Let's say someone from another shop calls up and needs a total of 6 feet each of two colors of intermediate vinyl, whether it be Oracal 651, Avery*cough* A6 or 3M Intermediate.
Provided it's just a one-time thing and not a regular occurrence, would you sell them the film and how much would you charge?
Posted by Tom Giampia (Member # 2007) on :
We do it every once in a while.
There are 6 shops or home based companies with-in a mile and half of our shop and we are friendly with most of them.
Most times, if it's only a yard or 2 of vinyl, we'll just say "Do the same for me some time".
If it's a full sheet of coro or aluminum, I'll round UP what it cost me and take the cash.
It's nice know that you can call a neighbor for material or advice if you are in a pinch, but i wouldn't want to become their "Small Quantity" supplier.
Posted by Jake Lyman (Member # 3280) on :
I was and still am selling oracal 651 to a guy who cuts decals by hand 24" and I sell it to him for $8.00 per yard he usually will by 2 yds of 3 or 4 colors. I think it is easy cash when he walks in. I am not afraid of him becoming a competitor either.
Just my $.02 worth.
J
Posted by Jack Ambler (Member # 3255) on :
Hi Mike:
Would they help you out? I don't think I would hesitate to sell them the required film - if I have sufficient quantities in stock. I would probably add a few dollars to my cost to cover my trouble. With all the help I get (FREE) from the Letterheads here on the Bullboard, I am willing to help someone else out, when the occasion presents itself.
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
My usual source for small quantity/odd color isn't around, haven't seen or heard from them since last Wednesday and a note on their door says they're off-site which seems odd - actually makes me kinda worried about 'em cause I can't imagine a job taking them away from home that long considering they only do vinyl and applications. Anyway...
So I set off to find another local source..
First stop was another sign shop, the owners are Letterheads, members of this forum as well although they don't post often. Some people here have probably met them at Petaluma in the past. They're always super nice. They didn't have the material on-hand.
Another shop... new owners... a bit sketchy. Hmm'd and haw'd then ultimately decided he didn't want to. Whatever. Everyone I've talked to has said this place has changed hands twice over the last year or less and both times the owners were total flakes so I honestly wasn't expecting to get anywhere.
Third shop, same story as the previous ones - changes hands multiple times in short order. Claims "Out with the Old and in with the BOLD" - which they equate to blue vinyl with a red drop shadow.. buwahahaha. Oh they'll sell the vinyl to me no problems, but no way in hell am I spending $6 per foot on 15" wide A6 that only costs 60 cents a foot. The job can wait.
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
Hiya Mike, If it's a one time thing and I had plenty of the materials in stock, I probably would charge just enough to cover my material costs or just give it to them. If it was a regular thing, say once a month or more, I would start charging retail - material cost x 2, plus the labor to process the order. I'm not in business to be a sign supplier.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
Posted by Tony Vickio (Member # 2265) on :
The only guys I deal with around herer are Bob Timmerman (Sunshine Signs), Steve Hughey (Hughey Signs)and Larry Orr (Orr Signs). Do I charge them? Hell no...............they wouldn't pay me anyway! We work it out on the Golf Course!
Posted by Sheila Ferrell (Member # 3741) on :
We all get along real well and help each other out from time to time . . .
We charge cost.
Ain't no other way to live . . . is there?
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Most of the time the area shops just need a little vinyl, a sign blank, or some paint. Rather than making a big deal over the cost of those items I just send them out the door and I know that they will do the same if I need something.
If it is a sheet of MDO or a lot of vinyl I just charge them whatever it cost me.
The shops with crane trucks install stuff for me and send me a bill and I do pictorial work and or a sandblasted panel for them and send them a bill.
As Monte says, it works for me.
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
Sometimes I need a bit of something I don't have, and sometimes I have something someone else needs. It works both ways. Cost depends on the item- either at cost, or as a favour to be later recycled.
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
Without hesitation. No big deal.
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
Hey! Someone stole all of Tony's facial hair!
Posted by Gene Golden (Member # 3934) on :
Depends on the amount of material he needs. Remember: YOU'RE the one who needs to buy a whole roll the next time you need that 4' that you just gave away! I share, but remember that piece you just gave away could become a $45 sign in 15 minutes - or you have to buy a new roll and have $45 sitting on your shelf waiting to be used.
Posted by Tony Vickio (Member # 2265) on :
Hey Si, not only that, but I seem to have lost all my power!
Posted by james chrimes (Member # 5864) on :
Tony didn't lose his hair, he just gave it to one of the other three sign guy's that was running low.
Posted by Bill Biggs (Member # 18) on :
I spent 20 year in the grocery business and 20%+ is fair game there, I sell anything they need, any time I have it. To anyone that wants it. LOL and most of them buy it. Bill
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