This guide provides free curbside signage templates you can download and print today—A-frames, stall numbers, directional arrows, window decals—plus printer specs, material choices, and installation tips.
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Customers circling your parking lot confused about where to park for pickup. Staff fielding constant "where do I go?" phone calls. Drivers missing your curbside area entirely and walking inside frustrated. Bad signage kills your BOPIS program before it starts.

Here's the good news: professional signage doesn't require a graphic designer or expensive print shop. You need clear templates, the right materials, and basic installation knowledge. This guide gives you all three.

You'll get free downloadable templates for every sign type your curbside program needs—directional A-frames, numbered stall markers, window decals, and arrival instructions. Plus printer specifications so your local shop (or office printer) produces signs that actually work. And ADA compliance guidelines so your signs are visible to drivers with vision impairments.

By the end of this guide, you'll have printable files ready to go and know exactly how to install them for maximum visibility. Total cost: under $50 for a complete signage system that looks like you spent thousands.

Essential Signage Types (Minimum Viable)

Quick Answer: At minimum, you need three sign types: (1) Parking lot entrance directional sign pointing to BOPIS stalls (A-frame or standing, 24×36 inches), (2) Parking stall markers identifying each pickup spot with numbers (24×36 inch standing signs or pavement markings), and (3) Window decal or entrance sign confirming location with phone number (18×24 inches minimum). Use high-contrast colors—black text on yellow or orange background—with reflective materials for nighttime visibility.

Don't over-complicate your signage program. Start with these three sign types and you'll solve 90% of customer confusion.

Sign Type 1: Parking Lot Entrance Directional

This sign catches drivers as they enter your parking lot and points them toward the BOPIS area. Without it, first-time customers drive past your pickup stalls and end up at your main entrance wondering where to go.

Purpose: Direct drivers from parking lot entrance to pickup stalls before they park in the wrong spot.

Text: "BOPIS Pickup →" or "Curbside Pickup →" with a large arrow pointing toward your designated stalls. Keep text huge and simple—drivers need to read this while moving.

Size: 24×36 inches minimum. Larger is better for visibility from a distance. If your parking lot entrance is far from pickup stalls (100+ feet), consider 36×48 inches.

Placement: Where vehicles enter the lot, positioned so drivers see it before making parking decisions. Typically near the entrance driveway or at the first decision point (where they choose between parking areas).

Format: A-frame standing sign (sits on ground, no installation needed) or post-mounted directional (requires digging/cementing a post). A-frames are easier and movable—start there.

Sign Type 2: Parking Stall Markers

These identify which specific stalls are for BOPIS pickup and number them so customers can say "I'm in stall 3" instead of describing their vehicle.

Purpose: Reserve parking spots for pickup customers and give each spot a unique identifier for easy communication.

Text: "BOPIS Pickup Only" or "Curbside Pickup" at top, then a large number (1, 2, 3, etc.) in the center. Add "Call [your number] when you arrive" at the bottom if space permits.

Size: 24×36 inches for standing signs, or 18×24 inches for post-mounted. The number should be readable from 50 feet—that means 8-10 inch tall digits minimum.

Placement: One sign per parking stall. Place at the front of the stall (where the car's nose will be) or mounted on posts at stall edges. Standing signs sit on the pavement in front of the stall; post-mounted signs go on poles marking stall boundaries.

Quantity: One per stall. Most stores need 3-6 stalls for BOPIS. More than 6 and you probably want a dedicated pickup lane instead of individual stalls.

Sign Type 3: Window Decal or Entrance Sign

This confirms customers are at the right location and provides contact information. It's the final reassurance before they call or text to announce arrival.

Purpose: Visible confirmation from parking area that this is the pickup location, with phone number for arrival notification.

Text: "BOPIS Pickup Here" or "Curbside Pickup" at top, your phone number prominently displayed (large, bold), and optionally "Text or call when you arrive."

Size: 18×24 inches minimum for window decals. Larger storefront signs can be 24×36 or bigger if you have the window space.

