So, you are a first-time candidate, huh?  Your supporters are asking if they can put one of your yard signs in their lawns.  But, you haven’t had time to think about a design, let alone ORDER YOUR CAMPAIGN SIGNS.   Well, ordering political signs does not have to be intimidating or time consuming.

Though it is one of the most important items on your checklist, the task of buying campaign signs should be simple.  Ask the right questions and your name and purpose will be spread cost effectively and painlessly across your district.

Yard signs come in different materials?

Yes, there are different materials for different circumstances.  The three materials used are corrugated plastic, polybag and weather-coated poster board.  Each can withstand wind, rain, snow and sun, but to different degrees.

Corrugated plastic, called corroplast for short, has quickly become the most popular choice.  The most common size chosen is the 24″x18″.

Pros

-          Durability-the most durable of the materials

-          Ink coverage-screen printing looks sharp and crisp on corrugated plastic signs

-          Assembly-the wires simply slip into the flutes of the sign, no folding or stapling

-          Larger sizes available-corroplast is more rigid and can be used in single sheets up to 4′x8′

Cons

-          Corrugated plastic signs are generally more expensive then poster board and polybag signs

Polybag signs, often referred to as plastic bag signs, are ideal for large campaigns that need to blanket large areas.  These signs are like a large “envelopes” that slip easily over a “U” shaped steel wire.  The standard is 16″x26″.

Pros

-          Very cost effective in large quantities (1000+)

-          Volunteer friendly (light weight and can be rolled or folded)

-          Durable and weatherproof

-          Assembly

Cons

-          High minimum quantity

Poster board signs, or coated signs, are the budget signs.  These signs are best for campaigns on a very tight budget, campaigns that only need exposure for a few weeks or campaigns that are looking to run a last minute blanket strategy.  He standard size is 22″x28″, which folds to 14″x22″.

Pros

-          Inexpensive

Cons

-          Labor (you must fold and staple these signs over the “U” shaped wires)

-          Staple holes create weak spots (rain, dirt and wind can wreak havoc on the staple holes)

-          Cumbersome for volunteers

-          Unattractive (since folding creates odd creases and the elements can wear these down)

Give me a guideline, please!

If you need 1000 or more yard signs, go straight to the polybag signs.

If you need under 1000 signs and plan to have the signs out longer than a month, corrugated plastic signs are your best bet.  These can be used with steel “H” stands or single wires that come in pairs, called Beefy Stakes.  Beefy Stakes are easier to use, cheaper and most sturdy than the “H” stands.

Lastly, if you need less than 1000 signs, need them out for less than a month and are on a small budget, order some poster board signs.  These are used with wire “U” frames.

*By the way, a quick way to figure out how many political signs you need to is to figure 1 sign per every 30 registered voters.  If your budget allows, you want to order 25% more than that number.  Inevitably, you will lose some signs to thieves, vandals or extreme weather.    Plus, plan on more supporters coming out of the wood work.

QUICK TIPS:

-          Don’t put your signs out more then 30 days prior to the election.  Signs that have been sitting out 45-60 days tend to lose their presence.  They become part of the background.

-          “Clump” your signs, when possible.  Having signs in successive yards throughout a neighborhood gives you the look of a political powerhouse, someone to be followed.

-          Put the majority (80%-90%) of your yard signs out at the same time.  This means gathering volunteers and going out overnight.  When commuters wakeup the next morning they’ll see your signs blanketing the town.

-          Order early.  Give printers time to print and ship your campaign signs.  You are not the only candidate ordering signs.  You will have to wait in line.

-          Keep your design simple.  Typically, three components will do it: “Vote” or “Elect”, your name and the office you are running for.  Website addresses are sometimes used, but they are hard to read when people are driving by at 30+ mph.

The Bottom Line

Campaign signs are an essential tool for not only name recognition, but also to give you an air of power.  Bandwagon voting can be swayed in your direction by having the correct amount of campaign signs, placing them properly and at the right time and by having the correct content in the design.  When shopping around for a supplier of yard signs, ask if they do other collateral materials, as well.  Maybe you can get all your materials from one supplier-banners, t-shirts, bumper magnets, notepads, etc.

With this information, you will be able to tell the printer what you need, not the other way around.