Digital signage costs vary greatly, but typically, expect to pay between $200 to $3000 for hardware, around $20 to $30 monthly for software, and $50 to $100 for setup and installation per screen. Maintenance costs depend on the complexity of your system but could range from $50 to $500 annually.
The Average Cost of Digital Signage Systems
Investing in a digital signage system is a major decision. Understanding digital signage cost is important to get better value from your investment and budget. The cost varies based on different factors, such as:
- Hardware
- Software
- Installation/Setup
- Maintenance
Hardware Costs
The hardware for digital signage systems typically includes displays, media players, and mounting equipment.
The cost of displays can range from $200 for basic models to over $2000 for high-end, large-format displays. Media players can cost between $50 and $500, depending on their capabilities.
Displays – The size of your screen
The display is the primary part of a digital signage system. And the cost of a display varies depending on the size, resolution, and type, such as indoor digital displays. For instance, a basic 32-inch LCD display might cost around $200, while a large 75-inch 4K display could cost over $2000.
Outdoor displays, which are designed to withstand weather conditions, can be even more expensive due to their durability and brightness. Crown TV offers various indoor and outdoor displays in different sizes, qualities, and brightness levels.
Media Players
The system uses a media player or players to store the content and play it on the screen. Media players can range from simple devices that play pre-loaded content to advanced players that stream content over the internet.
A basic media player might cost around $50, while a high-end player with advanced capabilities could cost up to $500. The cost depends on factors such as storage capacity, processing power, and the ability to play high-resolution content.
Similarly, media player display mounts may also slightly affect the cost of digital signage media players. Look for a vendor that offers discounts on digital signage pricing.
Best option: Opt for CrownTV’s digital media player! We offer a year guarantee and we replace any damaged player for free. Plus, if you also choose CrownTV’s digital signage solutions, you’ll get the full white glove experience.
- Display advisory to choose the best screens for your business
- Mounting solutions for any display size or positioning
- Content creation options with customizable templates to get you started
- Installation and deployment of your digital signage strategy
- Continuous optimization and support of your digital signage
Mounting Equipment
Mounting equipment includes the hardware to install the display and media player securely. The cost can vary depending on the type of mount (wall, ceiling, freestanding), the material (plastic, metal), and the complexity of the installation.
A simple wall mount might cost around $20, while a heavy-duty ceiling mount could cost over $100.
Software Costs
Digital signage software platforms, which manage the content displayed on the screens, typically charge a monthly subscription fee. This fee can range from $20 to $30 per month per display, depending on the features offered by the platform.
Remember, the various digital signage campaign costs and the cost of software depend on:
- On-premises digital signage software
- Cloud-based software
- Open-source signage software
- Apps and integrations
- Software add-ons
Also, the cost of digital signage software depends on other factors as well, such as your business requirements.
So, whether you want on-premises or cloud-based digital signage software, understand their features, pros/cons, and costs. Digital signage software bundles will cost more – so keep that in mind!
Installation and Setup Costs
Your business needs and system complexity determine the cost of installation and setup. But generally, companies should budget between $50 and $100 per screen for installation and setup.
Keep in mind that this is the average budget for the installation or setup of a display/screen. So, the costs may vary depending on other factors, such as:
- Number of display screens
- Location of Displays
- Type of Mounting, such as wall, ceiling, or freestanding mounts
- Wiring and connectivity
- Hardware Configuration
- Software Setup
- Staff training
- Local regulations
- Physical infrastructure
Content Creation & Management
You want high-quality and visually appealing digital displays everywhere. Right? But you don’t know how much digital signage cost in terms of project rendering?
Well, the cost depends on the visuals’ complexity, the required quality, and the type of software. Recent data shows that the average project rendering cost is between $150 and $250.
Digital Signage Content Creation
Optimal designing and producing quality content is important, whether text, graphics, videos, or interactive content on commercial displays. Content creation cost depends on its complexity, the number of displays, and the frequency of updates.
While digital signage display screen and installation costs are crucial factors, you as a business owner must also consider fees or expenses for content development. Not considering this factor will prevent you from understanding the digital signage cost breakdown.
