Here's something to consider. Are hand crafted, hand painted signs a new luxury product that commands premium upscale prices?
Michael J. Silverstein likes the finer things in life. A practice leader at the Boston Consulting Group in Chicago, he is co-author of Trading Up: The New American Luxury . The forthcoming book argues that selling upscale products in high volume -- and at a great markup -- is the best strategy for growth today. In 23 consumer categories, he notes, "new luxury" products and services account for 19% of sales and are growing 10% to 15% annually. Silverstein explained the strategy to senior editor Mike Hofman. * What is a new-luxury product?
It provides a superior experience -- functionally and emotionally -- to users, and it's priced accordingly. And though it's distinctly better than the mass product, it's available for mass consumption. Panera Bread, Williams-Sonoma, Coach, and Aveda are new-luxury brands
The very BEST thing to happen to my sign painting Was the introduction of the vinyl cutting puters. I am now demanding & getting three 3 times the price for my work that I have been doing for over 30 years. Go fiquire
Any Tom,Dick,and Harry can get a sign There are some that get signs with the status of being "HAND PAINTED"
These are the ones I gear my business towards!
I still make enough money to pay my bills,with the advantage of having MORE time to enjoy smelling the roses.
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
I agree Duckie, I only do paint and still live the life of Reilly
All the way to the bank....
Posted by Ron Percell (Member # 399) on :
Interesting topic.
We label our highest pricing tier, the Lettehead Quality Level, panels or a showroom will help.
The Gild is Flowing!
Posted by Ethan Rutkoff (Member # 3802) on :
Considering the way things are going, anything more than marker on cardboard, or a 'FastSigns' Special will soon be considered 'upscale'. Compared to America's biggest success story, Walmart, shopping at Circle K or 7-11 is 'upscale'.
Not having been the one-man-show, I can't speak from experience, only imagined preference-but there was a post awhile ago about 'project' jobs versus fast turnaround jobs, and I have to say, I would rather do one quality, unique, artful sign a week and get paid for my creativity and talent, than do 20 cut 'em and slap 'em jobs for the same pay.
The challenge-Go out and SELL IT!
Posted by Ethan Rutkoff (Member # 3802) on :
Considering the way things are going, anything more than marker on cardboard, or a 'FastSigns' Special will soon be considered 'upscale'. Compared to America's biggest success story, Walmart, shopping at Circle K or 7-11 is 'upscale'.
Not having been the one-man-show, I can't speak from experience, only imagined preference-but there was a post awhile ago about 'project' jobs versus fast turnaround jobs, and I have to say, I would rather do one quality, unique, artful sign a week and get paid for my creativity and talent, than do 20 cut 'em and slap 'em jobs for the same pay.
The challenge-Go out and SELL IT!
Posted by Sunny Holtzlander (Member # 4012) on :
Ya'll are getting me motivated to buy a paint brush and awl stick! I try to make my vinyl signage artistic enough so people will recongize my work. But I do believe you are correct. I need to pick up a brush and learn this to be considered "one of a kind"
I haven't even been to a meet yet, and already you are making me think about brushes!
Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
quote:to buy a paint brush and awl stick!
Better make that a MAHL STICK Sunny or you'll be poking holes in your signs! Posted by TransLab (Member # 470) on :
Careful there Sunny,
I'd still rather be a good vinyl jockey than a bad painter. You have to do what you do best. Having said that it doesn't mean that I don't want to learn to swing a brush, just that
1. I don't think I have enough talent to master the brush. 2. I don't think I could earn enough with a brush to afford the lifestyle and choices that vinyl/digital affords me.
I fully intent to learn the brush, but it will be in 10 years or so when I'm thinking of semi-retiring, (44 now). I'll create hand crafted signs then, not for the money; but for my own personal satisfaction, and for the love of the craft. With any luck I'll master the craft by the time I'm 75.
Posted by Sunny Holtzlander (Member # 4012) on :
quote:Originally posted by Kimberly Zanetti:
quote:to buy a paint brush and awl stick!
Better make that a MAHL STICK Sunny or you'll be poking holes in your signs!
See how much I gotta learn?? I didn't think awl was right, but couldn't think of the word!
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