For new and relocating businesses in the Piedmont Triad, Hickory, and Asheville
Opening a new business location is one of the most stressful things a small business owner can do. There’s a long list of things that must happen before opening day, and signage is almost always pushed to the end.
That’s a problem because signs and permits take time. And walking into your grand opening without a sign on the building sends the wrong message before you’ve served a single customer.
This checklist walks you through what you need, when to order it, and how to avoid the most common signage mistakes businesses make when opening a new location.
When should I order my business signs?
Earlier than you think. Most business owners contact Sign Systems four to six weeks before opening and find out they needed to start the process three months ago.
Here’s a realistic timeline for a full signage package:
- Building signs: Order 6 to 8 weeks before opening
- Monument signs: Order 10 to 14 weeks before opening (permitting alone can take 4 to 6 weeks in some municipalities)
- Pylon signs: Order 12 to 16 weeks before opening
- Interior signs and wayfinding: Order 6 to 8 weeks before opening
- Electronic message signs: Order 8 to 10 weeks before opening
If your timeline is tighter than this, call Sign Systems immediately. They’ve helped businesses hit aggressive deadlines before, but the earlier you start the conversation, the better your options.
What signs do I need for a grand opening?
At minimum, most businesses need these before opening day.
Exterior (visible from the road):
A building sign is non-negotiable. This is the sign mounted on your building that tells people who you are from the street. It’s typically channel letters, a cabinet sign, or a flat panel depending on your building type and lease terms.
A monument sign at your entrance is the next most important investment for businesses with a driveway or parking lot. This is what people see as they’re turning in, and it’s what shows up in street-level photos on Google Maps.
Interior (inside your space):
A lobby or reception sign reinforces your brand the moment someone walks in. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but it should match the quality of your exterior signage.
Wayfinding signs matter more than people expect, especially if you have multiple rooms, a parking lot with more than one entrance, or a suite in a larger building. Customers who get confused or lost don’t come back.
Optional but worth considering at opening:
- A pylon sign if your business is on a highway corridor or in a multi-tenant commercial property where road visibility is a challenge.
- An electronic message sign if you’ll be running promotions, have daily specials, or want to announce your grand opening to passing traffic before the doors open.
Do I need to check with my landlord about signage?
Yes, always. If you’re leasing a commercial space in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Hickory, or Asheville, your lease almost certainly has a signage clause. This typically covers:
- Maximum sign dimensions
- Approved mounting locations on the building
- Whether you need written landlord approval before submitting for permits
- Who is responsible for sign removal when the lease ends
Get written approval from your landlord before you order anything. Sign Systems can review your lease’s signage clause and help you design a package that stays within the restrictions while maximizing your visibility.
How does the sign permitting process work in NC?
Every city and county in North Carolina has its own sign ordinance. In general, here’s how it works:
- You (or your sign company) submit permit drawings to the city or county planning and zoning department
- The municipality reviews the application for compliance with local sign codes covering size, height, setback, illumination, and zoning district
- If approved, a permit is issued, and fabrication can begin
- After installation, an inspection may be required
In Forsyth County (Winston-Salem), Guilford County (Greensboro, High Point), Catawba County (Hickory), and Buncombe County (Asheville), turnaround times typically range from two to six weeks.
Sign Systems handles the permitting process for every sign they install. They know each municipality’s requirements and manage the submission so you don’t have to track it yourself.
What if my sign isn’t ready by opening day?
It happens. Permits get delayed. Fabrication runs long. Supply chains have bad weeks. If your permanent sign isn’t ready, here are a few options:
- Temporary banners: Most municipalities allow temporary banners for a limited time (typically 30 days) with a separate short-term permit.
- Window graphics: If your space has storefront windows, vinyl window graphics from Sign Systems can serve as a visible brand presence while you wait.
- Communicate proactively: Update your Google Business Profile with your opening date and add photos. People searching for you will find you even before your sign is up.
What are the most common signage mistakes new businesses make?
After more than 50 years working with businesses across western and central North Carolina, Sign Systems has seen a few patterns come up again and again.
- Starting too late. The number one mistake. Signage is almost always the last thing on the checklist and almost always needs to be the first.
- Going with the cheapest option. A sign is a long-term asset. A cheap sign that fades, warps, or fails its permit inspection costs more in the long run.
