posted
Builder client is opening a Bagel store nearby and sent me this email...
We are opening a new business in XXXX to help offset the slowdown in construction. We want to get a price on changing out the sign panels that say "FOR RENT" and lettering our new panels with our logos. We want the panels in white or black with fire engine red writing and golden yellow outline. It will say "Bubbas" with "BAGELS" below it (with a tan bagel behind it) as in the drawing sent and our phrase at the bottom "come git you some" in script. I sent pics of the sign and also of the building for any other ideas that you may want to suggest for future thought. I also wanted ideas on menu boards and pricing on labels for our cream cheese containers. Just something that we can stick to the center of the lids on our cream cheese products. We will have to make a general label for the product information that will be attached to the bottoms of the cream cheese too. Let me know your thoughts. The acrylic sign is 3'X5'.
I didn't see the part about him attaching the drawing so I sent hime this reply...
Hi Chris...
It's Pat - we spoke earlier.
It sounds like you need a logo developed first. You will need that if you want to use our artwork on all of your marketing. The cost for that is $ 250.00.
Two new 3'x5' panels would be $ xxx.00 each. We'll need to make sure that the panels are truly 3'x5' and not a little shorter to fit the metal frame.
As for the menu boards and decals, I'll need to know the sizes that you will require as well as quantities (for the decals) to give you accurate prices.
Lastly, what is your timeframe for opening?
His reply...
Hey Pat,
I will let you know to the exact fraction as far as the sign. I did attach the logo the way we wanted it with pics of the existing sign as well(just the colors would have to be played with) I will be looking to open in three weeks tops. I will get together with you on other details as well...ie..labels, content labels and my coffee company logo's too...Thanks again,
Here's the "logo" attachment...
Two things...First, how would you tell him, in a professional manner, that this 'sketch' is not a logo and that to reproduce it in a workable format requires time and talent. Second, I am kind of leaning towards the belief that this thumbnail was designed by another sign person. I could be wrong about that but it has a sign guy (gal) feel to it.
posted
Whenever there is a logo that needs to be vectored, you kindly tell them there is a "Set-Up Fee" to get started. Explain why, they'll understand. Also, ask if this is a design that was paid for, let them know you need an "Okay" from the artist.
posted
First off, I seriously doubt any sign person did that sketch.
Your client is a builder..approach him with something he will understand, like the difference between building plans done on a napkin and a blueprint. Explain the required artwork will be akin to blueprints and you will have to charge accordingly. I would also explain that his "logo" is in a square format and could/should be altered to fit the 3x5 format for a much better looking sign.
I would also point out that his sketch really plays up Bubba's when it should be stressing bagels.
[ December 23, 2008, 12:43 PM: Message edited by: George Perkins ]
-------------------- George Perkins Millington,TN. goatwell@bigriver.net
"I started out with nothing and still have most of it left"
posted
Also ask him to squint at his "logo" and explain contrast and how red outlined in black doesn't work very well.
[ December 23, 2008, 12:55 PM: Message edited by: Jane Diaz ]
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted
Pat, you're a professional. In his eyes, so is he. He knows what he wants which is more than I can say for a lot of my clients.
I would price the signs individually and include a "art prep one-time fee". When asked, I would explain that the "art prep" (which is easier to sell than "art work") involves the time it takes to convert his "logo" into something usable. The fee will also include having the art file burned onto a CD and given to him so he can maintain a uniform look when he has napkins, business cards and so on printed up.
I've done this with several clients who said they didn't need any "logo/art work" done.
Its no different than if I did charge for a "logo/design" but they seem to appreciate it more, especially when I tell them the CD is "free".
posted
This has happened to me so many times now. Shoot him a quick ballpark price range first. If you realy want this job, don't talk to him via e-mails. Go to him in person. He's just fishing for a price only! Your most likely 1 of many. If you can't seem to get an appointment with him, he is strictly looking for the cheapest price.
-------------------- John Arnott El Cajon CA 619 596-9989 signgraphics1@aol.com http://www.signgraphics1.com Posts: 1443 | From: El Cajon CA usa | Registered: Dec 1998
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posted
I don't even mention it most of the time. I "throw it in" with the job. As long as I get a deposit before I start working on the art. I know how long it takes me to knock out logos and layouts. I build it in the quote and mention developing a logo during the info gathering sessions. Then during the process I tell them I'm going to burn them a cd so they can have the art.
I were an advertising firm with million dollar clients and 30 employees I might be more stiff on them "buying" the art, but since it's me doing everything I stay easy on that so i don't lose the job over a technicality. Either way I get paid what I want for the job or I don't do it. Probably not as much as an advertising firm downtown, but hey...I work out of my garage.
posted
Okay I have to do this,,,,,Ahhhhh Haaaa Haaa Haaaaa!!!!! That's your "Fancy"logo. Wat a piece of krap. My dog makes better logos when he takes a dump. When you done playing around call me up and I'll do your a real First Class design package, you silly dough boy. Ohhh, why I otta,,,,Okay I've got to go now, Mr.Missed-the-Bus Chris. I have some real customers on the other line. "No Signs For You! Sincerely, With Love, Alicia Jennings
-------------------- Signs by Alicia Jennings (Mudflap Girl) Tacoma, WA Since 1987 Have Lipstick, will travel. Posts: 3832 | From: Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 1999
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posted
Just reading his email, it seems to me that the Bubba's Bagels guy wasn't expecting the final product to look exactly like his sketch. He talked about what colors he wanted (which differ from the sketch). He also mentioned adding a tagline and putting in a tan bagel. It sounds to me like he gave the sketch as a guideline and wants to have it polished up for the final product.
He doesn't sound unreasonable to me. If that's the look he wants, I would talk with him to make sure we were on the same page with regard to colors and layout, and explain how it might need some alteration to fit the aspect ratio of the sign. Then I would give him a estimate of the time it would take to clean it up and make it "sign ready".
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
Pat, make sure the "For Rent" plexi panel is okay for him to use, while you're at it. The building owner may just keep it around for the purpose of replacing the "Bubba's Bagels" sign when he goes out of business.
He sounds like he's legit - but confused. He needs a realistic quote for all of the work. He is giving you that "quantity of work" quote setup... the one where "you'll be doing ALL of this work for me, but for now I just need these 3x5's to get things started."
Quote high and work your way to a realistic amount of work that he can afford.
As far as the quote request in the email - he sent out this request to another sign company, but the price was too high. He decided to do the "shotgun" approach, but then he forgot to add the attachment to the other sign guy's emails. Since you took the bait, he added the image that he had "forgotten". The artwork is probably NOT from a sign person, but then again, with computers the norm for design, not every sign person can sketch like Sawatzky. Probably nephew art, or the customer sketched it himself.
-------------------- Gene Golden Gettysburg Signs Gettysburg PA 17325 717-334-0200 genegolden@gettysburgsigns.com
"Art is knowing when to stop." Posts: 1578 | From: Gettysburg, PA | Registered: Jun 2003
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