If you’ve ever ordered business signage, you’ve probably wondered why some signs are ready in a few days while others take weeks. The truth is, creating a professional sign isn’t just about printing a logo—it’s a carefully managed process that balances design, materials, fabrication, and installation.
Let’s walk through the typical sign manufacturing timeline, step by step, so you know exactly what happens from the first phone call to the final install.
Step 1: Consultation & Planning (1–3 days)
Everything starts with understanding your needs. A professional sign company will ask questions like:
• Where will the sign be installed?
• Is it indoor or outdoor?
• Should it be illuminated?
• What size and materials work best?
• Are there building or safety regulations to consider?
At Millennium Signs, this stage also includes advising on visibility, durability, and compliance—especially important for outdoor signs, building signage, and safety signs.
Step 2: Design & Approval (2–5 days)
Once the brief is clear, the design team gets to work. This may include:
• Concept layouts
• Material recommendations
• 3D mockups for fabricated or channel letters
• LED lighting previews
Simple signs like vinyl boards move quickly, while custom 3D signage or LED lightboxes may take a bit longer due to detailing. The clock really starts once the design is approved—fast feedback from the client helps keep things moving.
Step 3: Sign Manufacturing (3–10 working days)
This is where the real magic happens. Manufacturing time depends heavily on the type of sign:
• Vinyl or printed signs: 2–4 days
• Acrylic or perspex signs: 3–6 days
• CNC or laser cut lettering: 5–8 days
• 3D fabricated or LED signs: 7–10+ days
Because Millennium Signs handles manufacturing in-house, there are no delays caused by third-party suppliers—meaning tighter quality control and faster turnaround times.
Step 4: Finishing & Quality Checks (1–2 days)
Before installation, each sign is carefully checked for:
• Correct colours and branding
• Structural strength
• Electrical safety for illuminated signs
• Clean edges and professional finishes
This step ensures your sign looks great and lasts in real-world conditions, especially for outdoor and building-mounted signage.
Step 5: Installation (1 day)
Installation is often the quickest part, but it’s just as important. Professional installers ensure:
• Correct alignment and positioning
• Secure mounting
• Electrical connections for LED signage
• Compliance with building and safety standards
For large signs, roof-mounted signage, or billboards, installation may require special equipment and scheduling—but it’s all planned in advance.
So, How Long Does It Take Overall?
On average, most business signs take 7 to 15 working days from design approval to installation. Complex projects may take longer, while simple signage can be completed much faster.
The biggest factors that affect timelines are:
• Sign type and materials
• Design complexity
• Client approval speed
• Installation requirements
What Does a Sign Company Actually Do?
A full-service sign company doesn’t just “make signs.” They manage the entire process:
• Design and brand alignment
• Material sourcing
• Manufacturing and fabrication
• Compliance and safety checks
• Professional installation
• Ongoing maintenance if needed
That’s why working with an experienced signage company in Johannesburg makes a huge difference—especially when deadlines matter.
Final Tip: Plan Ahead, But Choose the Right Partner
If you need signage for an opening, rebrand, or promotion, it’s always best to plan ahead. But choosing a company with in-house capabilities and decades of experience—like Millennium Signs—can significantly reduce lead times without sacrificing quality.
Great signage isn’t rushed. It’s done right, on time, and built to last.
