What is a Sandwich Board?

Sandwich Boards are one of the most popular types of pavement sign. They are also commonly known as A Boards, for their ‘A’ shape frame. They are available in a range of colours, sizes and styles and you can choose from using a printed poster or having a chalkboard set up.

A Boards are great for capturing the attention of passing trade and they are quick and easy to fold up for neat storage. Both the snap frame and chalkboard designs have their benefits but both can be updated regularly and easily.

Why do I need a Sandwich Board?

You need a Sandwich Board if you tick one of the following boxes:

• You are trying to increase sales
• You are looking to gain new customers
• You have a fantastic offer on that people don’t know about unless they go inside
• You are a new business or are new to the area and are not yet very well known
• You are set back from the main high street and people struggle to find you
• You are showing a hard to find sporting event in your pub or bar

Having an A Board is proven to alert both pedestrians and motorists to your business, increase walk in traffic and make people aware of your appealing deals, offers or simply your brand message.

Is an A Board better than a heavy duty Pavement Sign?

The right Pavement Sign for you depends on a number of factors.

If you are based somewhere particularly windy or with harsh weather conditions, then a water based Pavement Sign might be the better option for you. These signs are more durable and sturdy than A Boards but both offer the same quality of advertising.

The advantage of A Boards is that they are light and easy to transport and pack away.

How can I make my sign stand out?

A simple yet effective way to really make your A Board stand out from competitors is to introduce an LED Pavement Sign. Adding an element of illumination to your Pavement Sign will not only help your business stand out, but it will also brighten your poster and make you visible to passing trade day and night through any weather.

Am I legally allowed to place an A Board anywhere?

The rules and regulations for Sandwich Boards vary under each local council, so it is always best to check with your local authority. We recommend that you follow these simple steps to ensure that your A Board is not causing any issues or offences:

• Keep your sign in good condition at all times. The council will not approve of untidy, defaced or offensive signs in the street.
• If the weather takes a turn, bring your sign indoors. If the sign becomes a hazard and may blow over into the street or road causing an obstruction, you as the owner could be liable for any damage or accidents.
• Make sure the size you use suits the area. If you are on a narrow street or side street, an A0 size board may not be suitable as it may cause blockages.

How do I make the most out of my sign?

The most important element of you sign is the clarity. If the message isn’t clear instantly, people will lose interest. A Boards are in place to catch the passing trade, so your offer, deal or message needs to be able to be grasped in a glance. To help with this, you can use bold colours, large fonts and images.

You need to be able to attract the attention of as many people as possible. Humour always works well and often encourages people to stop and take a picture. However humour isn’t the correct tone for everyone, so if you need a more formal approach, striking images also work well.

An obvious but crucial point that is often missed, is spelling. A simple spelling mistake will instantly turn people away from your business as it is not only careless, but also unprofessional.

And finally, you want your sign to encourage people to come in or call, so why not say it on your sign? A simple ‘visit now’ or ‘speak to our advisors’ will let people know that you are available and happy to help.

How can I protect my poster from the weather?

The best way to make your poster weather resistant is to always print onto a waterproof based paper, such as PVC. This way, your poster will not run or crease should it come into contact with water, whether that be rain or condensation within the frame. Our snap frame style A Boards come with a UV anti-glare PVC cover which will protect your graphic from fading in harsh sunlight.