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Signs. They’re all around you every day — when you sit in a car stuck in traffic, or enjoy a Starbucks coffee during your lunch break… look just about anywhere and you’ll find signs.
I’m not talking about signs from the heavens… or somewhere along the way.
I’m pointing out to signs that warn people and regulate the traffic flow and movement. Sale signs that fill empty shop windows with ‘’50% OFF’’ or ‘’Everything MUST go’’ type of messages.
I could go on, but you get the gist.
Why am I so fired up about these things? Well, it’s the perfect kind of side hustle for anyone with entrepreneurial dreams of starting their own business one day.
If you fit this description, read on.
Why in the world would you start something like this? Well, lets chat about some of the reasons why starting a sign business is a good idea.
Money — we all need money to live on. And what could be a better way to make some extra cash than through your own business?
I mean, there is no limit on how much you can earn. You get to pick and choose when to work, with whom, and for how long. It’s the flexibility that sign businesses can give you!
But it doesn’t stop there… business also gives you control over your life. You can take off like an airplane anytime you like. Feel like revisiting the vacation spot you went to with your friends? You can be there as soon as tomorrow.
All this combined gives you hope for the future.
The question we’ll address next is HOW one goes about starting a sign making business. If you were to open it tomorrow, what is the first step that needs to be taken?
Well, your first step is to figure out what ‘’niche’’ you will fit into — which is just a fancy way of saying ‘’who are you selling this stuff to’’.
‘’Anyone’’ is not an answer, you will need to be more specific than that. Think coffee shops, hair salons, bars, or auto repair shops.
Be specific about who you’re selling to, pick and stick to one niche.
The next piece of the puzzle is to brainstorm different ways to reach your ideal customers.
The good news is, you have options. You can go with the one that fits your style and personality.
One way to do so, you can set up a stand or store on a busy street corner.
You just have to make sure you’re in an area where lots of people pass by and are likely to stop.
For more adventurous folks out there, you could knock on 150 doors each day and smooth-talk your way into one of the nearby cafes and convince business owners of your worth.
Another common way to reach clients is to get into any online marketplaces.
You’ve heard of them before. One of the most popular online retailers being, Etsy.
It’s a place where people are shopping for interesting custom-made products. And signs are right up that alley!
So, put them up for sale on Etsy or look for other similar internet marketplaces like Ebay or Amazon.
The options are many and varied.
All of that is great, but one of the most important aspects of starting a sign business is the supplies.
What do you need?
If you’re ready to pull the trigger and go all-in on this new venture, you’ll need equipment and supplies for making signs.
Here, I’ll walk you through some of the essential equipment and supplies you’ll need:
Computer – To run this business, you’ll need a computer with strong enough processing power and space to store all your files. With that, you will also need a high-speed Internet connection.
Software – Next, you will need to run some graphics software on your newly bought computer. Ensure the software you use is the latest and greatest; Photoshop, Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or of the same caliber.
Vinyl Cutter – Another thing you’ll need is a professional vinyl cutter/printer like the Roland BN-20, BN20A, or the Graphtec CE7000. Each of these machines are easy to use and can get you started with a sign business quickly and efficiently. You simply load your machine with the correct vinyl, send the design to any of these cutters through its software, and print. Or in the Roland BN20 and BN20A’s case, print AND cut. The end result is a heat transfer graphic, ready to be applied on sign blanks!
Sign Blanks – Think about sign blanks as clean canvas to which artwork can be printed. They come in different sizes and are usually made out of aluminum, corrugated plastic or PVC. The surface of the blanks is coated with a thin white layer on both sides. So, they are ready to go!
Tools & Supplies – Another tool in your arsenal of tools is to get a sign application fluid. This is a product that helps you apply vinyl graphics with a precision of a surgeon! It comes in very handy, just like other products we offer online like edge sealers, squeegees, adhesive residue removers, quick stick application fluid, and more!
Now that you have a basic understanding of why a sign business is a great way to start a side hustle and just how to start it, you can find start gathering ideas together and chat with a pro by shopping online!
