New Shop Signage Checklist: Everything to Sort Before Opening
Updated ·5 min read
Work through your signage in this order: measure the fascia, check landlord and council consent, order the fascia sign, then the projecting sign, window graphics and A-board, and finish with the signs inside and a launch banner. Consent can take weeks, so start there. Flat boards, A-boards and banners can be ordered online and made in days, while signtrays and illuminated signs are quoted.
For a simple fascia, a printed aluminium sign starts from £16.00 including VAT, and a Foamex sign from £10.50.
Step 1: Measure the Fascia
Everything else depends on the size of your fascia, so measure it first. Measure the width at the top and bottom, the height at both ends and in the middle, and use the smallest figures. Note anything in the way, such as lights, cameras, alarm boxes and cables, and measure the height of the fascia above the pavement.
Take a straight-on photo of the whole shopfront, plus close-ups of both ends. Measure in millimetres, because our calculators work in millimetres. Our guide to measuring for a shop sign walks through it step by step, and our sign sizes chart helps you picture the options.
Step 2: Check Landlord and Council Consent
Every sign needs the permission of the owner of the site, so if you rent, ask your landlord first. Then check whether the sign needs advertisement consent from your local planning authority.
In England, many non-illuminated fascia signs have deemed consent if they meet the conditions of their class. Illuminated signs, signs that are too high or have oversized lettering, and anything on a listed building usually need an application. Decisions should normally be made within 8 weeks, which makes this the step most likely to hold you up. Our guide to planning permission for shop signs explains the rules. If you plan an A-board on the pavement, that is a separate permission, covered in step 5.
Step 3: the Fascia Sign and the Projecting Sign
The fascia sign carries your name, so choose it carefully.
- Printed board: a flat aluminium sign is made for permanent outdoor use. A flat Foamex sign costs less and suits shorter-term use. Both are priced online once you enter your size. See sign materials compared if you are choosing.
- Signtray: a folded aluminium tray made to the size of your fascia, as a vinyl signtray, a 2.5D signtray with raised letters or a fret-cut signtray. Signtrays are quoted, so send your measurements and photos on the quote page.
A projecting sign sticks out at right angles to the building, so people see it from both directions along the street. A projecting lightbox is illuminated and double-sided. Both are quoted, and illuminated signs usually need consent, so allow for that in step 2. Our guide to types of shop sign compares every option, and the shop sign cost guide shows what to budget.
Step 4: Window Graphics and Opening Hours
Your windows are free advertising space. Window graphics are printed vinyl applied to the glass, and frosted window vinyl adds privacy and style.
Opening hours are worth putting on the glass. A neat vinyl panel on the door or window means customers can check them when you are closed. For a whole shopfront, tell us the number and size of your windows on the quote page. Our guide to window frosting and manifestation has more detail.
Step 5: an A-Board for the Pavement
An A-board is the quickest way to catch people walking past, and it carries a changeable poster for menus, offers and opening hours. Our aluminium pavement A-board starts from £66.00 including VAT and folds flat so you can bring it in at the end of the day.
The pavement is normally highway land, so you usually need your council's permission before you put a board out. Read A-boards and pavement permission first, then use our A-board sizes guide to choose a size that fits the space.
A Timeline to Work Back From
Production starts when you approve your proof, and delivery follows. Typical production times are:
- PVC banner: 1 to 2 working days
- Strut cards: 1 to 2 working days
- Flat aluminium sign: 3 working days
- Pavement A-board: 3 working days
- Vinyl signtray: 2 to 3 working days
- Projecting lightbox: 10 working days
Standard UK delivery takes 3 to 5 working days, or 1 working day with next day delivery. Installation is quoted and booked per job after you order. As a rule, order the fascia sign and any illuminated sign as soon as consent is settled, and leave banners and strut cards until the last week. Our guide to how long a sign takes covers proofs and delivery, and delivery and installation explains how fitting works.
Common Questions
What signs does a new shop need?
Most shops start with a fascia sign, then add window graphics, an A-board and a few signs inside. A projecting sign helps if you want to be seen from along the street. Which ones you need depends on your premises and your budget.
How far ahead should I order shop signs?
Start with consent, because decisions should normally be made within 8 weeks. Once consent is settled, most printed signs are made in days, but signtrays and illuminated signs take longer and are quoted. Our timings guide lists current production times.
Do I need permission for my new shop sign?
It depends on the sign and the building. Many non-illuminated fascia signs have deemed consent in England, but illuminated signs and listed buildings usually need an application. See our guide to planning permission for shop signs.
Can you fit the signs for me?
Yes. Installation is quoted per job, so tell us about your site when you order or on the quote page. We supply UK-wide from our Manchester production HQ.
Which sign should I order first?
The fascia sign, because it needs your measurements and may need consent. Banners, strut cards and posters can wait until closer to opening.
