Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Banners, Signs & Displays
Getting Started
When you're looking for high-quality custom banners at competitive prices, Half Price Banners delivers exceptional value. We use premium materials like our 13oz and 18oz vinyl, offer industry-leading print quality, and back everything with our satisfaction guarantee. Plus, our customer service team is here to help with every step of your banner project, from design to delivery.
Banner pricing depends on several factors, including size, material, and quantity. We calculate prices based on square footage and the labor required to create your banner. The great news is that we offer automatic quantity discounts starting at just five banners:
- Order five or more: Save 3%
- Order 10 or more: Save 5%
- Order 25 or more: Save 7%
And the savings keep growing with larger orders. Plus, we're committed to competitive pricing - if you find a better price elsewhere, let us know, and we'll work to match or beat it.
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and PayPal. We can also accept business checks for large orders over $1,000 - contact us first to arrange this. Please note that payments must clear before your order enters production. International orders require special payment arrangements.
Absolutely! For orders over 100 pieces, we offer substantial discounts and dedicated support. Submit your requirements through our quote form at halfpricebanners.com/quote, and we'll respond within one business day. We're happy to work with your budget and can often match or beat competitor pricing. Plus, we can handle staged deliveries and custom shipping arrangements for large orders.
Absolutely! Multi-location orders are our specialty. We ensure consistent branding across all your locations by maintaining color accuracy and print quality standards. Order 25 or more banners, and you'll automatically save 7% - orders of 100+ save 10%. Need different sizes or designs for various locations? No problem. We can handle mixed orders and coordinate delivery to multiple addresses.
Materials & Products
The best material for your outdoor banner depends on where and how you'll use it. Our 13oz vinyl banner material is perfect for most outdoor business signs. It's weather-resistant, UV-protected, and typically lasts 2-3 years outdoors. If you're in an area with harsh weather or need something extra durable, consider our 18oz heavy-duty vinyl - it's our toughest material and can last 3-5 years outside. Our mesh vinyl banners are ideal for windy locations since they allow air to pass through while maintaining excellent visibility.
Indoor banners can be made from materials like fabric or vinyl since they won't face harsh weather. They're great for trade shows, retail displays, or office decor. Outdoor banners need to be tougher, so we use weatherproof materials like our 13oz or 18oz vinyl. These materials resist fading, tearing, and water damage. For outdoor use, we reinforce the edges and use rust-proof grommets to ensure your banner lasts.
Our 15oz high-definition vinyl offers superior print quality because it doesn't have visible reinforcement lines on the print side. This results in smoother, more professional-looking images, especially for photographs and detailed graphics. The material is slightly thicker than standard vinyl, making it more durable while still being easy to handle and hang.
Mesh vinyl is ideal for fence banners because it has tiny holes that let wind pass through, reducing strain on your fence. While solid vinyl provides slightly more vibrant colors, mesh vinyl offers better durability in windy conditions and still maintains about 70% opacity. If your fence faces high winds or you're concerned about security, mesh is definitely the way to go. Plus, mesh banners actually appear less dirty over time since dust and debris can pass through rather than accumulate.
Actually, we don't recommend wind slits as a first resort because they can weaken your banner and cause premature tearing. Instead, if you're placing your banner in a windy area, our mesh vinyl banner material is a much better solution. The tiny holes throughout the material allow wind to pass through naturally while maintaining the banner's strength and visual impact. Mesh banners are perfect for fence advertising, building wraps, or any location with consistent wind exposure.
For large outdoor events, our 13oz vinyl banner material is the sweet spot between durability and cost. It's sturdy enough to handle a weekend event and weather-resistant enough for sun or rain. If your event runs multiple days or you're hanging the banner in a particularly windy spot, consider our mesh vinyl - it allows airflow while maintaining visibility. For long-term outdoor events lasting weeks or months, our 18oz heavy-duty vinyl offers maximum durability.
Design & Artwork
Getting exact color matches can be tricky since colors look different on screens than in print. For the most accurate colors, provide us with Pantone color codes. We offer exact color matching for a $50 fee per color - we'll print hundreds of variations to match your Pantone color perfectly. Keep in mind that certain colors like royal blue and deep purple can be challenging to match exactly with CMYK printing, so if precise color matching is crucial, the Pantone matching service is your best bet.
Colors can look quite different on screens versus printed materials. While we use high-quality CMYK printing, some colors, like royal blue and deep purple, can be tricky to match exactly. For precise color matching, we recommend providing Pantone color codes. Our $50 color matching service involves printing hundreds of variations to match your Pantone color perfectly. Without this service, we'll match as closely as possible using standard CMYK values.
True black can be tricky in large-format printing - it often appears less dark than on your computer screen. We use a rich black mix in our printing process for the deepest black possible. Different materials also affect how black appears - what looks deep black on vinyl might appear slightly lighter on fabric or mesh.
