A Real-World Breakdown from
Uni Signs

If you’ve ever called a sign company and asked, “How much does a business sign cost?” you probably didn’t get a straight answer — at least not right away. That’s not because sign companies want to be vague. It’s because no two signs are the same.

At Uni Signs, every sign we build is made from scratch — designed for a specific space, style, and purpose. There’s no “off-the-shelf” solution. And that’s exactly why prices vary so much.

But if you’re planning a new sign for your business, this guide will help you understand what really drives the cost — with real examples, stories from our shop, and honest insights from years of experience building signs across Texas.

It’s details like that — not just size — that make the difference between a $2,000 sign and a $15,000 one.

What Really Affects the Cost of a Business Sign

Here’s a look at the main factors that determine price:

1. Design and Fabrication

Signs are built one at a time. We start with a blank sheet of aluminum or acrylic, design the shape, choose materials, and handcraft each component. It’s not mass production — it’s precision fabrication.

• Cursive letters or thin strokes? More labor.
• Reverse-lit letters? More welding, more aluminum, higher cost.
• Front-lit letters? More affordable because they use plastic faces and simpler assembly.

2. Illumination

Lighting adds both beauty and complexity. Reverse-lit (halo) channel letters are higher-end, while standard front-lit signs are simpler.
LED strips and modules vary widely in quality — cheap ones can fail in a year or two, while good ones can last five years or more.

3. Permitting

Every city, county, and property management group has its own rules — and fees.
Permits can range from $50 to $1,000, depending on your location and whether the sign is illuminated. Sometimes there are also HOA or POA charges. We always try to give an estimate, but we don’t know the final cost until the city sends the bill.

4. Installation

This part of the process is often underestimated. Installing a sign safely means dealing with electrical systems, heavy materials, and exact positioning.
At Uni Signs, even if installation ends up taking longer or being more complex than expected, we honor our quoted price. That’s not something every company does.

Real-World Price Examples

Here are some real examples from our own projects:

• Front-Lit Channel Letters
  10 letters, 12” tall, block font → around $1,800
• Reverse-Lit (Halo) Channel Letters
  Same size and number of letters, but in script font → around $3,200

That’s nearly double the cost — and yet both are “channel letter” signs. It shows how much font, illumination, and material choice can affect price.

We’ve done sets as low as $2,000 and as high as $15,000, depending on size, complexity, and lighting.

Hidden Costs to Keep in Mind

One of the biggest surprises for customers is permitting.
It’s not a markup — it’s just that permit costs are unpredictable and vary city to city. But what we can promise is no surprises from us. The price we quote is the price you pay, even if your installation takes longer or the process is more complex than expected.

That’s how we build trust.

What Happens Between a Quote and Installation

Here’s a quick behind-the-scenes look at how your sign goes from idea to installation:

1. Request – You contact us and tell us what you’re looking for.
2. Free Field Survey – We visit your site (for free!) to take photos, measurements, and ensure your sign meets city and landlord requirements. Some companies charge for this step — we don’t.
3. Design Proposal – We create a sign concept that fits your space and your budget.
4. Permitting – Once you approve the design, we handle the paperwork and submit the permit. Depending on the city, approval can take anywhere from a day to a month.
5. Fabrication – Once approved, our team starts building your sign.
6. Installation – We install it safely and cleanly — and your brand shines bright.

Working Within Budgets (Without Cutting Corners)

We understand that every business has a budget. When a client needs to save, we get creative — maybe by using a different fabrication method or simplifying the design — but we never use low-quality materials.

A great example is PJ’s Coffee. Their sign required multiple custom colors, which can get pricey. We found a way to deliver the look they wanted at a fair price — and they were so happy they invited us to their grand opening.

The True ROI of a Quality Sign

We often explain ROI this way:
A well-made sign doesn’t just earn you attention — it saves you money over time.

Cheaper signs can fade, crack, or fail after a couple of years. High-quality materials and LEDs, installed properly, last for years longer. That’s why we back our work with a 5-year warranty — because we know our signs are built to last.

Trends in 2025: The “New Neon” Look

Customers love the bright glow of neon, but not the power consumption or fragility. That’s why we’re seeing a huge shift toward LED neon-style signs — they deliver the same aesthetic, with better energy efficiency, safety, and lifespan.

A Look Back: Lessons from Our First Big Project

Our first major project was for Bumbera’s Performance back in 2017 — a massive lighted box sign, 14 feet long by 7 feet tall. We barely made a profit, but we didn’t compromise quality for price. That project taught us a lesson we still live by today:

“A great sign is an investment, not an expense.”

Final Thoughts: Understanding What You’re Paying For

So, how much does a business sign cost?
Anywhere from a couple thousand to tens of thousands — depending on what you need, where it’s going, and how you want it to shine.

But the real cost isn’t in the materials — it’s in the craftsmanship, compliance, and long-term value.

At Uni Signs, we believe information is key. When you understand what goes into building a sign — from permits to installation — you can make confident decisions that pay off for years to come.