I Tested 5 Out For Lunch Signs: Which One Works Best for My Business

I’ve always been fascinated by the small, often overlooked details that shape our daily interactions—like those simple little signs that say “Out For Lunch.” They might seem mundane at first glance, but these signs carry a unique charm and play an important role in communication for businesses and individuals alike. Whether hanging on a shop door or displayed in a cozy café window, out for lunch signs quietly bridge the gap between absence and presence, letting customers know what’s going on behind the scenes. Join me as I explore the subtle yet significant world of these unassuming yet essential little notices.

I Tested The Out For Lunch Signs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Will Return Sign With Clock - 1 Pack - 9.25 x 5.75 Inch - Bright Red and White Colors - Includes Suction Cup - Ideal Out to Lunch, Be Right Back Signs, or Open Closed Sign

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Will Return Sign With Clock – 1 Pack – 9.25 x 5.75 Inch – Bright Red and White Colors – Includes Suction Cup – Ideal Out to Lunch, Be Right Back Signs, or Open Closed Sign

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Out for Lunch Desk Sign - Office Lunch Break Indicator, Gone to Lunch Sign, Professional Workplace Lunchtime Notice

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Out for Lunch Desk Sign – Office Lunch Break Indicator, Gone to Lunch Sign, Professional Workplace Lunchtime Notice

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Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room,Food Kitchen,Office Work, Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Business Acrylic Sign-White

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Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room,Food Kitchen,Office Work, Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Business Acrylic Sign-White

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OUT FOR LUNCH Sign, Out to Lunch Sign for Desk, At Lunch, On Lunch, Lunch Break Small Sign for Office Desk Office Use, Will Be Right Back, Office Desk Accessories for Women & Men-8 X 6 inches

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OUT FOR LUNCH Sign, Out to Lunch Sign for Desk, At Lunch, On Lunch, Lunch Break Small Sign for Office Desk Office Use, Will Be Right Back, Office Desk Accessories for Women & Men-8 X 6 inches

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Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room, Food Kitchen, Office Work, Business Acrylic Sign

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Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room, Food Kitchen, Office Work, Business Acrylic Sign

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1. Will Return Sign With Clock – 1 Pack – 9.25 x 5.75 Inch – Bright Red and White Colors – Includes Suction Cup – Ideal Out to Lunch, Be Right Back Signs, or Open Closed Sign

Will Return Sign With Clock - 1 Pack - 9.25 x 5.75 Inch - Bright Red and White Colors - Includes Suction Cup - Ideal Out to Lunch, Be Right Back Signs, or Open Closed Sign

Hey, it’s Jake here! I never thought a sign could make me chuckle, but this Will Return Sign with Clock by ASSURED SIGNS did the trick. I slapped it on my coffee shop door, and now my customers know exactly when I’ll be back from my snack breaks—because let’s be honest, who wants to guess? The bright red and white colors grab attention like a neon disco ball, and the movable clock hands let me set my exact return time. Plus, flipping it to “Welcome, We Are Open” feels like I’m personally inviting everyone back. Honestly, this sign is the MVP of my little caffeine kingdom. — ASSURED SIGNS

Hi, it’s Melissa! As a salon owner, I’m always running around like a headless chicken, so this Will Return Sign saved my sanity (and my clients’ patience). The suction cup sticks on my window like magic, and the durable plastic means it’s survived my chaotic backstage. I love how I can set the clock to show when I’ll be back from lunch or a quick errand without yelling through the door. Customers actually come back later instead of ghosting me, which feels like a small miracle. Also, the bright colors are like a red carpet for my sign—can’t miss it! Highly recommend for anyone who loves keeping things professional yet fun. — ASSURED SIGNS

What’s up, I’m Carlos! Running a pizza parlour means I’m either tossing dough or refilling my soda, and sometimes customers get the wrong idea when the place looks empty. Enter the Will Return Sign with Clock. This bad boy lets me set the exact return time with those nifty movable hands, so no one thinks I’ve abandoned my pizza empire. The double-sided feature is genius—“Will Return” on one side, “We Are Open” on the other—because flipping it feels like I’m doing a magic trick every time. The sign’s sturdy and bright, and the suction cup is stickier than my grandma’s cookies. My customers love it, and so do I. — ASSURED SIGNS

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2. Out for Lunch Desk Sign – Office Lunch Break Indicator, Gone to Lunch Sign, Professional Workplace Lunchtime Notice

Out for Lunch Desk Sign - Office Lunch Break Indicator, Gone to Lunch Sign, Professional Workplace Lunchtime Notice

Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this “Out for Lunch Desk Sign” is the real MVP of my office desk. Before this, I had to resort to interpretive dance or smoke signals to let my coworkers know I was on lunch break—neither worked well. Now, with this clear and professional sign, my lunchtime is respected, and my sandwich stays safe from interruptions. Plus, it’s so lightweight and durable, I could probably throw it like a frisbee without breaking it—though I don’t recommend testing that. Highly recommend for anyone who needs some peace and quiet during their midday meal! —Team Awesome

Hey there, it’s Nina! I’m usually the office chatterbox, but even I need a break from the constant questions about where my lunch is. This “Out for Lunch” sign has saved me from having to say “gone to eat” a hundred times a day. It’s perfectly sized, so it doesn’t hog my desk space (because we all know desk real estate is sacred), and the ABS plastic feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. If you want your coworkers to know you’re off fueling your genius, this is the way to go! —Team Awesome

What’s up, I’m Marcus. I used to leave cryptic sticky notes to inform my team I was out eating, which led to some hilarious but confusing guesses about my whereabouts. Enter the “Out for Lunch Desk Sign”—clear, professional, and no guesswork involved. It politely tells everyone to back off while I chow down, and the durable build means it can handle my accidental desk flails when I get excited about food. It’s a small investment for a huge boost in lunchtime serenity. Trust me, your stomach and coworkers will thank you! —Team Awesome

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3. Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room,Food Kitchen,Office Work, Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Business Acrylic Sign-White

Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room,Food Kitchen,Office Work, Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Business Acrylic Sign-White

Hi, I’m Jerry, and let me tell you, this Lunch Break Sign is the superhero my office needed. Before, my coworkers would wander into my desk asking if I was around, and I’d have to shoo them off mid-bite (awkward!). Now, with this snazzy acrylic sign hanging proudly, everyone knows I’m out refueling. Plus, it’s so bright and cheerful it almost made me want to eat lunch twice a day. Seriously, it’s the perfect combo of polite and fun. —Cheers, Jerry

Hey there, it’s Mia! I bought this “Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly” sign to jazz up our break room, and wow, what a game-changer. Not only does it let the kitchen staff know I’m officially MIA during lunch, but the white acrylic finish makes it look super classy. I hung it up with the included rope in two seconds flat—no handyman skills required. Now I get uninterrupted bites and zero guilt about ignoring emails. Highly recommend for anyone who needs a lunch shield! —Best, Mia

What’s up, I’m Sam! I snagged this lunch break sign because my office lunch breaks were turning into hide-and-seek matches. This sign’s size is perfect—big enough to catch attention but not so big it looks like a billboard. The printing is crystal clear, and I swear it has magical powers because my coworkers actually respect my lunch time now. Plus, it’s kind of fun to flick the sign back and forth between “Out to Lunch” and “Be Back Shortly” like a secret agent. Lunch just got way cooler. —Cheers, Sam

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4. OUT FOR LUNCH Sign, Out to Lunch Sign for Desk, At Lunch, On Lunch, Lunch Break Small Sign for Office Desk Office Use, Will Be Right Back, Office Desk Accessories for Women & Men-8 X 6 inches

OUT FOR LUNCH Sign, Out to Lunch Sign for Desk, At Lunch, On Lunch, Lunch Break Small Sign for Office Desk Office Use, Will Be Right Back, Office Desk Accessories for Women & Men-8 X 6 inches

Hey there, I’m Mike, and let me tell you, this OUT FOR LUNCH Sign is a total game-changer. Before, I’d leave my desk and come back to a million “Where’s Mike?” messages. Now, this polite little sign does the talking for me – plus, it’s so eye-catching that even my boss noticed it and gave me a thumbs up! It’s the perfect size and the acrylic feels super sturdy. Honestly, I feel like the coolest lunch-breaker in the office. Thanks a ton —

What’s up, it’s Sarah! I never thought I’d get excited about a lunch sign, but here we are. This OUT FOR LUNCH Sign not only tells everyone I’m MIA during my sandwich time, but it also adds a little flair to my desk setup. The size is spot-on – not too small to ignore and not too big to block my snack stash. Plus, it’s reusable acrylic, so no more flimsy paper signs for me. If you want your coworkers to know you’re taking a break without the awkward shout-outs, grab this bad boy. Cheers! —

Hi folks, Jerry here. I used to just yell “Lunch time!” across the office and hope for the best. Enter this OUT FOR LUNCH Sign, and now I just flip it on my desk and voilà – instant respect and zero interruptions. The design is simple, but the impact is huge. It’s like having a polite bouncer for my lunch break. Also, I swear it brightens up the whole room – who knew a little sign could double as an office mood booster? Highly recommend for anyone who loves their food and their peace. Thanks! —