Digital Signage Content Management
It’s not only about creating the content. The content creation team must also focus on the management side to organize and maintain the displayed digital content. For example, when do you want to schedule and where do you want to display the content.
Likewise, updating content and managing its versions may also affect the cost of most digital signage software system. A company that offers a reasonable digital signage solution charge a monthly subscription fee, which ranges between $15 and $25 per month.
Maintenance Costs
These include software updates, hardware repairs, and content creation. These costs can range from $50 to $500 per year, depending on the complexity of the system. Here is a breakdown of maintenance costs:
- Software updates are included in subscription fees.
- Hardware repairs costs $100 to $220 per hour.
- Content management costs vary based on their complexity and frequency.
- System checkups cost between $60 and $500 per year.
Digital signage systems require regular software updates to ensure the latest features and security elements are running smoothly without any hassle.
Although the cost of software updates is included in the software subscription fee, some systems may have additional costs because they require new features or major updates.
Updating hardware features is important. If you fail to upgrade the hardware or ignore the repairs, you will experience spending a lot of money in the future. Therefore, focus on components of your digital sign display and signage system when they need repair or replacement.
Research shows the labor costs for digital signs repair are between $100 and $220 per hour. But keep in mind that labor expenses are not the fundamental digital signage costs.
Moreover, ongoing digital sign costs are monthly or as-needed costs to keep your signs up and running.
How To Calculate and Budget for Digital Signage Costs
Calculating your organization’s digital signage costs is important because it lets you optimize your budget for future digital signage purposes.
Let’s say you own a small chain of coffee shops, and you want to install a digital signage system in three of your locations.
Each location will have two displays: one behind the counter to display the menu, and one in the seating area to display promotions and announcements. So, you can calculate the cost based on the following:
- Define Your Needs: You’ve determined that you need 6 displays in total. You have also decided that you want to use cloud-based software so you can easily manage the content on all the displays from your main office.
- Hardware: After researching various options, you have found a reliable commercial-grade display that costs $500 each. So, for 6 displays, your hardware cost would be $500 x 6 = $3000.
- Software: The cloud-based digital signage software you have chosen charges $25 per month per display. So, your monthly software cost would be $25 x 6 = $150. Over a year, this adds up to $150 x 12 = $1800.
- Installation: The company you have to install the digital signage system charges $75 per display for installation. So, your installation cost would be $75 x 6 = $450.
But do you know Crown TV offers monthly and year plans that are way more affordable? These plans cover almost all features required for installing and using digital signage displays. You can even get outdoor & window-facing display screens at affordable prices.
- Maintenance Costs:
- You have decided to allocate a budget of $100 per display per year for maintenance. This includes any potential hardware repairs and content creation. So, your annual maintenance cost would be $100 x 6 = $600.
- Adding all these costs together, your first-year cost for the digital signage system would be $3000 (hardware) + $1800 (software) + $450 (installation) + $600 (maintenance) = $5850.
On the other hand, if you want to leverage the White Glove Experience, refer to Crown TV’s innovative products to make the most of your digital signage investment.
Not only will you reduce the impact digital signage prices may have on your company’s budget, but you will also have peace of mind by benefiting from the affordable digital signage prices.
Cost-Saving Strategies for Digital Signage
- Choosing the Right Hardware
- Opt for commercial grade displays for durability and longer warranties, suitable for heavy use in digital signage.
- Select efficient media players that are purpose-built for digital content display.
- Using Cloud-Based Software Solutions
- Employ cloud-based digital signage software to reduce maintenance costs and simplify content management.
- Consider open-source software to eliminate licensing fees, though cloud-based SaaS solutions can streamline operations and enhance campaigns.
- Creating Your Own Content
- Develop dynamic content that updates with real-time data (e.g., weather, inventory levels) to keep messaging relevant without manual updates.
- Plan content schedules to minimize display time and reduce energy use when not operational.
- Utilize remote management tools for monitoring and updating content across displays from a central location, saving on travel costs.
