How Effective are Sale Signs?

Sale Signs in a Department Clothing Store

Effects of Sale Signs

Table of Contents
Signs Improve Sales
Customer Influence
Color Effects
Black Friday Statistics

The holiday rush is coming. People across the country will be shopping for the best deals on the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Your business needs to stand out to catch the eye of every potential customer, but how effective is your sale signage?

A bright, flashy sign may seem like a great idea, but what effect will it have? We addressed how to use psychology for your sale signage in a previous post, and we wanted to expand on the effect of the techniques addressed.

Signs Improve Sales

The purpose of your Black Friday sales is to move product, right? Proper labeling, even for items with unchanged prices, may improve your business’s numbers. Luckily, savvy marketers and researchers have already studied ways to capture sales.

Business Insider references an unpublished MIT study that separated products into three groups. The first was the control; unlabeled at regular price. The second group had their prices reduced by 12% without signage. And, the final group kept the normal price but marked with sale stickers.

The second group had an approximate increase of 17% in sales. But, the third labeled, unchanged-price group sold over 3% more compared to the control. This study’s conclusion demonstrates that sales improve by posting sale signs.¹

The end goal of your signage should be to influence a customer into committing to a sale.

Customer Influence

Attracting new customers should be an integral part of your Black Friday sales. Studies show that appealing signage is great at bringing in new business and securing sales.

According to a FedEx survey, 68% of people make a purchase because a sign grabbed their attention. Additionally, 76% of Americans visit a new store based on their signage.²

Part of preparing for a successful Black Friday and holiday season means understanding how to draw new customers in. Designing visually interesting signage and marketing or event banners is a perfect way to draw in this business.

Color and your product’s appearance also plays a major role in securing sales.

Results of Implementing Colors

Reading how colors influence customers is a great first step towards improving your store’s signage. But, how effective is it? In a previous post, we addressed how color influences people.

To recap; people associate emotions and reactions depending on which colors they see. Reds invoke a faster heartrate, blues elicit a sense of trustworthiness, greens indicate health or prosperity, etc.

What does this mean for your sale signage? Well, as mentioned previously, a large majority of consumers make purchases because a sign caught their eye. Additionally, roughly 93% of people claim that the visual appearance of a product is the main reason for their purchase.³ Furthermore, a study from the SCMS Journal of Indian Management estimates that a customer’s willingness to read and selling potential increases by 80% when color is present.⁴

Prepare for Black Friday

To give your business the best chance at taking advantage of the busiest shopping day of the year, we’ve aggregated some Black Friday statistics and frequently asked questions. Understanding key aspects of Black Friday shoppers and numbers helps in your preparations.

When is Black Friday?
- Black Friday is November 29, 2019
How Much Does the Average Person Spend on Black Friday?
- Finder estimates that the average person will spend between roughly $252 and $626 depending on their age⁵
How Many People Shopped on Black Friday?
- Over 34 million people shopped in stores in 2018⁶
How Much Did People Spend on Black Friday 2018?
- Over $717 billion total between in-store and online⁷

While there seems to be a downward trend for in-store shopping, ignoring the millions of brick-and-mortar shoppers is ill-advised. Your sale signage can play a major role in ensuring a successful Black Friday and holiday season.

With so many people shopping, both online and in-store, you need to prepare the best deals and signage to stay competitive and catch the eyes of any and all potential customers.

CustomSigns.com is the best online store for ordering high-quality, eye-catching sale signs and business banners. Customization is always free and most orders ship next business day. Attract new customers for Black Friday and special holiday sales with CustomSigns.com.

Resources:

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October 29, 2019November 10, 2020

How to Use Psychology in Your Sale Signage

Red "Huge Sale" Sign Posted In Front of a Telephone Pole

Table of Contents
Color Psychology
▸The Color Red
▸Other Colors
Number Psychology
▸Dollar Sign
▸Bulk Offers

With winter fast approaching and your holiday sales starting soon, if they haven’t already, you may want to consider some of the psychology behind successful signage. How does color affect customers? What do numbers mean to consumers? These are questions to bear in mind when designing signage for your sales.

How Colors Affect Customers

Since signs are a visual form of advertising, colors play an integral role in the success of your sales. According to The Ultralinx, over 84% of people say that color is the main reason they buy something.¹ With this in mind, the color of your sale signage influences your customers decisions.

The Color Red

Generally, sale and clearance signs are in red, but why? A 2011 study found that grip strength and the velocity of the force increases when a person sees the color red.² The study concludes that red encourages a fast, physical reaction from individuals. Additionally, red conjures up feelings of urgency and can lead to an increased heart rate. With all these factors combined, red is the perfect color to entice shoppers into taking advantage of sales.

What About Other Colors?

Other colors evoke intrinsic reactions as well. Shades of blue instill a sense of trustworthiness and dependability, green hues show health and wealth, and yellows elicit positivity.³ Depending on your business, you may want to play with colors that are in-line with your brand and what you want to convey to your customers. While colors are the first thing consumers notice, what your signage says should further entice a sale.

