How Much Do Custom Shop Signs Cost in the UK — Typical Prices, Factors and Examples
Updated: Oct 7
Your shop sign is often the first thing a customer sees, and it does a lot of work. It tells people who you are, what you sell and whether you look like the kind of place worth walking into. So it is no surprise that one of the first questions business owners ask us is: how much is a new sign going to cost?
The short answer is that it depends on what you want. A simple printed panel for a small unit can start from around £150 to £300, while quality aluminium, acrylic or illuminated shop signage usually falls somewhere between £400 and £2,500. For a durable, professionally made sign that looks sharp and lasts for years, most businesses end up spending between £600 and £1,500. At The Sign Company UK, we price shopfront signs every week, so in this guide we explain what drives the cost, share typical prices for different types of sign and point out the extra costs that often catch people out.
Key Takeaways
Prices range from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand, depending on the type of sign.
Materials, size, lighting and installation are the biggest factors in the final price.
Ask for an itemised quote and think about running costs and maintenance, not just the upfront price.
What Affects the Cost of a Shop Sign?
Two signs of the same size can come back at very different prices. These are the main reasons why.
Materials and Quality
The material you choose shapes how the sign looks, how long it lasts and how much it costs. Aluminium composite panel is one of the most popular and affordable options, as it is light, rigid and will not rust. Folded aluminium trays, stainless steel letters and brass sit higher up the price scale but give a more solid, premium finish.
Timber has a lovely traditional look and is often favoured on period buildings and in conservation areas, but it needs treating and repainting from time to time. Acrylic is ideal for crisp, modern lettering and is usually cheaper than metal, although it can scratch more easily. For short-term or budget projects, printed vinyl on an aluminium or acrylic panel is the most economical choice.
Whatever you choose, ask how long the sign is expected to last and what guarantee comes with it. A longer weatherproof guarantee is usually a good sign that the materials and workmanship are up to scratch.
Size and Complexity
Bigger signs need more material and more time to make and fit. A small 600 x 300mm panel will cost far less than a six-metre fascia with built-up letters and several layers. Complex shapes, routed lettering, hand-painting and 3D letters all add machine time and skilled labour. Even well-planned shop signage can climb in price quickly when the design has lots of fine detail or unusual shapes.
Access matters too. If the sign is high up or above a busy pavement, you may need scaffolding or a cherry picker, which can add a noticeable chunk to the bill. Businesses rolling out signs across several sites can often get better rates per sign, although each location will still need its own survey and installation.
Lighting
After materials and size, lighting is usually the next biggest cost. Internally lit tray signs and lightboxes cost more than non-illuminated signs because they need LED modules, power supplies and diffusing faces. Halo-lit letters, which glow onto the wall behind, and LED neon-style signs create a striking look but also need careful wiring and a qualified electrician to connect them.
The good news is that modern LEDs use far less energy than old fluorescent tubes or traditional neon, and drivers typically come with warranties of three to five years.
Typical Prices for Custom Shop Signs in the UK
Cost Ranges by Sign Type
These are typical supply prices before installation, so use them as a rough guide rather than a fixed quote.
Sign type | Typical price |
Flat printed panels (foamex, aluminium composite) | £50 to £300 |
Folded aluminium tray signs | £300 to £1,200 |
Acrylic or routed letters | £200 to £900 |
Built-up metal letters (stainless steel, brass, aluminium) | £600 to £3,500+ |
Illuminated signs (lightboxes, halo-lit letters, LED troughs) | £350 to £5,000 |
Hand-painted or heritage signs | £300 to £2,000 |
Most commercial sign work is also subject to VAT at 20%, so check whether the quotes you receive include it.
Does Location Affect the Price?
It can. Signmakers in London and the South East often charge more because rent, labour and access costs are higher, and installation in busy city centres can involve parking restrictions and out-of-hours working. Areas with plenty of local signmakers tend to be more competitive, while remote sites may carry extra travel costs. Listed buildings and conservation areas can also add time and cost, as the design may need to meet stricter planning rules.
Installation Costs
Installation is easy to overlook when you are comparing quotes for shop signage, but it can make a real difference to the total.
Installation item | Typical cost |
Simple wall fixing at low height | £50 to £250 |
Scaffold, cherry picker or traffic management | £200 to £1,200 |
Electrical connection for illuminated signs | £80 to £400 |
Removing an old sign and preparing the surface | £30 to £300 |
Always ask for an itemised quote that separates the sign, delivery, installation, electrical work and access. It makes comparing quotes much fairer and helps you spot anything that has been left out.
Long-Term Costs to Plan For
The price on the quote is only part of the story. A little planning for upkeep, permissions and running costs means no nasty surprises later.
Maintenance and Repairs
Most shop signage benefits from a clean every six to twelve months to remove dirt, pollution and bird droppings. A professional clean typically costs £30 to £120, depending on height and access. Illuminated signs should also be checked regularly by a qualified electrician, which usually costs £60 to £150.
LED modules can last many years, but individual parts and power supplies do eventually need replacing, and painted or timber signs will need touching up every five to ten years. Setting aside a small contingency, around 10% to 20% of the sign's cost, is a sensible way to cover any unexpected repairs.
Planning Permission and Legal Requirements
Many external signs, especially illuminated ones and those in conservation areas or on listed buildings, need advertisement consent from your local council. The application fee itself is usually modest, but a refusal or conditions on the approval can mean redesigning the sign, so it is worth checking the rules before you order.
Illuminated signs must be connected by a qualified electrician, who should provide an electrical installation certificate showing the work meets BS 7671, the UK wiring regulations. Projecting signs that hang over a public pavement may also need a licence from the local highways authority. Getting these details right protects you from enforcement notices or, in the worst cases, being told to take the sign down.
Running Costs
An illuminated sign adds a little to your electricity bill. As an example, a 200W LED sign switched on for 12 hours a day uses around 876kWh a year, which works out at roughly £175 to £250 depending on your tariff. Older fluorescent signs cost considerably more to run.
It is also worth telling your insurer about external signage, as it may need to be covered under your buildings or public liability policy. If you rent your premises, check your lease too, since some landlords require signs to be removed at the end of the tenancy.
Finally, think about the long term. Most businesses refresh or replace their signs every seven to fifteen years as branding changes or materials wear. Choosing good quality shop signage from the start usually means fewer repairs, lower running costs and a sign that keeps working hard for your business for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest type of shop sign?
A flat printed panel, usually aluminium composite or foamex, is the most affordable option and works well for small units, temporary shops and tight budgets.
How much does an illuminated shop sign cost?
Most illuminated signs cost between £350 and £5,000, depending on size, the type of lighting and how much fabrication is involved, plus installation and electrical connection.
Do I need planning permission for a new shop sign?
Often, yes, especially for illuminated signs or properties in conservation areas. Check with your local council or ask your signmaker before ordering.
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