I am wanting to build custom signs , but would like to bypass the installation, as I am getting a little more than average arthritis. The signs are planned to be very different for my area, (hand carved and under 50 square feet) which should help my sitiuation here. This would save me buying a bucket truck, and a lot of unpleasant outdoor etrocities such a high voltage lines, bad weather and unlimited liability issues. I'm sure some of you have subcontracted this work out to others who are willing to do it. Who are these people...other sign companies that need to make their bucket payments. Does anyone just sell the sign to a customer and let them take care of the rest? Or, do you at least lay out the plans for them. I think that spliting the fee into two sections and one paid directly to the sub by the customer certainly lessens my liability issues a lot. I would still like to have a bucket truck, for maybe a duck blind or something. I think they are cool. Bronzeo......
------------------ Jack Davis 1410 Main St Joplin, MO 64801 bronzeo@prodigy.net http://www.imagemakerart.com
Posted by Jerry Mathel (Member # 526) on :
Hi Jack,
I know exactly what you mean about the arthritis, since I have the same problem. I've also given up doing any installations.
I tried using other sign companies, but for a lot of reasons, it just didn't work. I finally found a father and son who are licensed contractors that specialize in small jobs. If the customer wants a "turn key" job, I make the sign and they contract directly with the customer to do the installation.
Actually I've found this works a lot better than doing the installations myself. I can spend more time doing what I like... making signs. Although I've certainly done my share over the years, I've never found postholes and wall anchors to be my favorite part of this business. It also saves me a ton of money on my liability insurance.
Jerry Mathel Jerry Mathel Signs Grants Pass, Oregon signs@grantspass.com
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Posted by Monte Jumper (Member # 1106) on :
We sell a lot of cash and carry stuff...but if you have a ground sign or two you don't want to mess with, contact a Fence company,they know more about digging holes than anyone I have ever met.Usually fairly priced also... and if they don't want to do it one of their laborers will (they don;t get paid much and are eager for the extra money on the weekends).
"Werks fer me,it'll werk fer you"
------------------ Monte Jumper SIGNLanguage/Norman.Okla.
[This message has been edited by Monte Jumper (edited March 25, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by Monte Jumper (edited March 25, 2000).]
Posted by Robert Thomas (Member # 1356) on :
I'd love to elimanate installations also, because of a herniated disk in my back. And I hate installations! But most installs require a permit and most sign shops won't install if thay didn't do the job. So I feel I might lose the job if I didn't do it. How about hiring a helper, you play director or big shot president over seeing the job! The fence co. a good idea on some jobs. The last time I sent helpers (without my guidence) out to do an install some signs, they were not level and not centered etc., so double check their work before you feel confident in anybody else doing your installs.
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Posted by John Deaton (Member # 925) on :
Until I can't, I'm gonna do all my own installs. Here in my area, you don't have to get permits for signs, but I'm sure it'll happen before long. If a customer wants to save the money for installation, I explain the best way to do it, and send them on their way. Most do a good job on it, and others do the exact opposite of what I told them. Kills me sometimes. Good looking sign sitting on two warped posts, not painted,screw heads not painted, etc. I guess because of the permit thing, I kinda like doing installations. That way, I know it gets done right, and looks good. Course, I sometimes change my mind when I hit rock at six inches.........
------------------ John Deaton III Deaton Signs&Grafix 109 N. Cumberland Ave.,Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-573-9101 "If I was any happier, I'd be pukin up smiley faces!" johnd3rd@kih.net http://www.angelfire.com/ky2/dsigns
Posted by Cam Bortz (Member # 55) on :
I've learned to offer installation at a separate price on most jobs. Usually customers like to buy the "package deal" and we accomodate. What's important is to charge enough to make it worth doing. I find I can usually install in less time, I don't have to work around someone elses schedule, and I don't worry about whether the job was done right and the sign put in place correctly, not damaged, etc.
------------------ "A wise man concerns himself with the truth, not with what people believe." - Aristotle
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. - Raoul Duke (Hunter S. Thompson)
Cam Finest Kind Signs 256 S. Broad St. Pawcatuck, Ct. 06379 "Award winning Signs since 1988"
Posted by Joe Rees (Member # 211) on :
Hi Jack, Whether you do them yourself or hire another company you could still be liable if something fell down. I had this happen to me. The outfit I hired had ample 'liability' insurance in case of property damage or injury on the job, but when a sign fell down years later - after the fact - I was sued along with everybody in a ten mile radius, even though I could proove I had nothing to do with the installation. What you need to protect yourself is called 'completed operations' coverage.
As my current company gets more into installations I need to look into it again myself. I recall it worked in an odd way; either it had to be in place at the time of the install; or at the time of the claim, but not both. Whichever it was, I had it the opposite for my lawsuit.
