How to Price Rush and Custom Orders for Sign Shops
How to price rush and custom sign orders: rush fees by turnaround time, design and proof charges, deposits and change fees, with examples.
In this guide
Every sign shop gets the call: "We need it by Friday." Rush jobs push other work, mean overtime, and sometimes need faster shipping on materials. Custom jobs bring design time and proofs. This guide shows how to price rush and custom orders so they pay for the disruption.
- Rush price = normal price + rush fee based on turnaround time.
- Many shops add about 25% for 48 hours and 50% to 100% for same day or next day.
- Charge design and extra proofs separately from production.
- Take a deposit before starting custom design work.
Why rush orders need a fee
Rush jobs push other orders back, may need overtime, and can mean paying more for fast material shipping.
A clear rush fee makes customers plan ahead, and it pays you when they don't.
The steps
1. Price the job normally
Materials, labor, overhead and profit.
2. Add design time
Layout and proofs. Include one or two revisions.
3. Set rush tiers
Standard, 48-hour, next day and same day.
4. Add extra costs
Overtime, fast shipping on materials, or after-hours install.
5. Take a deposit
Often 50% before design or production.
Worked example: three signs at standard turnaround
Printed signs with simple design included. $40 an hour, 15% overhead, 30% profit and 3% card fees.
| 12 x 18 in aluminum sign | 24 x 36 in aluminum sign | 4 x 8 ft coroplast banner sign | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $18.00 | $45.00 | $60.00 |
| Labor at $40.00/hr | 1 hr = $40.00 | 2 hr = $80.00 | 2.5 hr = $100.00 |
| Overhead (15%) | $8.70 | $18.75 | $24.00 |
| Cost to make | $66.70 | $143.75 | $184.00 |
| Plus 30% profit | $86.71 | $186.88 | $239.20 |
| Cover 3% selling fees (divide by 0.97) | $89.39 | $192.65 | $246.60 |
| Suggested price | $90 | $193 | $247 |
These are standard prices with a 5 to 7 day turnaround. The table below adds rush fees on top.
Rush prices for the same signs
| Sign | Standard | 48 hours (+25%) | Next day (+60%) | Same day (+100%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 x 18 in | $90 | $113 | $144 | $180 |
| 24 x 36 in | $193 | $242 | $309 | $386 |
| 4 x 8 ft | $247 | $309 | $396 | $494 |
Many shops use about 25% for 48 hours, 50% to 75% for next day and 75% to 100% for same day, or a flat minimum rush fee. Add any extra cost, like fast material shipping, on top.
Pricing mistakes to avoid
- Saying yes to every rush job without a fee. Rush jobs cost you time on other orders.
- Unlimited proofs. Include one or two, then charge for more changes.
- No deposit on custom design. If the customer walks away, you lose the design time.
- Hiding the rush fee. Show it clearly on the quote.
Rush and custom order checklist
- Normal price calculated.
- Design time charged.
- Rush tiers set.
- Extra costs added.
- Deposit collected.
- Proof limits stated.
Quote custom orders with rush fees
Type your job, design time and rush tier into the peach cells. The calculator builds a quote with deposit.
Get the Custom Order Quote CalculatorCalculators that help
- Deposits: Track deposits and balances. 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.
- Deadlines: Plan production by due date. Use the Production Schedule & Deadline Planner – Order Queue, Finish Dates & Late Order Alerts.
- Price increases: Plan price changes. Use the Price Increase Calculator – New Price, Profit Change & Sales You Can Lose After a Price Increase.
Common questions
How much should I charge for a rush order?
Many shops add about 25% for 48 hours and 50% to 100% for next day or same day.
Should I charge for design?
Yes. Charge design separately or include it in the quote.
How many proofs should I include?
Many shops include one or two.
Should I take a deposit?
Yes, often 50% before design or production.
Can I refuse rush jobs?
Yes. Only accept rush jobs that fit your schedule.
How do I explain rush fees?
Explain that rush jobs push other work and may need overtime.
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