The Numbers Matter

If you’re planning on adjusting prices for your holiday sales, you may want to consider the specific numbers used. Numbers play an important part in any marketing or advertising campaign, and your signage should reflect that value. Prices ending in 7, 8, or 99 indicate value according Mark Ellwood, who wrote “Bargain Fever: How to Shop in a Discounted World.” Items priced with “.99” generally advertise special savings while “7” or “8” are usually used for clearance items.⁴ The psychology behind “.99” comes from the idea that consumers tend to round down these numbers. For example, an item priced at $4.99 is perceived as $4 rather than $5. This plays into how your customers perceive the sales you launch during the holidays. Are your sales meant to convey value or that you are attempting to clear out your stock?

Dollars Signs Are Discouraged

In addition to how your sale prices end, you may want to reconsider including the dollar sign on your signage. Cornell University researchers conducted an experiment with customers of St. Andrew’s Cafe. They made three menus to test which one led to increased sales. One menu listed items with the dollar sign ($), one with the word “dollar” spelled out, and one with nothing next to the prices.

The study found that customers spent more money when they ordered from menus without the “$” or word “dollar.”⁵ The researchers concluded that the symbol or word solidified the idea that customers would be spending money whereas leaving them out meant the numbers were less concrete in the minds of the consumers.

Suggest Bulk Offers

Offering bulk discounts or sales touting savings for purchasing multiples of the same product is a tried-and-true marketing tactic. Buy one, get one has been around for decades, but advertising bigger can entice consumers to buy even more. John Gourville of Harvard Business School states “many people buy the amount, or buy in increments….”⁶ Consumers perceive an inherent value when a greater number of goods is suggested for the same proportionate deal. Including this method on your holiday signage can help increase sales and move more merchandise.

CustomSigns.com is your one-stop-shop destination for all your business signage needs. From sale banners to hours of operation signs, you can find and customize the signage your business needs to succeed.

References:

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May 8, 2019June 18, 2020

Secure Your Summer with These Safety Signs & Tips

Beach with No Swimming Signs and Sunbather

Vacation Season

With summer almost here, many people will be spending time outside or rushing off for family trips. It’s easy to forget general safety tips during summertime if you’re busy taking advantage of the pleasant weather or enjoying your time off. Camping, long-awaited vacations, the beach, grilling, swimming, and many other fun activities await, after all, and according to a 2017 study, 80% of United States residents took a vacation during the summer.¹ However, summer safety should stay a priority even during your upcoming holiday. Here are some tips for kids and adults to help keep your summer safe and fun!

The Great Outdoors

If you’re going hiking or camping, be sure to heed any warnings concerning fire or wildlife danger. Ensure any fire pits or campfires you light are built properly and away from tents, dry twigs, and nearby foliage to prevent wildfires. Remember to bring bug spray to keep pests away and first aid materials in the case of a minor incident. Be mindful of any local fauna postings, such as bear warnings, or if you run a campground or other such location, ensure you prominently place appropriate signage warning campers of potential wildlife and forest fire dangers.

Whether you’re going hiking, camping, to the beach, to the pool, or simply spending time outside at home, always remember to pack and apply sunscreen every two to four hours. The sun’s harmful UVB rays are the cause of 95% of melanoma cases and 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers.² However, according to an Australian study, appropriate application of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce your chance of developing melanoma by up to 50%.³ Make sure your sunscreen isn’t expired as it can lose effectiveness over time. Sunscreen is an important and easy way to keep you and your skin healthy!

Pool or Beach Side

Many vacationers and coast-dwellers will probably spend some time swimming this summer. It’s a refreshing break from the hot summer sun, a phenomenal form of exercise, and a great way to stay cool. However, there are a few water safety tips to keep in mind while you’re at your favorite swimming locale. If you plan on going to a public pool, you can start by following all posted pool policies. Generally, swimming pool rules are established for the protection of swimmers. No diving, running, glass containers, and leaving children unsupervised are common safety rules meant to protect pool-goers from injury. If you own a pool or your organization has one on property, be sure to keep your swimming pool safety signage updated to reflect current policies. Additionally, there’s the old belief that you should wait 30 minutes to an hour after eating before you can swim, but according to an article from Mayo Clinic and Dr. Boniface, “You may end up with some stomach cramping or a muscle cramp” and “it may not be the most comfortable thing to go for a swim with a full belly, the world won’t end if you ignore your mom’s advice.”⁴

Workplace Woes

Unfortunately, many of us don’t get to enjoy a summer break. Work still needs to be done, but now is a prime opportunity to address summer safety topics for your workplace. It’s easy to skip drinking water while you’re on the clock, so remind your employees and coworkers to stay hydrated during the hot months to prevent dehydration. Perhaps now is the time to update your business’ safety signage. Given the hot and dry weather summer brings, you may consider updating or adding additional fire safety signs and equipment. Clearly marking fire exits and extinguishers can help keep you and your coworkers safe in the case of an emergency. Finally, if your employees spend most of the workday outdoors, remember to let them take plenty of breaks to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

At Home

Whether you can’t travel due to work or simply want a relaxing stay-cation, you always want to keep your home or apartment safe. From a 2014 study from the Bureau of Justice, there is evidence of increased crime rate during the summer. Burglaries occur up to 11% more and household larceny up to 8% more frequently compared to other seasons.⁵ One way to discourage potential criminals is by posting video surveillance signs if you have a camera security system. If you don’t have an electronic security system but do have a canine companion, then hanging “Beware of Dog” signs on your property can help deter would-be burglars and vandals. Home is meant to be a safe haven for you and your family, and warding off unwelcome guests and intruders with clearly marked warning signs can help this summer.

