When choosing business signage, you have probably heard the terms electric signage and light boxes, and you may be wondering if they are the same thing? After all, ‘Electric sign’ traditionally refers to any sign that is powered. So, what is the difference between an electric sign and a lightbox?
Ausign is Melbourne’s leading choice for effective and affordable business signage solutions. Let’s take a look at light boxes, and why they are differentiated from electric signs in the signage industry.
What Sets Light Boxes Apart?
While light boxes are a form of electric signage, they are considered a standalone category as they have so many features that set them apart from other electric signs. Some of these attributes include:
Ease of updating —Traditional electric signs are usually designed for the long-term or permanent display of a graphic so they aren’t designed to be updated easily. Light boxes provide a quick method for opening and accessing the graphic without tools, meaning the graphic can be updated or replaced as frequently as you need, making them perfect for advertising and promotional messages.
Viewing Distance — Typically, light boxes are intended for close-up viewing, whereas electric signs are usually designed to be viewed from afar. Therefore, light boxes are more sophisticated in appearance, and made from sleek, high quality aluminium or acrylic.
Simplistic Design — All customisation with a light box is executed at the graphic film level. The frame is usually rectangular in shape and all other features are generally generic. This means light boxes (the frame and all components) can be mass produced, and the graphic is then completely customised to each client. Electric signs are often custom-shaped and/or fitted with client specific features that help to communicate a particular message or brand.
Where Are Light Boxes Best Suited?
Versatile and with the ability to be installed just about anywhere, some common display locations of lightbox signs include:
- Under awnings
- Retail point-of-sale displays
- Outdoor advertising
- Airport signage and public transportation time tables
- Showroom, retail and hospitality information and promotional displays
- Exhibitions and trade shows
Which Should I Choose?
If you want to be able to change the graphic frequently and your signage is intended to be viewed from a shorter viewing distance, then light boxes would be the most suitable and convenient option.
How Much Do Light Boxes Cost?
Lightbox signage can be an ideal solution for many Australian businesses, and the incorporation of LED’s makes them very cost-effective to purchase and run. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ light box, there are a few variables that can affect the cost so light boxes must be quoted on an individual basis. Keep in mind that light boxes are highly effective and hard-working signs, and they are generally a cheaper alternative to other illuminated signs.
If you want to light up your shopfront, office, hospitality venue, showroom or other business area with light boxes or electric signage, get in touch with Ausign today. With over 40 years’ experience in the signage industry, our team of Melbourne designers and fabrication specialists will work with you to create unique and impactful signage to help get your business noticed. Call us today on (03) 9419 0970 or enquire online now.
