[embed]http://youtu.be/2kYWu4FTFEo[/embed] If you are in the market to buy an exterior business sign, this tutorial will help you. The first question you need to ask yourself is, "Do I want this sign to light up?" The second question is, "How much do I want to spend?". Electrical signs are more expensive than non-illuminated signage, and there are various fabrication methods used in electrical signs that will also impact cost. We use high gauge aluminum to build out our channel letters and Mathews Automotive paint. This makes for a sign that will hold up to all weather and last a very, very long time. Some sign companies use trim cap letters which don't last as long or frankly look as good. The second factor in your electrical sign is (and no big surprises here) is the building already wired for an electrical sign, and is it to code? You may have taken over a space that has an electrical sign but it may have been wired prior to code changes. If it's old school, you'll need to get an electrician in to check it out. We do free of charge site surveys to look at the existing conditions. If you aren't sure, ask your landlord about the history of the sign. If they don't know you go to your City Planning Department and pull the permit. The third factor is labor. Labor in fabrication and labor in installation. If you have a sign that is a standard font and standard lettering, it won't take as much time to make. But, if your Brand is important to you then pay for the customized signage and have your logo recreated for your sign. It will be worth it in the long run. The last factor in cost is the permit itself. This price varies depending upon your city. Most sign companies will charge for the documentation preparation. Our standard document preparation is a full architectural rendering that is typically 7-8 pages long. I've personally had situations where the City would quote one price over the phone and another price when we filed the permit. Non-illuminated signs are a more affordable approach, but if you are in a location that has the benefit of a lot of drive by traffic, pony up and buy the lit sign!!! This is advertising! If drive by traffic isn't something you can capitalize on then by all means go for a non illuminated sign. There are a number of materials used which include (on the lower end of the cost scale) Digitally printed vinyl on a flat substrate like PVC or Lexan, (Mid on the scale) acrylic faced foam, and higher end solid cut metal. Actually there are many, many more materials used in Sign Manufacturing, but these are three widely used materials.