Summer is the season of fun for many. Ensure you keep yours that way by following a few summer safety tips!

References

Minnaert, Lynn. (2017). US Family Travel Survey 2017. Retrieved from https://www.scps.nyu.edu/content/dam/scps/pdf/200/200-4/200-4-16/P1718-0036-2017_Family_Travel_Survey.pdf
www.cancercouncil.com.au
ascopubs.org
newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org
www.bjs.gov

March 29, 2019June 15, 2020

Water Conservation for Businesses

Earth Over North & South America — Over 97% of Earth’s water is salt water

Of all the water on the planet, roughly 97 percent of it is unusable, or difficult to desalinate salt water. This leaves us with about 3 percent of the total as fresh water, more than 98 percent of which is inaccessible due to being located in ice caps, glaciers, and deep groundwater.¹ We are left with a little over 1 percent of fresh water that is usable coming from lakes, rivers, and ground ice. As such, fresh water is considered a limited resource simply because, by comparison, there is so little of it, and when consumption outpaces the natural water cycle, the usable amount decreases, affecting the environment and local populace.

So, what is water conservation?

Water conservation is the process of reducing the amount of excess water used for daily activities domestically, commercially, and industrially through the planning and execution of management practices.

Why is it important?

Maintaining a steady, available supply of usable water affects many aspects of daily activities. Restrooms, laundry facilities, kitchens, and other modern amenities rely on water to function. The wanton and excessive use of water damages the environment. Contaminated water can re-enter the ecosystem and the overuse of a water supply can dry out an entire region.

White & Yellow Sign with Black Lettering that Reads "SEVERE DROUGHT, Please Conserve Water" — Raise drought awareness

Making a plan for conserving water and reducing use can help prevent long-lasting repercussions. The importance of lessening water use in the United States can be inferred from concerns of state water managers who expect water shortages in 40 states by 2023, according to a 2014 Government Accountability Office study.² Simply and economically speaking, reducing excessive water use means less money that your business has to pay for water. It just also happens to help the environment.

Water Use in Businesses

Publicly supplied water is “water delivered to users for domestic, commercial, and industrial purposes”³ and makes up approximately 12 percent of fresh water usage in the United States.⁴ According to the EPA, commercial and industrial businesses account for 17 percent of the use of public water supplies. This includes usage in laundry and cleaning facilities, maintenance of medical equipment, kitchen and restroom use, landscaping, and others. Roughly 40 percent of a company’s water use comes from bathrooms and laundry facilities.⁵ Water use in these sectors is often required, so taking steps towards reducing this utilization would help in decreasing environmental and economical impact.

Steps to Lessen Water Usage

There are a myriad of ways to reduce our water consumption at home, such as:

Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth
Reminder to save water
Only washing full loads of laundry
Updating bathroom fixtures, laundry, and kitchen fixtures

Similarly, implementing a conservative water usage policy within your business can help reduce your company’s footprint.

Help control water usage by:

Monitoring and metering your business’s water usage
Updating cooling and restroom fixtures
Educating and rewarding employees for adhering to a strict water usage plan

Custom Signs offers a wide selection of conservation signage to remind your employees to strive towards lessening your business’ water consumption. Our brass and plastic signs come either engraved or in full color and can be customized to meet your company’s needs. Take the first steps of your company’s journey towards preserving our water supplies by informing your employees with a custom conservation sign from CustomSigns.com.

References

January 10, 2019June 23, 2020

Signage Requirements for Newly Enacted Men’s Room Changing Station Legislation

In today’s ever evolving, modern world, we are all about equality. This has become especially evident over the past few years as men have increasingly expressed frustration with the lack of accessible baby changing facilities available to them. Additionally, society is becoming more aware of the challenges, like the lack of proper changing accommodations, for single fathers and gay couples raising children.

The Challenge of Being Dad

According to the Pew Research Center, fathers are significantly more involved in their child’s care than they were 50 years ago. Dads should never be faced with the conundrum of changing a baby on the men’s room floor or other unsanitary places, and fathers everywhere are taking note and spreading the word.

Donte Palmer, a high school teacher and father of three from Jacksonville, Florida, started the #squatforchange campaign after visiting a local steakhouse that did not offer baby changing stations in its men’s room. When his one year old son needed a diaper change, he gathered the baby and his 12 year old son and headed for the restroom. Then, in what Palmer calls his “perfect man squat”, with his older son at the ready to hand over wipes and diaper as needed, he got down to business.

Donte Palmer’s “perfect man squat”, illustrating the challenges he faces while changing his son in a public men’s room.

What is the Bathrooms Accessible in Every Situation Act?

