NPOA Survey Finds Signs and Wide Format Growing as Profit Centers for Printers

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 sales, with the top quartile of companies by sales recording $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 John Stewart, NPOA executive director and study author.
 
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.