NPOA Study Details Pricing, Sales, Equipment Usage, and Profitability of Sign/Wide Format Work for Small Commercial Printers

Melbourne, FL – The recently completed National Print Owners Association (NPOA) 2015-2016 Signs & Wide Format Pricing Study found that signs and wide format are becoming increasingly important profit centers for small commercial printers. The study, which surveyed 230 printing firms, showed that sign and wide format sales accounted for an average of 9.8% of total sale, with the top quartile of companies by sales boasting $417,000 in sign sales, or nearly $35,000 a month.

“There is no doubt sign and wide format work is an increasingly important part of the job mix,” said NPOA Executive Director and study author John Stewart. “Also, because more and more printers enter or continue to grow their sign business, this study offers detailed information on pricing, equipment usage, job mix, and more.”
  
According to Stewart, along with information on equipment use and user ratings for printers, RIPS, cutters, and laminators, the study also reveals the latest pricing practices for 18 of industry's most popular substrates. It also includes both suggested retail and discounted prices provided by survey participants. Additionally, the study compares the pricing practices of small firms versus large volume firms in terms of annual sign sales

Among the substrates and products covered are: standard vinyl, outdoor banners, banner mesh, wall vinyls, foam core, corrugated plastic, cast vinyl, ACM Panel, art canvas, magnetic, and PVC plastic.  

Pricing information is also included for many of the more popular products such as banners, foam core, Coroplast, and aluminum signs. In addition, square-cut and contour-cut decals are priced based both on various sizes and quantities ordered. Pricing for simple vehicle decals, flat surface vehicle wraps, and window perfs are also covered.

“This is an industry first and provides printers with a real-world look at pricing, products, and practices they can use to fine tune and build their sign and wide format business,” said Stewart.

All survey participants received a free copy of the study. NPOA members who did not participate can purchase the study for $117. The non-member price is $195. The study is available as a PDF download or in hard copy form and can be ordered at the NPOA Bookstore at www.printowners.org. NPOA members can also download a free PDF copy of the 44-page Executive Summary of the study at the NPOA website.