Workshop owners often ask us for "signage" as a single request, but a working garage really needs two different categories that solve different problems: signage that keeps people safe around hazards, and signage that helps customers navigate a space they're unfamiliar with. Mixing the two up usually means one or the other gets under-covered.
Safety signage: who it's for and where it goes
Safety signage is aimed at anyone in or near the bay area – staff, delivery drivers, and customers who wander past reception. It typically covers:
- Hazard warnings near lifts, compressors and chemical storage
- PPE requirements for anyone entering the bay (safety glasses, closed shoes, hi-vis)
- Fire point and extinguisher locations
- No-smoking and restricted-access notices
This category is usually non-negotiable from a compliance standpoint, and it's one of the things checked during a municipality or civil defence inspection. See our safety signage range for standard formats.
Customer-facing signage: who it's for and where it goes
This category is about making the workshop easy to use for someone who's never been before – a customer dropping off a car, picking one up, or waiting for a quick service. It typically covers:
- An A-frame sign at the entrance confirming they've found the right place
- Directional signs to reception, drop-off and waiting areas
- Window or wall vinyl showing your services or hours
- Pricing or service boards, if you display these on-site
This category is more about conversion and experience than compliance – a customer who can't find where to leave their key is a customer who leaves a worse review, even if the actual repair work is good.
Where the two overlap
Some signs do double duty – a clearly marked "Staff Only" door, for example, is both a safety boundary and a wayfinding aid. When you're planning your layout, it's worth walking through it as a first-time customer would and noting anywhere you'd hesitate about where to go or what's off-limits.
Ordering both together
Because these two categories use different materials and are often installed at different stages of a fit-out, it's worth ordering them as separate line items even if you're working with one supplier. See our signage checklist for a suggested order, or go back to the workshop printing package page for the full list.
