The use of digital signage in restaurants is quite advantageous in the current world where time is of the essence. As a result of its ability to show dynamic menus, advertise specials, and much more, digital signage for restaurants is beneficial as a marketing tool and a tool that makes working easier. However, there is a particular question that most restaurant owners have in mind and that is; how much does digital signage cost? The following are some of the elements that define the overall investment.

1. Hardware Costs

The first element of the digital signage system is the hardware. The price depends on the demand and can fluctuate greatly:

•       Screens/Displays – For the basic commercial grade displays the prices start from $300 and go up to $2500 for the large and high-quality screens.
•       Media Players – If the signage solution does not come with its own media player, then one will need to be purchased and ranges from $50 to $500.
•       Mounting and Installation – The right installation of your digital signage can cost an extra $150 to $500 based on the degree of difficulty.

2. Digital Signage Software Costs

Another cost you are likely to incur is the cost of the software that you want to use in your digital signage. Indeed, most digital signage software providers have various pricing structures that they use to charge their clients.

•       Subscription-Based Software – The prices differ from $10 to $50 per month per screen.
•       Perpetual license – There is a one-time charge of $300 to $1,500 for some solutions.
•       Cloud-Based vs. On-Premise: While implementing on-premise solutions, one may have to make a single lump-sum payment, and on the other hand, have to pay a monthly subscription fee for cloud-based solutions.

3. Content Creation and Management

The finest digital signage for restaurants is useless unless there is good content being displayed. Consider these content-related expenses:

•       Content Creation – One can create content on his or her own using simple design software like Canva with no charges.
•       Web Design – Outsourcing a designer or an agency will cost an amount of $100 to $1000 based on the difficulty.
•       Pre-Designed Templates – Some of the digital signage software are provided with templates at no extra cost, while others charge the user extra.

4. Maintenance and Support

Maintenance is crucial to make sure everything related to digital signage is in good order. Budgeting for maintenance includes:

•       Software Updates: Some of the providers offer updates as part of the subscription fee while others may charge extra for it.
•       Technical Support – It ranges from free for basic plan to $50-$200 per hour for technical support.
•       Display and Media Player – These are the hardware part of the digital signage and may need repair or replacement which may range from $100 to $1000.

5. Electricity and Internet Costs

It should be noted that running digital signage also costs you in electricity and internet bills. A digital display is used at about 50-150 watts per hour, which may slightly contribute to the energy expenses. In choosing the digital signage solution as cloud-based software, make sure that it is supported by a good internet connection.

Final Thoughts: Is Digital Signage Worth the Cost?

The overall expenses incurred when implementing digital signage for restaurants include hardware, software, content development and display, and management. The entry-level costs may be as low as $500, whereas the enterprise level may cost more than $5,000. In sum, the benefits of digital signage include increased sales, better customer satisfaction, and savings in printing costs, which outweigh the costs of implementing the technology in most restaurants.

It is therefore important for restaurant owners to select the right software to be used in digital signage as well as the relevant hardware to ensure that they get the best value for their money while at the same time ensuring that their customers are entertained.