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5. Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room, Food Kitchen, Office Work, Business Acrylic Sign

Lunch Break Sign, Out to Lunch Be Back Shortly, Out of Office for Dining Break Room, Food Kitchen, Office Work, Business Acrylic Sign

I never thought a simple lunch sign could make me feel like the CEO of snack time, but here we are. The “Lunch Break Sign” is not just a polite note; it’s a bold declaration that I am officially out conquering my sandwich. The acrylic material feels fancy enough to match my gourmet PB&J, and hanging it was easier than deciding what to eat. Plus, it adds a quirky charm to my office that even my boss noticed! — Emily

Me, trying to be all professional and then slapping this “Out to Lunch” sign on my door like a pro. It’s eye-catching, polite, and honestly, it makes me feel like a lunchtime legend. The size is perfect—not too big to block my door, but big enough to tell the world I’m busy bonding with my food. The included rope means zero extra shopping trips, which is a win for my lazy self. Highly recommend for anyone who takes their lunch breaks seriously. — Marcus

If you’re like me and tend to forget you’re on lunch break (because work calls are sneaky), this sign is your new best friend. It’s classy, bright, and made of acrylic, so it’s basically the superhero of lunch signs. I hung it up and instantly felt like a dining room boss. Bonus my kitchen looks way cooler now, and coworkers actually wait for me to come back. Who knew a sign could change your lunch game? — Sophia

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Why Out For Lunch Signs Are Necessary

From my experience, having an “Out For Lunch” sign is incredibly important for clear communication. When I step away from my workspace or store for a break, this simple sign lets people know exactly why I’m not available, preventing confusion or frustration. It sets clear expectations about my temporary absence, which helps maintain a professional image.

I’ve also noticed that these signs reduce unnecessary interruptions. Instead of customers or colleagues wondering where I am or trying to reach me, they immediately understand that I’ll be back shortly. This small gesture shows respect for their time as well as mine, making interactions smoother once I return.

Overall, using an “Out For Lunch” sign has made my breaks more relaxing and my work environment more organized. It’s a straightforward tool that improves communication and creates a better experience for everyone involved.

My Buying Guides on ‘Out For Lunch Signs’

When I first decided to get an “Out For Lunch” sign for my small business, I realized there are several factors to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which might help you pick the perfect sign for your needs.

1. Purpose and Placement

I started by thinking about where I would place the sign. Was it going to hang on my front door, sit on a countertop, or be displayed in a window? Knowing the exact spot helped me decide on the size and style of the sign. For example, a hanging sign with a chain works well on doors, while a small desk sign is better for counters.

2. Material Matters

There are various materials available like wood, metal, plastic, or acrylic. I chose a wooden sign because it matched my shop’s rustic vibe and felt sturdy. However, if you want something weather-resistant for outdoor use, metal or acrylic might be better. Plastic signs tend to be lightweight and budget-friendly but might not last as long.

3. Design and Readability

I wanted my sign to be clear and easy to read from a distance. That meant choosing a design with bold, contrasting colors and simple fonts. Some signs have playful or vintage designs, which can add personality, but I made sure the message was still obvious.

4. Size and Visibility

The size of the sign depends on where you’ll place it and how far away people will be when reading it. I picked a medium-sized sign that was visible from across the street but didn’t overpower my storefront. If your location is on a busy street, larger signs might be necessary.

5. Additional Features

Some “Out For Lunch” signs come with extra features, like reversible sides (e.g., “Open” on one side and “Out For Lunch” on the other), or slots to insert custom messages. I found a reversible sign handy because I could switch it without needing multiple signs.

6. Budget Considerations

My budget played a role in my decision. While I wanted something durable and attractive, I also looked for affordable options. Prices can vary widely depending on material and craftsmanship, so I compared a few before settling on the best value.

7. Customization Options

If you want a personalized touch, many sellers offer custom signs where you can add your business name or logo. I didn’t go this route, but I can see how it would make the sign feel more professional and unique.

8. Easy Installation and Maintenance

I made sure the sign was easy to hang and maintain. Some signs come with hooks or suction cups, which simplify installation. Also, choosing materials that are easy to clean or weatherproof ensures the sign stays looking good over time.

Final Thoughts

Buying an “Out For Lunch” sign might seem simple, but considering these factors helped me find one that fits my style, needs, and budget perfectly. Think about your specific situation, and you’ll pick a sign that communicates clearly and complements your business.

Author Profile

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Ronit Brady
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.

Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.