Placement: Front window facing your pickup stalls. Should be visible from inside a parked vehicle 30-40 feet away. If you don't have suitable windows, use a standing sign near your entrance visible from the stalls.

Material: Vinyl decal with adhesive backing for windows (removable), or weatherproof coroplast/metal sign for outdoor mounting.

Optional But Helpful: Arrival Instruction Sign

This fourth sign type isn't essential but significantly reduces customer confusion and phone calls asking "what do I do now?"

Text template:

"WELCOME CURBSIDE PICKUP CUSTOMERS
1. Park in numbered stall
2. Call or text [phone number]
3. Give us your order # and stall #
4. We'll bring your order out!
Have photo ID ready"

Size: 18×24 inches, placed on your building near the entrance or on a standing sign in the pickup area.

For the complete operational context around your signage, see our BOPIS Holiday Playbook covering setup, policies, and workflows.

Free Downloadable Templates

Every template below is designed for easy customization and printing. They're formatted for standard sign sizes and use high-contrast colors proven for visibility.

Template Package Contents

Our free signage template package includes:

  • A-Frame Directional Sign (24×36 inches, PDF + Canva link)
  • Numbered Stall Markers #1-6 (24×36 inches each, individual PDFs)
  • Window Decal Template (18×24 inches, PDF + editable)
  • Arrival Instructions Sign (18×24 inches, PDF)
  • Small Directional Arrow (12×18 inches, multiple per page)
  • Printer Specifications Sheet (what to tell your print shop)
  • Installation Guide (mounting options and tools needed)

How to Download

Access the complete template package here: [Download Free BOPIS Signage Templates]

The download is a ZIP file containing all templates in PDF format (ready to print as-is) plus links to editable Canva versions where you can customize colors, phone numbers, and text before printing.

What you can customize:

  • Your store name or logo
  • Phone number (for window decals and arrival signs)
  • Colors (we provide high-contrast defaults but you can brand-match if needed)
  • Text variations ("BOPIS" vs "Curbside" vs "Store Pickup")
  • Number of stalls (templates include 1-6; duplicate for more)

What you shouldn't change:

  • Text size—we've sized everything for visibility from vehicles
  • Layout proportions—designed for optimal readability
  • Contrast ratios—meeting ADA visibility standards

Customization Quick Start (Canva)

If you want to edit templates before printing:

Step 1: Click the Canva link provided with your download. This opens an editable version of the template.

Step 2: Click "Use template" to create your own copy you can edit.

Step 3: Click on text elements to edit. Replace "[YOUR PHONE]" with your actual number. Change "BOPIS Pickup" to "Curbside Pickup" if you prefer that terminology.

Step 4: Don't resize or move elements—they're positioned for optimal visibility. Just change the text content.

Step 5: Download as PDF (high quality, 300 DPI). This is what you'll send to the printer or print yourself.

Total customization time: 5-10 minutes for all templates.

Template Preview: Stall Marker Design

Our numbered stall marker templates use this proven layout:

Top section (30%): "CURBSIDE PICKUP" in bold, sans-serif font, high contrast
Middle section (50%): Giant number (1, 2, 3, etc.) —this is the most important element
Bottom section (20%): "Call (XXX) XXX-XXXX when you arrive" in readable but smaller text

Color scheme: Black text on safety orange background (hex #FF6600) for maximum daytime visibility. For nighttime, we use reflective materials (covered in printer specs below).

Alternative: DIY Text-Only Signs

If you can't access our templates or need emergency signage today, here's a text-only approach you can create in Microsoft Word or Google Docs:

Directional sign text:

CURBSIDE PICKUP →
(96pt bold font, print on 24×36 paper or poster board)

Stall marker text:

CURBSIDE PICKUP
[NUMBER in 200pt font]
STALL [NUMBER]
(Print each on 24×36, laminate if possible)

This works in a pinch but lacks the design polish and visibility optimization of our templates. Use it to launch quickly, then upgrade to proper signage within a week.

