If you run or manage a small business, having to enforce the new coronavirus-era norms isn’t exactly what you’d probably call fun. If not handled correctly, it could cost you customers. Sometimes, bringing a little humor into a difficult situation can be the best way to defuse tension.
Here are some of our favorite examples of humorous, clever and creative face mask signs.
Hair salon
The owner of a hairstylist shop knew how to appeal to her female customer base when she posted this sign:
Avoid M-E-N
- M: Mouth
- E: Eyes
- N: Nose
Follow W-O-M-E-N
- W: Wash your hands
- O: Obey social distancing
- M: Mask up
- E: Enter when your stylist says so
- N: No walk-ins
Clothing store
If you have a retail clothing business that caters to both men and women, a sign that will certainly catch their attention is a portrait of a woman reminding them, “You know what’s really uncomfortable? A bra. But we wear one.”
General tips for employees
Remind your employees that there’s always a positive:
“Coronavirus Tip—You can mouth profanity to people all day long to someone’s face and they’ll never know it.”
“If you wear a facemask, your coworkers can’t tell there’s alcohol on your breath.”
Signs offering a humorous alternative
You can always offer a “reasonable” alternative:
“If you come into the store without a mask, we will have to take your temperature. (P.S. We have only rectal thermometers.)”
“If you choose not to wear a mask in this store, then you must also remove all your clothes to enter. It’s all or nothing. We’re all about choices.”
Or if you want to be clear that you aren’t trying to control the dress codes of your customers, consider something like this:
“Per the governor’s request, you are advised to wear a mask in all stores. He said nothing about underwear…”
Signs supporting mask-wearing
If you want to make it clear that you are 100 percent behind the movement to wear masks, try this one:
“To accommodate anti-maskers, we have provided a space 40 feet to the west where you can stare at your reflection. Because apparently, you’re the only person you care about.”
Signs for people who don’t want trouble
If you’re skeptical of the mask movement but don’t want any trouble, try something like this:
Post a photo of someone wearing a mask that says, “This is really stupid but I just want to shop and go home.”
Heartwarming face mask sign
And if humor isn’t where you’re at, then consider a heartfelt appeal:
“We are incredibly appreciative of your support during a pandemic. We are not epidemiologists or policymakers. Rather than debate wearing a mask, we ask that you simply wear a mask out of respect for our staff—no matter how you feel about it. This is hard enough already.”
It is indeed a difficult time and also a very divisive one. But remember that the face mask sign you choose will ultimately be an essential part of how your business communicates with the public.
Don’t make this decision lightly, even if the path you choose is to keep it lighthearted.
