In Malaysia, whether you’re opening a new store, upgrading an old sign, or rolling out a nationwide signage update for a chain brand, receiving multiple quotes is a common scenario. However, many business owners tend to focus only on the total price, overlooking crucial details in the quotes. This often leads to problems such as:
To avoid these common pitfalls, we’ve outlined 7 key points to check when reviewing signage quotes. By understanding these, even if you’re not familiar with engineering or lighting, you can quickly identify the differences between suppliers and choose the most reliable and cost-effective team.
The materials used determine a sign’s durability, brightness, maintenance needs, and overall brand image. Many seemingly cheap quotes cut costs on materials, so you need to carefully check the following four aspects:
➡ For the same size sign, aluminium typically lasts twice as long as mild steel.
➡ Different thicknesses can lead to more than double the difference in durability.
Outdoor signs must include:
These treatments can extend a sign’s lifespan from 1–2 years to 5–6 years or more.
The structure is the core factor that determines a sign’s stability, durability, and safety, so you need to pay close attention to the following points:
Options: GI Steel (Galvanised Steel), Black Steel, or Aluminium Frame
→ Different materials vary greatly in rust resistance and lifespan.
→ Thinner materials are less stable, more prone to deformation, and may wear out sooner.
→ Ensures the structure is safe, wind-resistant, and can pass municipal or mall approval.
→ Large signs without extra supports often require additional costs later for reinforcement.
LEDs are the most common point of failure in signboards—issues like flickering, partial dimming, or uneven brightness directly affect nighttime visibility and brand presentation. Make sure to check the following:
Insufficient LEDs can cause:
➡ The quotation should clearly state the number of LEDs or modules.
➡ For chain brands, CC drivers are recommended.
Confirm whether the power supply is:
➡ Cheap power supplies may burn out LEDs, short-circuit, or cause damage.
For lightboxes, ensure:
➡ Without proper diffusion, you’ll see bright spots or shadows, especially at night.
Many business owners wonder: “Why does Vendor A quote RM4,000 while Vendor B quotes RM7,000 for the same sign?” The difference often comes down to size or quantity discrepancies. Make sure to confirm the following:
A common trap in many quotations: the material cost looks cheap, but installation fees are charged separately. For mall installations, costs are often 30–100% higher than roadside shops. Be sure to check the following:
No warranty basically means the supplier takes zero responsibility. If anything goes wrong, you pay for everything. Make sure to verify the following:
🚫 If the quotation states “NO WARRANTY” or “D.I.Y Maintenance”, do not proceed — it’s a huge red flag.
Low quotations often look attractive at first… until the supplier starts adding charges before or after installation. These hidden fees can make the final cost much higher than expected.Common hidden charges include:
| Category | What You Should Check |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminium type, powder coating, LED brand, acrylic thickness |
| Structure | Frame specification, material thickness, support brackets included or not |
| LED | Brightness level, LED quantity, power supply details, waterproof rating |
| Size | Height, width, depth, total quantity included |
| Installation | Labour included, transportation, equipment (boom lift/ladder), mall permit |
| Warranty | Duration, coverage, on-site service included or not |
| Hidden Charges | Whether all costs are included, any stated or potential add-on fees |
If you only look at the final price, you’re very likely to encounter:
❌ Poor-quality materials
❌ Insufficient brightness
❌ Rusting, water leakage, peeling paint
❌ Mall or council approvals getting rejected
❌ Endless additional charges
❌ Maintenance costs doubling later on
A truly professional signboard supplier will always:
✔ Clearly list all materials and specifications
✔ Provide standardized structure and workmanship
✔ Use high-quality LEDs and power supplies
✔ Offer proper warranty
✔ Include installation, transport, and safety measures
✔ Maintain transparent pricing with no hidden fees
When comparing quotations, the real question isn’t “Who is the cheapest?”
It’s “Who is the most transparent, the most reliable, and saves you the most in the long run?”
Yes. A site visit is essential to confirm wall strength, space limitations, and installation difficulty. This prevents unexpected add-on charges later.
Mall installation requires additional costs such as high-access equipment, worker safety compliance, work permits, and sometimes fire safety approvals—naturally increasing the overall cost.
Reliable suppliers offer separate LED warranty coverage. If there’s no warranty, replacement costs will have to be borne by the owner.
Rain or strong winds may delay installation, and some suppliers might charge additional fees for postponement or for completing the work at night.
It’s recommended to use conduits or cable trays to conceal the wiring. This ensures safety, a clean appearance, and compliance with electrical standards.
📞 Looking for a professional and transparent signage quotation in KL, Selangor, Penang, Kuantan or JB?
Great Sign Advertising (M) Sdn Bhd offers:
✔ Free on-site measurement
✔ Clear & transparent quotation (no hidden charges)
✔ High-quality materials + professional steel structure
✔ Warranty & after-sales support
Contact Great Sign Advertising (M) Sdn Bhd today and get a signage solution you can trust—transparent, reliable, and built to last.
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