Quotes You Can Actually Compare

Clear estimates for Jefferson County businesses weighing more than one sign shop

We spell out material, size, and finish on every quote so you can line it up against others and choose with confidence.

Making Sense of Sign Quotes


If you run a business in Imperial, you have probably asked more than one sign company for a price and received numbers that are hard to compare. One quote lists aluminum, another lists PVC, and a third does not mention material at all. Metro East Signs tries to remove that guesswork. Our estimates name the substrate, the dimensions, the print or vinyl method, and how the order will reach you, so you can see what you are paying for. Imperial sits along Interstate 55 in northern Jefferson County, and many local shops, contractors, and service companies there need signs that look sharp to fast-moving traffic and hold up outdoors. We are based across the river in Shiloh, Illinois, and we serve this side of the metro regularly. A fair comparison starts with a detailed quote, and that is what we aim to provide.

How to Read a Sign Estimate

Most sign estimates look simple, but the details underneath them matter. Start with the material. Aluminum, PVC, acrylic, corrugated plastic, and vinyl banner each have different strengths, and a lower number may simply reflect a lighter material meant for shorter use. Next, check the dimensions and whether the sign is single or double sided. Then look at what is included: design time, proof revisions, hardware such as grommets or stakes, and how the finished piece gets to you. A good sign company will answer questions about any line without getting defensive. If a quote leaves you guessing, ask for clarification before you sign off. At Metro East Signs, we would rather spend a few extra minutes explaining an estimate than have a customer feel unsure about an order. Clear expectations at the start make the rest of the project smoother.

What Sets Our Estimates Apart

Speed matters when you are collecting bids, so same-day estimates are our starting point. Send us your details and you can usually compare our numbers alongside others before the week gets away from you. Those numbers reflect our commitment to quality products at fair prices, with materials chosen for how your sign will actually be used rather than padded with extras you did not request. Once you decide, delivery is available, which helps Imperial businesses that would rather not cross the Mississippi to collect an order. Plenty of local owners juggle job sites, store hours, and family schedules, and a sign company that brings the finished product to them saves real time. We serve Jefferson County as part of our wider St. Louis metro area, and we take that trip often.

Our FAQ's

How should I compare quotes from different sign companies fairly?

Make sure each quote describes the same thing: identical dimensions, the same material, single or double sided, and similar finishing. Then check what is included, such as design help, revisions, hardware, and delivery. A quote that seems cheaper may be for a lighter material or exclude items another shop included. Ask each company to clarify anything that is not spelled out.

What details does a sign company need to write an accurate estimate?

The most useful details are size, quantity, indoor or outdoor use, how long you expect the sign to last, and how it will be mounted or displayed. Artwork status matters too, since a ready logo file requires less design time than a sketch. If you are unsure about size, a photo of the location with a rough measurement helps us recommend something sensible.

What factors change the cost of a sign besides its overall size?

Material is a major factor, since rigid aluminum and lightweight corrugated plastic differ considerably. Double-sided printing, custom shapes, laminate for added protection, and the number of colors or design changes also play a role. Quantity matters as well, because ordering several matching signs together is often more efficient than ordering them one at a time. We will explain how each choice affects your estimate.

Request a Side-by-Side Quote

Tell us the size, location, and purpose of your sign, and we will send a detailed estimate you can compare with any other. Questions about a line item are always welcome. Contact us today to talk about your sign needs and create a strong visual presence for your business. Call (618) 495-3012.