Awning and Canopy Sign Pricing: Lettering, Printed Covers and New Awnings
How to price awning and canopy signs: lettering on existing awnings, printed replacement covers and new awnings, with design, install and permit costs.
In this guide
Awnings give storefronts shade and a big, visible sign. Sign shops are often asked to letter an existing awning, replace a faded cover, or quote a new awning. Each job has very different costs. This guide shows how to price all three, with design, install and permits.
- Awning price = material or fabrication + graphics + design + install + permits + overhead, then profit and fees.
- Lettering an existing awning prices at about $256 in this guide.
- New awnings with frames are often built by a fabricator. Mark up the fabricator cost and add your design and project management.
- Check local permit rules before quoting new awnings.
Why awning jobs vary so much
Lettering on an existing awning is a vinyl job with ladder work. A replacement cover is a sewn and printed fabric job. A new awning needs a frame, mounting and often a permit.
Many sign shops outsource fabrication. Your price should include the fabricator cost, your markup, design and your time managing the job.
The steps
1. Pick the job type
Lettering, replacement cover or new awning.
2. Get material or fabrication cost
Awning vinyl, printed fabric, or a fabricator quote.
3. Add design
Layout and proof.
4. Add install
Lift or ladder time, crew and travel.
5. Add permits
Permit fees and time to apply, if needed.
6. Add overhead, profit and fees
Use 15% overhead, 25% to 30% profit and card fees.
Worked example: three awning jobs
$45 an hour for design, project management and install, 15% overhead, 25% profit and 3% card fees. Fabricator costs are example amounts. Get real quotes.
| Letter an existing awning | Printed replacement cover (10 ft) | New 10 ft awning with frame | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material or fabricator cost | $35.00 | $650.00 | $2,200.00 |
| Travel and equipment | $25.00 | $50.00 | $150.00 |
| Permit | $0.00 | $0.00 | $150.00 |
| Labor at $45.00/hr | 2.5 hr = $112.50 | 4 hr = $180.00 | 8 hr = $360.00 |
| Overhead (15%) | $25.88 | $132.00 | $429.00 |
| Cost to make | $198.38 | $1,012.00 | $3,289.00 |
| Plus 25% profit | $247.97 | $1,265.00 | $4,111.25 |
| Cover 3% selling fees (divide by 0.97) | $255.64 | $1,304.12 | $4,238.40 |
| Suggested price | $256 | $1305 | $4239 |
New awnings are big jobs. Take a deposit to cover fabrication before ordering.
Pricing mistakes to avoid
- Quoting new awnings without a site visit. Wall type, height and access change the job.
- Forgetting permits. Many cities need permits for awnings and signs.
- No markup on fabrication. Your time managing the job is worth paying for.
- No deposit. Fabrication must be paid up front.
Awning job checklist
- Job type chosen.
- Material or fabricator quote.
- Design time.
- Install and equipment.
- Permits checked.
- Overhead, profit and fees.
- Deposit collected.
Quote big custom jobs
Type your costs, time and deposit into the peach cells. The calculator builds a quote with profit.
Get the Custom Order Quote CalculatorCalculators that help
- Deposits: Track deposits on big jobs. Use the Custom Order Deposit & Balance Tracker – Deposits, Balances Due & Overdue Orders.
- Design time: Charge for design. Use the Design & Setup Time Cost Calculator – Setup Fee, Proofs, Samples & Cost per Item.
- Installation: Price install work. Use the Decal Installation Pricing Calculator – Labor, Surface Prep, Removal & Travel.
- Storefront lettering: Quote window lettering. Use the Storefront & Window Lettering Quote Calculator – Square Foot Pricing, Travel & Removal.
Common questions
How much does awning lettering cost?
Lettering an existing awning is often a few hundred dollars depending on size and access. In this guide it prices at about $256.
How much does a new awning cost?
New awnings with frames often cost thousands, depending on size and materials.
Should sign shops build awnings?
Many outsource fabrication and handle design and install.
Do awnings need permits?
Often yes. Check your city rules.
How long do printed awnings last?
It depends on fabric and sun. Many last several years.
Should I take a deposit?
Yes, especially for fabrication.
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