It’s a question every business owner should ask. Understanding the true digital signage cost, from installation to long-term maintenance, is essential for planning your investment. Below, we break down the key cost factors and show how Retailr AI provides a smart, scalable solution.
Core Components of Digital Signage Costs
Digital signage expenses typically fall into three main categories:
1. Hardware Includes:
- Commercial-grade digital screens
- Media players
- Mounting brackets and enclosures
2. Software (CMS)
This is the Content Management System that powers content scheduling, remote management, and analytics.
3. Installation and Maintenance
Covers labor, on-site setup, cable management, and potential future servicing or upgrades.
- Commercial-grade digital screens
Retailr AI: Smart Digital Signage Solution
Retailr AI offers an all-in-one, intelligent digital signage system with transparent pricing and scalable features.
🔹 Retailr AI Software (CMS)
- Monthly subscription: $15 CAD per screen
- Includes:
- Real-time content scheduling
- Remote screen management
- AI-powered content optimization
- Integration with POS and inventory systems
- Analytics dashboard
- Real-time content scheduling
🔹 Retailr AI Media Players
- One-time cost: $99 CAD per screen
- Commercial-grade players built for 24/7 performance
- Seamless compatibility with Retailr AI CMS
🔹 Digital Signage Screens (Estimated Pricing)
Screen Size
Estimated Cost (CAD)
32″
$500 – $800
43″
$700 – $1,100
55″
$1,000 – $1,800
65″
$1,200 – $2,500
75″+
$2,000 – $3,500+
Note: Commercial displays offer higher brightness, longer warranties, and are built for extended operation hours.
- Monthly subscription: $15 CAD per screen
Installation and Labour Costs
Installation pricing varies depending on complexity and location.
🔹 Standard Installation (Wall Mount)
- Cost per screen: $150 – $300 CAD
- Includes screen mounting, media player connection, and basic cable management
🔹 Advanced Installation Options
- Cost per screen: $300 – $600+ CAD
- Includes:
- Recessed or ceiling mounting
- Outdoor enclosures
- Electrical and Ethernet cabling
- Large-format video wall setups
- Travel fees (outside service zones)
- Recessed or ceiling mounting
🔹 Labour Rates
- Professional hourly rate: $75 – $150/hour
- Typical time: 1–3 hours per screen
- Cost per screen: $150 – $300 CAD
Ongoing Maintenance and Operating Costs
🔹 Monthly Software Subscription
- $15/screen/month covers:
- Cloud hosting
- AI features
- Support
- Software updates
- Cloud hosting
🔹 Content Creation (Optional)
- In-house: Free after training
- Outsourced design (optional): Costs vary depending on complexity
🔹 Hardware Maintenance
- Minimal, due to commercial-grade durability
- Dusting and ventilation checks recommended
- Rare hardware replacements may apply
🔹 Technical Support
- Included in subscription for software-related issues
- On-site support for hardware billed hourly (if needed)
Example Cost Breakdown: Small Retail Store (3 Screens)
Initial Investment: $3,447 CADItem
Quantity
Unit Cost
Total
43” Display
3
$800
$2,400 CAD
Retailr AI Media Player
3
$99
$297 CAD
Wall Mount Brackets
3
$50
$150 CAD
Installation (2 hrs x $100/hr x 3)
–
–
$600 CAD
Ongoing Cost: $45 CAD/month
Estimated Annual Maintenance: $100–$300 CAD- $15/screen/month covers:
The Long-Term Value: Why It’s a Smart Investment
While digital signage involves upfront costs, the long-term return can be significant:
- Increases customer engagement
- Boosts in-store conversion rates
- Enables real-time, data-driven content
- Reduces ongoing printing and promotional costs
With Retailr AI, you’re not just installing screens — you’re activating a future-proof, intelligent customer engagement platform designed to drive measurable results.