- Forgetting interior signage. Businesses spend their entire budget on exterior visibility and leave customers confused inside.
- Not planning for visibility at night. An unlit sign is invisible after dark. The International Sign Association notes that illuminated signs can extend customer visibility by hours each day.
- Skipping ADA requirements. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires specific signage for businesses open to the public. Sign Systems flags these during every consultation.
How much does business signage cost in NC?
Costs vary significantly based on sign type, size, materials, and complexity. Rough starting ranges:
- Building signs (channel letters): $5,000 to $15,000+
- Monument signs: $7,500 to $15,000+
- Pylon signs: $10,000 to $20,000+
- Interior lobby signs: $1,500 to $5,000+
- Electronic message signs: $25,000 to $50,000+
These are starting points, not quotes. Contact Sign Systems directly for an accurate number based on your specific location and needs.
Why work with a local sign company vs. a national chain?
A national sign franchise can produce a sign. What they often can’t do is pull permits in Forsyth County, show up the next day when there’s an installation issue, or tell you that Asheville’s Historic Resources Commission has specific approval requirements for signage in certain districts.
Sign Systems, Inc. has three offices across the region: Winston-Salem for the Piedmont Triad, Hickory for the foothills and I-40 corridor, and Asheville for western NC. Family-owned since 1976.
For most businesses, 12 to 14 weeks before opening for monument signs and 12 to 16 weeks for pylon signs. Building signs need at least 12 to 14 weeks. The permit process alone can take 4 to 6 weeks in some NC municipalities. Contact Sign Systems as soon as you have a target opening date.
At a minimum, a building sign and a monument sign at your entrance. Add an interior lobby sign and basic wayfinding if your space has multiple rooms or entrances. Skipping any of these before opening day creates a first impression problem that’s hard to recover from.
Yes. Most commercial leases in NC include a signage clause that limits sign size and placement and may require written landlord approval before you can even apply for a permit. Always get written approval before ordering anything. Sign Systems can review the signage terms in your lease before you start the design process.
The local planning and zoning department reviews sign permit applications for compliance with the county or city sign ordinance. In Guilford County (Greensboro, High Point) and Forsyth County (Winston-Salem), turnaround times typically range from 2 to 6 weeks. Sign Systems manages permit submissions for every project they install.
A temporary banner with a short-term permit keeps you visible while your permanent sign is in production. Vinyl window graphics are another option for storefronts. In parallel, make sure your Google Business Profile is fully set up with photos and your opening date so people searching for you can find you online.
Building signs (channel letters) start around $5,000. Monument signs start around $7,500. Pylon signs range from $10,000 to $20,000+ or more. Interior lobby signs start around $1,500. Electronic message signs typically range from $25,000 to $50,000+. Contact Sign Systems for an accurate quote based on your specific location and sign type.
Starting too late is the most common mistake. Others include choosing the cheapest option without considering longevity, skipping interior signage entirely, failing to plan for after-dark visibility, and omitting ADA-required signage. Sign Systems flags all of these during their initial consultation at no charge.
For businesses in NC, usually yes. A local company knows your municipality’s permitting process, can coordinate directly with your general contractor, and can physically show up when something needs adjustment after installation. Sign Systems has offices in Winston-Salem, Hickory, and Asheville specifically to serve businesses across the region with that level of hands-on service.
If your business is open to the public, yes. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires specific signage, including accessible restroom signs, room identification signs with braille and raised characters, and certain wayfinding standards. Sign Systems designs ADA-compliant signage as part of its interior sign packages.
Sign Systems, Inc. operates offices in both Hickory and Asheville, serving businesses across Catawba, Burke, Iredell, Buncombe, and surrounding counties. Family-owned since 1976, they manage every phase of signage from design through installation. Hickory: (828) 322-5622. Asheville: (828) 378-1301.
Ready to get started?
Contact Sign Systems at the office nearest you:
- Winston-Salem / Triad: (336) 293-8835
- Hickory: (828) 322-5622
- Asheville: (828) 378-1301
- signsystemsnc.com/contact
The earlier you reach out, the more options you have. A consultation costs nothing and could save you weeks.
Sign Systems, Inc. is a full-service custom signage company with offices in Winston-Salem, Hickory, and Asheville, NC. Family-owned and operated since 1976.