On October 7, 2016, with bipartisan support from Congress, President Barack Obama signed into law the Bathrooms in Every Situation Act (BABIES Act). This new law requires that both men’s and women’s restrooms located in publicly accessible federal buildings (for example, courthouses and US post offices) offer suitable changing facilities for infants and young toddlers. Specifically, the new law requires changing facilities to be “physically safe, sanitary, and appropriate.”

What Restrooms Are Exempt From the BABIES Act?

The Bathrooms in Every Situation Act excludes the following public spaces from compliance with the new law:

Any restroom that displays clear, concise signage indicating where changing facilities are located on the same floor of the building
Any restroom that would require new construction to comply with the law and the cost of construction is unfeasible

Do Individual States Require Changing Tables in Men’s Restrooms?

New York is the first state to adopt a law that requires fathers and other male caregivers to have a clean, safe place to care for a young child’s sanitary needs. The law, which went into effect on New Year’s Day 2019, includes restaurants, stores, movie theaters, and state facilities such as public parks, offices, and all Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices.

New regulations require changing facilities to be easily accessible to both females and males on all publicly accessible floors of every building. In addition, all buildings must conspicuously post restroom signs illustrating the location of the closest changing table facilities.

Now that both federal and New York State laws have been enacted requiring proper changing table facilities in both women’s and men’s rooms alike, expect other states across the country to adopt similar legislation, making changing time safer and happier for babies and caregivers everywhere.

With these new changing station regulations, it is essential to keep in mind public areas where ADA compliant signs are required by law. At Customsigns.com, we have the signs your public building needs for clearly identifying restrooms with changing table facilities and restroom signs that are ADA complaint. These signs include:

For more information on ADA requirements and restroom signs for public spaces, follow the links here:

How to Design ADA Compliant Signs

ADA Signage All Buildings Must Have

Where Should ADA Signs be Posted?

November 15, 2018June 23, 2020

Choose the Best Materials to Make Your Signs Work for You

Have you ever considered how many times a day signs affect your life? Road signs, menu board signs, entrance, exit, and restroom signs, grocery store signs, storefront signs, election signs, movie marquis, the list is endless! We continually look to signs for information and guidance, often without being consciously aware. According to NVISION, a supply chain management organization, 90 percent of the information transmitted to our brains is visual, and most people are 6.5 times more likely to recall visual information after three days than auditory information. Well thought out signs are ideal for relaying messages that you want or need others to know and remember.

Once you have developed your message, displaying that message on the appropriate sign is equally as important. Materials matter. Quality custom signage is a worthwhile investment that is most likely to return dividends far beyond its initial cost. Here, we’ll answer some key sign questions that will help you make informed, effective decisions about which signs will best meet your needs.

Three Best Outdoor Sign Materials

What is Sintra Board?

Sintra Board is one of the best sign materials for withstanding extreme weather conditions and maintaining its integrity through long term exposure to the elements. This rigid, weatherproof, non-flexible paneling material is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), resists warping or bending, and does not break easily. Sintra Board effortlessly absorbs color and has a low gloss, matte finish. Often used for permanent outdoor signage, Sintra Board also is ideal for real estate and yard signs.

What is Coroplast?

The brand name for corrugated plastic, Coroplast is also referred to as plastic cardboard. An ultra-lightweight zigzagged Coroplast sheet is placed between two smooth sheets of plastic to form signs of various shapes and sizes. While Coroplast is durable, waterproof and weather resistant, it is an economical option best used as temporary outdoor signage, for example, election signs, holiday special signs, car wash signs, open house signs, or custom neighborhood yard signs, just to name a few. Coroplast is easily affixed to H-Stakes or mounted into frames for ready-to-go use.

What is Dibond?

Dibond is an aluminum composite that is made by filling two aluminum sheets with a polyethylene core. Exceptionally durable and resembling the structural integrity of metal, Dibond can be cut into a variety of custom shapes and sizes, perfect for creating signs that stand out from the others. This lightweight, rigid material is weather resistant, noncorrosive, available in a multitude of colors, and can be made with a matte, glossy, or mirrored finish. Because of its versatility and appeal, common uses include outdoor signage and temporary setups such as kiosks or exhibition stands.

The Best Indoor Sign Materials

What is Gator Board?

Commonly used for temporary yard signs, Gator Board is a firm, lightweight material ideal for permanent indoor signs. Manufactured from a dense foam interior placed between two wood fiber veneers, these veneers superbly absorb vivid, full color inks and images that will stand the test of time. Water, scratch, and dent resistant, Gator Board is known for its structural integrity. Gator Board also is used for mounting posters and photographs and makes attractive conference or temporary kiosk displays.

What is Foam Core?

Best for indoor and temporary uses, foam core is made of a dense piece of foam placed between two layers of thick matte paper. With its low glare finish and versatility, it is often used for classroom projects like science fair displays. Foam core also works well for presentations or temporary store displays.

What is Ultra Board?

Because Ultra Board is made with a covering of polystyrene plastic, it is considered one of the most durable indoor sign materials. This material is scratch and warp resistant and is able to be cut or folded to support its own weight, for example freestanding life size Ultra Board cut outs that often feature celebrities.

At Customsigns.com, our Design Your Sign From Scratch page is the ideal starting point for creating signs that will perfectly fit your needs. Follow our link to get started today!

