posted
Today I paid a visit to a sort-of-local sign materials supplier, and I was surprised at how unmotivated they were to sell me anything. Other than, "May I help you?", there were no questions about what I was doing, what I wanted to do, and how they might help me do it. They were friendly, and answered the questions I asked, but didn't volunteer anything, and didn't ask any followup questions. They gave me samples of things I asked about, but only after I asked if they had samples. I just thought it was strange that their business is to sell things, and they didn't even try. I went in there prepared to buy a lot more than I came out with. Is this typical?
My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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We have one that almost sounds like the same operation. Without calling any names they are on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I've gone there a few times and they wanted to act like I wasn't even in the sign biz. They tried to charge me sales tax on items for resale which is not how it works here. They act like they are afraid they are going to sell me something. They don't get any of my business at all anymore. I deal with people that want me as a customer.
R.T.
-------------------- R.T.Thomas,AirDesigns/Sign And Airbrush Studio rtart1@earthlink.net
Hattiesburg,MS 39401 Shop 601-584-1000 Cell 601-310-5901 Proud supporter of LETTERVILLE!
"Ahhhhhh.......Juicy Fruit." Posts: 547 | From: Hattiesburg,MS USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Russ..I found that to be the case when I first started in this silly business.
Went into the only supplier that I knew of and they treated me like dirt because I didn't know the "terminology" or whatever.
I soon scouted out another supplier who was just starting up and we both learned the "terminology" together and have a great working relationship since then.
I now also patronise the original supplier and, knowing the "terminology", I tell THEM what I want AND when I want it!!!
Your day will come Russ. Suppliers aren't always like the folks on this site. They sometimes don't seem to want to share "secrets"
-------------------- 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
posted
One of the sorta local suppliers here is just as bad. I went there to pick stuff up once and evidently my existance in their building was an inconvenience to them. I no longer will order anything from them.
On the other side of that coin, I don't care for the 1 lumber yard here cause as soon as you walk in, you get bombarded with "what's your project?" My project is my business, I need a dozen 2x4s.
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
LOL Kissy . . .I've heard that too . . .If I had time to 'hang-around' and do my own little survey, I'd like to know if they ask men this too . . .I've gotten the feeling they think I'm working on some little hobby or 'paintin' the baby's room' or somethin'.
Because of that 'little attitude' they have, never buy from one particular lumber yard here.
The other 2 places I have accounts at because they are so nice, even though compared to building contractors I hardly buy anything.
For reasons described above I quit buyin' ANYTHING after SignPlex sold out and changed hands. . . .
My 'absolution' goes not only for sign material sales people, but anywhere you can't get a fair deal, needed information, or simply a SMILE. I just can't conduct business with a person who hates what they do so bad they take it out on me with flat-faces, frowns, or lethargy. . .
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
This "local" supplier is about 45 minutes away. They aren't the only game in town, but they are the largest supplier in the state as far as I am aware. The fact is, they are the only supplier in the state for certain things so if I'm going to be in this business, I will be buying from them whether I want to or not.
They must see someone like me as a waste of their time. Most customers probably know what they want before they go in there, or better yet, they just make an order over the phone. Their role seems similar to that of a gas station attendant. They expect you to know what you want, pay for it, and get on down the road.
I went with the idea that I was going to buy a couple of sheets of HDU. They carry 15lb and 10lb. I asked them why they don't stock the 18lb. The guy didn't know. He offered no explanation. I asked if they could order the 18lb if I needed it. He said he wasn't sure, but probably. They have a huge warehouse full of products, but I guess I expected a little more knowledge on his part. I decided to hold off on that purchase.
We walked past a poorly organized "showroom" of plotters and printers. I expressed an interest in knowing more. I was referred to their "sales" guy. He gave very basic information about the machines. In one instance he did hand me a single sheet of info that didn't match the machine we were talking about. He indicated that the info would be pretty much the same. The computer screens stayed black the whole time. He didn't offer to demo anything. He didn't say anything about why they carry the particular brands that they carry. He was very nice, and I guess he was doing what he felt was a good job explaining. I was underwhelmed. They are the last place I would consider for purchasing hardware.
They seem to be nice enough people, and I may be out of line for thinking that they should take the time to educate a newbie on the products they sell. It's just not the type of sales tactic that I'm used to.
My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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posted
In our town, there is one "supplier" that caters to professional artists. They have 1-Shot and some other paints, 50-60% higher in price. Brushes are at a premium price (1" flats at aroung $70, they have two in stock) and the lettering brushes (not many to choose from) at about twice the normal price as other suppliers 70 miles away.
Forget friendly service. Or understanding of the sign business. I wonder if I should start a sign supply shop here? Oh yeah, forget ANY sign boards in town.
posted
Guess I'm one of the lucky ones--Reich Supply in Utica,NY, is about 45 minutes from me, and only 4 stop lights from here to there.
Been dealing with them since back in the 60s when Jerome Reich came around once a month or so, selling from his station wagon. These days his son Neil sells from a warehouse building, and the staff has always been helpful, polite, and interested.
