posted
Hi and thanks for taking a minute...I have a major custom motorcoach company we do all their ID work, we've done graphic design work for some of the coaches and have done several coaches for them...but lately they have taken a few designs and shopped them hard and ended up going to body shops and having our designs painted..well that was the last of the free design work..today I received a fax from them..a graphic layout done at another sign shop..they want a price to make and install graphics another signshop did.. I'm thinking of telling them I'm too busy to consider this job so as not to hurt any feeling and keep the other work coming.. The thought did occur to call the other shop and discuss it with them but I don't want to step on toes.. I won't work from another shop's design unless I know it's bought and paid for.
Thanks,
Dave
------------------ Ace of Signs Selinsgrove, Pa. www.aceofsigns.com
posted
By all means...call the other shop! Also call all the other shops in your area, get organized and start placing a copyright on all your work. I would call the "purchasing agent" and politely inform him/her that you cannot quote on another shop design due to possible lawsuits over copyright issues! Remember....purchasing agents will stoop to unbelievable lows, in order to justify their position, and keep their jobs!
------------------ Si Allen #562 La Mirada, CA. USA (714) 521-4810 ICQ # 330407 "SignPainters do It with Longer Strokes!"
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Posts: 8831 | From: La Mirada, CA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Go ahead and bid the job. On the quote, stipulate that the design must be released in writing by the designer before you can reproduce the design.
This give you the chance to explain why you will be charging for any design that you do for them in the future since they have decided to start "shopping."
Thank them for the opportunity and go on to the next job. Don't take what they are doing personally. I know its hard to do. I find myself fighting not to chew someone's butt out for it. By keeping calm and business-like, I've found that things work out for the better and have developed a more loyal group of clients.
posted
I agree with Si and Glenn. I would bid it with the stipulation that Glenn suggested, the call the other sign shop and let them know that their sketches are being shopped around. Maybe the other shop will stop giving this client "Freebies" and you both can benefit by getting paid up front for the design work. Many times once the client has to pay for designs, they work with you on a design/build basis. I have copyright info. on all of my work and it probably stops 80% of clients from even thinking about reproducing my work without paying for it. I've only been "Used" once (That I know about) and that was by my former employer. If you would like to see what I have on my drawings, E-mail me and I'll send you one. Good Luck!
------------------ Tom & Sharon Giampia Creative Image Design Port Chester, NY
Posts: 285 | From: Port Chester | Registered: Mar 2001
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