🎨 Want 50+ Professional Templates?

These free templates get you started, but our Curbside Signage Mega Pack gives you 50+ premium designs including branded templates, seasonal variations, multiple color schemes, and specialty signs for specific scenarios.

Mega Pack Includes:

  • ✓ 50+ sign templates (A-frames, stalls, window decals, directional arrows)
  • ✓ Editable in Canva, Figma, and Adobe Illustrator
  • ✓ Branded templates (add your logo, colors, fonts)
  • ✓ Seasonal variations (holiday themes, summer/winter palettes)
  • ✓ Specialty signs (ADA accessible parking, EV charging + pickup, pregnant/infant priority)
  • ✓ Multi-language options (English, Spanish, French)
Get Signage Mega Pack – $19

Instant download • Lifetime access • Commercial use license included

Printer Specifications & Materials

The right material makes the difference between signs that last six months and signs that fall apart in the first rainstorm. Here's what to specify when printing.

Material Options (Best to Worst)

Option 1: Coroplast (Corrugated Plastic) — BEST for outdoor standing signs

Coroplast is corrugated plastic sheeting—think of it as plastic cardboard. It's waterproof, lightweight, durable, and the standard material for yard signs and real estate signs.

  • Thickness: 4mm for signs under 24×36 inches; 6mm for larger signs
  • Pros: Weatherproof, inexpensive ($8-15 per 24×36 sign), easy to stake or mount
  • Cons: Can warp in extreme heat, not as rigid as metal
  • Lifespan: 1-2 years outdoors with proper care
  • Best for: Stall markers, directional A-frames

Option 2: Aluminum Composite (Dibond) — BEST for premium/permanent installations

Two thin aluminum sheets bonded to a plastic core. Professional, rigid, and very durable. Used by major retailers for permanent signage.

  • Thickness: 3mm standard
  • Pros: Very durable, professional appearance, won't warp, 5+ year lifespan
  • Cons: Expensive ($30-60 per 24×36 sign), heavier than coroplast
  • Best for: Permanent entrance signs, building-mounted signs

Option 3: Vinyl Banner Material — GOOD for large temporary signs

Flexible vinyl, typically 13oz weight for outdoor use. Often used for event banners and temporary signage.

  • Pros: Inexpensive for large sizes, wind-resistant (with grommets), portable
  • Cons: Not rigid (requires mounting to fence/wall), can fade faster, looks less professional
  • Best for: Large directional signs on fences or building walls

Option 4: Laminated Paper/Poster Board — ACCEPTABLE for indoor/temporary use only

Regular heavy paper or poster board, printed and laminated for basic weather resistance.

  • Pros: Very cheap ($5-10 per sign), can print on office printer if you have 11×17 or 13×19 capability
  • Cons: Poor durability, lamination eventually fails, wind damage, looks DIY
  • Lifespan: 1-3 months outdoors, 6-12 months indoors
  • Best for: Emergency/temporary signage or indoor window decals

Printing Method: Digital vs Screen Print

For small quantities (under 50 signs), use digital printing. It's faster and cheaper for low volumes. Most local print shops and online services (Vistaprint, Signs.com, local FedEx Office) use digital printers for coroplast and vinyl.

Screen printing is only cost-effective for 100+ identical signs—not practical for most single-location BOPIS programs.

What to Tell Your Print Shop

Bring or email your PDF templates with these specifications:

Print Specifications for BOPIS Signage

Material: 4mm white coroplast (or 6mm for signs larger than 24×36)
Quantity: [Your quantity—1 directional, 4-6 stall markers, 1 window decal]
Size: 24×36 inches for directional/stall markers; 18×24 for window decal
Print: Full color, single-sided (or double-sided for A-frames if desired)
Finish: UV-resistant inks; optional: reflective overlay or reflective inks for nighttime visibility
Mounting: Include H-stakes for ground mounting (directional and stall markers)
File format: High-resolution PDF, 300 DPI
Turnaround: [Your needed date]
Additional: Round corners optional for safety (prevents sharp edges)

Most shops will quote you $10-20 per 24×36 coroplast sign, including stakes. Aluminum costs more ($30-60). Get quotes from 2-3 shops or online vendors—prices vary significantly.