Can Yard Signs be Recycled?

Most yard signs are recyclable! If your yard signs are made of corrugated plastic (Coroplast) and metal H-Stakes, simply separate the stakes from the signs and place them in your recycle bin or drop them at your nearest recycling center. Polypropylene, a main component of most plastics, is not biodegradable. Therefore, recycling is a much better option than making a long term contribution to your local landfill.

What Other Signs or Sign Components are Recyclable?

Recycling guidelines vary widely within counties, communities, and other municipal jurisdictions. To help you determine whether your specific signs (or parts thereof) are recyclable, contact your local recycling facility. In addition, below are the most common recycling symbols and the materials they represent.

1 – Polyethylene Terephalate Ethylene (PETE)

Soft drink, juice, water, detergent, cleanser, cooking, and peanut butter jars.

2 – High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Milk and water jugs, bleach, detergent, and shampoo containers, plastic bags and grocery sacks, motor oil bottles, household cleansers, and butter tubs.

3 – Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Window cleaner, detergent bottles, water jugs, cooking oils, and peanut butter jars.

4 – Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Plastic bags and grocery sacks, film packaging, and some bottles.

5 – Polypropylene (PP)

Syrup bottles, yogurt tubs, caps, straws, and film packaging.

6 – Polystyrene (PS)

Egg cartons, meat trays, plates, flatware, carry out containers, and clear trays.

7 – Other

Resins or plastic combinations.

For more information on how to make custom signs work for your business, please see our related blog posts:

Tips for Designing Visually Effective and Interesting Signs

Making Temporary Signs Work for You

Political Yard Signs, What You Should Know

November 8, 2018November 10, 2020

How to Use Acrylic Signage

Acrylic Signs

Table of Contents
Introduction
What Are Acrylic Signs?
How to Customize Acrylic
Installing Acrylic Signs
Acrylic Uses
How to Care for Acrylic Signs

First impressions are key, so your public space should always look its best. One way to create a polished, professional, cohesive look is to welcome your clients, customers, or guests with eye-catching acrylic signs. Visually appealing, printed in full color with photographic quality, acrylic signs can be an economical and effective marketing tool for your business or conveying your custom message. Whether you’re promoting your brand, displaying a company logo, or distinguishing rooms or offices, acrylic signs are an excellent option.

What are Acrylic Signs?

Acrylic signs are made of a colorless, transparent, durable polymer material, formed into plastic sheets, that resembles the clarity of glass. Because of acrylic’s versatility, flexibility, strength, and lighter weight, it is often preferred to glass, which is naturally more fragile. Able to be printed with a full scale of colors, acrylic signs provide a clean, sophisticated look to virtually any space. Acrylic may also be referred to as Plexiglas^®, Lucite^®, Acrylite^®, Crylux^®, Perspex^®, or plastic glass, among others.

How is Acrylic Customized?

Made by printing directly onto its surface with UV ink, acrylic can be customized either on the front or back surface of the sign. Printing can include simple letters, numbers, or symbols, or use a full-color company logo or other image or photograph.

On standard surface acrylic signs, printing is done on the front side of the sign, producing a matte appearance. Because this printing rests on the front surface of the sign, it is more easily prone to scratches or other damage.

Second surface acrylic signs are printed from the back of the sign, creating a uniform, glossy finish. This printing method ensures a deeper sheen and protects the ink from being rubbed off or scratched.

The purpose of the sign will likely dictate the thickness of the acrylic. Signs typically range from 1/16 inch to as much as one inch or more.

Acrylic sign edges can be either standard or polished. Standard edges are machine cut, unpolished, and have a frosted appearance. Polished edges result in a smoother edge with a shiny finish.

Acrylic material also can be cut into three-dimensional logos, individual letters, numbers, or shapes, creating an eye-catching way of displaying a company logo or message.

Installing Acrylic Signs

Acrylic signs are best displayed when mounted on a clean, flat surface. Most often, custom acrylic signs include an option for pre-drilled holes and can be installed with traditional screws or aluminum or brushed nickel standoffs. Standoffs allow the sign to be displayed at a distance from the wall, creating a three-dimensional effect.

Floating Acrylic Restaurant Sign — bannerbuzz.com

Other Uses for Acrylic Material

Acrylic can be heated to form a variety of useful and creative products, for example:

Freestanding signs and cardholders
Illuminated menu boards
Retail and restaurant signs
Name tags and name plates
Informational signs
Directional signs
Room identification signs
Exhibition signs

Floating Acrylic Stairs Sign — boothdesignmalaysia.com

Caring for Your Acrylic Signs

Acrylic surfaces can scratch, chip, or shatter when not carefully handled. Acrylic signs should be installed with care in areas that are not exposed to direct heat or sunlight for extended periods of time. Acrylic signs are most suitable for extended indoor use or shorter-term outdoor use in covered areas.

To clean acrylic signs, use a clean, soft, damp cloth to gently wipe surface areas.

