STARTUPBIZHUB

Sign Shop Business

Make use of your sign making skills and start a lucrative business. The sign shop business is an enjoyable way to make money. This article also offers tips on starting and running a sign shop business.

Now more than ever, sign shops have grown in demand because more and more investors today are putting up their own small to medium scale start-ups.

The sign industry is an integral part of trading, particularly to those engaged in the retail industry.

There are several things you should take into account before you set off and start your own sign shop business.

First, you should learn the sign making skills required by the trade. It is important for you to be versatile so learn as much as you can about neon segments, traditional sign painting, decals, and vinyl bus wraps etc.

Take classes and read as much as you can on the topic. You may also try working as an apprentice for an established sign maker. To acquire contacts and build your network, consider joining sign making clubs or online communities.

Keep yourself organized by planning properly. Create a business plan. Do not underestimate the importance of a business plan. This is an important tool for every start-up entrepreneur because it serves as a road map to keep you from losing your way. A business plan tells you were you need to go and keeps you from straying away from you goal.

Be cost-effective. Invest only in equipments that you know you’ll be using frequently. You may not need to buy the more complicated models since you won’t really need them at first. For your supplies, try to buy in bulk since doing so will save you money in the long run.

Why buy the top of the line model when a mid-range brand can offer you the same quality and functionality at a much lower cost? Some suggested brands are Gerber, Graphtec, Roland, or Summa brands. Better yet, don’t buy your equipment brand new. Instead, invest on a second-hand model. This is an excellent option especially if you have limited funds.

Make your business legit by getting the permits and licenses required by your local and state government. Before you can file for a business permit, you must first choose a name for your business. You also need to select what organization type to use i.e. sole proprietorship or Limited Liability Corporation and so on. For this, you will need the assistance of a lawyer.

Select a good location for your shop. Make sure that the area you choose is easily accessible and visible to the public. Select a place where there is little or no competition at all. Starting a business is tough enough as it is and running your store in a place saturated with competitors is headache you can do without.

Just before you open your shop, advertise and promote your services. Try not to be too stingy when spending for advertising. Keep in mind that you need to make your business known to your target market. How will they visit your shop if they don’t even know it exists? Rest assured, money spent on advertising is money well spent.

Once you have your shop up and running, then it is now time to focus on the operational aspect of the job. Your shop need not be running like a well-oiled machine from the get-go. Expect to encounter some kinks along the way. This is but natural for learning is a process.

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3 Comments

  • jerry decaire said on January 8, 2009
    I like this article on starting up a sign shop but wish it included specific information on where I can learn about the various ways to make signs and, most importantly, how to determine what areas have the least competition. Can you direct me to some answers about that concern?
    Thank you,
    Jerry deCaire
    jerrydecaire@yahoo.com
  • Molly Shwarz said on April 17, 2009
    This is a wonderful article but I have a few questions. Can you name a few places for me to study (on the internet) and learn about sign making for my business please? I am just starting my business and I have only one place of competition. I can either apprentice for them and start my business much later or, I take online classes and even so, they are popular so if I don't apprentice how do I make my business more popular. Thanks
  • marshall said on May 26, 2009
    whats the best way to advertise if i work out of my home?

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