Spring and early summer are busy months for events, open homes and community activity across New Zealand. This practical guide explains when to order a sandwich board (A-frame footpath sign), how to prepare artwork, and what to consider for delivery and durability.
Why now matters: events, open homes and local traffic
October–December is a peak period for community markets, fundraisers, sports seasons and property activity. If you rely on foot traffic, a visible and legible A-frame sign can direct people, communicate event details and convert passers-by into visitors.
Ordering with a short lead time is possible if the supplier has stock and a reliable production schedule. When planning, consider:
- Production time: custom printed ACM boards typically take 2–4 working days after artwork approval.
- Courier time: allow extra days for South Island deliveries and rural addresses — courier times are not guaranteed.
- Quantity: bulk orders need extra production and packaging time, so confirm lead times before finalising artwork.
Three simple steps to order an A-frame sandwich board
1. Choose size and panel type
Common sizes are 600 x 900 mm (standard A-frame), 800 x 1200 mm (large A-frame) and 600 x 800 mm (footpath board). Decide whether you want ACM (rigid aluminium composite) or corflute inserts; ACM is more durable for repeated outdoor use.
2. Prepare or upload print-ready artwork
For best results export artwork as a high-resolution PDF (300 dpi) with the correct final size and a 10 mm bleed on all sides. Keep critical text inside the safe area so nothing is lost when the board is mounted.
If you design in-house, our 5-Minute Canva Tutorial shows a simple workflow to make print-ready files and avoid common layout mistakes.
3. Confirm delivery and pick-up options
We offer nationwide courier service — the courier cost appears at checkout once you enter the delivery address. However, single rigid panels can be damaged in transit, consider local pick-up for single replacement boards or corflute boards.
Design tips for effective sandwich board signage
- Keep it simple: use one clear headline and a single call-to-action — people glance at signs for only a few seconds.
- Contrast and large type: high contrast colours and at least 72pt headline sizes (depending on viewing distance) help readability.
- Brand consistently: stick to one logo position, two fonts and a limited colour palette for recognisability across locations.
- Rotate inserts: consider ordering spare corflute or ACM inserts to rotate messages for weekly offers or event schedules.
What makes customers choose an A-Frame Footpath Sign supplier
When businesses evaluate suppliers for sandwich boards and A-frame signs, they typically consider practical factors more than marketing claims. Key decision points include:
- Stock availability: immediate dispatch or short lead times when events are close.
- Quality of materials: rigid ACM panels and sturdy frames reduce replacements and maintain presentation.
- Clear ordering process: fast online ordering, simple artwork upload, and a mockup before printing.
- Transparent pricing: clear unit pricing, no hidden cost.
- Reliable delivery: experienced handling with advice on pickup vs courier for single panels.
At A-Frame Footpath Sign we keep large stock through the event season and publish clear tutorial resources so customers can prepare artwork quickly and avoid delays.
Product links and resources
Useful product pages and design help:
Practical checklist before you order
- Confirm the board size (600x900, 800x1200 or 600x800) and material (ACM or corflute).
- Export artwork as a high-resolution PDF with 10mm bleed and safe area margins.
- Decide whether you’ll pick up single panels or require courier delivery for bulk orders.
- Allow at least 2–4 working days production time after artwork approval, plus courier transit time.
Final note
If you have an event or open home coming up, start the process early — even a short lead time for artwork approval can avoid last-minute delays. If you’d like help preparing a print-ready file, our step-by-step guides are available on the website, or contact us for clarification on sizes and safe areas.