How long does it take to get our sign? There are really four elements to the lead time: confirming the specifications of the project, permitting, fabrication, and installation. Sometimes the longest part of the project is getting agreement on the design, approving specification, signing the purchase order, and providing the deposit. Clients that can quickly make decisions, can approve documents and purchase orders, and quickly cut checks will get their signs started more quickly than clients who have to follow a more bureaucratic process. This stage can be shortened with specific requirements, decision criteria for a purchase, and the ability to pay quickly which could be a credit card vs. a check. Many signs, such as interior signs or some temporary signs, do not require a permit, but large exterior signs and illuminated signs will need a permit. The permit process involves completing paperwork, submitting to the city, waiting for approval, and picking up the permit. This process can take one to two weeks and depending upon the backlog at the city, even longer. For some projects, a certified engineering drawing is required which adds time because this has to be completed prior to the permit submission. Signs can be made in matter of minutes or up to six to eight weeks depending upon complexity. There are really too many factors to predict a specific lead time. Parts and other material must be ordered; some of these parts, like cast or routed parts need to be fabricated by other suppliers. The backlog at the sign company will determine how quickly the fabrication can be completed. A typical lead time for a simple sign is two weeks, for medium complexity 3-4 weeks and for larger signs 4-6 weeks. Each project is different, so check with your sign company for a specific commitment. Most installations can take place in one day, but larger projects can take 3-4 days or more. This is especially true for masonry projects or expansive building signs. The key to success here it to provide proper access for the installation team to the installation site. So, much like every sign is a unique custom project, the lead time will vary for each project. Give the team at 360 Signs a call to help you through this process.