For more information on how to make custom signs work for your business, please see our related blog posts:

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October 9, 2018June 18, 2020

Banner Design Tips – Marketing Your Business or Event in Style

From local small businesses to national companies that are looking for an economical way to market to the masses, vinyl banners are an ideal choice. Vibrant, colorful, and attention-grabbing, banners are versatile and offer a creative channel to communicate with potential customers or clients. Banners look beautiful while hanging and, when thoughtfully designed, can influence the behaviors of local consumers.

Banners offer a variety of benefits –

Custom designed for your specific message or promotion, banners are a colorful, eye-catching way to attract the attention of hundreds of people a day
Available in custom sizes to fit your needs, banners are ideal for small shops, big business spaces, and everywhere in between
Banners are a cost-effective method of marketing your message to multitudes of people within a given time
Lightweight and durable, our flexible banners are easy to install, weather and fade resistant, and neatly roll for compact storage
Reusable and easily movable, banners are perfect for displaying messages precisely when and where they’re needed

Vinyl Banners 101

How Are Banners Constructed?

Our banners are made from high quality 13 oz. woven fiber vinyl with gloss finish, ideal for repeated indoor/outdoor use. Our vinyl is tear and fade resistant, providing exceptional print quality and affordability. Our banners include a reinforced hem to prevent fraying.

What Are Grommets?

Grommets are small metal rings placed on vinyl banners that provide reinforced holes for hanging. These small metal rings provide extra stability and help protect banners from tearing while hung. Grommets are placed in all four corners; additional grommets are added around banner perimeter as required for proper fastening.

What Are Wind Slits?

Wind slits are small, half-moon shaped cuts made directly in the vinyl that allow wind to easily pass through the banner while reducing wind pressure and stress.

Banner Cleaning and Storage

Clean with mild soap and warm water on a slightly dampened soft cloth and dry thoroughly before storing. To avoid wrinkles or creases, store banners loosely rolled in a cool, dry place.

Displaying Your Banner

When installing a banner, do not overstretch or pull the material too tightly. Especially when hanging outside where wind or rain may tug at the banner, leaving a bit of ‘play’ for the banner to gently move will prevent unnecessary damage.

Popular Banner Sizes and Costs

With our custom Design Your Own Banner tool, creating the perfect banner is ideal for whatever merchandise you’re marketing or event you’re promoting.

Popular banner sizes and costs are –

2’ x 3’ $19.95

Ideal for small spaces, windows, or hanging above merchandise or behind registers. Smaller banners can leave a big impression.

3’ x 6’ $37.95

Ideal for posting on storefronts or promoting special events, these banners are versatile and visible.

4’ x 8’ $67.95

Ideal for hanging high atop buildings or storefronts, these signs are designed to attract attention from travelers from a distance with a message they’ll remember.

Designing an Effective Banner

To promote your brand effectively, designing a banner with a valuable message is essential. Here are our five key tips for designing an effective banner –

Perfect your message!

Less is more. Messages that are short, clear, and concise are more readily remembered by potential customers or clients who are busy and often distracted. For large, outdoor banners five to eight words is ideal, indoor banners should not exceed 15 words or a few short phrases. Keep images and embellishments to a minimum. Too much visual clutter will detract from your core message.

Size matters.

Whether your banner will be read closely or from a distance, choose a banner size that will easily convey your message. Banners that will be read from the street should be larger and include text that is easily readable, while for interior spaces, smaller signs will pack a big punch.

Location, location, location.

Banners should be hung where they will get consumers’ attention, yet not distract from your message. Avoid placing banners over your store name, for example, or in hard to see places. Indoor banners should be strategically placed to lead customers and clients further inside or encourage them to ask questions or for additional information.

Consider color and contrast.

Ideally, the colors on your banner should match or complement your brand’s identity. A single color background will create a more polished, professional look. The greater the contrast between the banner background, font, and graphics, the better its readability will be.

Fonts and graphics.

When choosing font styles, simplicity is key. Stay away from fonts that are too elaborate or challenging to read. No more than two complimentary styles are best. Graphics should be high resolution and clearly relate to your message.

Whether you’re promoting a grand opening, a special event, that spectacular sale or professional services, Customsigns.com makes it easy to create the banners you need for your business. Design your custom banners from scratch or choose from one of our templates. With our custom design tool, your perfect banners are just a click away.

For more information on how to make banners work for you, please see our related blog posts:

Making Temporary Signs Work for You

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Tips for Designing Visually Effective and Interesting Signs

October 2, 2018July 24, 2019

Making Temporary Signs Work for You

Chances are travelers notice hundreds of temporary signs as they trek through neighborhoods and cities, urban and suburban areas. Whether traveling by automobile, bus, train, taxi, or bicycle – even walking or jogging – public and private properties are teeming with temporary signage competing for attention. If getting your signs – and your message – noticed is the name of the game, understanding the ins and outs of making temporary signage work for you is key!

What Are Temporary Signs?

Temporary signs are those designed to provide information for an event limited by a specific time frame. Examples include: political campaigns, real estate sales or rentals, construction sites, civic events, or any type of promotion aimed at the general public. Temporary signs are also used as short-term signage solutions announcing “Coming Soon!” or “Remodeling Underway”, virtually any reason that permanent signs are not in place.