For banners that need 24-hour visibility, contrast is crucial. Dark colors on light backgrounds work best during the day, while light text on dark backgrounds is more visible at night. Consider adding external lighting for nighttime visibility. We recommend specific color adjustments for backlit applications to ensure your message remains clear regardless of lighting conditions.
The most effective banners keep things simple and bold. Use large, easy-to-read fonts that can be seen from a distance - sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica work great. Make sure there's plenty of contrast between your text and background colors. We recommend high-resolution files (at least 150 DPI) for images to ensure crisp, clear printing. Want professional help? Our design team can create a custom banner design for just $19.
Start by considering viewing distance - for every 10 feet of viewing distance, letters should be at least 1 inch tall. Keep your message brief and use high-contrast colors. Black on white or yellow offers maximum readability, while similar colors like dark blue on black can be hard to read. We recommend vector files or high-resolution images (at least 150 DPI at full size) for logos and images. Remember that simpler designs often work better - people usually only have a few seconds to read your message.
Yes! Visit halfpricebanners.com/templates to access our library of professional banner templates. These templates are sized correctly and include guides for proper layout and bleed areas. They're perfect if you want to create your own design but need some guidance on sizing and formatting. We offer templates for every product we sell, from standard banners to feather flags and trade show displays.
Sizing & Specifications
Choosing the right banner size depends on viewing distance and where you'll display it. For indoor displays like trade show booths or retail counters, a 2x4 foot banner often works great. For outdoor business signs that need to be visible from the street, consider a 3x6 or 4x8 foot banner. Not sure what size you need? Here's a simple guide:
- Viewing distance under 10 feet: 2x4 foot banner
- Viewing distance 10-20 feet: 3x6 foot banner
- Viewing distance 20-50 feet: 4x8 foot banner
- Viewing distance over 50 feet: 5x10 feet or larger
Retractable banners are incredibly popular for trade shows - they're portable and make a big impact. Our 33 "x80" retractable banner stands are perfect for most booth spaces. If you're working with a larger area, consider a tension fabric display in 8' or 10' widths. These create stunning backdrops that are easy to transport and set up. For table displays, a 2'x4' banner provides just the right amount of branding without overwhelming your space.
Our 9' feather flags work great for indoor trade shows and tight spaces with limited height. The 12' flags - our most popular size - provide excellent visibility for storefronts and outdoor events. Our 15' flags make maximum impact and can be seen from considerable distances. All sizes include your choice of ground stake for outdoor use or cross base for indoor displays.
Single-sided banners have artwork printed on one side and are perfect when your banner is mounted against a wall or fence. Double-sided banners feature printing on both sides, which is ideal for situations where people will view your message from multiple angles. We use heavier 18oz vinyl for double-sided banners to prevent show-through and ensure both sides look crisp and professional. They're perfect for pole banners, window displays, or any freestanding installation.
Proofing & Production
When you place your order, our design team will review your artwork within 24 hours and send you a digital proof. This proof shows exactly how your banner will print - including colors, sizing, and placement. You can request unlimited revisions until you're completely satisfied. We require proof approval before printing to ensure you get exactly what you want. This attention to detail helps avoid costly reprints and ensures your complete satisfaction.
No need to worry - we provide unlimited revisions to your banner proof at no extra charge. Once you receive your initial proof (within 24 hours of ordering), you can request as many changes as needed until you're completely satisfied. We won't start production until you've approved the final design. This ensures your banner will be exactly what you want before we print it.
We offer three production speeds to meet your timeline needs. Standard production takes five business days, expedited service is three business days, and rush orders can be completed in just one business day. Remember that production time starts after you approve your artwork proof. Once your banner ships, delivery typically takes 1-4 business days, depending on your location. Need it even faster? Next-day air shipping is available for urgent orders.
Rush production (1-day turnaround) is available for most products but may be limited during peak seasons like trade show season or holidays. When rush isn't available, we suggest expedited production (3-day turnaround). Need a guaranteed delivery date? Let us know when ordering, and we'll confirm whether we can meet your deadline before processing your order.
Tracking your order is simple: Log into your Half Price Banners account, go to your profile, and select "View Details" under Orders. You'll see your order status and tracking number as soon as it ships. Want to modify your order? Changes can be made during the early stages of art verification, but please contact us for major changes rather than placing a new order.
If you need to cancel your order before we create your art proof, you'll receive a full refund. Refunds may be partial after the art proof stage since design services are included in your banner price. Each banner is custom-made, so cancellation isn't possible once production begins. Need to make changes instead? Contact us to discuss modifications rather than canceling.