Reflective Materials for Night Visibility

If your store is open after dark and you do evening pickups, invest in reflective signage. Two options:

Option A: Reflective overlay film — A clear reflective sheet applied over your printed sign. Reflects headlights back to drivers. Adds $5-10 per sign.

Option B: Reflective inks/vinyl — The print shop uses reflective materials in the printing process. More expensive but more durable. Adds $10-20 per sign.

According to parking sign visibility standards, Type III reflective sheeting is the minimum for roadway signs visible at night. Ask your print shop if they offer Type III or Engineer Grade reflective materials.

If reflective signage is outside your budget, add simple LED spotlights aimed at your stall numbers. A $20 solar LED flood light makes a huge difference for night visibility.

DIY Printing (Office/Home Printer)

Can you print these yourself to save money? Depends on your printer and budget.

What you'll need:

  • Large-format printer (11×17 or 13×19) or willingness to tile multiple 8.5×11 pages
  • Heavy cardstock or poster board paper
  • Laminating sheets or self-laminating pouches
  • Scissors, tape, stakes

Process: Print templates on cardstock, laminate with clear laminating sheets, mount to foam board or coroplast backing (buy from craft store), attach to stakes.

Cost per sign (DIY): $3-8 depending on materials. Time investment: 30-60 minutes per sign for cutting, laminating, mounting.

Verdict: DIY saves money but costs time and looks less professional. Worth it for temporary/testing purposes or if you have laminating equipment already. For permanent signage, pay for professional printing—it's only slightly more expensive and looks significantly better.

ADA Compliance & Visibility Standards

Your signage needs to be readable by drivers with vision impairments and meet accessibility standards. Here's what that means in practice.

ADA Requirements for Parking Signs

According to ADA Standards for Accessible Design and parking sign compliance guides, parking signs must meet specific standards:

Mounting height: Signs must be mounted at least 60 inches from ground to bottom of sign. This prevents them from being blocked by vehicles. Maximum height is 84 inches to center of sign for readability.

Character height: Letters must be proportionate to viewing distance. For signs readable from 50 feet (typical parking lot), minimum character height is 4 inches. For stall numbers that need to be readable from 30 feet, 3-inch characters work.

Contrast ratio: Text and background must have at least 70% contrast. Black on yellow = 96% contrast (excellent). Black on white = 100% contrast (excellent). Dark blue on dark green = poor contrast, avoid it.

Font style: Sans-serif fonts (Arial, Helvetica, Verdana) are more readable than serif fonts (Times New Roman) for signage. Avoid decorative or script fonts entirely.

Finish: Non-glare or matte finish prevents sun reflections that obscure text. Glossy signs can be unreadable in direct sunlight.

Our Templates Meet ADA Standards

The free templates provided above are designed to meet or exceed these standards:

  • Character heights: 6-10 inches for primary text, 3-4 inches for secondary text
  • Color combinations: Black on safety orange (96% contrast) or black on white (100% contrast)
  • Fonts: Bold sans-serif (Helvetica Heavy, Arial Black)
  • Mounting: Instructions specify 60-72 inch mounting height

You don't need to modify anything for ADA compliance—just print and install as directed.

Visibility Best Practices Beyond ADA

ADA standards are minimums. Here's how to make your signs even more effective:

Use color psychology: Yellow/orange = caution/attention (good for parking instructions). Green = go/direction (good for arrows). Red = stop/reserved (use sparingly, can imply "don't park here").

Minimize words: Drivers glance at signs for 1-2 seconds. They can process 3-5 words maximum. "Curbside Pickup →" is better than "Park here for curbside pickup service →".