Temporary signs come in many forms, including:

Banners – Signs made of durable, flexible materials that can be attached to walls or windows, hung from ceilings, and can be used indoors or out, depending upon the material the banners are made of

Political/Election Signs – Signs made especially to promote a candidate or a political agenda; typically these signs are only permitted to be displayed on private property and must be removed a specific number of days after voting has taken place

Real Estate Signs – Signs designed to advertise the sale or rent of specific properties, whether private or commercial; these signs are non-illuminated and are generally limited to one sign per property

Construction Signs – Signs erected at construction sites displaying individuals or businesses that are associated with a project; usually only one temporary sign is permitted per construction site

Directional Construction Signs – Signs directing those visiting construction sites and/or making deliveries to proper entrances and exits

Wayfinding Signs – Signs strategically placed to guide and/or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic when temporary detours are required

Yard Signs – Outdoor signs that can be single or double sided, designed to display a message to passersby; these signs are free standing and often supported by H-stakes

Light Boxes – Illuminated boxes of various sizes that can be free standing or affixed to a wall; interchangeable letters, numbers, and symbols allow temporary messages to be displayed and changed as needed

Indoor Temporary Signs – Signs made to inform people of temporary situations, such as when something is “Out of Order” or “Temporarily Out of Stock”; custom temporary signs that can easily be attached with Velcro give a much more professional appearance than a handwritten or computer printed piece of paper affixed with tape

What are the Benefits of Temporary Signs?

Temporary signs provide an exceptional platform for sharing your message with the masses. These signs are a cost effective marketing tool that can help your business – or your candidate – stand out from the competition. These signs can be exceptionally helpful in promoting a home-based business where additional signage is impractical and/or not permitted.

Additionally, temporary signs are easy to install and remove as needed. Durable, lightweight, and often weather resistant and reusable, temporary signs are portable and help to support the tried and true adage that location is everything!

What Are the Challenges of Temporary Signs?

Some of the biggest challenges for posting temporary signs are the varying rules and regulations in place throughout the country. These can be based on the density of a given area as well as local zoning laws. Public safety is also of concern, for both pedestrians and moving vehicles. Rules may be in place limiting the number of temporary signs that can be posted in a given area, as well as standards that specify font sizes and contrast levels to reduce potential accidents caused by those attempting to view hard to read signs. To make temporary signs stand out and effectively relay your message, less is more. Convey your message in clear, concise language with simple graphics and fewer colors to reduce visual clutter and enhance readability.

Historic districts often also have their own set of special regulations designed to maintain the integrity of local historic districts or landmarks. A temporary sign should never take away from the historic character of these thoughtfully preserved areas.

Urban vs Suburban Signs

Urban areas, such as bustling downtown districts, often have greater pedestrian and vehicle traffic than their suburban counterparts. Therefore, it is important to plan temporary signage that has a compelling, effective message that is clearly visible to travelers quickly moving from one destination to another. Successfully, and safely, catching a potential customer’s or voter’s attention is the name of the game.

Creating effective urban signage is not without its challenges. Often, clutter becomes a concern when an abundance of temporary signs are vying for prime visual space. Additionally, urban areas typically have countless permanent (most often illuminated) signs as far as the eye can see.

Customsigns.com carries an exceptional selection of customizable temporary signs sure to meet your needs. Our Customer Focus Team is here to guide you or answer any questions you may have along the way.

For more information on temporary signs, please see our related blog posts:

Tips for Designing Visually Effective and Interesting Signs

Political Yard Signs, What You Should Know

September 25, 2018June 18, 2020

The Importance of Understanding OSHA and Displaying Proper Signage for Workplace Safety

While OHSA is a commonly recognized name throughout the business world, it is safe to say that a large number of employees are unfamiliar with what OSHA is designed to do. OSHA, or the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, is a governmental oversight organization designed to hold employers responsible for providing a safe, healthful work environment for all employees and visitors.

OSHA Health and Safety in the Workplace

While OSHA does not specifically have an official regulatory section devoted solely to office safety, several standards and additional links can be found in OSHA’s Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs, applicable to workplace environments, as well as an OSHA Self-Inspection Checklist for Office Safety.

OFFICE HEALTH AND SAFETY – First and foremost is the health and well-being of every office employee and visitor. While office environments may appear to be relatively safe on a day-to-day basis, accidents do happen and employers often are at risk for losing thousands of dollars annually due to accidental injuries or illnesses. Add to that higher insurance premiums that are sure to follow, the loss of revenue from the need to replace an employee or employees (even temporarily), and the potentially high costs of workers’ compensation claims. And when the employer is at fault, personal injury claims for negligence can be significant.

SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS – Slips, trips, and falls can happen anywhere and are one of the leading causes of workplace injury. Things that may not appear to pose a hazard can actually cause significant injury, for example, wet or recently waxed floors, boxes in an isle way or objects blocking exits, open cabinet or filing drawers, fallen objects, loose power cords across walkways, and food spills, just to name a few. OSHA does provide guidelines for developing a safety policy at your place of business, with the understanding that training all employees is the key to success. Posting the appropriate safety signage can be an effective first step in alerting employees and visitors to be aware of certain situations where an accident may occur.

