posted
I was just wondering how other shops handle this problem. We are a 2 person shop, My wife a I. we are a small shop approx 2000 square feet. We do everything from custom pait jobs to signs, banners and silkscreen t-shirts. We designs logos and cartoons and much more. we have 3 plotters and 1 36" printer. WE NEVER SAY NO.....we have approx 30 walk in customers per day. we work from 9:00 till 6:00 mostly taking orders. ( working in a few finished projects in between. In order for us to complete the days orders we always return after dinner. We stay sometimes untill 2:00 am. As the week progresses we fall more and more behind. We try to make up time on weekends.. As a result we have absolutely no days off. Monday comes and it starts all over... We are fair on our pricing and have a large following of repeat customers. All which in some way become friends. Thats why we find it hard to say no. Are there any shops out there who have the same problem or who have figured a way out of the endless workday.
-------------------- Chuck Coupland Coupland Signs 426 N. 11th Laporte, Tx. 77571 copesigns@aol.com Posts: 36 | From: LaPorte, Tx. USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted
I agree...raise your prices, 50% to start...then later another 50%...if that doesn't cut down the work load, hire a helper! You will then be able to easily afford one!
PS...any bets that you won't lose more than 15% of your work load??
-------------------- Si Allen #562 La Mirada, CA. USA
(714) 521-4810
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"SignPainters do It with Longer Strokes!"
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Brushasaurus on Chat Posts: 8831 | From: La Mirada, CA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I raised my prices %20 first(that cut out the tire kickers) and time consumers shopping price ONLY! the ones that think it is "only a sign" Next,I started saying NO to the non-profitable jobs.Which opened the door for the same about of time spent working...into $$$$ Only loss there,were aquaintences NOT friends. The REAL friends stayed with me no matter price. As it was the quality of work they knew they were paying for. This action increased my bank account. Cut my working time in half. Lowered my stress level,and let me start living a happyer way of life with my wife as I get longer in the tooth! By putting ones foot down,being honest,producing the highest quality work. Is in NO WAY going to hurt anyones "feelings" towards you. After all....when the customer says NO. He is saying no to the PRICE not YOU personally. BUSINESS is BUSINESS FRIENDS are FRIENDS Let us not get the two confussed!
Hope this helps
-------------------- PKing is Pat King The Professor of SIGNOLOGY Posts: 3113 | From: Pompano Beach, FL. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I think the previous posts gave excellent advice. I would definitely change the way you are working or else you will get "burn out" real soon. I've been there before and it takes all the enjoyment out of your work. You begin to resent all the time the business is consuming, you get a bad attitude and your work suffers. Do yourselves a favor and learn to say no. Everyone will be happier - even your good customers.
-------------------- Jean Shimp Shimp Sign & Design Co. Jacksonville Beach, Fl Posts: 1268 | From: Jacksonville Beach, Fl. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I read the post & knew all the right answers that would (& did) follow. I only wish I knew well enough to put them in practice. It was worse 6 years ago when I started, but it is still just like the above post around here. I went home last night around 5:30 in the afternoon for the first time in a while after working till 2 or 3am twice this week, 3 times last week & probably an average of 2 nights past midnight for the last 6 years. My wife is not interested in this business, (which doesn't bother me)& only helps when I'm desperate enough to ask. Last night I was so tired after dinner I was asleep by 9pm. As a consequence I was awake thinking about work at 4:00am & by 5:30 I was down here starting my day. Now after 12 hours I'm going to get some lumber so I can enjoy building a fence this weekend. I have not reached that "burnout" everyone warns about, but I know it is a real risk even loving my work as much as I do. I think my prices are right up near where they should be, which is often higher then others here quote, but supply & demand tells me that the replies above must be right. It is easier said then done, but I will try to take some inspiration away from this topic & implement some price increases, & some discernement on when to "just say no"
posted
If you're doing the work of 3 people, but you can't afford to pay 3 people, your prices aren't high enough. If your prices are right then you should be able to hire help either on the clerical end or on the production end. So, as the others have said, either
(a) raise your prices a lot so you only have high-paying jobs that the two of you can handle, or
(b) raise your prices enough that you can afford that third person which you need
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