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Ordering interior signage for your business is a necessary investment. You want signs that look professional, fit your budget, and serve their purpose. You don’t have a lot of time to research the signage option. The key to success is the right questions to ask before ordering interior signage.
Why Interior Signage Matters for Your Business
Interior signs do more than display your company name. They help customers navigate your space. They also strengthen your brand and build a professional atmosphere. Clear signs help people find what they need fast. They also create a good impression.
Key Questions About Your Sign Company
Experience and Credentials
What experience do you have with interior signage?
Ask to see examples of similar projects the company has completed. A company with relevant experience will understand the unique challenges of indoor signs.
Are you licensed and insured?
This protects you from liability issues. Request to see current insurance certificates, including workers’ compensation coverage.
Can you provide customer references?
Talking to past clients reveals the quality of the company’s work. Firstly, it shows how good the company is, and secondly, how well they treat customers.
Their full range of services, like printing, graphic design, and installation for business, can help you plan better.
What steps are involved in creating my interior sign?
Creating a custom sign involves many step-by-step processes from initial concept to final installation. Most projects involve design, approval, manufacturing, and installation phases.
How many design concepts will you provide?
The number of design concepts for interior signs may vary. Some companies offer multiple design options, while others provide just one. Understanding what to expect in advance is essential.
Are design revisions included?
During the design phase, changes are common. Understand how many revisions you include in the terms of the contract and how much additional change costs.
Questions About Your Specific Interior Sign Needs
Purpose and Placement
What are the primary goals of your interior sign?
One of the primary goals of the interior sign is to improve customer experience. It helps to build awareness and brand recognition. The purpose of your sign affects its design and placement.
Where will the interior sign be displayed?
Locations of interior signs have different requirements than exterior ones. Interior signs are displayed on the wall adjacent to doorways. It is on the latch side of the door and at a height between 48 and 60 inches above the floor.
Who is your target audience?
The target audience for interior signs includes businesses with physical space, such as customers, clients, employees, and visitors.
Signs for a children’s daycare look different from those in a law office. The audience influences design choices.
Design and Materials
What materials work best for interior signs?
The best materials for interior signs are acrylic, vinyl, metal, wood, and rowmark. Each offers different benefits like appearance, durability, and look.
What size should the interior sign be?
The size of the interior sign depends on its viewing distance. A good rule of thumb is to ensure the letter height is roughly one inch tall for every 10 feet of viewing distance. The sign size include 12″ x 18″ and 24″ x 36″
Do you need letters or a full logo?
You do not need the full logo; a combination of letter and logo is common and effective. Simple text is less expensive than complex graphics. Consider what information is essential for your sign.
Technical Requirements
Does the interior sign need to be ADA-compliant?
Yes, the sign needs to be ADA-compliant. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) affects many interior signs. This includes directional and informational signage.
Are there any building code requirements?
Yes, building codes include various requirements for interior signage. As per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates tactile signs with raised characters and Braille for permanent rooms, exit signs, and stairwell identification signs, as specified by the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Fire Code (IFC).
How will they mount the interior sign?
Interior signs are mounted based on their weight and materials using various methods: adhesives for light signs, standoffs for a modern look, screws and anchors for heavy installations, and clips for easy changes. Other methods include Velcro, French cleats, and hanging/suspension.
Budget and Timeline Questions
Cost Considerations
What is your total budget?
Based on the type, size, and material, the cost of an interior sign ranges from under $100 to several thousand. A sign company can offer options within your budget.
Are there additional costs beyond the sign itself?
Yes, there are extra costs like installation, permits, design, maintenance, and other expenses in addition to the sign.
Do you offer financing options?
Some sign companies offer financing options in case of payment plans for larger projects.
Project Timeline
What is the typical turnaround time?
The turnaround time for an interior signage project can range from 2 to 12 weeks. Simple signs like vinyl graphics can be completed in a few days. At the same time, a custom signage project can take a few months.
When can installation happen?
Installation for interior signage takes place after the design and manufacturing are completed. It usually happens during your business hours and customer traffic.
What information do you need to get started?
The information on the project’s purpose, scope, branding requirements, and building specifications is needed before starting the interior signage project. You also need to provide measurements, logo files, and design choices (if any) to start the project.
Maintenance and Longevity
How long will the interior sign last?
The interior sign can last from a few years to ten years, depending on the materials used, the level of wear and tear, and exposure to weather. The signs can even last longer if properly cleaned and maintained.
What maintenance is required?
The interior signs required little maintenance. Regular cleaning with mild, non-abrasive solutions and cloths helps to prevent dirt buildup and extend the sign’s lifespan.
Do you offer maintenance services?
Many sign companies offer sign maintenance services. This includes designing, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of interior signs.
Choosing the Right Sign Company
Reputation and Portfolio
First, you need to look for companies with strong local reputations and a diverse portfolio. Next, check online reviews and ask for business references for past work.
Communication and Customer Service
Good communication in the first meeting shows how the company will run your project. So choose the companies that listen to your needs and explain their processes.
Expertise in Interior Signage
All sign companies are not specialize in interior work. Choose such company that has experience in indoor signage and knowledge of interior design.
Red Flags to Avoid
Here are some points to consider while not choosing a sign company.
- Proof of licensing and insurance is not available.
- Not able to show examples of their past project.
- Pressure you to make quick decisions.
- Cannot explain their process clearly.
Preparing for Your Interior Sign Purchase
Gather Information Before You Call
Before making a call, here is the information that you need to gather.
- Measure the installation space
- Collect your logo and branding guidelines
- Set a realistic budget
- Think about your sign’s primary purpose
- Consider your timeline needs
Questions to Ask Yourself
- What message do I want to convey?
- Who will see this sign most often?
- How does this sign fit with my overall branding?
- What reaction do I want from viewers?
Making Your Final Decision
Start with three companies first. Compare the proposals from three sign companies in your area. You need to focus on the company that best answers your questions, shows a relevant portfolio, and provides clear project timelines.
Any company that can’t provide proof of licensing and insurance needs to be skipped. Your best bet is choosing the firm that demonstrates specific experience with interior signage projects similar to yours.
Ready to Order Your Interior Signs?
Use this question checklist during your consultations to make an informed decision. Obviously, there are a lot of factors that went into ordering your interior signs, including types of indoor signage for businesses, the essential role of room identification signs, and ADA violations to avoid.
Need help with interior signage? Check out our guide on interior signage to complete your signage strategy.
FAQs on Questions to Ask Before Ordering Interior Signage
Q1. Why should I ask questions before ordering interior signage?
Asking questions ensures your signage meets your business goals, complies with ADA requirements, and stays within your budget. It also helps you choose the right vendor and materials for long-lasting results.
Q2. How do I decide the right size and material for interior signage?
The ideal size depends on the viewing distance; letters should be 1 inch tall for every 10 feet of distance. Materials like acrylic, vinyl, metal, and wood are popular for durability and aesthetics.
Q3. Do interior signs need to follow ADA guidelines?
Yes. Most permanent interior signs must include tactile lettering and Braille per ADA standards. This ensures accessibility for all visitors.
Q4. What should I know about project timelines?
Simple vinyl signs may take a few days, while custom signs can take 2–12 weeks depending on complexity, revisions, and installation schedules.
Q5. What are the hidden costs when ordering interior signs?
Extra costs can include installation, design revisions, permits, and maintenance services. Ask for a detailed breakdown to avoid surprises.
Q6. How long do interior signs last?
With proper care, most interior signs last 5–10 years. Regular cleaning with non-abrasive solutions can extend their life.
