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I use a pricing method that cross checks a price I'm thinking of submitting against other formulas. For example, if I think a sign might sell for x amount per sq foot, I'll also check to see how many hours I think it will take to make. Or, if I think this sign will take 6 hours to paint, I'll check it against "days", and might end up saying to myself, "naw, that's an all day deal, better say 8 hours." It works for me, when I get in trouble is when I price off the cuff, without checking one of the other methods.
My question is I'm thinking of adding a fourth and fifth category, one being "how glad would I be to do that sign at that price?" Not very scientific, I admit, but it's getting where I just about look at a sign and know instinctively a happy price from a drag price, and of course, the smart allecks can save any comments about HAPPY $10,000 4'x8' signs.
The fifth category will be "history" based on tight record keepng of previous jobs that are similar.
Anyone have similar experience?
-------------------- James Donahue Donahue Sign Arts 1851 E. Union Valley Rd. Seymour TN. (865) 577-3365 brushman@nxs.net
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for lunch, Benjamin Franklin Posts: 2057 | From: 1033 W. Union Valley Rd. | Registered: Feb 2003
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Our work is a little more complex than most regular type signs.
Pricing it can be a real challenge, especially when we are going where we've never been before, which accounts for most of our unusual projects.
I use a variety of methods to come up with a price.
Most of our work involves a variety of disciplines, welding, wiring the lath on, mudding, carving, detailing and painting. Plus materials of course. Often there's transportation of the pieces as well plus travel and lodging expenses for the crew to consider as well.
An accurate estimate with absolutely everything accounted would be a lot of work, especially when we most often work from rough sketches or concept art which was used to sell the piece to the customer. My blueprints almost never have measurements noted on them, save for a basic idea of how tall or wide a piece might be.
Over the years I've learned to trust my instincts which were acquired through many years of hands-on experience.
My estimates for even very complex (read that expensive) pieces are often done in minutes, for work that will take weeks or even months to accomplish with a good sized crew.
I know for every day of welding, that there are a given number of days spent at each of the other tasks. I most often do all the welding so that part is the easiest to estimate. So I add to my welding days, the appropriate amount of 'other' days to finish the piece. The material is addded on to this amount plus any other expenses I expect for the job.
The total is checked against my gut experience and feelings and and past comparable pieces.
As I type the contracts up I often adjust the totals with my second guesses.
We take pride in honoring our quoted prices no matter what, and have never charged an extra to our customers. In fairness, I always try to incude enough wiggle room to allow us to build the projects to our own standards, which has always exceeded our customers expectations.
-dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Over the phone "Ball Park" prices are based upon where the game is being played. ie..back yard or Shea Stadium? (10/15$per sq.ft.) to determine Tire Kickers from Serious. If latter is true.They are required to visit shop where I have Home Court advantage! From there,More info is required to be guided by Pricing Guide,while convincing them that I am on thier side throughout the process. Everyone seems to come out HAPPY without the time consuming affair of keeping records. ALL work is as "custom" as is varied. Honesty and Hand shakes used,compared to Maybes and contracts!Starting with money given in good faith.
-------------------- PKing is Pat King The Professor of SIGNOLOGY Posts: 3113 | From: Pompano Beach, FL. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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