How to Choose a Signage Quote: The Complete 7-Step Guide for Chain Brands to Avoid Pitfalls & Find the Best Deal

In Malaysia, whether you’re opening a new store, upgrading an old sign, or rolling out a nationwide signage update for a chain brand, receiving multiple quotes is a common scenario. However, many business owners tend to focus only on the total price, overlooking crucial details in the quotes. This often leads to problems such as:

• Cheap-looking quotes but materials are cut corners
• Attractive quotes, yet specifications are secretly downgraded during installation
• Hidden costs piling up, ending up more expensive than the highest quote
• Signs that are dim, prone to water damage, peeling, or rusting
• Mall approvals failing, installation delays, and skyrocketing rework costs

To avoid these common pitfalls, we’ve outlined 7 key points to check when reviewing signage quotes. By understanding these, even if you’re not familiar with engineering or lighting, you can quickly identify the differences between suppliers and choose the most reliable and cost-effective team.
 

7 Key Points to Check When Reviewing Signage Quotes

1 Material Specification

The materials used determine a sign’s durability, brightness, maintenance needs, and overall brand image. Many seemingly cheap quotes cut costs on materials, so you need to carefully check the following four aspects:
 

1. Structural Material: Aluminium vs Mild Steel

• Aluminium: Rust-resistant, lightweight, weatherproof, and longer-lasting.
• Mild Steel: Cheaper but prone to rust and requires frequent maintenance.

For the same size sign, aluminium typically lasts twice as long as mild steel.
 

2. LED Quality

• Recommended brands: Samsung, Osram, or Taiwan-made LEDs
• Benefits: Consistent brightness, no dark spots, and a uniform brand appearance at night.

3. Acrylic Thickness

• Too thin acrylic can warp, dent, or fade.
• Outdoor recommendation: ≥ 3mm

Different thicknesses can lead to more than double the difference in durability.
 

4. Outdoor Anti-Rust Treatment: Powder Coating / Galvanised

Outdoor signs must include:

• Powder Coating for UV and weather protection
• Galvanised treatment for rust resistance

These treatments can extend a sign’s lifespan from 1–2 years to 5–6 years or more.
 

2 Structure & Framework

The structure is the core factor that determines a sign’s stability, durability, and safety, so you need to pay close attention to the following points:
 

What material is used for the frame?

Options: GI Steel (Galvanised Steel), Black Steel, or Aluminium Frame

→ Different materials vary greatly in rust resistance and lifespan.
 

Is the thickness specified? (Recommended: 1.2mm – 2.0mm)

→ Thinner materials are less stable, more prone to deformation, and may wear out sooner.
 

Does a large sign include PE engineer certification?

→ Ensures the structure is safe, wind-resistant, and can pass municipal or mall approval.
 

Are additional support brackets included?

→ Large signs without extra supports often require additional costs later for reinforcement.
 

3 LED Quantity, Brightness & Power Setup

LEDs are the most common point of failure in signboards—issues like flickering, partial dimming, or uneven brightness directly affect nighttime visibility and brand presentation. Make sure to check the following:

1. LED Quantity

Insufficient LEDs can cause:

• Dim lighting
• Dark spots
• Overall “low-end” visual impression

The quotation should clearly state the number of LEDs or modules.
 

2. Constant Current (CC) vs Constant Voltage (CV)

• Constant Current (CC): More stable, less likely to burn out, ideal for large signs
• Constant Voltage (CV): Cheaper but less stable

For chain brands, CC drivers are recommended.
 

3. Power Supply

Confirm whether the power supply is:

• Waterproof (IP65/IP67)
• Fire-certified
• Brand and wattage clearly specified

Cheap power supplies may burn out LEDs, short-circuit, or cause damage.
 

4. Lightbox Diffusion

For lightboxes, ensure:

• Use of diffuser panels
• Proper LED arrangement

Without proper diffusion, you’ll see bright spots or shadows, especially at night.
 

