Quick Overview
- 1#1: ShopVOX - Cloud-based management software for sign shops featuring advanced quoting, estimating, and order fulfillment tools.
- 2#2: Printavo - Online platform for print and sign shops providing quick estimating, scheduling, and customer proofing.
- 3#3: SignVOX - Comprehensive sign shop software with precise estimating, production tracking, and inventory management.
- 4#4: SignTracker - Sign industry management system offering job estimating, workflow automation, and real-time reporting.
- 5#5: Metrosoft Ledger - Sign design software integrated with automated estimating directly from vector artwork.
- 6#6: EFI Pace - Enterprise-level estimating and job planning software for large-format print and sign production.
- 7#7: Club Ensemble - ERP solution for sign companies with built-in estimating, CRM, and production modules.
- 8#8: OrderMate - Custom order processing and estimating software designed for sign and graphics businesses.
- 9#9: Impact Production Suite - Production workflow software with estimating features for sign and graphics manufacturing.
- 10#10: QuoteWerks - Configurable quoting and estimating tool widely used in the sign industry for accurate pricing.
Tools were chosen based on core features (like advanced quoting, production tracking, and integration), user experience, scalability, and overall value, ensuring they suit businesses from small sign shops to large-format production hubs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores popular sign estimating software tools, such as ShopVOX, Printavo, SignVOX, SignTracker, and Metrosoft Ledger, to assist users in identifying the optimal solution for their operations. Readers will discover key features, usability, and compatibility, empowering them to make informed choices for efficient sign project management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ShopVOX Cloud-based management software for sign shops featuring advanced quoting, estimating, and order fulfillment tools. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Printavo Online platform for print and sign shops providing quick estimating, scheduling, and customer proofing. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | SignVOX Comprehensive sign shop software with precise estimating, production tracking, and inventory management. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | SignTracker Sign industry management system offering job estimating, workflow automation, and real-time reporting. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Metrosoft Ledger Sign design software integrated with automated estimating directly from vector artwork. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 6 | EFI Pace Enterprise-level estimating and job planning software for large-format print and sign production. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Club Ensemble ERP solution for sign companies with built-in estimating, CRM, and production modules. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | OrderMate Custom order processing and estimating software designed for sign and graphics businesses. | specialized | 3.1/10 | 1.9/10 | 7.8/10 | 2.7/10 |
| 9 | Impact Production Suite Production workflow software with estimating features for sign and graphics manufacturing. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | QuoteWerks Configurable quoting and estimating tool widely used in the sign industry for accurate pricing. | other | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.1/10 |
Cloud-based management software for sign shops featuring advanced quoting, estimating, and order fulfillment tools.
Online platform for print and sign shops providing quick estimating, scheduling, and customer proofing.
Comprehensive sign shop software with precise estimating, production tracking, and inventory management.
Sign industry management system offering job estimating, workflow automation, and real-time reporting.
Sign design software integrated with automated estimating directly from vector artwork.
Enterprise-level estimating and job planning software for large-format print and sign production.
ERP solution for sign companies with built-in estimating, CRM, and production modules.
Custom order processing and estimating software designed for sign and graphics businesses.
Production workflow software with estimating features for sign and graphics manufacturing.
Configurable quoting and estimating tool widely used in the sign industry for accurate pricing.
ShopVOX
specializedCloud-based management software for sign shops featuring advanced quoting, estimating, and order fulfillment tools.
Visual Quoting Engine with pre-built sign product configurators that auto-calculate costs, waste, and profitability in real-time
ShopVOX is a robust cloud-based management platform designed specifically for sign shops, print shops, and visual communications businesses, with a powerful focus on accurate sign estimating and quoting. It enables users to create detailed estimates for complex signage projects like channel letters, banners, vehicle wraps, and monument signs by incorporating material costs, labor, waste factors, and production workflows. Beyond estimating, it integrates production planning, inventory tracking, CRM, and invoicing into a seamless system to optimize shop operations from quote to delivery.
Pros
- Highly accurate sign-specific estimating with dynamic calculators for materials, substrates, and fabrication steps
- Visual job boards and production scheduling that provide real-time shop floor visibility
- Extensive integrations with QuickBooks, payment gateways, and design tools like Adobe Illustrator
Cons
- Initial setup and learning curve can be steep for new users without prior ERP experience
- Higher pricing tiers may be cost-prohibitive for very small shops
- Mobile app functionality is solid but lacks some desktop-level estimating features
Best For
Mid-to-large sign shops seeking an all-in-one platform for precise estimating, production management, and business growth.
Pricing
Starts at $199/user/month for Essentials plan; Pro at $299/user/month and Enterprise custom pricing, with annual discounts available.
Printavo
specializedOnline platform for print and sign shops providing quick estimating, scheduling, and customer proofing.
