posted
I'm hoping some of you would be so kind to help out a newbie. I have a home shop that I do woodworking out of. I bought a CNC Router, thinking I could do some really neat millwork stuff and cutting out panels for cabinet shops. Woodworking is fun but... I'm now realizing how much I like signs, I should say I love signs, the more creative the better. I don't have a clue how to paint one, but have gotten pretty good at 3D software and can just about make anything on my router. I guess my question is, since I'm not a painter, how could I market carved HDU, Wood signs to sign makers that can paint, guild, smalt, etc? Or would painting of these signs be something I could learn without years of practice? Then try to market to designers/signmakers that don't normally do dimensional signs? Or both? There are close to 5 million people in my state, with almost 500K people in my city alone...I figure there has to some market for me.
Thanks for any advice,
John
-------------------- John Roberts Dimensionalcarving.com 3751 E. Diamond Ave Mesa, AZ 85206 Posts: 22 | From: Mesa, AZ | Registered: Feb 2007
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Hey Michael, I've been doing cabinets and woodworking about 5 years. I have a 1000sq ft shop on my property, and own everything outright, all the tools, and CNC Router. Just noticed you were from MN, my Mom lives in Rose Creek.
Thanks, John
[ July 08, 2007, 07:37 AM: Message edited by: John Roberts ]
-------------------- John Roberts Dimensionalcarving.com 3751 E. Diamond Ave Mesa, AZ 85206 Posts: 22 | From: Mesa, AZ | Registered: Feb 2007
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Do your self a favor...get to know some other people in the trade. Get to a meet...find someone that does what you are wanting to do...talk to them about pricing and get all the market will bear when you do a job.
You'll find the people at the meets eagar to help you with methods of construction...painting...installs...and pricing.
Once in a great while you'll find a local that will advise you and help you along...they may be hard to find but if they are smart they will keep you withiin the market...just reach out to a few and see who they are by offering your router services.
If you don't leave" money on the table" you'll survive a long time and people around you will accept your being in their market.
Welcome to the crazy world of Letterheads!
-------------------- "Werks fer me...it'll werk fer you"
posted
There are plenty of sign shops in the greater Phoenix area that don't have your tools or experience with wood. They will be happy to buy things that you can cut. Many of them will be doing the painting - they just need the stuff cut. (I'm in the same situation here - I can cut, but I have to send out the cutting.)
So, now to answer your question, "how do i market it". My suggestion is to make some samples and take them around. Shaped sign blanks, individual cut-out letters, and fully carved signs.
-------------------- :: Scooter Marriner :: :: Coyote Signs :: :: Oakland, CA :: :: still a beginner :: :: Posts: 1356 | From: Oakland (and San Francisco) | Registered: Mar 2001
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Thanks for the responses guys, this is great. I've got my samples started. Just expensive to get HDU since they don't sell in small quanity's.
-------------------- John Roberts Dimensionalcarving.com 3751 E. Diamond Ave Mesa, AZ 85206 Posts: 22 | From: Mesa, AZ | Registered: Feb 2007
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