Why Your Storefront Sign Manufacturer Matters

Most business owners assume their sign company fabricates their illuminated storefront sign in-house. But many sign providers outsource production to wholesale manufacturers in other states, then focus on sales and installation.

That approach can work—but it often reduces your control over key details like design flexibility, material choices, lead times, and customization.

At Signarama Buffalo Grove, we produce in-house—so you get better control, stronger quality standards, and timelines you can actually plan around.

What “In-House Production” Means at Signarama Buffalo Grove

Because our facility handles fabrication under one roof, we can deliver solutions that outsourced providers often can’t match. Our capabilities include:
Channel letter fabrication equipment
CNC routing
Flatbed printing
Large-format printing
Laser cutting
Paint finishing capabilities
Dimensional letter production
Professional installation services

UL-Listed Manufacturing + Licensed Electrical Installation

Illuminated storefront signs aren’t just built—they must also be safely installed and electrically compliant.

Signarama Buffalo Grove is a UL-listed sign manufacturer and we hold the electrical licensing required to install and service illuminated signage. That means we can manage your project end-to-end, from initial design through final electrical connection and inspection.

Before you move forward, ask any sign provider to clearly explain:
Local electrical requirements
Permitting and inspection expectations
Applicable safety standards

Storefront Sign Pricing: What Should It Cost?

One of the most common questions we hear is:
“How much should a storefront sign cost?”

Pricing depends on factors like:
Total dimensions
Number of letters
Illumination type
Installation height
Electrical requirements
Whether existing signage needs removal
Permit requirements

For the Chicago market, a general guideline is:
Small storefront signs: $4,000–$7,000 installed
Medium illuminated storefront signs: $7,000–$15,000 installed
Large storefront/shopping center signage and complex installs: $15,000–$30,000+

Important: The only accurate way to price a storefront sign is through a site survey and design review.

And when comparing quotes, don’t choose based on price alone. Differences in materials, LED components, construction methods, engineering, permitting, and installation practices can significantly affect appearance, performance, and longevity.

Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Sign Company

Before you sign off on a storefront sign project, ask:
Do you manufacture illuminated signs in-house?
Are you UL-listed?
Do you hold electrical licensing for sign installations?
Who handles permitting?
Who performs the installation?
Can I visit your production facility?
What warranty is included?

The answers will quickly show whether you’re getting a true manufacturing partner—or just a reseller with limited control over the details that matter most.

Signarama of Buffalo Grove designs, fabricates, and installs custom storefront signs throughout the greater Chicagoland area, including Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, Northbrook, Des Plaines, Wheeling, Deerfield, Lincolnshire, Vernon Hills, Lake Zurich, Palatine, Mount Prospect, Glenview, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Skokie, Evanston, Highland Park, Long Grove, Kildeer, Barrington, and surrounding communities. Our storefront sign solutions include illuminated channel letters, dimensional letters, cabinet signs, monument signs, window graphics, and custom architectural signage designed to increase visibility and attract customers. Every sign is fabricated using premium materials and installed by experienced professionals to withstand Illinois weather conditions while enhancing your business's brand image.

Areas We Serve

Our storefront sign fabrication, permitting, installation, and service are available throughout:

• Arlington Heights

• Barrington

• Buffalo Grove

• Deerfield

• Des Plaines

• Evanston

• Glenview

• Highland Park

• Hoffman Estates

• Kildeer

• Lake Zurich

• Lincolnshire

• Long Grove

• Mount Prospect

• Northbrook

• Palatine

• Schaumburg

• Skokie

• Vernon Hills

• Wheeling

We work with retail stores, restaurants, medical offices, shopping centers, corporate offices, schools, industrial facilities, and commercial property owners throughout Chicago's northern suburbs and the greater Chicagoland area.

The signage industry is crowded with brokers, middlemen, and companies that don’t actually build anything.

A lot of them survive on location, relationships, or luck — leaning on someone else’s shop to do the real work. And it works… until it doesn’t.

The moment a project goes sideways, margins disappear, timelines slip, and suddenly the client is dealing with a company that’s dodging calls and scrambling to protect their reputation.

That’s the reality behind a large portion of this industry.

If you’re investing in signage, you don’t just need a vendor — you need a partner who actually owns the process.

A team that:
• Builds in-house
• Understands fabrication, not just sales
• Manages projects proactively
• Stands behind the final product

Because when things get complicated (and they always do), that’s when the difference shows.

When an existing sign structure begins to fail, it’s more than just a cosmetic issue — it becomes a safety risk and a liability. At Ginger Woods, the original sign and supporting structure had deteriorated significantly, with visible rot and structural instability. The entire system was at risk of collapse. Our team completed a full-service sign replacement, handling every phase of the project: Scope of Work Removal and disposal of the existing deteriorated sign Demolition of the failing structural components Reconstruction of the brick monument base/column Fabrication of a new custom exterior sign panel Installation of a durable, weather-resistant signage system The Result The new installation delivers: A clean, updated appearance that fits the neighborhood A structurally sound foundation built for long-term durability Improved visibility and curb appeal Peace of mind knowing the sign is safe and compliant Why Full Sign Replacement Matters Many property managers and HOAs try to patch aging signage, but when the structure is compromised, repairs are only temporary. A proper rebuild ensures: Long-term cost savings Code compliance and safety Consistent branding and appearance Reduced maintenance over time