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Has anyone heard of this??? In over 16 years in the biz I have never heard of such a thing. I just lost a nice job that I had scheduled for tommorow because I wasn't one of these "badge" wearin' installers. The customer said that his warranty would be voided if I wasn't, I'm not sure if this is the truth or just a binch of b.s., but none of this was brought up when I gave him the quote (and he accepted it). I'm just wondering if he got a lower price and he thinks this will get him out of the estimate he signed.
------------------ Greg Gulliford aka MetroDude Metro Signs and Banners 1403 N. Greene St. #1 Spokane, WA 99202 509-536-9452
posted
Greg, this here reminds me of auto body super shops where insurance companies provide what they call guarantees on work performed on your vehicle when going to shops they endorse. Granted 3M is a major manufacturer and supplier but they are also thieves in every sense of the word. Their guarantee will spoil our professional ability to perform and is just another hole in the road. The consumer sees this as a vantage point and the professional sees it as a roadblock. Therefore you must use the tools you have in business to educate your potential clients just like those regular body shops who are not considered super shops in their industry.
posted
" Authorized" by whom??? If 3M is able & willing to sell you their product, then they must BY DEFAULT, also authorize YOU to install that product that they sold you. To expect us to buy their materials, use them in our shops, and then call in an "outside authorized installer" to do the final installation is a far reach of reason. We happen to use 3M materials, processed on Gerber equipment, which qualifies as part of their mutual "Matched Technology" programme.
PS: As I understand it, the "Authorized Installer" thing is directed more toward the window tint materials market. I've never heard of it encroaching into the sign/graphics area before this.
------------------ Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail kjmlhenry@home.
Some days you get to be the dog....other days, you get to be the fire hydrant.
posted
I guess I should have put a bit more in the original message. These are some large Scotchprint graphics that were bought from a 3rd party source (to conform to a national promotional theme). With out getting into to much detail, this is a co-op type thing that has members all over the country and this is the new look that they are pushing. I just need to find out if the co-op company or the manufacturer of the graphics is behind the installation policy.
------------------ Greg Gulliford aka MetroDude Metro Signs and Banners 1403 N. Greene St. #1 Spokane, WA 99202 509-536-9452
posted
I have run into this as well. There are several companies around here that are "authorized scothprint installers" like Rainier industries. I dont know what it take to be an authorized installer but would love to find out. I have not actually called 3M yet but have checked the website for any info and have found none. Let us know if you find anything out.
------------------ Brian Stoddard Expressions Signs A few puddles east of Seattle
Posts: 790 | From: Monroe, WA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Actually, there are "authorized 3M installers". When I needed to order some Gerber/3M Floorminders material for an Edge job, my distributor sent me a form to be filled out.
Basically, it was to protect 3M from liability from suits should someone "slip-n-fall". Seeing how litigious our society has become, I can't say I blame them.
At the same time, since I am now an "authorized 3M installer", it has helped build my credibility in the eyes of my customers, thereby making it easier for me to charge more.
Becoming "authorized" is really pretty simple. You simply have to read some material, sign a couple forms, and you are done.
posted
I was trained by 3M in a past shop I worked at. They claim if they teach you then you will apply there products correctly however I belive Glen was right at our current shop we too had to fill out the forms on the gerber floor minders . They tell you where you can put them and where you can't and how to do it.
Strange but there is such a thing.
------------------ Al Checca
Latrobe PA.
Home of Rolling Rock Beer.
Posts: 151 | From: Latrobe P.A. USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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There is such thing as a licensed 3m installer talk to your 3m supplier and he will be able to get you on to one of the courses it is a one day course with 3m and you get a 3m certificate I have just completed one anybody that does vinyl work every day can do it standing on their head it is just toooooo easy
------------------ Ian Wilson Signmaker Toowoomba City Council Cnr Anzac Ave & Stephen st Toowoomba Queensland Australia may all your toubles be little ones The man that never make a mistake never makes anything
Posts: 656 | From: Toowoomba Queensland Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Trim-Line as a trademark is owned by 3M.. my company (Self-Propietor) Trim-Line of Battle River has a distribution agreement with 3M to buy there products and use there trademark name... the only trademark of 3M's that we can use on our vehicles, etc. is the 3M Authorized Applicator logo. I'll be meeting with some 3M commercial graphic reps in the next little while, and will put a bug in there ear to get the lowdown on it for the bb... later
------------------ Del "aka" badge trimline@telusplanet.net Holden, Alberta
Posts: 636 | From: Sylvan Lake, Alberta | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Yep.........my son is, trained by 3M salesmen, doubt they ever stuck anything except their ties..........lol.......to their shirt's.......
no offense to 3M of course......
------------------ "Of all the things I've lost in my life...I miss my mind the most" Ron Norwood 6732 Raleigh Street Vancouver, BC V5S 2X1 Phone/Fax: (604) 437-0899 email.hitest@mailcity.com
posted
The company I work for is a "3M Recognized Fabricator/Applicator", although I have no idea of the details.
I did get a 3M Application Certification certificate when I went to school. To tell you the truth, I learned more about applying vinyl the first week on the job than I did in school. (not the school's fault, just how it is)
------------------ Bob Darnell London, Ontario, Canada _______________________
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