posted
Here's one that I've never gotten before: A new customer called up for some "budget figures" regarding signage....she's going to be opening and operating a kids daycare centre. She wants to run a first-class operation, and wants a look that says so. She also said that she really hasn't decided on a NAME for the business yet, and asked if I might have any suggestions....something that would be unusual, yet draw potential customers to her daycare.
If she happens to pick the name I have in mind, what do you think this might be worth? ( The name I'm considering suggesting is "LotsaHugs Daycare" Have any of you good folks ever billed a client for coming up with a business name for their company?
-------------------- Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail: kjmlhenry@rogers.com
Why do I get all those on-line offers to sell me Viagara, when the only thing hardening is my arteries ? Posts: 2684 | From: London,Ontario, Canada | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted
I really don't know why I think it is so strange that people can't think of a name for their own business venture into something they (should) love to do . . .for one thing, it makes me afraid they have not tho't about what they are doing and are not really "into it" or excited about it...which secondly makes it seem like the new business owner is looking for a personal accountability escape hatch if their business fails, ie: "It was the name that guy "designed" for us!" . . . oh aw'rite that's ridiculously over analytical . . lol
OK then, how 'bout the fact that it's a little like asking an attending nurse to name your baby.
ANYWAY, since I opinionate too much, bro, if you even do it, I would charge as much as you do for logo creation . . .
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
I do think coming up with the "right" name includes some thought based on a marketing perspective that we should have some skill in, & "they" often may not.
I would suggest a consulting fee that would be for a session discussing their thoughts about the business as revealed from your series of specific inquiries like you would usually ask before designing a logo or even a sign on some occassions. I would think somewhere between $100 & $200 minimum, & some logo concepts would be discussed along with names & some basic sketching.
posted
No, Ken I have not named a business for a cleint yet. But I have often thought that it would be a good idea to have the opportunity to have some input there.
How many times have you made a sign for a business and thought, " Gee I wish they would have named it such & such" It would look better on his sign.
Some folks are good business people but are non-creative. Some names are more difficult to work with.
-------------------- Kathy Joiner River Road Graphics 41628 River Road Ponchatoula, La.70454
Old enough to know better...Too young to resist. Posts: 1891 | From: Ponchatoula, LA | Registered: Nov 2000
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I don't know how you will feel about this suggestion, but I think your customer's request presents an opportunity to offer much more than just a name, a logo, and a sign.
Although they may not always realise it, most "Start-ups" need experienced help in promoting their business, building a brand and -- in broader terms -- market communications.
This is your chance to offer a "package" (or "tiered" packages) designed to help them "jump start" their business and to create a mindset for budgeting to re-invest in their growth through additional marketing/communications.
If they can't afford (or can't finance) a marketing / communications package now, you can work with them to develop a more incremental plan.
Not every "Start-up" is an ideal candidate for the type of time you might need to invest (it is an investment), so you would be wise to develop some kind of qualification process.
I can't think of a better way to create a customer for life than to become a partner in their early success.
What could you include in your "Start-up" packages?
That Gerber EDGE of yours is capable of providing them with all kinds of nifty promotional products and there's no reason not to "outsource" printing (for example) of brochures, business cards, stationery, etc.
Something to think about.
-------------------- Jon Aston MARKETING PARTNERS "Strategy, Marketing and Business Development" Tel 705-719-9209 Posts: 1724 | From: Barrie, ON, CANADA | Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
I like customers like that, as long as they don't suddenly turn around and tell you everything is too expensive... Personally, I would not charge for coming up with a name, not officially that is. Raise the price for the sign a bit, and she'll feel like you gave her great service by helping out with the name. Everybody happy.
posted
Jon's suggestion is the right one to seriously consider if you wish to finally achieve a higher standard of living within the sign industry.
Advertising agencies/logo developers earn top dollar for what they do. Most of us have those same credentials. Think big, ask for the money and you shall have it. Think one stop shopping. Worst thing they can do is say no, right? Offer choices!
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