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It's said that to stay in biz, we have to be somewhat current with that's being sold within our industry, or to specialize in something.
I've also noticed that, depending on where we live, we all have different 'hot items'. For example, hand pin-striping isn't seen around my area, nor hand lettering, however it's much more popular in the states.
What's the big new 'current' hot item in your region in our industry that you DON'T provide in your shop? Do you have plans to incorporate it in your biz in the near future? And how are you staying on top if not introducing these hot new items?
(I'm taking personal stock here in where I may take my biz next.. just curious where your goals are heading)
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Large format full color inkjet. Vinyl is not going away, but it is going to see a lot of competition from grand format color in the next few years. Vic G
------------------ Victor Georgiou Bob Loves Signs Inc Danville, CA email blssign@pacbell.net
Posts: 1746 | From: Danville, CA , USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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If something isn't "HOT" in your area, perhaps its because no one tried. Sandblasted signs were not hot in our area some years ago. We sold a few sandblasted signs at near cost in the beginning just to see what would happen. It took off. For almost 15 years, we were the only ones offering sandblasted signs in our area and we did a lot of them. Now, we are working on making carved/goldleaf signs a "hot" item. A few years ago, full-color digital printing was the hot thing.
The idea is to be different. Who knows...you'd be surprised at what you can make "hot."
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"Hot" items in my area that I don't offer? Well, lessee.... there's those tacky porta-signs, vehicle windshield banners, and the popular (below-cost) sandblasted signs. I say let the fools that want to knock themselves out with those things have at it.
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Central States here, I would have to say can lighted neon. They are using it everywhere. With covered and exposed neon. I'm the first here to offer carved and gilded signs, and they are beginning to make a hit, but because of price have a limited buying crowd. I really feel that they are going to take off. I have one in the back of my shop truck only 1x3 feet that nearly stops traffic. Other than that, it would have to be digitally printed billboards. Bronzeo
------------------ Jack Davis 1410 Main St Joplin, MO 64801
Posts: 1549 | From: Joplin, MO | Registered: Mar 2000
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I agree Glenn, it's entirely possible to make something hot in your area. For example, the big thing out here in farmland areas are these green reflective house number signs that sit near driveways. The mailboxes are always beat up to the point where you can't read the addresses, so this was a very wise and creative move.
My goal is probably leaning in the digital printing area. However I'd sure like to create a hit that's abit more cost effective...
We have one guy in our area who has made pinstriping so popular, his name and pinstirping are the same, and any one else that tries to pinstripe in the area just gets some spin off work which isn't enough to make a living on.
If this man switched to computer graphics, he proabably would get some work, but just a few jobs. People think of him as a striper!
I think the point is that the sign customer gets locked into a certain way of thinking about the job he needs done and the shop that can do the work.
So, I have customers that will have me print up 500 edge printed stickers, and in the same moment have their vehicle pinstriped by at the other shop....even though they know full well that I also stripe!
Why this happens is because the human brain somehow gets locked into a certain way of thinking and its very hard to change that perception.
So, if you want more work, you don't have to re-invent the wheel, you have to change the customer perception of what you do for them so they always associate their projects with your name. That takes a few years ( probably at least 2 ) of continual mailings, cold sales calls, radio advertising, community involvment, all those things.
You can wave a new product in someones face but they won't buy it until IT IS THEIR IDEA TO NEED IT ( or WANT it ).
Sales is almost a full time job by itself, let alone having to go make the product you just sold.
If you want to do Mail box lettering...I suggest you also sell the box and the post and the sign....sell the complete system, make it easy and convienient for the customer. But remember, your new customer will think of you as a mail box supplier and not a custom sign shop. So he may still go somewhere esle to get his truck lettered!
------------------ Draper The Signmaker Bloomington Illinois USA Stop in and visit a while! 309-828-7110 signman@davesworld.net Raptorman or Draper_Dave on mIRC chat
Posts: 2883 | From: Bloomington Illinois USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I think you've made a good point Dave.....about the customers perception. I've discovered this about my own clients. I do a great sign for them....then they go to the competion for vehicle work......often they don't make the connect that I can do both.
If you want to hit the digital printing biz, I would suggest finding a wholesaler that you can work with. You will want to establish some pricing guidelines. Then look at dressing up your truck with digital prints to get things started.
Doing it this way will allow you to get into the digital printing market without buying any equipment. Learning to work with Corel or Adobe Illustrator is really all you need to do to get things rolling.
If you need any help, just let me know. I'll be glad to do what I can.
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