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Our friendly graphic artists at Majestic Sign & Design have been getting a lot of inquiries from entrepreneurs who are ready to open a first storefront or office. While they already know where to get signs in Detroit, they are a bit fuzzy on the details. What kinds of signage is a must-have on opening day? What can come later? Are there any rules?
For the Outside
How will motorists find your store? More importantly, can they see it before they are almost right next to the parking lot entrance? The most important must-have sign that you simply cannot do without is your building marker. Choose a backlit sign, channel-cut lettering or a light box cabinet with changeable display area. Remember that it needs to be big enough to be easily seen from down the street.
It is always a good idea to choose a sign that harmonizes with the signage chosen by surrounding businesses. Although it is true that you need to stand out in some way, you want to draw attention due to a cleverly designed logo – not because of a sign that sticks out like a sore thumb. Lit signs are usually a better choice than unlit models. That said, if you have a properly lit building facade or landscape lights that will light up the marker in just the right way, you might choose non-illuminated signage.
For the Inside
Interior signs for new businesses in Detroit, Michigan, can be broken down into two categories. There are the necessary way-finding markers that should comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. These signs let customers or clients know where to find restrooms, stairwells, meeting rooms, the lobby, the customer service desk and the emergency exits. These signs come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes.
Then there are promotional signs that vary depending on your type of business. Consider adding business directories – for physicians’ offices – and printed menus for restaurants. Window graphics are a great idea for displaying store or office hours. They also help with building brand awareness and let you publish your social media website addresses. Optional future signage purchases should include digital wallpaper, banners, posters and decals.
Working with Professionals is the Key to Success
When you work with our sign makers, you get professionals who are well versed in zoning regulations and municipal signage requirements. As noted by the International Sign Association (ISA), there are a large number of rules in place that govern the size and allowable location of exterior signage. Applying for permits or variances ahead of time is a requirement.
If you are leasing your space, there is a good chance that the property owner or management company has additional signage requirements. They should be spelled out in your lease. Since this whole process can get rather confusing when you buy your store or office markers for the first time, let us handle the details. We ensure that all parties sign off on your signage proposal before we even start manufacture.
When you add additional business signs in the future, we will have your designs and paperwork saved digitally. This makes it easy to incorporate your logo and other artwork into the signage. Contact us to find out more! Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook!