Prices change often, so i usually go online and search something like "cheap yard signs" or 'yard signs for investors' using key words like budget, cheap, economy etc. helps.
It seems that on more than one occasion i have landed at
www.dirtcheapsigns.com . You will pay shipping - that can sometimes make a diff. too on price per sign - so if possible, checking on the shipping might tell you overall which is the better deal. Although, it is hard to find out shipping until you create an order - cause it will depend on how many etc.
The price of your sign will depend on the size (we use 24"x18"), and the Qty (oh, and if you print one or both sides). The more you buy the better the price - probably when buying say 100 you might expect to pay about $2.50 ea. for double sided printing. BUT if you have a tiny budget, then you might go with the cheaper 18"x12" - often you can find those for $.99 ea.
The other big factor to remember is sign holders - esp. if you want the metal ones. I also do some research to find the best deals on those too. Even tho Dirt cheap signs has stakes, seems i sometimes find better deals elsewhere. And the shipping on those can kill you! But, i found a website that had a bit more expensive stakes, but they offered FREE SHIPPING- which more than made up for the higher price- so you must look at both prices to determine the best deal! (been a while back, and i cant find that vendor, i tried - sorry!)
There are various types of these. the main 2 standard ones are the H wire and a U Stake. The cheaper (less sturdy) ones are the H wire - the H wire looks just like an H but with 2 horizontal wires. Some might be pretty short and wimpy (there is some sort of 'gage' to know how strong they are, but i couldnt tell you the right gage to buy). Be sure you get 2 horizontal wires not one between the two uprights, otherwise there is nothing to 'step' it into the ground with.
The U Stakes cost probably abou 30% more - usu. $1.50 - $2 each, but hold up to hard ground and wind gusts better. I usually buy some of both, and use the cheap ones when the ground is soft, and hope for less wind (usu a problem in the spring!).
Wooden stakes are the cheapest, but more labor intense. The best nails to use in my opinion are 'roofing' nails, as they have a plastic disc which supports the sign and makes it less likey that the hole will stretch or rip rendering your nail useless!
Hope that helps!
Cindy
