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How much does an illuminated sign cost?
From a simple lightbox to halo-lit built-up letters — what actually moves the price of a sign that works after dark.
The cost ladder
Illuminated signage runs a clear ladder: a lightbox fascia is the entry point; face-lit acrylic letters cost more; halo-lit built-up letters more again; and combination face-plus-halo letters top the range. Each step adds fabrication time, LED hardware and wiring — and each step up is visibly a better sign on the street.
The six price drivers
The costs people forget
The electrical feed to the sign position, access equipment for anything above a shopfront, consent drawings where the council requires an application, and removal of the old sign. A serious quote itemises all of it up front — ours do, and the price is fixed once agreed.
Is illumination worth it?
If you trade after dark — food, salons, bars, gyms, clinics with evening hours — the sign works exactly the hours a printed one goes invisible. Manchester winters give you 4pm darkness for months; that is a lot of trading hours to be unlit. If you close at 5pm, spend the money on better letters instead. We will tell you which side of that line you are on.
Quick answers
Why do illuminated sign quotes vary so much?
Different build quality, LED spec, and what is included — electrics, access, consent, warranty. Compare like for like: ask each quoter exactly what is in the number.
Do illuminated signs need planning permission?
They are the most likely category to need advertisement consent. We flag it at survey before anything is made.
What does an illuminated sign cost to run?
Modern LED sips power — running cost is rarely a deciding factor compared with the old fluorescent and neon technology.
Can you retrofit LED into my existing lightbox?
Usually yes — keeping the box and replacing tubes with LED modules is a cost-effective upgrade, often with a new printed face at the same time.
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