Some years ago, there was another fella that came by every month from Syracuse way---he sold supplies from the back of an overloaded van. He knew his stuff too. Painter, walldogger, the whole bit. Nice guy too---he loved to visit.
bill preston
-------------------- Bill Preston Fly Creek, N.Y. USA Posts: 943 | From: Fly Creek, N.Y. USA | Registered: Jan 2000
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posted
I guess I'm spoiled too. I have good suppliers with good service. Unfortunately, none of them are local where I can just stop by. Trying to keep an open mind about this, I looked at this scenario from the other side of the table. I could imagine that some of these suppliers are shellshocked from all the "New & Improved" vinyl jockies that they have walking in on a regular basis. You know the kind, they are just like our worst clients... "Hi, I'm Joe Schmuckatelli from speedy signs made while you wait. I just started my business and I need to make a purchase." The saga continues "I'll be buying a lot of my vinyl from you so I expect that you will be giving me your best deal and you will jump through hoops to serve me". So the vendor jumps through hoops and cuts Joe a great deal. Then they even let him open an account, only to have Joe default on the payments because he knew nothing about business and/or charged too little for his work. Or the supplier later finds out that he's buying supplies off ebay at half of what the supplier charges. If I dealt with clients like this on a regular basis, I would be a little numb too. Every supplier is different and the saying goes "you get what you pay for". But, if you do your homework, you will find that there are still good ones out there that will even throw in free shipping, IF you build a relationship with them. Another way to look at this is respect isn't given, it earned. That door can swing both ways. As much as they have to earn your respect, you must earn theirs too.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Before there was a Letterville, we ran a 3, sometimes 4 person shop in a small town of 8,000. Our nearest suppliers were an hour away in Toronto. For a huge number of shops, this is the reality of living in a vast Country like Canada. We depend on weekly delivery.
As small shop owners for 25 years, we know the challenges and frustration of being the customer. Running Letterville has given us a new perspective into the marketing stratigies of various suppliers. It's a whole new World.
The "sign industry," like many industries is composed of a few giant companies. These incude the outdoor, electrical, big commercial and franchise shop markets. Their numbers may be small, compared to the typical Mom and Pop shops we run, but as a group they consume huge quanities and command special service.
We all know that the combined dollars of the thousands of independant little shops far exceed the companies in the group above. It's my opinion that small business, like ours, is still the foundation our economy is built on.
Some suppliers focus on the first group. They prefer this market. Bigger orders and less hassle. They know that many of us smaller customers will continue to use their services out of necessity. That's just the way it has always been.
The Internet is changing the way everyone does business. A website like Letterville allows small shops to exchange information. For the first time, small sign shops have a voice. Depending on your point of view that is either a wonderful thing, or a nightmare.
The good news is that some of our suppliers actually embrace small consumers like ourselves. Many of them are small, family owned business themselves. Today you can shop for supplies via on-line stores. Many offer free shipping. Some are owned by former small sign shop owners. They are in a position to advise you on the right product for the right job.
Here are some Letterville Merchants that sell sign supplies. They are willing to bend over backwards to serve the users of this website. Why not give them a try? Tell them we sent you!
posted
I have a supplier about 35-40 minutes away, & tho I have to admit the guys don't know EVERYthing about signs, that is ok with me.
They help me with what I DO know, or the manager helps me when I have questions. I usually go & pick my materials up for myself, & I often talk with them a bit. I have gotten to know them, & they are always good to me. They have done me favors when they could have said no, & once they blessed me with about 8 quarts of One Shot that were dented! They have given me extra pieces of vinyl, or just run the end of the roll out, giving me a couple of extra feet for free. They have even given me the thin sheets of HDU that the thicker sheets come in, so I could glue them together & practice on my dimensional signs. I rarely go elsewhere, only if they do not have what I need.
-------------------- The Word in Signs Bobbie Rochow Jamestown, PA 16134
724-927-6471
thewordinsigns@alltel.net Posts: 3485 | From: Jamestown, PA 16134 | Registered: Oct 2002
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posted
I bought my first airbrush from Reich. That was back in the late 70's. Sounds like the type of Merchant we should have in Letterville.
If you know a Merchant that knows their stuff and gives great service, please tell them about Letterville. If they are willing to devote a few minutes of time to get to know all of us in Letterville, we know they will do well.
BTW. We're working on putting together a new and improved Merchant's Page. It's a work in progress, but you can see what we are up to at www.letterhead.com/merchants
Something else you should know. We'll soon be launching a Merchant Of The Week feature. This will be an opportunity for all of us to learn more about our Merchants at a personal level. Who knows? Some may even use the opportunity to offer you some great deals.
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
posted
I bought my plotter from Neil Reich, in 2001, even took the amtrack to Utica, to learn from them, how to use it and hook it up.Great people, service etc. I mentioned to Neil, that he should join the Letterheads "clan" back then. Somebody should put put the word out to him again.
-------------------- David Overholt Running Dog Artworks 27695 Tracy Rd #468 Walbridge, Ohio aka, doc Posts: 131 | From: Walbridge, Ohio | Registered: May 2001
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