How Much Do Sign Companies Pay for Materials?

MDO, HDU, a popular 3M vinyl and service-call markups.

Published

1 month ago

March 7, 2025

Signs of the Times Staff

WHO OUT THERE REMEMBERS the “Signwriters Pricing Guides” — for years, the pocket-sized booklets with the national averages for what sign companies charge for specific signwork? Here we bring you the contemporary version… and hopefully everyone is using software for pricing now… right?

51. How much do you pay for MDO plywood, 4 x 8 ft., ½ in. thick?

Less than $50
15%
$50 to $99
34%
$100 to $109
20%
$110 to $119
14%
$120 to $129
12%
$130 or more
5%

52. How much do you pay for HDU 20 lb., 4 x 8 ft., 1-½ in. thick?

Less than $200
15%
$200 to $299
23%
$300 to $399
25%
$400 to $499
16%
$500 or more
21%

53. How much do you pay for 3M IJ180Cv3 graphic film, 150-ft. roll, 54 in. wide?

Less than $500
18%
$500 to $599
21%
$600 to $699
12%
$700 to $799
24%
$800 or more
25%

54. How much do you mark up materials on service calls?

Signs of the Times Staff

Signs of the Times has been the world leader in sign information since 1906. Contact Signs of the Times' editors at editor@signsofthetimes.com.

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