So who are the big players in the LED Display market and what should you be looking for when you are thinking about investing in an Electronic Message Center? Yes, it is an investment! It will break you from the bonds of couponing in the local newspaper and get you into controlling the message you send to YOUR customers!
First, can you even have one in the municipality you own your business in? CHECK YOU CITY CODE!! Many cities do allow LED Message centers, but have restrictions on the type of color RGB (Red Green Blue or Full Color) or monochrome (single color). There are also restrictions on whether the sign can have flashing or moving artwork. This is very important to know, because the signs developed today have the capability to produce movie quality images over long distances. They are significantly more expensive than monochrome, however to make the up-sell easier for the potential customer, LED sign manufactures are dropping the cost on full color quickly. The other thing to consider is size. Many municipalities limit the size and position of the display as well. You can always apply for a variance from the city if you want one and they deny your permit. Just understand it's going to be expensive, but for the right business it may be worth the fight.
At Signdealz we use primarily two US based manufacturers. Daktronics LED displays out of Brookings SD and Watchfire from Time-o-Matic out of Danville, IL. Both manufactures are based in the good old US of A, but have superior manufacturing quality over their Chinese and Korean counterparts. Here is a small list of why you should go US. Not because I am a god loving American, but because:
So remember, you get what you pay for in an LED display sign. A good 3' X 10' High Resolution LED Message Center double sided for a monument sign will cost you about $18,000 to $25,000 depending on installation, permit costs, and materials. If you plan on going for a pole sign double sided, say about 12' to 15' in the air you might have to double the price range to $20,000 to $50,000. You will probably have to increase the size of the display as well, so that passing cars can read the sucker that high up in the air. If you are going to a digital billboard, then expect to pay up to $1,000,000.00 dollars, but who in their right mind would want to do that?
So kids, remember. In my next article I will go over the investment side of purchasing a quality Watchfire LED Sign in Denver, Boulder, Littleton, Fort Collins, or Colorado Springs Colorado. It's a no brainer investment, but that's for another story. Call Signdealz if you are interested in receiving more information on purchasing this valuable asset to your new or existing business.