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After three years of operating my vinyl graphics/ large digital printing shop down in the Keys, I've sold the business and am having some adjustment problems. We're living in Miami now, and there seems to be sign shops on every corner. I don't want to start another shop. Too competitive here,for one thing, and besides, I want to spend a lot more time with my family. I'd like to work at a sign shop, but I'd like to be able to work my own hours. Considering the number of shops in my area, some thoughts that occurred to me were to a) be a subcontractor from home for layout, typesetting, and color camm jobs for the local shops. b) to be a sign shop "Kelly Girl" type employee, just filling in when someone's out sick or on vacation. c) set up a website for subcontracting design work for sign shops and print shops. Can I get your input or thoughts on inherent problems I could run across with these ideas?
------------------ Kelli Cajigas aka Janda Dolphin deSigns & Banners “A satisfied customer will tell two friends, a dissatisfied customer will tell ten.”
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Hi Kelli! well, welcome to the world of too many sign shops. I know just what you mean. When I moved my shop, little did I realize there were SO many sign shops within a mile. (I am now homebased again) Anyways, I personally think it depends on the sign shop owner you will be working for. I like your "Kelli girl" idea. And when I worked for another sign shop for 2 months.....that is what I wanted to do....but the owner said "no way". You need to be here everyday. I have talked to other sign shop owners, and they don't like to hire people who have been self employed...because when business picks up, they bolt. Let us know what you decide to do.........I am interested!
------------------ "surf" Cheryl Nordby Signs by Cheryl 206 300-0153 Seattle Washington
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Kelli, I like the idea of establishing a web site to pull in work.You might find yourself getting enough to feed other shops around you and therby not be whom they curse, but who they bless.
When I've subbed out work to be done in my shop to someone that agreed to the deadlines, some of the problems were them showing up at times when I needed the space for other things because this person would show up without noyification or show up late.
------------------ The SignShop Mendocino, California "Where the Redwoods meet the Surf"
Posts: 6718 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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try nameing yourself as an ADVERTIZING AGENCY, more money less work......and most of it you do at home on the computer..without the hassel of doing the manual labor...and you can charge for estimates...
------------------ joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 6050 mobile hwy pensacola, fl 32526 850-944-5060
[This message has been edited by old paint (edited May 03, 2000).]
Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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The "Kelli Girl" Idea is great but most likely the first time that you have to tell them you aren't avaliable will be the last time they call you. I have used a few subs in the past but it seems like they are always busy for when I needed them.
------------------ Greg Gulliford aka MetroDude Metro Signs and Banners 1403 N. Greene St. #1 Spokane, WA 99202 509-536-9452
Posts: 576 | From: Spokane, WA USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Hi Kelli. Just a suggestion, which you can take or disregard. If I were considering subcontracting work out to someone who approached me as a potential sub, I'd be a tad concerned about account security, and confidentiality. You might also consider including a "no compete" type clause in your subcontract agreement with potential employers. That way, you have eliminated one significant barrier toward them using your services...plus, it shows them that you're a professional who knows her way around.
Potential employers may be a bit more receptive, if they are confident that you won't quit, and begin soliciting their accounts, when you get familiar with their operations and/or clients.
------------------ Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail kjmlhenry@home.
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Hi Kelli, it sounds like you are in the unique position to ask yourself "what would I do if I could do anything I wanted to".
After being a take-charge, decision maker at the helm of your own ship, you may be spoiled for the mundane duties of a deck hand. Even if you can convince someone to hire a captain to be a swabby, you'll probably hate it.
I like Joe P's idea to become an independent advertising agency, consultant or digital file preparation service bureau. The web can be helpful to reach beyond city limits, but you have to target a specific product and market. Personally, I would stay away from wholesale work to the trade because even though it may be an easier market to tap initially, there's so much less money there. Find a niche market to develop where there is little or no competition. I can't tell you what that is, but I know there ways to check out of the rat race and chart a new course.
For that matter, there may be a whole new career direction you have secretly repressed that could bloom now. You're in the right position to go absolutely anywhere from here. I suspect if you get quiet with yourself you'll hear the small voice that whispers the innermost wish, your heart's desire. (sappy, I know) Good luck.
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