A custom sign can help customers find your business and understand what you offer, but a smooth order starts before production. Gather a few details about your storefront, design, materials, and installation plans so your sign maker can recommend options that fit the space. You do not need to have every decision finalized. Clear measurements, useful reference images, and a realistic idea of your budget and timeline make it easier to compare choices and avoid preventable revisions.
Measure the Sign Location
Measure the area where the sign will go, including its width and height. Note nearby doors, windows, lighting, trim, and other features that could limit the available space. Take photos from straight on and from the main approach customers use. These details help a sign maker judge scale, placement, and visibility instead of relying on a rough description.
Check whether the surface is brick, siding, glass, stucco, or another material, and note any uneven areas. If the sign will sit above a door or window, record the distance from the ground and nearby edges. Measurements are a helpful starting point, but confirm who will verify the site dimensions before fabrication, especially for signs that must fit within a tight space.
Prepare Artwork and Content
Gather your logo in the best-quality format available, along with the exact business name and any wording you want on the sign. Vector artwork is often useful because it can scale without losing clarity; common file types include AI, EPS, and SVG. If you only have a low-resolution image, send it anyway and ask whether it can be prepared for sign production.
Decide what customers need to read at a glance. Keep the main message clear and limit extra details that may become hard to see from the sidewalk or street. Share brand colors, preferred fonts, and examples of signs you like, but treat examples as direction rather than artwork to copy. Ask for a proof showing the design at its intended proportions before approving production.
Choose Materials for the Setting
The right material depends on where the sign will be installed, how it should look, and how much exposure it will get to sun, rain, wind, or snow. Ask about options for your building surface and whether the sign needs weather-resistant finishes, illumination, or added protection. A sign maker can explain how materials affect appearance, upkeep, and mounting requirements.
Consider how the sign will look both during the day and after dark. For example, lighting may help a storefront remain visible in the evening, while an unlit sign may suit a location with limited electrical access or operating hours. Request samples or photos of completed work when helpful, and ask how to clean and maintain the selected material.
Plan Installation Early
Clarify who will install the sign and what the installation includes. Ask whether the quote covers mounting hardware, electrical work for illuminated signs, site visits, and removal of an existing sign. Share access details such as operating hours, parking limits, restricted areas, or whether a lift may be needed. These factors can affect scheduling and the installation plan.
Before ordering, check local rules, landlord requirements, and any property or design restrictions that apply to your location. Requirements can vary by sign type and placement, so confirm them with the appropriate local office or property manager rather than assuming the sign maker handles every approval. Discuss the desired completion window early and leave time for design approval, fabrication, and any required permissions.
A little preparation helps you choose a sign that fits your storefront, communicates clearly, and can be installed as planned. Bring your measurements, photos, artwork, material preferences, and questions about approvals to your first conversation. Mile High Signs can help you review the details and identify next steps for your custom storefront sign.