How Long Does It Take to Make and Install a Sign?
Updated ·3 min read
Most of our signs are made in 1 to 3 working days once you approve your proof, then standard UK delivery takes 3 to 5 working days, or 1 working day with next day delivery. Illuminated signs take longer: a projecting lightbox takes 5 working days to make and a neon sign 7 to 10 working days. Installation is quoted and booked per job.
Production times by product
Production starts when you approve your proof and is counted in working days. These are the current times from our product pages:
- PVC banners: 1 to 2 working days
- Roller banners: 1 to 2 working days
- Strut cards: 1 to 2 working days
- Glass manifestation: 2 to 3 working days
- Signtrays: 2 to 3 working days
- Flat aluminium signs: 3 working days
- Pavement A-boards: 3 working days
- Projecting lightboxes: 5 working days
- Neon signs: 7 to 10 working days
Faster production
Many products offer priority (2 to 3 working days) or express (1 to 2 working days) production for an extra charge, which you choose on the product page. If you are working to a tight deadline, contact us before you order and we will tell you what is possible.
Before production: artwork and proof
The clock starts when you approve your proof, so the quickest orders are the ones with print-ready artwork. Every file is checked by a real person before printing, and we email you a link to your proof. Approve it and production begins. If you need changes, drop a pin on the proof with a note and we will send a revised version.
No artwork? Our design service can create it from your brief, which adds time for the design and any changes. Our guide to preparing artwork for print explains how to get a file right first time.
Delivery
Delivery is counted from dispatch:
- Standard delivery: 3 to 5 working days, £9.95, free on orders of £150 or more including VAT
- Next day delivery: 1 working day, £14.95
- Heavy orders: pallet or multi-parcel, 2 to 3 working days, from £49
- Collection: free from our workshop in Trafford Park, Manchester
Anything over 1.5m on a side is too big for our standard courier. Choose large-item delivery at checkout and we will email you a delivery price to approve, usually within one working day.
As an example, a sign with 3 working days' production and standard delivery typically arrives 6 to 8 working days after you approve your proof, or 4 with next day delivery.
Installation
Installation is arranged per job rather than to a fixed lead time, because it depends on the site, access, fixings and, for illuminated signs, power. Tick professional installation at checkout (nothing is charged for it there) or mention it in your quote request. Our team will contact you to discuss your site, confirm a price and agree a date. Bigger jobs may need a site survey first.
Common questions
When does production start?
When you approve your proof. Nothing is made until you have approved it, so a quick approval means a quicker sign.
Can I get a sign the next day?
Some products offer express production (1 to 2 working days), and next day delivery takes 1 working day from dispatch. For an urgent job, call us on 0161 399 0695 before you order and we will tell you what is possible.
How long does installation take to arrange?
It is arranged per job. After you order, our team contacts you to discuss your site, confirm a price and agree a date.
How do I track my order?
Use the track order page with your order number and the email you ordered with. We also email tracking details as soon as your order is dispatched.
