I want to start a small part time business cutting small signs and one color graphics and paint masks. I have a day job but want to make a few bucks and set something up for later down the road when I retire. (Need some parts money for my race car)How would I set out to start and run the business? What inventory would I need to start? I have the cutter and CorelDraw. I've seen small graphics booths at the car shows and they seem to be busy. How much should I change? Thanks. Skip
[ July 26, 2003, 11:54 AM: Message edited by: Skip Willis ]
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Skip...Based on what I use most frequently I would suggest 10 yds of each of the following colours of vinyl.
White Black Sapphire blue Cardinal red Sunflower yellow Bright green
With those basic colours you will probably be able to produce 80% of what customers want
Of course you will need a roll of premask also.
Posted by Brian Diver (Member # 1552) on :
Skip,
Dave is correct, get those basics and you'll do fine. Now the other part of the equation is to price your work like a professional and not some part timer that doesn't need the work or money. People like that are the ones screwing it up (giving away work because its a hobby) for those of us that do this for a living and need to provide for our families, so get yourself an Offical price guide by - signwriters publishing co. They typically have these at any reputable sign supplier (check the Letterville Merchants first <http://www.letterhead.com/suppliers/index.html>) and price your work accordingly. Another price guide is by Mark Roberts @ www.signprice.com and if you want to project a more professional image to your clients when giving them an estimate is to get the estimate software which I use in addition to the other two I mentioned @ www.estimatesoftware.com