FIRST AID AND SAFETY – OSHA approved first aid includes the following:

Administering nonprescription medications at nonprescription strength
Administering tetanus immunizations ONLY (all others are considered medical treatment)
Cleaning, flushing, or soaking surface wounds
Applying wound coverings including bandages, gauze pads, butterfly bandages, or Steri-strips
Applying hot or cold therapy
Using temporary stabilization devices, such as splints, slings, or neck collars
Using eye-patches and removing foreign objects from eyes ONLY with irrigation or q-tips
Removing a splinter or other foreign body with tweezers, irrigation, cotton balls, or other simple means
Drinking fluids to alleviate the effects of heat stress

OFFICE SAFETY AND CHEMICAL USAGE – Chances are the cleaning and/or bathroom closets and cleaning supply area for the kitchen or break room are full of chemical products. Even “green” or organic products require proper precautions. When any chemicals are present in an office setting, OSHA requires proper training for all employees for handling chemical spills and other accidents appropriately.

Training specifics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Never mix cleaning products, especially those containing ammonia or bleach
Be aware of which cleaning products/chemicals require dilution and by how much
Proper chemical product usage and storage
Appropriate emergency procedures for caring for the patient and appropriately cleaning the contaminated office area(s)
Understanding the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to be worn when cleaning chemical spills, for example, chemical-approved gloves, goggles, and body suits
Always CLEARLY LABEL all cleaning and chemical containers with their contents and potential hazards
Proper ventilation to avoid buildup of dangerous vapors and chemical fumes
Thorough hand and arm washing after use of any and all cleaning and/or chemicals

GERMS AND BACTERIA IN THE OFFICE – Just about everyone has experienced how rapidly germs and sickness spread through the workplace, causing absenteeism to skyrocket and productivity to significantly decline. Consider the confined spaces that workplaces often include, add to that frequent sneezing and coughing near or by those around you. Additionally, we share water fountains, door handles, copy machines, faucets, and everything in between.

To combat the spread of illness in the workplace, OSHA has developed basic safety procedures for promoting the highest levels of health and safety. These include: proper hand washing techniques, cough etiquette, and the installation of “no touch” waste receptacles for used tissues, disposable towels, and cleaning supplies, among others. These wastebaskets should be placed generously throughout all office spaces.

PROMOTING A POSITIVE FEELING IN THE WORKPLACE – No matter what the goal, when everyone in the work group takes individual ownership – led by example from the top down – success is most likely to follow. Positive attitudes across the board help employees not only to perform better, but to feel like he or she plays an important role in the success of the organization.

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE AND SAFETY – Workplace violence is a serious problem, and can occur either inside or outside the work environment. Violent acts can cover anything from threats or verbal incidents to physical altercations and even the loss of life. According to OSHA, more than 2 million Americans annually are victims of workplace violence. OSHA has put together a detailed fact sheet addressing workplace violence that every business should read and follow.

For more information, please visit OSHA or call 800.321.OSHA (6742), TYY 877.889.5627.

See our other OSHA blogs for additional information on keeping your employees and visitors safe:

The Importance of OSHA Signs for Construction Sites

How to Increase Workplace Safety Over the Summer

Caution, Warning, and Danger Signs Explained

OSHA’s National Youth Safety Initiative

Effects of Sale Signs

Signs Improve Sales

Customer Influence

Results of Implementing Colors

Prepare for Black Friday

Resources:

How Colors Affect Customers

The Color Red

What About Other Colors?

The Numbers Matter

Dollars Signs Are Discouraged

Suggest Bulk Offers

Related Posts:

References:

Vacation Season

The Great Outdoors

Pool or Beach Side

Workplace Woes

At Home

References

So, what is water conservation?

Why is it important?

Water Use in Businesses

Steps to Lessen Water Usage

References

The Challenge of Being Dad

What is the Bathrooms Accessible in Every Situation Act?

What Restrooms Are Exempt From the BABIES Act?

Do Individual States Require Changing Tables in Men’s Restrooms?

Three Best Outdoor Sign Materials

What is Sintra Board?

What is Coroplast?

What is Dibond?

The Best Indoor Sign Materials

What is Gator Board?

What is Foam Core?

What is Ultra Board?

Can Yard Signs be Recycled?

What Other Signs or Sign Components are Recyclable?

1 – Polyethylene Terephalate Ethylene (PETE)

2 – High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

3 – Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

4 – Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

5 – Polypropylene (PP)

6 – Polystyrene (PS)

7 – Other

Acrylic Signs

What are Acrylic Signs?

How is Acrylic Customized?

Installing Acrylic Signs

Other Uses for Acrylic Material

Caring for Your Acrylic Signs

For more information on how to make custom signs work for your business, please see our related blog posts:

Banners offer a variety of benefits –

Vinyl Banners 101

Popular Banner Sizes and Costs

Designing an Effective Banner

What Are Temporary Signs?

Temporary signs come in many forms, including:

What are the Benefits of Temporary Signs?

What Are the Challenges of Temporary Signs?

Urban vs Suburban Signs

OSHA Health and Safety in the Workplace

Training specifics include, but are not limited to, the following: