How Much Does a Shop Sign Cost? Full Pricing Breakdown from a Sign Company

If you’re a business owner exploring signage options, one of your first questions is likely: how much does a shop sign cost? The answer depends on many variables—sign type, materials, size, location, lighting, and even local council regulations.

A reputable sign company can help guide your choices, but having a general pricing guide helps you make informed decisions from the start. On average, businesses can expect to pay between £200 and £2,000, with basic signs falling at the lower end, and large or illuminated custom signage costing significantly more.

To give you a clearer picture, we’ll break down all the major pricing factors—including installation, design complexity, material choices, and the advantages of working with local sign makers who understand your region's specific requirements.

Key Takeaways

• Average cost of a shop sign in the UK: £200 to £2,000, but bespoke signage can go over £5,000.

• Final price depends on size, materials, lighting, and installation.

• Additional expenses include planning permission, maintenance, and electrical connections.

• Partnering with local sign makers may reduce costs and streamline installation.

• Your chosen shop signage provider should provide a detailed quote including all extras.

Average Shop Sign Costs

Shop sign pricing is not one-size-fits-all. Many businesses start with a modest investment, only to find their needs (and signage) grow over time. The price will be largely influenced by the type of sign and the materials used.

Typical Price Ranges

Here’s a general breakdown of average UK shop sign prices based on sign type:

Sign Type	Average Cost Range
Basic Panel	£100–£200
Vinyl Lettering	£200–£400
Illuminated Sign	£500–£2,000
3D Built-up Letters	£800–£3,000
Large Custom Sign	£2,000–£5,000+

These prices do not typically include installation or planning permission fees, which can add several hundred pounds to your total cost.

What Affects Shop Sign Costs?

Materials

The type of material your sign is made from has a direct impact on durability and cost. Here’s a breakdown of common materials:

• PVC and Acrylic – Affordable and lightweight; ideal for small businesses.

• Aluminium and Stainless Steel – Durable and long-lasting, but more expensive.

• Wood – Offers a classic look, though may require regular upkeep.

• Glass or Composite Materials – Stylish and modern, often priced higher.

Choosing a local sign makers company that can show you material samples is essential for comparing quality and finish.

Size and Dimensions

Larger signs naturally cost more due to the greater quantity of materials and more complex installation requirements. For instance:

• A small shop front might only need a 60 cm x 120 cm sign.

• A larger retail premises may require a sign 2 metres long or more.

Also consider visibility: will your sign be read from the street or across a car park? Larger signs improve visibility but increase price.

Design Complexity

More elaborate designs mean more hours in production. While a basic sign with simple text is relatively inexpensive, logos, branding elements, or special finishes like gold leaf or 3D shaping will raise costs.

Some signs might include:

• Intricate logos or multi-colour graphics

• Painted or powder-coated finishes

• Raised lettering or backlighting

Your sign company  should be able to show examples from previous projects to help you estimate these added costs.

Lighting Options

Lighting is often one of the biggest cost multipliers for signage. LED-lit signs are a popular choice due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. However, wiring, installation, and waterproofing add costs.

Common lighting options:

• LED Backlit Signs: £500–£1,500

• Neon Signs: £800–£2,500

• Halo-lit 3D Letters: £1,000+

Although they cost more upfront, illuminated signs increase visibility after hours and may drive more foot traffic—making them a worthwhile investment for many.

Location and Labour Rates

Where your business is located also affects pricing. In London and other high-demand areas, labour costs and permit fees are generally higher.

By contrast, working with local sign makers in smaller towns or regions may result in savings of 10–20%. They may also offer lower delivery charges and quicker turnaround times.

Always request quotes from multiple providers—both national sign companies and local ones—to compare pricing and services.

Different Types of Shop Signs and Their Costs

Illuminated Shop Signs

These are designed to stand out day and night. Options include:

• Backlit Panels

• Neon Tubes

• LED Halo-lit Letters

Prices typically range from £500 to over £3,000, depending on size and detail.

While LEDs have low running costs, traditional neon signs use more electricity and may require more frequent maintenance.

Non-Illuminated Shop Signs

These signs are ideal for shops with natural or street lighting and for those on a tighter budget. Common styles include:

• Flat Panels

• Projecting Signs

• Wooden Plaques

• Vinyl Lettering on Windows

Prices vary from £100 to £900, depending on material and size.

Digital Signs

Digital signage is perfect for shops that change promotions often. Screens can display scrolling text, images, or videos, and are controlled remotely.

• Basic LED text boards: Start at £1,200

• Full-colour digital displays: Can exceed £4,000

Additional costs include software, electrical installation, and content updates.

Additional Expenses to Consider

Installation

Not all sign companies include installation in their quote. Make sure to check, as installation costs range from:

• Basic mounting: £50–£150

• Illuminated sign install: £200–£500+

• Electrical connections: £100–£300

• Access equipment (cherry pickers, scaffolding): £50–£500

Especially for high-mounted signs, installation becomes more expensive due to equipment and safety requirements.

Maintenance and Repairs

Maintenance keeps your signage looking fresh and functioning properly. Typical services include:

• Cleaning and polishing: £20–£50 per visit

• LED or bulb replacement: £30–£100

• Repairing damage from weather or vandalism: £50–£200+

Ask your sign company if they offer maintenance packages, especially for illuminated or digital signs.

Planning Permission

Certain locations require planning permission for external signage. This is especially true in:

• Conservation areas

• High streets

• Listed buildings

Expect to pay around:

• Council application fee: £100–£150

• Architect or designer drawings: £50–£300

• Revisions or appeals: £50–£200

Failure to secure proper permission can result in fines or removal orders, so always check your local council’s regulations—or consult local sign makers who are familiar with local planning policies.

Cost-Saving Tips

Choose Cost-Effective Materials

Material costs vary widely, and some are far more affordable without sacrificing quality.

Material	Cost per m²	Durability
PVC	£20–£40	Medium
Acrylic	£30–£60	High
Corrugated Plastic	£10–£25	Low
Aluminium	£50–£100	Very High
Vinyl Lettering	£8–£20	Low to Medium

Using recycled or off-cut materials can also reduce your overall spend.

Work with Local Sign Makers

Engaging with local sign makers can provide both financial and logistical advantages:

• Fewer transport or delivery fees

• Local knowledge of planning and building regulations

• Faster turnaround for urgent jobs

• Potential discounts for ongoing or bulk work

Ask about bundled services including design, manufacturing, installation, and aftercare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a basic outdoor shop sign cost?

Most basic signs start at around £150 and go up to £2,500 depending on size, material, and lighting.

How much does a custom hanging sign cost?

Expect to pay £200–£1,000. Prices increase with size, unique artwork, or materials like wood or steel.

What goes into professional signage pricing?

A sign company usually factors in materials, design complexity, fabrication, lighting, and installation. Always ask for an itemised quote.

Can you estimate the price for a fully bespoke sign?

Fully custom signs including design, fabrication, and installation often fall in the £500–£2,500+ range depending on complexity.

How do local prices vary?

In cities like London, prices are often 10–20% higher due to labour rates and permits. Choosing local sign makers can help offset these costs and simplify logistics.

Final Thoughts

Shop signage isn’t just a display—it’s a key part of your branding and visibility. Whether you opt for a simple vinyl sign or a fully illuminated, bespoke design, working with a trusted sign company ensures a smooth process and a professional finish.

Where possible, involve local sign makers in your project. They often bring valuable insights, cost-effective options, and a deeper understanding of local regulations.

Ready to discuss your signage needs? Reach out to our team—we’ll help you design, quote, and install the perfect sign for your shop.