posted
Good morning, how are you this morning and could I have a quote for a banner.
Sure
46” x 18’10” I need to have a quote for navy letters and a quote for black letters.
OK
How much?
Not all 18’10” banners are alike, therefore I need to know what goes on the banner, if it is one side or two, how long you plan to use it, is there a logo. How do you want yours to look?.
Oh, HE just wanted prices this morning, be sure you quote it in black, and also in navy.
Do you have an approximation of what goes on it, there is a difference between putting on something like “For Sale, and a phone number” or listing everyone you have ever done business with.
It’s words and a Logo, that’s all
Yes
Just give me a list of different options, price it with 2 words, 5 words, 10 words, and with a logo and without. And especially don’t forget the black and the navy.
I can’t do that, that is not fair to me. I would love for you to call me back when you have your wording together. ( Clench teeth, spit on phone).
OK, would you price it with 15 words then. And fax it over right away.
-------------------- Myra A. Grozinger Signs Limited Winston-Salem, NC
signslimited@triad.rr.com Posts: 1244 | From: Winston-Salem, NC USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I used to (& still do) get frustrated with those calls, but then I figured out the people that end up getting the jobs are probably quickly saying ,with a pleasant smile something like this:
quote: 46" x 18'-10" banners are available from$380 in black lettering & I could order any Navy color available for an extra $20 for freight. Stop by with a deposit & I'd be happy to help you get a suitable layout worked up. We can do artwork or logos as well. (smile in the phone again & exude your best "customer is always right" vibe)
meanwhile people like have been trying to teach these losers all the ins & outs of our signage pricing structure in anguished tones while the client is down the street forking out $250 for the deposit on their banner that just went up to $500 once they got in the competitors door with the real job specs.
posted
That's sounds like a clueless operator passing the buck to a clueless secretary hoping to find a clueless sign shop.
There's nothing wrong with a short education on pricing if you want the job. People may not be aware of the variables and an educated customer is much easier to deal with. On a call like that though I figure the learning curve would be too steep and a waste of time. I tell them we don't price over the phone due to the variables. If they come in I know they are serious.
-------------------- Jim Upchurch Artworks Olympia WA Posts: 797 | From: Olympia, WA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Doug nailed the reponse I should print and hang near the phone for a bad hair day. Darrell knows that bad days hurt, and Jim knows that clueless sign shops are not that easy to find, because they don't stay around that long.(that's been my observation)
Actually this one sort of made me laugh, because of the concern over navy vs. black in the absence of specs (other than a weird size). On a different day, and backed against a different wall, no doubt I would have done better. I posted it for a laugh for all of us who understand.
Other industries have the same problem, I'm certain, and often I AM the problem to them. This is meant only as an "In-House" joke, to brighten what is in the Carolinas a very dreary day.
posted
Anyone who's ever tried that with Rosemary never tries it again. I've often wondered how many potential customers she's sent packing. I probably could have retired by now.
k31
-------------------- Pierre St.Marie Stmariegraphics Kalispell,Mt www.stmariegraphics.com ------------------ Plan on knowing everything before I die and time's running out! Posts: 4223 | From: Kalispell,Mt 59903 | Registered: Mar 2000
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posted
Hahahahahahaa...the following has got to fit:
quote:
I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and give in.
I've learned that one good turn gets most of the blankets.
I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people are just jackasses.
I've learned that it takes years to build up trust, and it only takes suspicion, not proof, to destroy it.
I've learned that whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.
I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to others - they are more screwed up than you think.
I've learned that depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
I've learned that it is not what you wear; it is how you take it off.
I've learned to not sweat the petty things, and not pet the sweaty things.
I've learned that ex's are like fungus, and keep coming back.
I've learned age is a very high price to pay for maturity.
I've learned that I don't suffer from insanity, I actually enjoy it.
I’ve learned we are responsible for our actions, unless we are celebrities.
I've learned that artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
I've learned that 99% of the time when something isn't working in your house, one of your kids did it.
I've learned that there is a fine line between genius and insanity.
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and all the less important ones just never go away. And the real pains in the ass are permanent.
P.S. Pierre....you wouldn't know what to do with yourself ...if you retired!
[ May 22, 2003, 04:59 PM: Message edited by: Si Allen ]
-------------------- Si Allen #562 La Mirada, CA. USA
(714) 521-4810
si.allen on Skype
siallen@dslextreme.com
"SignPainters do It with Longer Strokes!"
Never mess with your profile while in a drunken stupor!!!
Brushasaurus on Chat Posts: 8831 | From: La Mirada, CA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
It’s bugging me that I left this little tale hanging. I got carried away in joking and posting this as a “funny”.
But after a while, logically and of course I priced the entire situation with EstiMate. And faxed it to her. And grinned, because it is one of EstiMate’s strengths, this ability to spit out many different variants while I don’t even break stride. When I am on the show floor at Sign Conventions selling EstiMate I show how this is done as one of my favorite demonstrations. With this unique and fast feature at our fingertips, this type of customer can no longer unnerve us (so much).
In less than 5 min. I had printed out her quotes for the banner with 5 words and then with 10 and 15 - simple logo/complicated/digital printed one – 10 0z 14 oz and 18 oz – ropes/grommets - a beige backgrd vs white she had also requested - and a notation about black and navy being the same price.
I’ll probably get the job, too. The printout looked like I was taking her very seriously, and the fact is I am taking her money very seriously.
I hesitate to mention EstiMate when I respond to pricing posts. But that is how I do it all the time. Like I said, it is logical.
posted
Hi Myra, that Estimate sounds like the real deal. Saves you having to go into the "How much is a meal" routine. They might get it, but you still haven't given them what they want..... multi pricing with options!!! Estimate will do this.
I'm working on a Feature now, money is no OBJECT, when it is , I'm given my walking papers....to me that means "riding papers" lol
Your back yard must be getting beautiful now... leaves out, shade...
all the best, John Lennig / SignRider
-------------------- John Lennig / Big Top Sign Arts 5668 Ewart Street, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada bigtopya@hotmail.com 604.451.0006 Posts: 2184 | From: Burnaby, British Columbia,Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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