Commercial real estate signs are the primary way commercial properties gain visibility and exposure from potential buyers. Commercial signs featured in listing photos influence property buyers who start their search online. When the prospective purchaser views the property in person, they’ll make snap judgments based on signage.
Many agents and developers have questions about commercial signs, and you can find answers to the most common questions in the list below. Here are the most important things to know before buying commercial property signs:
What is the size of a commercial real estate sign?
The industry standard size for a commercial sign is 36” x 48”. Some agents and developers prefer a portrait orientation (taller than it is wide) as 48” x 36”. Most real estate sign companies can also produce large real estate signs in custom sizes. Sign manufacturers usually limit the size of signs they can produce. Contact your real estate sign manufacturer for guidance on larger-than-standard signs.
How much do commercial real estate signs cost?
The cost of commercial signs varies based on the quality of the signs and the quantity that you order. Choosing higher quality signs, besides making your property look its best, is more cost-effective. You’ll save money by investing in a product that will last. Purchasing a larger quantity with future growth in mind will save you money in the long run. Buying more signs at once can often result in savings of 50% or more.
Are commercial for sale signs (or commercial for lease signs) made differently than other real estate signs?
Building large real estate signs for commercial properties with the strongest and most durable materials available makes them able to stand up to what’s demanded of them. For a long-lasting sign, choose slow-dry, hard enamels for fade resistance and durability. Make sure to use enamel when you’re printing signs that you’ll use outdoors and expose to the elements. The chemical composition of enamel is ideally suited to stand up against everything from the blazing summer sun to sub-zero winter wind and snow.
For the sign panel itself, the best material depends on what climate the sign will need to withstand. The most popular choice is to use composite material. Combining different substrates mitigates the inherent weaknesses of the individual materials, producing a more durable product when bonded.
What type of frame is best?
The frames holding your signs need to be just as durable, if not stronger, than the signs themselves. Because sign frames are in contact with the ground, they are especially susceptible to wear and damage. An optimal choice is a powder-coated steel frame. A frame made of steel is significantly stronger than one made of wood. Wood tends to break down quickly when in contact with soil and moisture. Its porous structure entices insects that will make a meal of your sign’s supports and reduce its lifespan. Steel isn’t vulnerable to insect damage, and a powder coating makes it resistant to rust and other corrosion. Because it undergoes thermal bonding and can be applied thicker than typical paint, powder coating is substantially more resilient. In addition to its physical durability, powder coating also provides superior, longer-lasting color. Powder-coated steel is the recommended material for commercial real estate sign frames.
How effective are commercial real estate signs?
High-quality signage offers critical visibility to commercial properties. Many commercial properties are undeveloped and relatively far from main roads. Any salesperson can tell you that they would rather have a potential buyer contact them than the other way around. Allowing your signage to send qualified leads your way is the most efficient way to sell. Installing high-visibility signs is a cost-effective technique to market your property.
What information should be included?
The most common mistake realtors and developers make when deciding what to add to building for sale signs or will build to suit signs is including too much information. More often than not, the person you want to reach with your sign is quickly driving past and not on the lookout for reading material. Your goal is not to provide all the information a potential buyer needs and leave them with no questions — you want to spur enough interest to prompt phone calls or visits to an online listing. Include only the essentials. Potential buyers won’t read your sign if you include too much information.
Do I need to hire a designer to create my commercial signs?
If you’re utilizing a sign provider that creates high-quality, custom real estate signage, design services should be included at no extra charge. The real estate sign company will assign your project to a professional artist who specializes in designing real estate signs.
Looking for signs to promote your commercial real estate? Dee Sign is the leading manufacturer of real estate signs. Whether you’re part of a nationwide franchise or working independently, we’re here to help you every step of the way. You can contact Dee Sign here, or call 1.800.333.7446 to speak with a signage expert right away.