Dynamic pricing engine that automates estimates based on predefined rules for materials, sizes, quantities, and rush fees
Printavo is a robust shop management platform designed for print and sign businesses, offering tools for quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and production tracking. For sign estimating, it provides customizable quote builders with pricing rules, material costs, labor inputs, and markup automation tailored to signage projects like banners, vinyl, and channel letters. The software integrates estimating directly into workflows, helping shops generate accurate bids quickly while managing orders end-to-end.
Pros
- Streamlined quoting with reusable templates and auto-markups
- Integrated production scheduling tied to estimates
- Customer portal for online approvals and proofs
Cons
- Lacks advanced sign-specific calculators for complex fabrications like neon or dimensional signs
- Initial setup for custom pricing rules can be time-intensive
- No built-in CAD integration for precise material takeoffs
Best For
Small to mid-sized sign shops seeking an all-in-one solution for estimating combined with full shop management.
Pricing
Starts at $95/month (Starter, basic quoting), $195/month (Pro, advanced features), $395+/month (Enterprise); annual billing offers discounts, flat rate per shop.
SignVOX
specializedComprehensive sign shop software with precise estimating, production tracking, and inventory management.
Automated material and fabrication calculators that handle complex sign geometries and assemblies for precise cost predictions
SignVOX is a cloud-based software platform tailored for sign fabricators, providing specialized estimating tools for calculating costs on channel letters, cabinets, banners, and other signage types. It integrates estimating with job management, production tracking, inventory control, and invoicing to streamline workflows. The software emphasizes accuracy through material takeoffs, labor calculators, and profitability margins, helping sign shops generate professional quotes quickly.
Pros
- Highly accurate sign-specific estimating calculators for diverse fabrication types
- Seamless integration of estimating with production and invoicing
- Cloud-based access with mobile app for on-the-go quoting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and custom setups
- Pricing can be high for smaller shops with limited users
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to general ERP solutions
Best For
Mid-sized sign shops needing precise, industry-tailored estimating tied to full shop management.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for basic estimating (1 user), scales to $299+/month for full suite with unlimited users and advanced modules.
SignTracker
specializedSign industry management system offering job estimating, workflow automation, and real-time reporting.
Dynamic sign estimating engine with industry-specific templates and automatic cost breakdowns
SignTracker is a comprehensive software solution tailored for the sign industry, providing advanced estimating capabilities for various sign types including channel letters, cabinets, and banners. It integrates estimating with project management, production scheduling, inventory tracking, and CRM functionalities to manage the full lifecycle of sign projects. Users benefit from customizable templates, material databases, and real-time cost calculations to generate accurate bids quickly.
Pros
- Sign-specific estimating with built-in calculators for materials and labor
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks and full project workflow management
- Customizable templates and databases for accurate, repeatable bids
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Limited native mobile app support
- Pricing may be high for very small sign shops
Best For
Mid-sized sign shops needing an all-in-one platform for estimating, production, and job tracking.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $199/month for basic plans, scaling to $495+/month for advanced features and multiple users; custom enterprise pricing available.
Metrosoft Ledger
specializedSign design software integrated with automated estimating directly from vector artwork.
Industry-specific estimating database with thousands of pre-built sign components for automated, accurate bid generation
Metrosoft Ledger is a specialized estimating and production management software tailored for sign shops, enabling quick and accurate bid creation for signs, banners, vehicle wraps, and fabricated products using an extensive industry-specific database. It streamlines workflows from estimating through job tracking, inventory control, and scheduling. The tool integrates with accounting systems like QuickBooks to support full shop operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive sign industry database for precise material and labor costing
- Robust job tracking and production scheduling capabilities
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks and other accounting software
Cons
- Dated Windows-based interface feels outdated compared to modern cloud tools
- Steep learning curve for new users without dedicated training
- Lacks mobile access and real-time cloud collaboration features
Best For
Established medium-sized sign shops needing reliable on-premise estimating and shop management without cloud dependencies.
Pricing
One-time license starting at around $6,000-$10,000 depending on modules, plus annual maintenance fees of 15-20%.
EFI Pace
enterpriseEnterprise-level estimating and job planning software for large-format print and sign production.
Visual Parametric Estimator for drag-and-drop configuration of intricate sign assemblies with real-time cost updates
EFI Pace is a specialized estimating software tailored for the sign, graphics, and large-format printing industry, enabling users to create precise quotes for complex projects like banners, vehicle wraps, and architectural signage. It features extensive libraries of materials, substrates, inks, and production processes, with automated calculations for labor, overhead, and installation costs. The software supports rules-based estimating and integrates with EFI's broader production workflow tools for seamless operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive sign-specific databases and parametric estimating
- High accuracy for complex multi-step jobs
- Strong integration with EFI production software
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High cost unsuitable for small shops
- Limited customization without professional services
Best For
Mid-sized to large sign shops handling diverse, high-volume projects that require detailed and scalable estimating.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing upon request; typically starts at $5,000+ annually with subscription models.
