Opening Hours Sign To Print: What You Need to Know and How to Do It
How to Create an Opening Hours Sign To Print for Your Business
If you own or manage a business that has a physical location, such as a shop, restaurant, salon, office or clinic, you need to have an opening hours sign that informs your customers and visitors when you are open and closed. An opening hours sign is not only a courtesy, but also a legal requirement in some countries and regions. In this article, we will show you how to create an opening hours sign that suits your brand and style, how to print and display it effectively, and how to keep it updated and accurate.
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What is an opening hours sign and why do you need one?
An opening hours sign is a simple but important piece of communication that tells your customers and visitors when they can expect to find you open and available. It usually includes the days of the week, the hours of operation, and any special or seasonal changes. An opening hours sign can also include other information, such as your contact details, website, social media handles, or any relevant messages or promotions.
The benefits of having a clear and visible opening hours sign
Having a clear and visible opening hours sign can bring many benefits to your business, such as:
It can attract more customers and visitors by letting them know that you are open and ready to serve them.
It can reduce confusion and frustration by preventing customers and visitors from showing up when you are closed or unavailable.
It can build trust and credibility by showing that you are professional and reliable.
It can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty by meeting their expectations and needs.
It can boost your brand awareness and recognition by displaying your logo, name, colors and style.
The legal requirements for displaying your opening hours
In some countries and regions, displaying your opening hours is not only a good practice, but also a legal obligation. For example, in the European Union, the Services Directive requires service providers to make their opening hours easily accessible to the public. In Italy, the law states that businesses must display their opening hours on their entrance door or window. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in fines or penalties.
Therefore, before creating your opening hours sign, you should check the local laws and regulations that apply to your business type and location. You should also make sure that your opening hours are consistent with any licenses or permits that you have obtained from the authorities.
How to design an opening hours sign that suits your brand and style
Once you have determined your opening hours and the legal requirements for displaying them, you can start designing your opening hours sign. Your opening hours sign should reflect your brand identity and personality, as well as match the style and decor of your premises. Here are some tips on how to design an opening hours sign that suits your brand and style.
The elements to include in your opening hours sign
The main element of your opening hours sign is obviously the information about your opening hours. However, depending on the space available and the message you want to convey, you can also include other elements, such as:
Your logo or name
Your slogan or tagline
Your contact details (phone number, email address, website)
Your social media handles or icons
A QR code that links to your online presence
A welcome message or a thank you note
A special offer or a discount code
A holiday greeting or a seasonal decoration
You should prioritize the most important elements and avoid overcrowding your sign with too much information. You should also use clear and concise language that is easy to read and understand.
The best fonts, colors and layouts for your opening hours sign
The fonts, colors and layouts that you choose for your opening hours sign should be consistent with your brand identity and personality. They should also be legible and visible from a distance. Here are some guidelines on how to choose the best fonts, colors and layouts for your opening hours sign.
Fonts: Choose fonts that are simple, clean and professional. Avoid fonts that are too fancy, decorative or childish. Use fonts that are easy to read both in print and on screen. Use different font sizes or weights to create contrast and hierarchy between different elements. For example, use a larger font size for your logo or name than for your contact details.
Colors: Choose colors that match your logo or name. Avoid colors that are too bright, dark or dull. Use colors that contrast well with each other and with the background. For example, use white text on a black background or black text on a white background. Use colors sparingly and strategically to highlight important elements or create visual interest.
Layouts: Choose layouts that are simple, balanced and symmetrical. Avoid layouts that are too complex, cluttered or asymmetrical. Use layouts that align well with each other and with the edges of the sign. For example, use a grid system or a center alignment to organize your elements. Use white space or negative space to create breathing room between different elements.
The tools and resources to create your opening hours sign online
If you want to create your own opening hours sign online without hiring a professional designer or spending too much time or money, there are many tools and resources available for you. Here are some examples:
EDIT.org: This is an online editor that offers dozens of editable templates for creating your opening hours sign in minutes. You can customize the templates with your own text, logo, colors and images. You can also download the result in PDF format for printing or sharing on social media.
Creative Center: This is another online editor that provides free printable templates for creating your opening hours sign. You can access and use Brother Creative Center by agreeing to their terms of use . You can also keep your creations Brother Genuine by shopping Brother Genuine Ink & Toner.
Moduli.it: This is an online portal that offers three different models of opening hours signs that you can customize and transform into PDF files ready for printing. The dimensions of the signs are 24 x 17.5 cm.
How to print and display your opening hours sign effectively
How to print and display your opening hours sign effectively
After designing your opening hours sign online, you need to print it out on paper or other materials suitable for outdoor use. You also need to display it on your entrance door or window in a way that is visible and attractive. Here are some tips on how to print and display your opening hours sign effectively.
The best materials and formats for your opening hours sign
The materials and formats that you choose for your opening hours sign should be durable, weather-resistant and easy to handle. You should also consider the size and shape of your sign, as well as the printing quality and cost. Here are some examples of materials and formats that you can use for your opening hours sign:
Paper: This is the most common and affordable material for printing your opening hours sign. You can use regular paper or cardstock paper, depending on the thickness and stiffness that you prefer. You can also laminate your paper sign to make it more resistant to water and wear. However, paper signs can fade, tear or curl over time, especially if exposed to direct sunlight or humidity.
Vinyl: This is a synthetic material that is flexible, durable and waterproof. You can print your opening hours sign on vinyl stickers or banners, depending on the size and shape that you need. Vinyl signs can adhere well to smooth surfaces, such as glass or metal. They can also withstand harsh weather conditions and UV rays. However, vinyl signs can be more expensive and difficult to remove than paper signs.
