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It seem now days, everyone has a computer. They "design" there own sign and call every sign shop in the area to get a "bid" on these extreamly ugly signs, complete with dingbats in all 4 corners. Around here there are a lot of apartments, and they want 3 prices to give to the owner. I'm rarely the low bid on these, and I don't ever want to be. They always want to know how much more for a "nice sandblasted sign", but I rarely ever do a design without a deposit. If I do a design for them, it's just a waste of time because the price will never be lower than "Jimmy Wong's-Superfast Instant Signs". I have been sending them a nice color print flyer with several nice pictures, but still no response because the owners seem to only go with the cheapies. How do you guys handle this? Most of these type of customers never come to the shop to see good samples. they only look at price. A couple of times I have beat them at there own game by doing a quick and cheap sign, but I get it out of my shop quick before a real customer sees it. John Arnott
------------------ John Arnott El Cajon CA 619 444-SIGN signgraphics1@aol.com
Posts: 1443 | From: El Cajon CA usa | Registered: Dec 1998
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Stick to your guns! When people ask me "how much is a sign?" I say "Well, that depends on how much money you want it to make for you." It changes the tone of the conversation right away.
If you don't want the bids, tell them! That alone can shock them into paying attention to you.
Your reputation will build based on professionalism and quality of work.
Another thing to keep in mind is the surprise factor of speed - give the customer a professional, printed quote within 5 min. of the phone call and you will always be the one sticking out in their mind.
------------------ Mark Smith Ampersand Signs & Design EstiMate Sign Estimating Software www.ampweb.com/estimate 1-888-304-3300 Hailing from beautiful Asheville, N.C.
Posts: 724 | From: Asheville, NC, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Find better customers. You might want to join some local networking groups where you will meeet professional people who understand the value of good design. Sometimes your ability to sell will be as important as your artistic abilities. I learned this the hard way. Staying holed up in my shop honing my art skills didn't "grow" my business.
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Posts: 1285 | From: Jacksonville Beach, Fl. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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You know, I'm in your shoes too. I don't do cheap & I'm making barely enough money to feed my family. But people are starting to see who we are, & what we do. I just got a call from someone yesterday that requested a "something different". That's exactly what I want. I'd say give it time...I've been for 2 years...good luck!
------------------ Marcano-Welch Signs Luquillo, Puerto Rico 787-889-6608
Posts: 2287 | From: Luquillo, Puerto Rico, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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John, Stop playing the game with 'em. "NO estimates over the phone" is a way to start, people that call every shop in the book are only shopping for one thing and that is the lowest price. If you can get someone into your shop/studio/sales-office/etc., then you have a MUCH better chance to make a sale and a better chance to get them to up-grade their sign needs. You'll never explain to someone what their sign would look like over the phone and they can never convey to you exactly what they want. Are you selling a custom product (signs) or something off the shelf (shoes)? If you answer 'signs' then you have to sell them one-on-one, person-to-person. As for those that bring in their own 'artwork', that is a matter of personal taste and pride. If its something that would not be detrimental to your business then go for it but I've yet to be presented with anything that I would produce without a major rework.
------------------ Larry
Elliott Design McLemoresville, Tn.
If you can't find the time to do it right, where gonna find the time to do it over?
Posts: 486 | From: McLemoresville, TN. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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