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This quote request was sent to us along with seven other sign companies (all their names were shown). I'm astonished at what people will ask for these days. Do they think that us knowing that they're asking for other "detailed" quotes will make us more competitive?
"My name is Kevin. I am with XXX (I am covering their name) Construction. We are moving into a new office/showroom and need to get some signage done. We are taking estimates for this project. The address is 1511 N. XXX Blvd. You can take any ideas/logos from our website at www.XXX.com . We are a full service construction company that specializes in residential and small commercial projects, but also offers single services like what you will see on our website. We are the Nebraska authorized dealer for Sentrel Bathrooms ( sentrelproducts.com ). I will include an image file for that logo as well. We are looking for prices on both illuminated, non- illuminated signage, and or awning. We will need one large sign that goes on the building over the front door and windows. We will have more signage/lettering to be made once we get moved into the space. For those that offer the service, we plan to do full window perf coverings on the windows, so feel free to play around with that too. What we are looking for is someone to go take a clear street view picture(s), design the signage and submit us some mockups. We are ready to move on this asap, so the sooner we get an approved bid the better. Please send all mockups along with detailed estimates and payment terms to:"
We will not respond to this but if we did it would be so hard not to say F* off! Am I over-reacting here?
[ November 17, 2015, 11:38 AM: Message edited by: Joy Kjer ]
-------------------- Joy Kjer Art On Display Signs 4001 Randolph St Lincoln, NE
"My life has a superb cast, but I can't figure out the plot." Posts: 445 | From: 4001 Randolph St. Lincoln, NE | Registered: Jun 2002
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Joy, I'm with you on this. It irks me to think that people think I have nothing better to do than waste time on a questionable chance of getting a job. The sad part is that there are companies actually going out to the site, measuring, "designing" a sign, figuring the cost to make and install, and then submitting to the company, all without any commitment on getting the job. It's mind boggling.
-------------------- Jean Shimp Shimp Sign & Design Co. Jacksonville Beach, Fl Posts: 1266 | From: Jacksonville Beach, Fl. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Joy, not at all. Anytime someone says "...play around with it..." you know they want your design time for free.
They have no idea as to what they want. If you did wish to respond, I would ask them what their budget is and thru conversing with them attempt to find out how long they have been in business. That alone will tell you a lot. From what you have said this guy sounds like a green rookie who hasn't a clue.
-------------------- Curt Stenz Graphics 700 Squirrel Lane Marathon, WI 54448 Posts: 590 | From: Marathon, WI 54448 | Registered: Dec 1998
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I would respond to them. I would tell them that my customers come to me because of my quality craftsmanship and professional design skills. A quality sign shop does not provide free designs for signs any more than an architect would provide free drawings for a building. Feel free to check our website so you will understand our capabilities and if you choose to do business with us we will be happy to provide sketches after a deposit has been made.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5396 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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-------------------- James Donahue Donahue Sign Arts 1851 E. Union Valley Rd. Seymour TN. (865) 577-3365 brushman@nxs.net
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for lunch, Benjamin Franklin Posts: 2057 | From: 1033 W. Union Valley Rd. | Registered: Feb 2003
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These kinds of requests for quotes from a construction company are rather all too common.
Our response has been to be respectful first and foremost. I've found a lot of times the person making the request doesn't really understand what he's asking.
In a nice way, I've asked the person how he would respond if someone asked him for a quote for constructing a new office in the same manner. Usually, they get the point.
Then I take the time to map it out for him. If he wants a quote, he needs to give me something to quote with the same way he needs blueprints before he can quote a job.
I offer to come up with those "blueprints" for him for a fee. Then he has something he can shop around with. But I make it clear that whether he goes with my company or not..... no blueprint, no quote.
-------------------- Mark Kottwitz Kottwitz Graphics Ridgely, MD www.SeeMySignWork.com -------------------------- Imagination is more important than knowledge. -- Albert Einstein Posts: 746 | From: Ridgely, MD | Registered: Oct 2000
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Cut and paste Dave's reply into an email and fire it off. If they come back to you it will be with respect.
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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quote:Originally posted by Sheila Ferrell: ... I think I need that as a standard size poster (horizontal format) to hang in the shop ...
I'll pay fer it if you can do it - make 15 or 20 - I bet you can sell 'em to signers like hotcakes ...
HA! Making a buck is always a temptation. But you can copy/print of you want. Send me your logo and I'll "photoshop" (Corel-shop) it where Signworks is
-------------------- Wayne Webb Webb Signworks Chipley, FL 850.638.9329 wayne@webbsignworks.com Posts: 7403 | From: Chipley,Florida,United States | Registered: Oct 1999
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Okay, so they just want a design and quote? Give them a price for a design and quote. Hit em hard. Tell them as soon as the check clears, they will recieve a design and quote. Put it all in writing, no questions later. All they will get is just a design and quote, no more. Business is business.
-------------------- Signs by Alicia Jennings (Mudflap Girl) Tacoma, WA Since 1987 Have Lipstick, will travel. Posts: 3812 | From: Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 1999
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Tell them it will cost $x for you to meet with them & do the designs & write out the specs. They can then take those exact specs & design & bid the job out.
Or tell them you'd like a new house, can they draw a few up for you, price it out & if you like any of them, you'll think about it.
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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Or tell them you'd like a new house, can they draw a few up for you, price it out & if you like any of them, you'll think about it. [/QB][/QUOTE]
That will work.
-------------------- Curt Stenz Graphics 700 Squirrel Lane Marathon, WI 54448 Posts: 590 | From: Marathon, WI 54448 | Registered: Dec 1998
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