Plastic: This is another synthetic material that is rigid, sturdy and weatherproof. You can print your opening hours sign on plastic sheets or boards, such as acrylic or PVC. Plastic signs can be cut into various shapes and sizes, as well as mounted on frames or stands. They can also resist fading, cracking and peeling. However, plastic signs can be more costly and heavy than paper or vinyl signs.
You should choose the material and format that best suits your budget, preferences and needs. You should also check the printing specifications and guidelines of the tool or resource that you use to create your opening hours sign online.
The best places and methods to hang your opening hours sign
The places and methods that you use to hang your opening hours sign should be visible, accessible and secure. You should also consider the aesthetics and functionality of your sign, as well as the regulations and restrictions of your premises. Here are some examples of places and methods that you can use to hang your opening hours sign:
Door: This is the most common and convenient place to hang your opening hours sign. You can attach your sign to the inside or outside of your door, depending on the visibility and security that you want. You can use adhesive tape, glue, magnets or hooks to hang your sign on your door. However, you should make sure that your sign does not interfere with the opening and closing of your door.
Window: This is another popular and practical place to hang your opening hours sign. You can stick your sign to the inside or outside of your window, depending on the visibility and security that you want. You can use suction cups, clamps or clips to hang your sign on your window. However, you should make sure that your sign does not block the view or light of your window.
Wall: This is a more permanent and professional place to hang your opening hours sign. You can drill holes or use screws or nails to hang your sign on your wall. You can also use frames or brackets to support your sign on your wall. However, you should make sure that your wall is suitable for hanging signs and that you have the permission and tools to do so.
You should choose the place and method that best suits your visibility, security and style. You should also check the local laws and regulations regarding hanging signs on public or private property.
The tips and tricks to keep your opening hours sign updated and accurate
Keeping your opening hours sign updated and accurate is essential for maintaining a good relationship with your customers and visitors. You should always inform them of any changes or exceptions in your opening hours as soon as possible. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your opening hours sign updated and accurate:
Use a chalkboard or a whiteboard: This is a simple and flexible way to update your opening hours sign whenever you need to. You can write or erase your opening hours with chalk or markers on a chalkboard or a whiteboard. You can also add notes or messages to inform your customers of any special occasions or circumstances.
Use removable stickers or magnets: This is another easy and adaptable way to update your opening hours sign whenever you need to. You can print or write your opening hours on removable stickers or magnets that you can stick or unstick on your existing sign. You can also change the color or shape of your stickers or magnets to indicate different seasons or events.
Use digital displays or apps: This is a more advanced and modern way to update your opening hours sign whenever you need to. You can use digital displays or apps that connect to the internet or Bluetooth to display your opening hours on a screen or a device. You can also update or change your opening hours remotely from your computer or smartphone.
You should choose the tip or trick that best suits your convenience and preference. You should also check your opening hours sign regularly and make sure that it is clear and correct.
Conclusion
An opening hours sign is a vital piece of communication that can make a big difference for your business. It can help you attract more customers and visitors, reduce confusion and frustration, build trust and credibility, increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, and boost your brand awareness and recognition. It can also help you comply with the legal requirements and regulations that apply to your business type and location.
In this article, we have shown you how to create an opening hours sign that suits your brand and style, how to print and display it effectively, and how to keep it updated and accurate. We have also shared some tools and resources that you can use to create your opening hours sign online without spending too much time or money.
We hope that this article has been useful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about opening hours signs:
What are the best practices for creating an opening hours sign?
Some of the best practices for creating an opening hours sign are:
Use clear and concise language that is easy to read and understand.
Use fonts, colors and layouts that are consistent with your brand identity and personality.
Use contrast, hierarchy and alignment to create visual interest and order.
Include the most important and relevant information, such as your days of the week, hours of operation, contact details, website, social media handles, or any special or seasonal changes.
Avoid overcrowding your sign with too much information or decoration.
Check the local laws and regulations that apply to your business type and location.
How often should I update my opening hours sign?
You should update your opening hours sign whenever there is a change or exception in your opening hours. For example, if you have different opening hours for summer or winter, if you have special opening hours for holidays or events, or if you have temporary closures due to emergencies or renovations. You should also update your opening hours sign at least once a year to make sure that it is accurate and current.
How can I make my opening hours sign more attractive and engaging?
You can make your opening hours sign more attractive and engaging by adding some elements or features that can catch the attention and interest of your customers and visitors. For example, you can:
Add your logo or name to create brand recognition.
Add your slogan or tagline to convey your brand personality.
Add a QR code that links to your online presence to increase traffic and engagement.
Add a welcome message or a thank you note to create rapport and appreciation.
Add a special offer or a discount code to generate sales and conversions.
Add a holiday greeting or a seasonal decoration to create festive mood and spirit.
Where can I find more examples and inspiration for creating an opening hours sign?
You can find more examples and inspiration for creating an opening hours sign by browsing online platforms or websites that offer templates, tools or resources for creating signs. For example, you can check out:
EDIT.org: This is an online editor that offers dozens of editable templates for creating your opening hours sign in minutes.
Creative Center: This is another online editor that provides free printable templates for creating your opening hours sign.
Moduli.it: This is an online portal that offers three different models of opening hours signs that you can customize and transform into PDF files ready for printing.
You can also find more examples and inspiration by looking at the opening hours signs of other businesses in your industry or area. You can see what they do well and what they can improve on. You can also get ideas on how to differentiate yourself from them.