Opening a new business comes with hundreds of decisions, and signage is often left until the final weeks.
Unfortunately, that’s when unexpected delays, budget blowouts, and compliance issues tend to appear.
Here are the seven mistakes ACWA Supplier Member Awesigns see most often—and how to avoid them.
MISTAKE 1:
Leaving signage until the last minute
Many business owners assume signage can be ordered once the fit-out is done.
The reality is that quality signage often requires:
- Site measurements
- Design approval
- Council approvals (where required)
- Manufacturing
- Installation scheduling
- Coordination with electricians or builders
Starting the signage process early helps avoid delays to your opening date and reduces the pressure of trying to organise everything at once.
Tip: Start discussing your signage requirements as soon as your lease is signed or your fit-out begins.
MISTAKE 2:
Ordering from multiple suppliers
It can seem cheaper to source your illuminated sign from one company, your window graphics from another, and your vehicle graphics elsewhere.
What are the downsides?
- Colours don’t match.
- Branding becomes inconsistent.
- Installation schedules don’t align.
- If something goes wrong, everyone points the finger at someone else.
Working with one supplier means your branding remains consistent from the front door to your reception, vehicles, and interior signage.
MISTAKE 3:
Forgetting the customer journey
Think beyond your shopfront.
Ask yourself:
- Can customers easily find you?
- Do they know where to park?
- Can they locate your entrance?
- Can they find reception?
- Do they know where amenities are?
Great signage isn’t just about attracting attention—it guides people through your business and creates a seamless experience.
MISTAKE 4:
Overlooking compliance signage
Compliance signage is rarely the exciting part of a fit-out, but it’s essential.
Depending on your business, you may require:
- Braille and tactile signs
- Emergency and exit signage
- Fire equipment identification
- Accessible amenities signage
- Workplace Health & Safety signage
- Building directories
Leaving these until the end often leads to rushed decisions and additional costs.
MISTAKE 5:
Designing for today—not tomorrow
Your business might grow faster than expected.
Consider future-proofing by planning for:
- Additional staff
- More consulting rooms
- Extra offices
- New services
- Vehicle branding
- Additional locations
A well-planned signage package makes future updates easier and keeps your branding consistent.
MISTAKE 6:
Choosing price over longevity
Not all signage materials are created equal.
Outdoor signage is exposed to:
- UV
- Rain
- Heat
- Wind
- Cleaning chemicals
Choosing quality materials from the beginning can save money over the long term by reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
MISTAKE 7:
Thinking signage is only your logo
Your logo is just the beginning.
Your signage should work together to create a professional customer experience, including:
- Shopfront signage
- Window graphics
- Reception branding
- Wall graphics
- Wayfinding
- Vehicle graphics
- Directional signs
When everything is coordinated, customers immediately recognise your business and gain confidence in your brand.
Your signage is often the first impression customers have of your business—and one of the last things to be installed.
Planning ahead can help you avoid unnecessary costs, reduce stress, and ensure everything is ready for opening day.
At Awesigns, we work alongside builders, shopfitters, business owners, and project managers to deliver signage solutions from concept through to installation, helping make the process as smooth as possible.
We’d love to chat with you about your signage needs! Contact Awesigns today.
Phone: 0419 567 419
Email: sales@awesigns.com.au
Thank you to ACWA Supplier Member, Awesigns, for supplying this article.
