
Open & Closed Signs
WHAT IS AN OPEN & CLOSED SIGN?
Open & Closed Signs tell your customers if you’re available for business.
They are usually smaller, made out of chalkboard or wood, and hung in doorways or placed near your entrance.
Don’t forget to use them to showcase your personality and to provide more helpful information, like your opening hours or a funny quote.
Avg. Price Range: $100 ~ $200
- Popularity
Details
Category | Business, Restaurant, Commerce |
Sign Material | Chalkboard, Wood, Plastic |
Price (avg) | ~ $100 - $200 |
Dimensions (avg) | ~ 12" x 24" |
Weight (avg) | ~ 0.5 - 5 pounds |
Frame | None |
Popular Colors | Black, White + |
Outdoor Use | Yes |
Two-Sided | Yes |
Best Feature | Informational, Branding |
Extras
Market Uses | Promotion, Store, Restaurant + |
Placements | Entrance, Doorway, Lobby, Sidewalk + |
Portability | Easy |
Where to Buy | Custom, Hobby Lobby, Amazon, Etsy + |
When to Buy | Anytime |
Inventor | Georges Claude (Neon Sign) |
Video | - |

Open & Closed Signs FAQ
What should I put on my open & closed sign?
Here are 11 ideas to put on your business open & closed signs:
- Your normal hours of operation.
- The hour you’ll be back in the store.
- An apology (e.g. “sorry we’ll be back soon”).
- Witty or funny sayings.
- Renovations or maintenance issues.
- Societal restrictions (e.g. coronavirus).
- An alternative location address.
- An invitation to come back.
- Contact information.
- Your social media accounts.
- Funny images.
TIP: Make your closed signs as light-hearted as possible — either with humor or images — to assuage your visitor’s frustration when they do find out you’re closed.
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Where should I put my open & closed sign?
Hang your sign in doorways or entrances.
Or simply lean it against the wall or against any window or glass door.
How do I make my signs more sturdy?
Open and closed signs are usually lightweight and need some help stabilizing.
If you hang your signs, you should try and secure them with suction cups or even tape.
If you lean them against a wall, try some small dumbbells or sandbags at the base of the sign to keep it upright.Â
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How long will my open & closed sign last?
1 year at least.
It all comes down to the material of your sign of course.
But here are a few practical tips to ensure a long sign life:
- Keep your sign indoors.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight (so no fading).
- Clean it regularly with a damp cloth.
- Laminate any paper signs.
- Don’t add any stickers or adhesives.
- Don’t cut or drill any holes.
- Keep it out of reach of your customers.