Installation & Mounting
There are several simple ways to hang your banner, depending on where you display it. For outdoor installations, we recommend using bungee cords through the grommets - they provide flexibility in windy conditions and prevent tearing. You might prefer using rope, Velcro strips, or suction cups on windows for indoor displays. All our banners come with heavy-duty grommets every 24 inches, making them easy to hang securely. Need a more permanent solution? Try screws with washers or banner mounting brackets.
Pole pockets work best for permanent installations like street pole banners or stage backdrops. We sew them at the top and bottom of your banner to slide over poles or support rods. Grommets are more versatile - we place them every 24 inches around the banner's edge, letting you hang the banner with rope, bungee cords, or zip ties. For indoor displays, grommets often work better since they're less visible. For outdoor banners that need extra stability, consider combining both options.
For brick walls, we recommend using masonry anchors or concrete screws with washers through the grommets. Space them every 2-3 feet for secure mounting. If drilling isn't an option, heavy-duty banner tape can work for temporary indoor installations. For outdoor installations on brick, consider installing permanent mounting brackets - they'll make it easier to change banners in the future. Always check local regulations and get property owner approval before drilling into any walls.
While we don't provide installation services directly, we make sure every banner comes with clear mounting instructions and all necessary hardware attachments like grommets or pole pockets. Most customers find installation straightforward with basic tools.
Setting up a retractable banner is straightforward:
- 1. Remove the stand from its carrying case
- 2. Extend the support pole and connect it to the base
- 3. Carefully pull the banner up from the base
- 4. Attach the banner to the top of the pole
- 5. Adjust for stability
They're perfect for trade shows since they are set up in minutes and packed away just as quickly.
Care & Maintenance
Absolutely! Our vinyl banners are designed for multiple uses when properly cared for. To keep your banner looking great:
- Clean it with mild soap and water when dirty
- Let it dry completely before storing
- Roll it up (never fold) for storage
- Keep it in a cool, dry place
- Store in the original packaging if possible
Cleaning a vinyl banner is simple but requires gentle care. Use mild soap (like dish soap) and lukewarm water - avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washers. Gently wipe the banner with a soft cloth or sponge, rinse thoroughly, and let it air dry completely before storage or rehanging. For tough stains, don't scrub aggressively - this can damage the print. Instead, let the cleaning solution sit briefly before wiping.
To maximize your banner's lifespan, proper storage is crucial. Always roll your banner - never fold it, as this can create permanent creases and damage the print. Store it in the original packaging or a protective tube in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For outdoor banners that get dirty, clean them with mild soap and water, then let them dry completely before storage. Following these steps can help your banner last for years.
Always store feather flags fully dry and clean. Break down the poles into their original sections and place them in the provided carrying case. The flag portion should be loosely rolled or folded - never stuffed - to prevent permanent creasing. Store in a dry place away from direct sunlight. For long-term storage, consider having your flag professionally cleaned first.
While vinyl banners aren't recyclable in traditional programs, there are creative ways to extend their life. Many customers repurpose old banners as protective tarps or donate them to schools for art projects. For eco-conscious customers, we recommend ordering designs that can be reused multiple times or choosing our fabric options, which have a lower environmental impact.
Specialty Products
Feather flags are excellent for catching attention with movement. We offer them in 9', 12', and 15' heights - our 12' size is most popular because it's tall enough to be seen from a distance but still manageable for one person to set up. They come with either a ground stake for outdoor use or a cross base for indoor displays. For durability, we make them from 3.2oz polyester fabric that's specially designed to withstand wind while maintaining vibrant colors.
Tension fabric displays use a lightweight aluminum frame with a stretchy fabric graphic that pulls tight for a wrinkle-free presentation. They're available in widths from 3' to 10', all at a standard height of 7.5'. The fabric is printed using dye-sublimation for rich, vibrant colors that won't crack or peel. The best part? They pack down small for easy transport and can be assembled by one person in about 10 minutes.
Retractable banners are ideal for trade shows because they're self-contained and portable. The banner rolls up into the base unit for protection during transport. Setup takes less than a minute - just pull the banner up and attach it to the support pole. They're lightweight enough to carry easily but sturdy enough to stay upright in busy areas. Most importantly, they roll away wrinkle-free, ready for your next event.
Our custom-printed tablecloths use 7oz polyester with a slight stretch that helps them fit perfectly on standard tables. You can choose between an open-back style (great when people need to sit at the table) or a closed-back (perfect for display tables viewed from all sides). The material has a professional matte finish that photographs well and resists wrinkles. They're machine washable, too, making them perfect for repeated use at trade shows or events.
Yes! Our window perf material uses tiny holes that create a solid image when viewed from outside while allowing people inside to see out. The material is 6mil white perforated vinyl with black backing. From the outside, your graphics appear solid and vibrant. From inside, you maintain about 65% of your standard view through the window. It's perfect for storefronts and office windows.