Let’s explore the not-so-obvious reasons poor signage crops up and what can be done to avoid these eye-level letdowns. A signage maker in Singapore doesn’t just slap letters on acrylic; they work around climate, lighting, foot traffic, and city regulations. Yet, mishaps still happen. So, where do things go wrong?

Here are the usual culprits behind signage disasters and what can be done to keep yours from joining that wall of shame.

Rushing the Design Phase

Quick decisions usually lead to signs that don’t align with the shop’s vibe or, even worse, its target market. One day, you’re selling candles with a minimal aesthetic, the next you’re stuck with a fluorescent sign that screams nightclub. Take your time, think long-term, and work closely with a signage maker who understands balance and restraint. Good design isn’t just about style; it’s about intention.

Choosing Flash Over Function

Neon signs look brilliant in photos, but poorly placed ones can get lost in daylight or feel overwhelming at night. While they do make for dramatic visual anchors, too much glow or colour chaos can turn your storefront into an eyesore. A neon sign is only as effective as its setting allows. Placement, brightness, and contrast all need to be tailored to your exact space, not just copied from Pinterest.

Forgetting About Readability

Cursive fonts may look lovely on your laptop screen, but from 15 metres away? They’re often completely unreadable. The same goes for awkward spacing or colours that blend too much into the background. Signage should invite, not confuse. If people have to squint or guess what your business offers, the sign has failed, no matter how trendy it looks.

Ignoring Environmental Factors

Singapore’s weather is no friend to poor materials. Excessive heat, humidity, and occasional downpours can cause warping, fading, or even detachment if the sign isn’t built to withstand local conditions. A reliable signage maker in Singapore will consider all of these and recommend weatherproofing, protective coatings, or structural reinforcements to ensure it stays intact through storms and sun.

Misjudging Size and Placement

Bigger isn’t always better, especially if your signage ends up awkwardly squeezed onto a small façade or hidden behind a tree branch. Visibility at eye level, from a moving car, and different angles should all be tested before installation. Neon signs, while popular, are particularly affected by placement; if they’re set too high or without a clean backdrop, they lose their impact entirely.

Skipping Permits and Regulations

Yes, it’s tempting to install that gorgeous backlit sign the moment it arrives, but skipping council checks can lead to fines or removal orders. Singapore has signage guidelines for a reason, from size restrictions to mounting methods. A professional signage maker will handle these formalities for you, saving you trouble down the road.

Treating Signage as a One-Time Task

A sign isn’t a one-and-done job. It needs upkeep, maybe even the occasional refresh if your business evolves. Colours fade, trends shift, and your target audience might change over time. The good news is that other custom types can often be updated without a full overhaul, as long as they were built with that flexibility in mind.

Bad signage rarely comes from one bad decision. It’s usually a combination of design haste, wrong materials, environmental neglect, or simply poor planning. A good signage maker in Singapore acts more like a consultant than just an installer, guiding you through the pitfalls of placement, material choices, and visual coherence.

Whether you’re considering neon signs or a subtler visual approach, a thoughtful strategy makes all the difference. Avoid common mistakes by working with someone who considers more than just what looks nice on a mock-up.

Contact My First Sign to learn how to get signage that works for your space.