I had a sales call to do today...an RV dealership...
The owners had seen my windows around town and wanted something artsy for thier windows.
They have somewhat small windows, but I said I would try to come up with something...
Now, I just got back from Ca (family funeral thing) and am totally broke (overdrawn actually) And hoping I can sell something sign wise before the checks I had to mail out come through...
He asked what sort of price are we talking about.. Now, I'm really trying to raise my prices, I'm so tired of living hand to mouth that it's time I just get tough and charge more.
So I just said "$200.....per window"....he said "that's $800" I said yeah...he says "GREAT!, sounds good"
I'm starting to choke, I just told this guy $800 for 4 small windows that will be pretty simple to do...and before I let that thought sink in I said " and I usually get a deposit before starting" (I never get a deposit for splashes, but that's gonna change....starting today)
He says "OK...how much?" I say, "Oh...anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2" He says" Fine! I'll give you half, who do I make the check out to" A stunned (but rather pleased with myself) me said "Splash Signs"
As he goes to his office to write the check I go out to the truck to find I forgot my invoices...
He's cool, no problem...I can fax it... (I'm beginning to think maybe I'm dreaming)
I meet his wife, they gush over my portfolio, (I'm still trying to fight the stunned look)
We chat for what seemed a long time...they have all sorts of ideas about things I could do...
Maybe I could paint some pictorials on the backs of Rvs.? And they need some windshield lettering....and could I redesign thier logo (they really hate it)
BTW...her dad was an old time sign painter, so was her grandfather...
Before I started to think I might be taking advantage of these poor people's money....they get a package delivered with a brand new laptop computer (those really thin ones?) And I realize, they have three locations, and as I recall those big bus size RVs are more of a luxury item...ok....
Thanks for staying with me on this....
My point (and I did have one.....)
I forgot, but anyway...we went grocery shopping and I was able to get caught up on some pressing bills... Oh, and the boost of confience enabled me to stop at a few places on the way home (I normally hate cold calls)
Well..thanks for listening.....
A:)
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Good stuff A!!!..next time blurt out $1200 though!!!
You do good work..charge what yer worth!!!
Posted by Kissymatina (Member # 2028) on :
I see you're taking Si's approach to pricing, the highest price you can say without laughing.
Great way to end the week huh?
Posted by John Lennig (Member # 2455) on :
Right On Adrienne!!!!
Once you get comfortable with these people, you've got a gold mine there with the father/grandfather signpainter thing!!
You make it happoen, Good for You!!
John Lennig/
Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
You rock girl! Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Cool, A!
Getting over feeling like you're taking advantage is the tough part, but it's easy to get over when you realize those big motorcoach RV's sell for $200,000-$500,000 and more!
Not only have you stepped through the door with this business, now you also have the connection to landing some BIG TIME mural work on THEIR customers' vehicles. Every RV I see out here during the winter has custom murals painted on.
Posted by William Holohan (Member # 2514) on :
Adrienne,
Congrats on the job and the fine "money in front" results. They love your work and you can be sure they appreciate your realistic priceing and business womans attitude.
You can be sure they get a very large deposit and or locked up bank/finance agreement before one of those $75,000.00 motor homes comes on the lot.
You are entitled to the same; as a fine artist and business person.
Go for the money in front every time. Makes the cash flow much smoother.
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Great! and whoa! A, getting a deposit ensures your time and a mutual committment. It provides you the funds to pay for the materials and expenses for that job. Using it for anything else can and will eventually get you in trouble.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Adrianne
Sounds great!! Now you have to remember that the bar is set for all future jobs. This job proves your worth and the terms. And the best part is it builds from here.
Go girl!
-dan
Posted by AdrienneMorgan (Member # 1046) on :
Thanks for the encouragment.
Yes, Rick, I've figured in what I need (the overhead is minimal....just acrylics)
I have everything I need on hand.... I plan to give them the best job I can, of course.
Now...ideas?
They want something to reflect RVing......fun times, recreation, vacation, etc, but they want to have the upper halves of the windows open to see out. That leaves me with aprox 2 1/2 ft high by 6 ft wide to work with.
A:)
Posted by W. R. Pickett (Member # 3842) on :
...If you're gonna blurt, "Shooting high" is the only way to quote sign prices. It's pleasantly surprising how much some clients expect to pay (or have budgeted) for advertising.
...Realistic business owners expect to shell out good money for "quality" promotional materials. ...The other s you really don't want to work for. As said, never leave money on the table.
...And be sure that if they add any extra work (like a logo) to the job, you WILL be charging extra for it.
...There may be a golden lining with this client too. They may have some of their departed relatives OLD SIGN BOOKS that they could be happy to donate to your library. ...Don't forget to ask...
Posted by Susan Banasky (Member # 1164) on :
Adrienne I am sooooooo proud of you.......and I didn't even have to kick you in the butt for you to ask for a deposit.....you did it ALL ON YOUR OWN......perfect!!! Keep up the great work.....and 'I am worth it' attitude.....
Posted by Mike Pulskamp (Member # 3475) on :
Good going! Don't forget that most RV dealers do shows, read banners and A-frames. Glad to hear things are looking up.
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Adrienne, I think you missed my point. Not only do you use the deposit to purchase materials for the job, but at any time should be able to produce a balance sheet showing expenses for that job and money in the bank from the remainder of the deposit.
If I have a weeks work into the job and want to draw a weeks pay from the deposit, I have justification.
I found taking the money and paying the phone bill got me into trouble. I always want to be able to give the deposit back to the customer and tell them to go elsewhere should some controversy ever occur, and not be a slave to a situation, trapped by my spending. This situation has only come up a couple times in the last thirty six years, but I was glad to have their money when it did. It's their money I'm holding, until I've earned it by both of our points of view.
Glad you have a customer that can really appreciate you!
Posted by AdrienneMorgan (Member # 1046) on :
I see your point Rick, but unfortunatly I had little choice...
Jim's sister passed away suddenly and we had to rent a car and make a quick trip to Ca...that cleaned out every dime we had.
Hopefully in the future I will be able to have enough in savings to cover emergencies.
This has been a difficult year, I've lost almost 7 months of work and just moved to this farm which has needed a lot of repairs and improvments.
The deposit went for the electric bill, paint store bill, gas in the truck and a small amt for groceries.
A:)
Posted by Myra Grozinger (Member # 327) on :
I am really happy to see this. I agree with Dan and with Rick, and others.
With your portfolio and credentials and experience you are every bit as professional in your offerings than he is in his - to society at large. Maybe more so, because when it comes to ability and being special, you probably win. Don't for a minute forget it. You are a Prima Donna of the brush and of murals, cash in on it.
I love that you presented yourself at the start with the courage of giving a proper price, and now you have a foot in the door at a place where it will pay off as it should.
I know you are not asking for my opinion but my opinion is to keep up the professionalism and self confidence all the way. You respect yourself and it ripples all through your life, and pays off through your work.
I am tickled for you. Perfect timing in your life, when you give God thanks and a chance, he fills a vaccuum.
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