posted
I had a sales call to do today...an RV dealership...
The owners had seen my windows around town and wanted something artsy for thier windows.
They have somewhat small windows, but I said I would try to come up with something...
Now, I just got back from Ca (family funeral thing) and am totally broke (overdrawn actually) And hoping I can sell something sign wise before the checks I had to mail out come through...
He asked what sort of price are we talking about.. Now, I'm really trying to raise my prices, I'm so tired of living hand to mouth that it's time I just get tough and charge more.
So I just said "$200.....per window"....he said "that's $800" I said yeah...he says "GREAT!, sounds good"
I'm starting to choke, I just told this guy $800 for 4 small windows that will be pretty simple to do...and before I let that thought sink in I said " and I usually get a deposit before starting" (I never get a deposit for splashes, but that's gonna change....starting today)
He says "OK...how much?" I say, "Oh...anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2" He says" Fine! I'll give you half, who do I make the check out to" A stunned (but rather pleased with myself) me said "Splash Signs"
As he goes to his office to write the check I go out to the truck to find I forgot my invoices...
He's cool, no problem...I can fax it... (I'm beginning to think maybe I'm dreaming)
I meet his wife, they gush over my portfolio, (I'm still trying to fight the stunned look)
We chat for what seemed a long time...they have all sorts of ideas about things I could do...
Maybe I could paint some pictorials on the backs of Rvs.? And they need some windshield lettering....and could I redesign thier logo (they really hate it)
BTW...her dad was an old time sign painter, so was her grandfather...
Before I started to think I might be taking advantage of these poor people's money....they get a package delivered with a brand new laptop computer (those really thin ones?) And I realize, they have three locations, and as I recall those big bus size RVs are more of a luxury item...ok....
Thanks for staying with me on this....
My point (and I did have one.....)
I forgot, but anyway...we went grocery shopping and I was able to get caught up on some pressing bills... Oh, and the boost of confience enabled me to stop at a few places on the way home (I normally hate cold calls)
posted
Good stuff A!!!..next time blurt out $1200 though!!!
You do good work..charge what yer worth!!!
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
Once you get comfortable with these people, you've got a gold mine there with the father/grandfather signpainter thing!!
You make it happoen, Good for You!!
John Lennig/
-------------------- John Lennig / Big Top Sign Arts 5668 Ewart Street, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada bigtopya@hotmail.com 604.451.0006 Posts: 2184 | From: Burnaby, British Columbia,Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3722 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
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Getting over feeling like you're taking advantage is the tough part, but it's easy to get over when you realize those big motorcoach RV's sell for $200,000-$500,000 and more!
Not only have you stepped through the door with this business, now you also have the connection to landing some BIG TIME mural work on THEIR customers' vehicles. Every RV I see out here during the winter has custom murals painted on.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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Congrats on the job and the fine "money in front" results. They love your work and you can be sure they appreciate your realistic priceing and business womans attitude.
You can be sure they get a very large deposit and or locked up bank/finance agreement before one of those $75,000.00 motor homes comes on the lot.
You are entitled to the same; as a fine artist and business person.
Go for the money in front every time. Makes the cash flow much smoother.
-------------------- William "Irish" Holohan Resting...Read "Between Jobs." Marlboro, MA 01752 email: firemap1@aol.com Posts: 1110 | From: Marlboro, MA | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted
Great! and whoa! A, getting a deposit ensures your time and a mutual committment. It provides you the funds to pay for the materials and expenses for that job. Using it for anything else can and will eventually get you in trouble.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6720 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Sounds great!! Now you have to remember that the bar is set for all future jobs. This job proves your worth and the terms. And the best part is it builds from here.
Go girl!
-dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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Yes, Rick, I've figured in what I need (the overhead is minimal....just acrylics)
I have everything I need on hand.... I plan to give them the best job I can, of course.
Now...ideas?
They want something to reflect RVing......fun times, recreation, vacation, etc, but they want to have the upper halves of the windows open to see out. That leaves me with aprox 2 1/2 ft high by 6 ft wide to work with.
posted
...If you're gonna blurt, "Shooting high" is the only way to quote sign prices. It's pleasantly surprising how much some clients expect to pay (or have budgeted) for advertising.
...Realistic business owners expect to shell out good money for "quality" promotional materials. ...The other s you really don't want to work for. As said, never leave money on the table.
...And be sure that if they add any extra work (like a logo) to the job, you WILL be charging extra for it.
...There may be a golden lining with this client too. They may have some of their departed relatives OLD SIGN BOOKS that they could be happy to donate to your library. ...Don't forget to ask...
posted
Adrienne I am sooooooo proud of you.......and I didn't even have to kick you in the butt for you to ask for a deposit.....you did it ALL ON YOUR OWN......perfect!!! Keep up the great work.....and 'I am worth it' attitude.....
-------------------- Susan Banasky Source Signs Nanaimo, British Columbia sourcesigns@shaw.ca
When in need....go directly to the "Source"!
Proud Supporter of this "Knowledge Network"! Posts: 1323 | From: Nanaimo, B.C. Canada | Registered: Oct 1999
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posted
Good going! Don't forget that most RV dealers do shows, read banners and A-frames. Glad to hear things are looking up.
-------------------- Mike Pulskamp Pulskamp Arts Sacramento, CA mpulskamp@earthlink.net Posts: 165 | From: Sacramento, CA | Registered: Dec 2002
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posted
Adrienne, I think you missed my point. Not only do you use the deposit to purchase materials for the job, but at any time should be able to produce a balance sheet showing expenses for that job and money in the bank from the remainder of the deposit.
If I have a weeks work into the job and want to draw a weeks pay from the deposit, I have justification.
I found taking the money and paying the phone bill got me into trouble. I always want to be able to give the deposit back to the customer and tell them to go elsewhere should some controversy ever occur, and not be a slave to a situation, trapped by my spending. This situation has only come up a couple times in the last thirty six years, but I was glad to have their money when it did. It's their money I'm holding, until I've earned it by both of our points of view.
Glad you have a customer that can really appreciate you!
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6720 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I am really happy to see this. I agree with Dan and with Rick, and others.
With your portfolio and credentials and experience you are every bit as professional in your offerings than he is in his - to society at large. Maybe more so, because when it comes to ability and being special, you probably win. Don't for a minute forget it. You are a Prima Donna of the brush and of murals, cash in on it.
I love that you presented yourself at the start with the courage of giving a proper price, and now you have a foot in the door at a place where it will pay off as it should.
I know you are not asking for my opinion but my opinion is to keep up the professionalism and self confidence all the way. You respect yourself and it ripples all through your life, and pays off through your work.
I am tickled for you. Perfect timing in your life, when you give God thanks and a chance, he fills a vaccuum.
-------------------- Myra A. Grozinger Signs Limited Winston-Salem, NC
signslimited@triad.rr.com Posts: 1244 | From: Winston-Salem, NC USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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