- Produce and manage content internally using simple design tools or repurposed assets to save on outsourcing.
- Focusing on Energy Efficient Systems
- Set displays to automatically turn off outside of operational hours.
- Adjust display brightness according to ambient light to save energy.
- Prefer LED displays for their lower energy consumption and longer lifespans.
- Repurpose older displays in less critical areas instead of discarding them, extending their use and value.
- Leveraging Single-Provider Solutions for Everything
- Obtain all necessary components — hardware (like TVs and media players), software, and installation services — from a single provider for a flat rate.
- This approach simplifies the procurement and setup process, potentially reducing costs associated with dealing with multiple vendors and their varying rates.
Navigating the Costs of Digital Signage
Investing in digital signage is a significant decision that involves understanding various cost factors to ensure effective budget management and maximum return on investment. So, how much is digital signage software worth, and should you use free digital signage software?
It all depends on your budget and overall signage needs.
Key Takeaways:
- Comprehensive Cost Planning: Consider all elements from hardware and software to installation and maintenance. Initial costs may range from purchasing displays and media players to securing robust software solutions.
- Opt for Total Solutions: Utilizing services like CrownTV’s White Glove Experience can streamline the process, offering a full package of hardware, software, and expert installation. This not only simplifies the setup but potentially reduces long-term costs through efficient, integrated solutions.
- Prioritize Quality and Durability: Choose commercial-grade hardware designed for long-term use, which, while initially more expensive, reduces the frequency and costs of replacements and repairs.
- Software and Content Management: Leverage cloud-based software for ease of content management and reduced maintenance costs. Also, consider creating your own content to cut down on ongoing content creation expenses.
- Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Implement energy-efficient practices such as adjusting display brightness and utilizing LED technology to lower operational costs.
By understanding this digital signage price guide, businesses can effectively implement digital signage solutions that enhance engagement and communication while aligning with budgetary constraints.
Remember, the right digital signage setup not only captivates your audience but also provides a substantial return through enhanced customer interaction and brand visibility. Contact us to get a customized plan that suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much does a digital signage ad cost?
Digital signage ads usually cost between $50 and $25,000 per month. For small ads, the cost is $50 to $1,000 per month. However, for the larger ones, the cost of the advertisement on a digital signage screen is $1,000 to $25,000 per month.
Keep in mind that the cost varies based on factors like the ad size, the target market, the type of digital signage screen, and the location of the displays.
Q: Is digital signage expensive?
Digital signage is both expensive and affordable. It depends on how you use it; the expenses are based on: the size, commercial vs consumer grade screen, content creation, how frequently you use them, and other factors. However, the average cost of indoor digital signs is $1,500 to $3,000 per square meter.
Likewise, the cost of outdoor digital signs is $1,000 to $4,000 per square meter. Remember, these costs include software, hardware, installation costs, and digital signage solutions on the tech support side.
Q: How much do electronic business signs cost?
Electronic business signs have different costs, but the average is between $2000 to $5000. The good news is that the price can range from as low as $100 for more straightforward A-frame signs.
On the other hand, the cost could be more than $200,000 if the electronic business sign is large, lighted, and double-side pylon. Most companies use these large screens on highways for advertising purposes.
Q: Is digital signage profitable?
Yes, you can use digital signs to boost your profits. Some studies have shown that digital commercial displays can increase profit by up to 124% and increase a company’s sales by 7%.
Not only are commercial displays profitable, but they enhance brand awareness and improve customer experience. You can use them for cost-effective marketing, real-time data and analytics, and adaptable and dynamic content.
But bear in mind that factors like target audience, content location, and cost of implementation determine digital sign pricing and profitability.
Q: Do companies offer discounts on digital signage pricing?
Most companies offer discounts on large-volume purchases, long-term contracts, and bundled services. Monthly and yearly plans at Crown TV are so affordable that you don’t need discounts.
Q: How can negotiate the installation costs?
Perform thorough research and compare prices from various suppliers. We recommend sourcing everything from one company, such as Crown TV, to negotiate a better price. Remember, you must get the most value from digital signage solution installation while fitting within your budget.
