I have to admit that I do a fair amount of pickup trucks, vans and dump truck lettering each year. Pricing the jobs has always been based on how many bells and whistles that I've done on the designs. Truck doors are easier to figure out, even with lots of outlines, shadows, graphics, etc.
I am curious as to how do you price a full-size panel van which covers a lot more area. I've done some simple two-color lettering, no artwork, on both sides and rear doors for around $650. I just finished two full-size vans last week with ALL the bells and whistles for $1400. each. These vans were all vinyl lettering, digital print vinyl for graphics/photos and went pretty quick considering how much I had to put on them. I am looking at the new 2013 price guide and wondering if I need to have a price increase. Some jobs I am under-priced and others I'm over! I'd like to hear if you have the same problems adjusting your prices each year. I also decided a long time ago not to let the competiton affect my pricing. I do quality work and don't want to get into a pricing war which has worked so far.
This year has started off more promising than the past 2 years. I am also expanding into more 3D work which is another head scratcher to price.
I sense their is no easy answer to these questions! I hope everyone has picked up business for January and are preparing for a busy Spring.
Sign-cerely, Steve
Posted by Jeff Wisdom (Member # 6193) on :
Hi Steve
I think each area has a different market range. For Oregon, this is what I price. I am still using an older price book but pricing what the market will bear.
For two color letters, shaded outlined on full size van between $650-$850. For the full job with logo it would be about $1200-$1400.
For 3D work let me know if I can help you there, that is what I do predominantly.
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
pricing vehicles have many variables. 1. calendered or hp. 2. new vehicle or used. 3. type of work the vehicle is used for.(tree service trucks, are usually used vehicles, and get abused so calendered vinyl hold up better for them. same with rock or coal hauling trucks. dirt, sand gravel dont get the heavy abuse. 4.how often do they replace the vehicle. 5.how much artwork do you have in the design? dosent matter if its only a door or the side of the van.......YOU STILL HAVE TIME INTO DESIGN. 2 DOORS....... single color no artwork $50-$150 van 3 sides plain lettering single color calendared vinyl $250-$450 hp vinyl 3 sides $300-$550 artwork 3 sides $500-$1000 box trucks.....start at $750.....$2000
[ January 29, 2013, 12:59 PM: Message edited by: old paint ]
Posted by Steve Luck (Member # 5292) on :
Thanks guys. Looks like I'm in the ballpark on pricing.
Jeff, I could use some help with pricing the 3D work if you get a chance to email me at www.signmagic@sbcglobal.net. Thanks!
Sign-cerely, Steve
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Pricing in this region is all over the place. I gave up on worrying about what others charge. I know what I have to have to stay in business and I start from there.
I've been using EstiMate software for several years. Its been a big help to me in that it helps me to make sure I don't undercharge and lose money.
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Glenn, I have Estimate software and haven't found it to be that helpful. Using sliders for complexity can put the price all over the place. Maybe I need further training on it.
Steve, I've been using the SignCraft pricing guide for several categories. Once I picked my shop rate I started timing jobs, plugging in my hourly rate, added materials and my profit, and the sign guide was always right on the money. So I feel I can trust what the guide says.
Posted by Donald Miner (Member # 6472) on :
I agree with OP, except for one item. It always took me the same amount of time to letter a used truck, as it did a new one.
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
On the other hand,,if you are not sure,,and it's a new customer. You could ask, with a smile, "Gee, that's nice, what do you usually pay for your van/truck/vehicle lettering?" If it sounds high, smile on the inside. If it sound really low, he's lying.
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Dave, to me the biggest problem with EstiMate is that it is so easy that we tend to over think it. I've certainly been guilty of it.
What I've done is create a line item under "Substrates" that reads "Customer's Vehicle". I've put the cost at 50¢ per square foot. This is to help defray the cost of cleaning the surface.
The only two sliders that I ever move are the "General Difficulty Level" and the "Market Level".
As long as I am reasonably realistic about my time and I have the Market Level providing me with a 40% margin, Estimate will generate a fairly accurate and consistent quote for me.
The other thing that I do is leave notes under the "Production Notes" tab about the project. I do the same with written notes on the "Workorder" sheet that EstiMate will generate which I keep filed with the invoice for future reference.
Posted by Steve Luck (Member # 5292) on :
I have been referring to the SignCraft pricing guide for several years now and just wanted to see if it was staying accurate with everyone else's prices.
So far I haven't given my work away! It is good to check prices now since we are into the new year and things start picking up each month as it gets warmer.
Leaving prices the same as last year or the year before that is not a good idea. Everything costs more and I don't want to work for less! I'm going to check the pricing guide more often and probably will ask for a "price check" here in Letterville several times this year.
