it his way.

Absolutely right, I'd be asking myself how your grandad has managed to stay in business when other similar businesses have gone under in the last few years. Perhaps in this case it is down to excellent customer service and a good selection of products at prices people are happy to pay.

Having a decent looking sign can (and usually will) help a business, but it won't make a business.

Nevertheless, you asked a question and so you warrant an answer. If you wish to get a sign designed then a simple google search for 'sign makers yourtown' should throw up the names of a few local companies that can take care of this.

*EDIT*: As for costings, this will vary dramatically depending on the complexity of your sign and the materials it is made up from. E.g. a simple flat printed foamex board will cost less than a backlit sign with built up chromed letters. Costs are likely to be in the region £400-£2500
Alternatively you could look around your area and identify a few signs that you like the look of and ask the owner of the business where they had theirs made.

 

[Minuteman Press]

Have a word with HFE Signs on here. Writes very well informed postings.

 

[warnie]

Ours was £450 but we did do the design ourselves

 

[LicensedToTrade]

*EDIT*: As for costings, this will vary dramatically depending on the complexity of your sign and the materials it is made up from. E.g. a simple flat printed foamex board will cost less than a backlit sign with built up chromed letters. Costs are likely to be in the region £400-£2500
Alternatively you could look around your area and identify a few signs that you like the look of and ask the owner of the business where they had theirs made.

Further to this I've just been sent an image of a sign designed for a friend. It it approximately 12ft wide and 4ft in height and incorporates built up 3d chromed letters and their total cost including design and fitting was circa £1,000. This is a Northern Irish company so costs will vary by region.

 

[JohnD.]

I think you're doing the right thing. Signs may not make a business but they let passing trade know what you are about and no matter how many years someone has been in business you still have to bring in new customers, and a well designed sign should help.

If the sign is to be located on the shop facia I would find a design which you feel reflects the business ethos and get a good sign writer to do the work.