“How much does digital signage cost?” is usually the first question businesses ask, and the honest answer is: it depends. A single screen in a café and a network of video walls across a retail chain are very different projects. Rather than quote prices that may not fit your situation, this guide explains what affects the cost so you can plan a realistic budget.
1. The screens
The display is usually the biggest single cost. The price is affected by:
- Size. Larger screens cost more, and very large formats may need special mounting.
- Brightness. Standard indoor screens cost less than high-brightness window displays designed to be readable in sunlight.
- Type. Wall-mounted displays, freestanding digital posters, touch screens, outdoor screens, LED displays and video walls all sit at different price points.
- Commercial grade. Displays built for long daily use cost more than consumer TVs but are designed for the job and come with business warranties.
2. The media player
Some displays have a built-in player; others need a separate device. A separate player adds cost but can offer more power or flexibility. See media players explained.
3. Mounting and installation
Installation varies more than most people expect. Factors include:
- The type of bracket, stand or ceiling mount.
- Whether power and network cabling are already in place.
- Wall construction and whether reinforcement is needed.
- Working at height, out-of-hours installation or access restrictions.
- For outdoor screens, enclosures, ground works and any permissions.
A site survey is the best way to understand installation costs before you commit.
4. The software
Most cloud digital signage software is charged as a subscription per screen, often billed monthly or annually. Costs vary depending on the features you need, such as scheduling, user permissions, integrations, interactive content or advanced reporting. Our guide to cloud digital signage software explains what the software does.
5. Content
Content is easy to forget when budgeting, but screens are only as good as what they show. Options include:
- Creating it yourself using templates in your signage software.
- Paying for design of templates you then update yourself.
- Ongoing content services, where a supplier creates new content for each campaign.
6. Ongoing running costs
Think about the total cost over the life of the screens, not just the purchase price:
- Software subscriptions.
- Electricity, especially for high-brightness or outdoor screens running long hours.
- Internet connectivity, if a site does not already have a suitable connection.
- Maintenance, cleaning and occasional repairs.
- Time spent by your team updating content.
Ways to control the cost
- Start small. Pilot a few screens in one location, learn what works and then expand.
- Choose the right brightness. Only pay for high-brightness screens where they are needed, such as windows.
- Schedule screens. Turning screens off outside opening hours saves energy and extends their life.
- Use templates. A good set of templates means your team can update content without design costs every time.
- Buy for the job. A cheap consumer TV that fails early or cannot be seen in a bright window is a false economy.
Buy, lease or finance?
Some businesses buy hardware outright, while others prefer to spread the cost. Talk to your supplier and your accountant about which approach suits your cash flow.
Get an accurate quote
The quickest way to get a reliable figure is to share a few details with a supplier: the number of locations, where the screens will go, what you want them to show and any existing equipment you have.
SignageTec supplies screens, players, software and installation for UK businesses, and we will explain every part of the quote. Request a free quote, or see how businesses like yours use screens on our industries page.
