Do Bespoke Projects Cost Significantly More Than Standard Signage?

One of the trickiest aspects of any signage project from the customer side is usually budget. Working with a tight budget and timeline, cost control is an integral part of project management.

So, it’s worth considering the comparative value of bespoke signage design compared to a more standard approach. The common perception is that bespoke projects cost significantly more than standard signage – but this isn’t always the case. In this article, we demystify the costs behind bespoke signage and explain how investing in custom signage can deliver an exceptional return on investment for your business.

What factors influence the cost of custom signage?

It’s difficult to pull a cost figure out of a hat for a bespoke project, because the final bill is influenced by several determining factors. For example, materials used can increase the project cost compared to standard signage. Bespoke signage often makes use of premium or specialised materials and finishes that give the sign a specific appearance or enhanced durability. These could include high end metals, glass, or unique finishes that require more time and effort to fabricate. Design complexity is another factor, as bespoke signage designs often require additional time and expertise. The more complex and unique your project is, and the more time, people, expertise, and technologies are involved in implementing it, the higher the cost is likely to be.

Installation and maintenance

The hidden cost in many signage projects is installation and maintenance, which in some standard products is not always included. Many bespoke projects, on the other hand, incorporate installation and maintenance into their quote, so it may appear higher upfront but has the value of not obscuring hidden costs. The cost of installing signage depends on your location, the size and complexity of the signage, and access considerations, and most suppliers will aim to give you a competitive rate. However, large or unusually shaped signs, or signs installed in hard-to-reach locations may require more resources for production and installation, and therefore cost more. Aftersales care and maintenance are also important cost factors because these reflect the lifetime cost of ownership of your signage. Investing in regular cleaning, repairs, or updates for digital components, for instance, can help extend the value and lifetime of your signage and actually reduce your long-term costs.

Bespoke signage and ROI

For customer facing signage, it’s almost always worth investing in bespoke design and fabrication compared to simply choosing standard signage options. This is because bespoke signage helps ensure your brand identity and messages are conveyed through your signage in ways that generic signs can’t do. This can contribute to greater customer engagement, grab attention, improve brand memorability, and leave a better lasting impression on visitors than a generic sign. Although the effect of bespoke signage can be intangible, many customers find that investing in custom signage leads to a subtle uptick in sales, conversions, and footfall, which make the higher price point a worthy investment long term.

What next?

Have a chat with one of the experts at Image Technique today to discuss your bespoke signage needs and discover how we can help and support your business. Send us a message by [clicking here], or feel free to call us on [NUMBER].

Image source: Canva