Requesting a custom sign quote may seem simple, but the information included in your inquiry directly affects the accuracy of the quotation. If important details are missing, the supplier may need to ask several follow-up questions before confirming the price.
A clear inquiry helps the manufacturer understand your application, recommend suitable materials, calculate production costs and estimate delivery time. It also helps prevent misunderstandings before production begins.
This guide explains the main information you should prepare when requesting a quote for custom signs, banners, flags or display Products.
1. Describe the Product You Need
Start by identifying the type of product you want to order. You may need an Acrylic Sign, PVC sign, metal sign, yard sign, printed banner, custom flag or portable display stand.
If you do not know the exact product name, explain how and where the product will be used. The manufacturer can recommend a suitable solution based on your application.
- Product type
- Intended application
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Temporary or long-term use
- Single-sided or double-sided display
- Required mounting or support method
2. Provide the Finished Size
Finished dimensions are one of the most important parts of a custom sign quotation. Material consumption, printing cost, packaging and shipping can all change according to the size.
Always specify the unit of measurement, such as millimeters, centimeters, inches or feet.
- 600 × 400 mm
- 24 × 36 inches
- 3 × 6 feet
For three-dimensional Products, also provide the required depth or thickness. If your order contains several sizes, list the quantity required for each size separately.
If you are unsure about the correct size, provide the available installation space, expected viewing distance and photographs of the location.
3. Confirm the Required Quantity
Always include the expected order quantity in your inquiry. The unit price for one sample can be different from the unit price for a larger production order because setup, printing and processing costs are distributed across the total quantity.
If you are considering several quantities, ask for separate price levels, such as 10 pieces, 50 pieces and 100 pieces.
If you need a sample before placing a bulk order, mention this clearly. Ask whether the sample cost, production process or shipping method will differ from the bulk order.
4. Specify the Preferred Material
If you already know the required material, include its name and thickness. Common sign materials include acrylic, PVC, corrugated plastic, aluminum composite panel, stainless steel, wood and polyester fabric.
If you are unsure which material to choose, describe the intended use instead. The supplier may need to know:
- Whether the product will be used indoors or outdoors
- How long it is expected to remain in use
- Whether it will be exposed to rain, sunlight or wind
- Whether low weight or rigidity is more important
- Whether the surface should be clear, glossy, matte or opaque
Providing the application and expected service period allows the manufacturer to recommend a practical material.
5. Explain the Printing and Color Requirements
Tell the supplier whether you need full-color printing, a single-color logo, printed text, cut vinyl graphics, engraving or another type of decoration.
Also confirm whether the design should appear on one side or both sides.
For brand colors that must be matched closely, provide Pantone, CMYK or other available color references. Colors displayed on different monitors may vary, so a screen image alone may not provide an exact production reference.
6. Send the Artwork or Logo File
Providing the design file allows the manufacturer to evaluate print quality, cutting requirements, colors and production complexity.
Vector files are generally preferred for logos, text and cut shapes because they can be enlarged without losing sharpness. Common vector formats include AI, EPS, PDF and SVG.
High-resolution PSD, TIFF, PNG or JPEG files may also be suitable for printed images, depending on the final dimensions and required resolution.
Before sending artwork, check that:
- The document proportions match the finished product
- Images have sufficient resolution
- Fonts are outlined or included
- Linked images are embedded
- Important content remains inside the safe area
- Bleed is included when required
If the artwork is not ready, send your logo, text, preferred colors and a layout reference. Clearly state whether you need design assistance or production only.
7. Describe the Shape and Finishing Options
Custom signs are not limited to standard rectangles. They can often be cut into circles, letters, logos or other custom shapes.
- Custom contour cutting
- Rounded corners
- Drilled mounting holes
- Polished acrylic edges
- Gloss or matte lamination
- Protective surface film
- Metal eyelets
- Adhesive backing
- Standoffs, screws or mounting accessories
These details can affect both the production method and the final price, so confirm them before ordering.
8. Explain How the Sign Will Be Installed
The installation method should be considered before the sign is manufactured. Mounting holes, brackets, adhesive backing and other accessories may need to be added during production.
- Wall mounting with screws
- Installation with decorative standoffs
- Adhesive mounting on a smooth surface
- Hanging with chains, cables or hooks
- Installation on posts or stakes
- Use with a portable display stand
If the sign must fit an existing frame or structure, provide the internal dimensions and photographs of the installation area.
9. State the Intended Environment
A product designed for a climate-controlled indoor space may require different materials and finishing from one used outside.
Tell the supplier whether the sign will be exposed to direct sunlight, rain, high humidity, strong wind, temperature changes, frequent handling or heavy public traffic.
Instead of simply asking for a “weatherproof” sign, explain the actual conditions and expected period of use. This allows the manufacturer to discuss realistic material and finishing options.
10. Provide the Delivery Destination and Required Date
Shipping cost cannot usually be calculated accurately without a destination. Provide the destination country, city and postal code when requesting a quotation.
If you have an event date, store opening or installation deadline, include it in the inquiry. The supplier can then evaluate the time needed for artwork confirmation, production, inspection, packaging and transportation.
It is better to provide the date when the products must arrive, rather than only the date when you plan to place the order.
11. Ask What the Quotation Includes
When comparing quotations from different suppliers, make sure they include the same items. A lower price may not include printing, accessories, packaging, design adjustment or shipping.
- Product and printing costs
- Setup or tooling charges
- Design or artwork adjustment
- Mounting accessories
- Individual or bulk packaging
- Sample cost
- Shipping cost
- Applicable taxes or import charges
You should also confirm the quotation currency, payment terms and quotation validity period.
Custom Sign Quote Request Checklist
- Product type
- Finished dimensions and thickness
- Required quantity
- Preferred material or intended application
- Single-sided or double-sided printing
- Artwork or logo file
- Shape and finishing requirements
- Installation method
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Delivery destination
- Required arrival date
Not every project requires all of these details. However, providing as much relevant information as possible can shorten the quotation process and help avoid incorrect assumptions.
Example of a Clear Quote Request
Hello, we need 50 custom outdoor PVC signs for a retail promotion. The finished size is 600 × 400 mm, and we prefer 5 mm white PVC if it is suitable for the application. Each sign requires full-color printing on both sides, rounded corners and four mounting holes. The signs will be installed outdoors for approximately three months. Our artwork is attached as a PDF file. Delivery is required to [City, Country, Postal Code] before [Required Date]. Please quote the product, packaging and shipping costs separately.
Request a Custom Sign Quote from AUBAO
AUBAO supplies customizable signs, banners, flags and display products for retail promotions, business advertising, events and exhibitions.
If you are uncertain about the material or production method, send us your application details, size, quantity and artwork. We can review the available information and discuss suitable manufacturing options for your project.
Request a custom quote and include as many details from the checklist as possible.
Published on August 13, 2026