Numbers over names: "Stall 3" is instantly recognizable. "Jennifer's Pickup Spot" requires reading and processing. Use numbers for stalls, save names for special cases (handicap, expecting mother, etc.).

Arrows matter: Use thick, bold arrows. Thin or fancy arrows get missed. The arrow should be at least 30% of the sign's width.

Test from a vehicle: Before finalizing placement, sit in a car 30 feet away and verify you can read every sign. If you struggle, the sign is either too small, too far, or has poor contrast.

Night Visibility Checklist

If you operate past sunset, verify these elements:

  • ☐ Reflective materials or dedicated lighting on stall numbers
  • ☐ Phone number on window decal is backlit or illuminated
  • ☐ Parking lot lights adequately illuminate pickup area
  • ☐ Directional arrows visible with headlights (reflective or lit)
  • ☐ No shadows blocking sign visibility from approaching vehicles

The most common night failure: stall numbers that are invisible after dark. A $15 solar spotlight solves this immediately.

Installation Tips & Mounting Options

Great signs become useless signs if installed incorrectly. Here's how to mount each sign type for maximum visibility and durability.

Installing Directional A-Frame Signs

Option 1: Freestanding A-frame (easiest, no tools needed)

A-frame signs sit on the ground with an A-shaped base. They're portable and require no installation.

  • Buy or build: Purchase empty A-frame bases online ($30-60) or from home improvement stores, then attach your printed sign with zip ties or clips. Or buy all-in-one printed A-frames from sign shops.
  • Placement: Position where vehicles enter the lot, angled so drivers see it head-on as they approach. Weight the base with sandbags or water-filled containers (A-frames often have hollow bases you can fill).
  • Pros: Movable, no permanent installation, easy to store when not in use
  • Cons: Wind can blow them over (weight them!), can be stolen or moved

Option 2: Post-mounted directional (more permanent)

  • Materials needed: 4×4 wooden post or metal U-channel post, concrete, bolts/screws
  • Installation: Dig 24-inch hole, insert post, fill with concrete, let cure 24 hours. Mount sign to post using bolts or heavy-duty screws.
  • Height: Bottom of sign should be 60-72 inches from ground
  • Pros: Permanent, can't be moved or stolen easily, very visible
  • Cons: Requires digging and concrete work, not portable

Installing Stall Marker Signs

Option 1: H-stakes (ground stakes) — Most common

H-stakes are metal or plastic stakes shaped like an "H" that slide into corrugated plastic signs and stake into the ground.

  • Buy stakes: 24-inch H-stakes (10×30 size) for 24×36 signs. Most sign print shops include these or charge $2-3 extra per stake.
  • Installation: Slide H-stake into the corrugated grooves on the sign's bottom edge. Push stake into ground in front of parking stall. Should go 12-18 inches deep for stability.
  • Placement: Front edge of parking stall, centered so driver sees it head-on when pulling in
  • Pros: Easy installation (30 seconds per sign), removable, inexpensive
  • Cons: Can be pulled out or kicked over, frost heave in cold climates

Option 2: Post-mounted stall markers

  • Materials: 4×4 posts or 2-inch metal poles, concrete, mounting brackets
  • Installation: Install posts at edges of parking stalls (72 inches high), mount signs to posts using brackets or bolts
  • Pros: Very permanent, professional appearance, impossible to remove casually
  • Cons: Expensive ($50-100 per post installed), permanent, overkill for most stores

Option 3: Pavement stencil

Paint stall numbers directly on the pavement using stencils.

  • Materials: Number stencils (12-18 inch height), traffic-grade paint (yellow or white), roller/brush
  • Installation: Clean pavement, position stencil, paint inside stencil, let dry, remove stencil
  • Pros: Very permanent, can't be stolen or moved, professional look
  • Cons: Requires repainting every 1-2 years as paint wears, no phone number (just numbers)

Combine approaches: pavement numbers for permanence plus standing signs with phone numbers for functionality.