4 Size & Quantity Accuracy

Many business owners wonder: “Why does Vendor A quote RM4,000 while Vendor B quotes RM7,000 for the same sign?” The difference often comes down to size or quantity discrepancies. Make sure to confirm the following:

1. Full Dimensions (Height × Width × Depth)

• Ensure height, width, and depth are clearly listed
• Avoid unexpected extra costs if the actual installation is larger or smaller than quoted

2. Logo / Text Quantity

• Check if the quotation includes all letters and logos
• Missing items may lead to additional charges

3. Illuminated vs Non-illuminated Signs

• Separate quotations for light-up letters, lightboxes, and standard letters
• Illuminated signs are significantly more expensive

4. Included Accessories

• Confirm whether back panels, brackets, and installation hardware are included
• These items directly affect the total quotation

5 Installation Costs

A common trap in many quotations: the material cost looks cheap, but installation fees are charged separately. For mall installations, costs are often 30–100% higher than roadside shops. Be sure to check the following:

Is installation included?

• Confirm whether the quote covers labor and tool usage

Is transportation included?

• Delivery from the factory to your store or mall

Are high-access equipment included?

• Boom lift or 20-foot ladder costs

Is the mall permit included?

• Check if the mall work permit is part of the quotation

Are safety measures included?

• CIDB registration, PPE, and other safety precautions

6 Warranty — Is It Clearly Included?

No warranty basically means the supplier takes zero responsibility. If anything goes wrong, you pay for everything. Make sure to verify the following:

Warranty duration

• Different parts have different lifespans. Confirm the exact coverage period with the supplier.

Warranty scope

• Does it cover only the LED? Or the entire signboard?
• Does it include on-site service?

Is the warranty broken down by components?

• LED, power supply, structure, powder coating, etc.
• Each item should be listed separately.

If the quotation states “NO WARRANTY” or “D.I.Y Maintenance”, do not proceed — it’s a huge red flag.
 

7 Hidden Costs — Are There Any Surprise Add-Ons?

Low quotations often look attractive at first… until the supplier starts adding charges before or after installation. These hidden fees can make the final cost much higher than expected.Common hidden charges include:

• Additional wiring
• Late-night installation fees
• Mall work permit fees
• Skylift / boom lift charges
• Material or specification changes

Recommended Quotation Comparison Checklist

Summary: Focusing Only on Price — Without Checking the Details — Is a Guaranteed Pitfall

If you only look at the final price, you’re very likely to encounter:

Poor-quality materials

Insufficient brightness

Rusting, water leakage, peeling paint

Mall or council approvals getting rejected

Endless additional charges

Maintenance costs doubling later on

A truly professional signboard supplier will always:

Clearly list all materials and specifications

Provide standardized structure and workmanship

Use high-quality LEDs and power supplies

Offer proper warranty

Include installation, transport, and safety measures

Maintain transparent pricing with no hidden fees

When comparing quotations, the real question isn’t “Who is the cheapest?”

It’s “Who is the most transparent, the most reliable, and saves you the most in the long run?”

FAQ

1. Do suppliers need to conduct on-site measurements for an accurate quotation?

Yes. A site visit is essential to confirm wall strength, space limitations, and installation difficulty. This prevents unexpected add-on charges later.
 

2. Why is installation inside malls more expensive than roadside shops?

Mall installation requires additional costs such as high-access equipment, worker safety compliance, work permits, and sometimes fire safety approvals—naturally increasing the overall cost.
 

3. If the LED lights fail, who takes the responsibility?

Reliable suppliers offer separate LED warranty coverage. If there’s no warranty, replacement costs will have to be borne by the owner.
 

4. Will the quotation change if the installation is affected by weather?

Rain or strong winds may delay installation, and some suppliers might charge additional fees for postponement or for completing the work at night.
 

5. What should I consider for wiring when the signboard has multiple layers?

It’s recommended to use conduits or cable trays to conceal the wiring. This ensures safety, a clean appearance, and compliance with electrical standards.
 

Looking for a professional and transparent signage quotation in KL, Selangor, Penang, Kuantan or JB?

Great Sign Advertising (M) Sdn Bhd offers:

Free on-site measurement

Clear & transparent quotation (no hidden charges)

High-quality materials + professional steel structure

Warranty & after-sales support

Contact Great Sign Advertising (M) Sdn Bhd today and get a signage solution you can trust—transparent, reliable, and built to last.