Club Ensemble
enterpriseERP solution for sign companies with built-in estimating, CRM, and production modules.
Vast pre-built library of sign materials, substrates, and production processes for rapid, accurate takeoff and bidding
Club Ensemble is a specialized software suite for sign shops, offering robust estimating tools tailored to the sign industry, including vinyl graphics, digital printing, fabrication, and installation. It features an extensive database of materials, processes, and labor rates to generate accurate bids quickly. The platform integrates estimating with CRM, production scheduling, inventory management, and accounting for end-to-end workflow efficiency.
Pros
- Comprehensive sign-specific estimating database with thousands of pre-configured items
- Seamless integration across estimating, production, and accounting modules
- Customizable quote templates and automated pricing calculations
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Higher cost may not suit very small shops
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Mid-sized sign companies needing an all-in-one ERP with precise industry-specific estimating.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; core estimating module starts at ~$300/month, full suite $500-$1,500/month depending on users and add-ons.
OrderMate
specializedCustom order processing and estimating software designed for sign and graphics businesses.
Integrated online ordering system, which excels in hospitality but offers no unique advantage for sign estimating
OrderMate is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) and management system primarily designed for restaurants, cafes, and hospitality businesses, handling order processing, table management, inventory tracking, and online ordering. While it offers basic quoting and sales tools, it lacks specialized features for sign estimating, such as material cost calculators, production workflows, or databases for vinyl, substrates, and fabrication processes. This makes it a poor fit for sign shops needing precise estimating capabilities, though it could serve general business operations.
Pros
- User-friendly interface suitable for quick order entry
- Cloud-based access for remote management
- Basic inventory tracking that could loosely apply to materials
Cons
- No dedicated sign estimating tools or calculators
- Lacks industry-specific features like sign production workflows or material databases
- Primarily tailored for hospitality, not signage businesses
Best For
Sign shops with an integrated restaurant or retail component needing basic POS alongside rudimentary quoting, but not dedicated estimators.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at around $99 AUD per month per terminal, with tiered plans and custom enterprise options.
Impact Production Suite
enterpriseProduction workflow software with estimating features for sign and graphics manufacturing.
Extensive industry-specific production database that auto-calculates complex sign fabrication costs with visual markup previews
Impact Production Suite from OnyxGFX is a robust software platform tailored for sign shops, with its core Impact Estimating module enabling precise bid creation for projects like banners, vehicle wraps, channel letters, and digital prints. It features an extensive database of materials, labor rates, and production processes to generate accurate cost breakdowns and quotes. The suite extends beyond estimating to include production tracking, inventory management, and integration with Onyx RIP software for seamless workflow management.
Pros
- Comprehensive sign-specific estimating database with material and labor calculators
- Seamless integration with production management and RIP workflows
- Customizable templates and visual job planning tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to dense interface
- Primarily Windows-based with limited cloud/mobile support
- High upfront costs may deter small shops
Best For
Mid-sized to large sign production companies requiring detailed estimating integrated with full shop management.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses starting at $4,995 for core estimating module, plus $1,500+ per additional module and annual maintenance around 20% of license cost.
QuoteWerks
otherConfigurable quoting and estimating tool widely used in the sign industry for accurate pricing.
Dynamic pricing rules and visual configurator that handle complex sign assemblies with real-time cost calculations from vendor-integrated catalogs
QuoteWerks is a versatile CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) software designed for creating professional quotes and proposals across industries, including signage. It features a customizable product database, dynamic pricing rules, and tools for estimating material, labor, and overhead costs specific to sign production like substrates, vinyl, and fabrication. The platform supports integrations with CRMs, ERPs, and accounting software to streamline sales workflows for sign shops.
Pros
- Highly customizable product catalogs and pricing engines tailored for sign materials and processes
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Salesforce, and other business tools
- Fast quote generation with templates and mobile access for on-site estimating
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and customization
- Not pre-configured for sign-specific estimating, requiring add-ons or manual configuration
- Higher cost may not suit very small sign shops
Best For
Mid-sized sign companies needing robust, integrable quoting software with advanced pricing logic over niche sign-only tools.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start around $1,500-$2,500 per user plus annual maintenance (~20% of license cost); volume discounts and quotes available.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools underscore strong solutions for sign shops, each excelling in areas like accurate quoting, production tracking, and workflow efficiency. At the summit, ShopVOX leads with its cloud-based management, integrating estimating and fulfillment seamlessly. Printavo and SignVOX follow as standout alternatives—Printavo with quick, user-friendly estimating, and SignVOX with advanced production oversight and inventory tools—catering to diverse operational needs. Whether prioritizing all-in-one functionality or specialized features, there’s a robust option to elevate sign shop success.
Don’t let inefficiencies hold back your sign shop—explore ShopVOX today to leverage its intuitive quoting, seamless order management, and comprehensive tools designed to simplify operations and boost productivity.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