Installing Window Decals

Window decals attach to glass using adhesive backing. They're visible from outside but applied from inside.

Application steps:

  1. Clean window thoroughly with glass cleaner. Any dirt or residue prevents adhesion.
  2. Peel backing from decal (may have transfer tape—leave that on for now).
  3. Position decal on inside of window, text facing out so it's readable from parking lot.
  4. Use squeegee or credit card to smooth out air bubbles, working from center outward.
  5. Carefully peel away transfer tape (if present), leaving vinyl decal adhered to glass.
  6. Verify it's readable from 30-40 feet away in a parked vehicle position.

Placement tips: Eye level for drivers sitting in cars (48-60 inches from ground). Avoid window sections with tint or glare. If no suitable window exists, use an outdoor-rated rigid sign mounted to the building instead.

Tools You'll Need

For basic installation of A-frames and H-stakes (most common setup):

  • Rubber mallet or hammer (to pound H-stakes into ground)
  • Sandbags or water containers (to weight A-frames)
  • Measuring tape (to position signs at correct spacing)
  • Level (optional but helpful for ensuring signs are straight)

For post-mounted installations:

  • Post hole digger or auger
  • Concrete mix (60-80 lb bags)
  • Level
  • Drill and bolts/screws
  • Saw (to cut posts to correct height)

Total tool cost (if you own nothing): $30-50 for basic tools, $100-150 for post installation tools. Or hire a handyman for $100-200 to install everything in 2-3 hours.

🎯 Skip the DIY Hassle—Get Professional Files

These templates get you started, but our Curbside Signage Mega Pack includes print-shop-ready files with bleed marks, crop marks, and color profiles—everything print shops need for perfect results on the first try.

Plus you get:

  • Installation guide with photos (step-by-step for every mounting type)
  • Material specification sheets (give to your print shop)
  • Quantity calculator (how many signs for your lot size)
  • Placement diagrams (optimal positioning for visibility)
  • Vendor comparison tool (local vs online print shops)
Get Signage Mega Pack – $19

Instant download • Print-shop-ready files • Lifetime access

Complete Cost Breakdown

Here's what a complete professional signage system actually costs, from budget to premium.

Budget Option (DIY Printing, H-Stakes)

Item Quantity Unit Cost Total
Cardstock paper (11×17) 10 sheets $0.50 $5
Laminating pouches 10 $1.00 $10
Foam board backing 4 sheets $3.00 $12
H-stakes (24-inch) 5 $2.00 $10
Spray adhesive 1 can $8.00 $8
Total Budget Option $45

Lifespan: 2-4 months outdoors
Time investment: 3-4 hours
Appearance: DIY, acceptable for short-term

Standard Option (Print Shop, Coroplast, H-Stakes)

Item Quantity Unit Cost Total
Directional A-frame (24×36, printed coroplast + frame) 1 $50 $50
Stall markers (24×36, printed coroplast + H-stake) 4 $15 $60
Window decal (18×24, vinyl) 1 $20 $20
Sandbags for A-frame 2 $8 $16
Total Standard Option $146

Lifespan: 12-24 months outdoors
Time investment: 1 hour installation
Appearance: Professional, standard retail

Premium Option (Aluminum, Posts, Reflective)

Item Quantity Unit Cost Total
Post-mounted directional (36×48 aluminum, reflective, installed) 1 $180 $180
Post-mounted stall markers (24×36 aluminum, reflective, installed) 4 $120 $480
Building-mounted entrance sign (24×36 aluminum, backlit) 1 $150 $150
LED spotlights for nighttime (solar) 4 $25 $100
Total Premium Option $910

Lifespan: 5+ years
Time investment: 4-6 hours professional installation
Appearance: Major retailer quality

Recommended: Start Standard, Upgrade Later

Most stores should start with the Standard Option ($146). It looks professional, lasts a year or more, and you can install it yourself in an hour. After six months of successful BOPIS operations, upgrade to premium permanent signage if the program proves valuable.

