it is a 4 X 8 >>> 2 sided with quite a bit of text and a site map for a condo project the map had to be scanned a cleaned up it is also 3 color I charged them $700.00
couple shops buy them said they would do it for 395.00 i seen the paper work from those shops
tell what you guys think as so as i learn how to scann to this page i will show pic.
Posted by Roy Frisby (Member # 736) on :
But who got the job? Anyone can be cheaper after the fact!!!
Posted by Arvil Shep' Shepherd (Member # 2030) on :
I charge $700 to $900 for a double side 4x8 Plywood with Aluminum bonded to both sides....Plus installation
I don't know about others..I don't need the practice...I need to eat......and I need money to pay for this ridiculously priced gasoline... and the overly priced medications that I have to buy to live.(So says my doctor) These people who give their work away..know what it is worth.... Shep'
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
I just priced a job for lettering the front, back, and sides of a 30' travel-trailer in reflective vinyl for $788. The shop down the road told her "about $350 but not over $400" and, of course, he got the job.
He must be a glutton for punishment cuz the sides of that trailer are severely corrugated.
Oh yeah..... they also told me , after I had already quoted, that another shop quoted them $900 and didn't even want to do it.
[ February 17, 2003, 05:38 PM: Message edited by: Wayne Webb ]
Posted by Bob Stephens (Member # 858) on :
Your price is not out of line and could even be too cheap. The problem often is that the customer isnt intellegent enough to question why one price is higher than another. In other words truely comparing apples to apples.
You have to start asking the right questions and make the customer tell you exactly what the competition is selling him. Quite often they dont know till you start digging.
Just today a guy came in to my shop and asked for a quote on a 30"w.X 48'h. alumicore panel with blue letters. He also had a line drawing of a layout that was done by another shop but with no name on it.
I asked him what thickness alumicore? He didnt know. I asked him what kind of vinyl? He didnt know. I explained to him the difference between calandar and cast. He was suprised to learn there was a difference. I then gave him a ballpark and then asked him how it would be installed. He said between two posts. I then asked him if it was single face or double face? He said double. I said it would be more for double. He looked at me like I was a rocket scientist with all the questions I was asking him. He said he had no idea that so many variables were involved in pricing a sign but he understood now. What I was pricing and what the other shop was pricing were two different things.
After all this I said point blank to him, are you looking for a temporary sign or a permanent sign?
He said permanent...So I showed him carved colorcore. His eyes lit up. No paint, no letters to fall off. I told him sign alone with nice simple design $600.00 ballpark. My time to produce 30 minutes for design, 45 minutes table time, $75.00 worth of material. Jobs finished.
He left and came back an hour later to order my sign. Moral of the story? Learn the art of selling.
Posted by Mikes Mischeif (Member # 1744) on :
Glenn, $395 will get you a 4x8 pre-painted 1/2 MDO letter one side with "for sale & a phone number in Red only.
This is a high cost area though.Fairfax County residents have the highest median income and one of the highest average incomes in the United States.
[ February 18, 2003, 01:12 AM: Message edited by: Mikes Mischeif ]
Posted by Rick Whitmire (Member # 3443) on :
Bob is right! Sell your self...your quality...your worth...But better yet validate your expertise with logical solutions to your customers sign needs and reasons why you would take a certain approach or angle in design and production toward their sign...cost is not important if your customer is serious about a qualified product...and you can produce! Rick @ Trick
Posted by Steve Shortreed (Member # 436) on :
Shep is thinking right. You cannot allow the other guy to determine your pricing. We have to determine a price based on an hourly rate that leaves you enough to look after your financial obligations. Once you know your break even point, you have a few choices.
1. You can charge what your "determining an hourly shop rate" exercise dictates what you need to survive and grow.
2. You can double up the hours you work. Ignore #1 and bang your head against the wall until something gives. I call this suicide by signshop. Ask me how I know.
3. Do nothing. Bury your head in the sand and watch your dream of self employment die.
4. Diversify! Find good paying jobs for your spouse and other family members. If you are single, seek out a well paid life partner with lots of benefits.
5. Win the lottery and continue to make signs as a hobby.
Pretty brutal eh? Most of my comments are tonque in cheek, but working your guts out for nothing is a depressing business.