Don't start with Budget DIY unless you're testing pickup for just a few weeks. The time investment isn't worth the savings, and it looks unprofessional to customers.

For complete BOPIS operational costs beyond signage, see our Holiday Playbook with staffing calculators and policy templates.

Maintenance & Weather Durability

Signs face sun, rain, wind, and temperature extremes. Here's how to keep them looking professional.

Seasonal Maintenance Schedule

Monthly checks:

  • Verify all H-stakes are firmly in ground (frost heave loosens them)
  • Tighten any loose bolts on post-mounted signs
  • Clean signs with mild soap and water (removes dirt/grime that reduces contrast)
  • Check for damage (cracks, fading, bent corners)

Quarterly maintenance:

  • Touch up paint on any scratched areas
  • Replace lamination if peeling on DIY signs
  • Verify reflective materials still reflect properly at night
  • Adjust positioning if landscaping has grown to block signs

Annual replacement:

  • Budget for replacing coroplast signs every 18-24 months
  • Aluminum signs: clean and inspect but rarely need replacement
  • Stakes: replace rusted or bent H-stakes annually

Weather-Related Issues

Wind damage: Most common problem. H-stake signs act as sails and can be ripped out. Solutions: Weight A-frames with 20+ pounds. Use longer stakes (30-inch instead of 24-inch) for exposed areas. Replace with post-mounted signs in consistently windy locations.

Sun fading: UV rays fade colors over time. UV-resistant inks slow this but don't prevent it entirely. Orange and yellow fade faster than black/white. Solution: Budget for reprinting every 18 months, or start with aluminum signs with baked-on finishes that resist UV better.

Rain/moisture: Coroplast and aluminum are waterproof, but laminated paper signs will fail. Edges are vulnerable—water seeps under lamination and causes peeling. Solution: Use proper outdoor materials (coroplast minimum), or seal all edges with clear tape for laminated DIY signs.

Snow accumulation: In snowy climates, signs near ground level get buried. Stall markers on H-stakes may disappear under snow. Solutions: Mount stall signs higher (post-mounted at 72 inches), or have staff clear snow from sign bases after storms. Pavement-painted numbers obviously get covered—use standing signs as backup.

Temperature extremes: Coroplast warps in extreme heat (120°F+). Vinyl decals can peel in extreme cold. Solution: Use aluminum signs in hot climates (desert Southwest), ensure vinyl decals are rated for temperature range of your location.

Extending Sign Lifespan

Get 2-3 years from coroplast signs with these tips:

  • Store signs indoors during off-season if you close for winter
  • Apply UV protective spray coating (available at hardware stores, $10-15/can)
  • Position signs to avoid direct afternoon sun when possible
  • Use thicker coroplast (6mm vs 4mm) for larger signs
  • Reinforce H-stake connections with duct tape or zip ties

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should curbside pickup signs be?
Directional signs and stall markers should be 24×36 inches minimum for visibility from moving vehicles. Window decals can be 18×24 inches since they're viewed from stationary parked positions. Larger signs (36×48 inches) work better for parking lots with long approach distances (100+ feet from entrance to stalls). The key measurement is character height—primary text should be at least 4 inches tall for readability from 50 feet, and stall numbers should be 8-10 inches tall.
What material lasts longest for outdoor pickup signs?
Aluminum composite (Dibond) lasts 5+ years outdoors with proper care, but costs $30-60 per sign. Coroplast (corrugated plastic) lasts 12-24 months and costs $10-20 per sign, making it the best value for most stores. Avoid laminated paper unless it's temporary—it fails in 1-3 months outdoors. For permanent installations with 5+ year lifespan, choose aluminum with baked-on graphics or powder-coated finishes.
Do I need reflective signs for nighttime pickup?
If you operate past sunset, yes—stall numbers and directional signs should be either reflective or illuminated. Reflective sheeting (Type III Engineer Grade) adds $5-15 per sign but makes signs visible in headlights. Alternatively, install LED spotlights aimed at your signs ($15-25 per solar spotlight). At minimum, ensure your phone number on the window decal is backlit or well-lit so customers can read it from their vehicles after dark.
How many pickup stalls do I need?
Start with 3-4 stalls for stores doing under 30 pickups per day. Add one stall per additional 10 daily pickups. Most single-location retailers need 4-6 stalls total. If you're consistently at capacity (all stalls full with customers waiting), add 2 more stalls or implement appointment-based pickup slots. Each stall needs its own numbered sign—don't skip numbers or customers get confused about which stall to use.
Can I use my own colors instead of orange and black?
Yes, but maintain at least 70% contrast ratio between text and background for ADA compliance and visibility. Black on yellow, black on orange, black on white, and white on dark blue all work well. Avoid low-contrast combinations like dark blue on black, red on orange, or any light-colored text on light backgrounds. Test your color choice by viewing it from 50 feet—if you struggle to read it, choose higher contrast colors. Brand colors are fine as long as they meet contrast requirements.
Where should I position directional signs?
Place directional signs where vehicles enter your parking lot, before they make any parking decisions. The sign should be visible from at least 50 feet away and angled so drivers see it head-on as they approach. If your parking lot has multiple entrances, put a directional sign at each entrance. For large parking lots, add a second directional sign at the midpoint to guide drivers who may have missed the entrance sign.
How do I install signs without digging posts?
Use H-stakes for temporary/semi-permanent installation—they push directly into the ground without digging. For directional signs, use A-frame standing signs that sit on the ground weighted with sandbags (no installation required). For window decals, use adhesive vinyl that sticks to glass from inside. These three methods cover all sign types without requiring post holes or concrete. Installation time: under 1 hour for a complete system.
What's the cheapest way to get professional-looking signs?
Download our free templates, customize them with your phone number and store name in Canva (free), then order printed coroplast signs with H-stakes from an online print shop like Signs.com or Vistaprint. Total cost: $100-150 for a complete system (1 directional, 4 stall markers, 1 window decal). This looks professional and lasts 12-18 months outdoors. Avoid DIY printing on paper—it looks cheap and fails quickly, not worth the time savings.
Should stall numbers match anything in my system?
No, stall numbers are purely for customer-to-staff communication. They don't need to match order numbers, phone extensions, or anything else. Just number them sequentially 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. When customers arrive, they say "I'm in stall 3" and you know exactly where to bring their order. Simple sequential numbers are easier for customers to remember and communicate than names, letters, or codes.
How often do signs need to be replaced?
Coroplast signs last 12-24 months outdoors depending on sun exposure, weather, and quality of materials. Aluminum signs last 5+ years. Laminated paper signs last 1-3 months. Plan to replace coroplast signs every 18 months as part of regular maintenance. Signs fade gradually—you won't notice until comparing old vs new. If text becomes hard to read from 50 feet, it's time to replace. Budget $100-150 every 1.5 years for replacement coroplast signs.
Can I print 8.5×11 signs and tape them together?
Technically yes, but it looks unprofessional and the seams fail quickly outdoors. If you absolutely need emergency signage today, print on 8.5×11, laminate each sheet, and tape them together as a temporary solution. Then order proper 24×36 signs ASAP (2-3 day turnaround from most online shops). Taped-together signs give customers the impression your business is struggling or disorganized. Spend $50 on proper signage—it's worth it for customer perception.
Do I need separate signs for "BOPIS" vs "Curbside Pickup"?
Choose one term and use it consistently across all signs. "Curbside Pickup" is more universally understood than "BOPIS" (which some customers don't recognize). If you offer both curbside and in-store pickup, use "Curbside Pickup" for parking area signs and "Store Pickup" or "Order Pickup" for interior counter signs. Don't use industry jargon like "BOPIS" unless your customers already know that term. Clarity beats terminology—use whatever phrase your customers use.

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Signage is one piece of your complete pickup program. For the full operational picture:

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