posted
O.K. I was sent to job check a baseball diamond to do a 4 X 8 coroplast sign (sponsor on a chain link fence). When I got there I noticed only 2 signs. One was a sponsor and the other was a sign advertising space on the chain link fence for advertising and to call this number. Now I live in a city of only 20,000 and there is only 2 sign shops here. Ones been around for a few years and the other is a new guy...........me. You know where I'm going with this. The other sign shop rents the advertising space out on the fence. How do I approach this situation? I figure in the ballpark (no punn intended) of $100 for the sign that I would make myself. I know I have to call these guys and ask how much for my customer to rent their space. I'm not being a 'woosy'. I'm sure he's seen my name driving around the city and I'm sure he's been quite happy these past few years being the only shop to go to. Usually, there's a company that rents the space out that has a sign co. to make signs for them, but not a sign co. thats renting the space out AND making the signs....he's seems locked in. Maybe I should just sell my customer the sign and have them contact the other sign co./ fence leasers to rent the space. Oh, I don't know.....my head hurts.
------------------ Corey Wine signCONCEPTS Airdrie, Alberta, Canada The ex-Californian Canadian signconcepts1@home.com
posted
There's only one other sign shop in town and you don't know him well enough to feel comfortable calling him??? Your only mistake was not getting to know this guy immediately when you got into town. Fix that. He can be your ally. Stop this nonsense and introduce yourself. What a perfect reason - you're bringing him rental business!
posted
In my part of the country the "back fence" is long enough to support around 20 Eight foot sections.OR potental advertisers! On some fields they use 2 advertiser per 4x8 This is an excellent way for the ballpark to raise money for upkeep,etc. If I were you,I would go see and become friends with the other sign person(kinda like a letterhead thingie) You will soon find out that the Ball field committe sells the advertising space for a lot more than the sign person gets for doing the work,best to talk with the other BEFORE they get you two bidding against each other Hope this helps
------------------ PKing is Pat King of King Sign Design in McCalla,Alabama The Professor of SIGNOLOGY
Posts: 3113 | From: Pompano Beach, FL. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Joe and Roger, You are both correct but I must stress to Corey that at the same time be careful not to get too pally because you will get stabbed in the back almostevery time.
------------------ Drane Signs Sunshine Coast Nambour, Qld. dranesig@dingoblue.net.au Downunder "If we did all things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves" - Thomas Edison
[This message has been edited by david drane (edited May 18, 2001).]
[This message has been edited by david drane (edited May 18, 2001).]
[This message has been edited by david drane (edited May 18, 2001).]
[This message has been edited by david drane (edited May 18, 2001).]
Posts: 965 | From: Nambour, Qld. Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Sometimes the answer is right under your nose. The replies I have received were unanimous! Thanks!
No Steve, not just $100...just a round figure thrown out in writing.
It's difficult being a new business owner. I know how to make signs but, to own a 'sign' business...there's alot to learn.
In this day and age, my first instinct is, "The guy is probably a jerk, he'll think I'm a jerk"(I think I got that from my last boss). We shouldn't think like that. We should think like letterheads. Some of us vinyl people could learn alot from you.
------------------ Corey Wine signCONCEPTS Airdrie, Alberta, Canada The ex-Californian Canadian signconcepts1@home.com
posted
We started a program along with the local recreational association to offer banners on the fence...a 13 oz banner holds up very well for these...a few of the people renting these have their own sign people so I don't make all the banners...hey the other guy has to eat too!!! I also made a point when I first opened my shop to get to know the other guys around me..with 3 exceptions..one guy just started two weeks ago..1 guy just flat won't talk to me..and the third guy quit before I got to meet him. MOST help each other out as necessary..but you always have to be somewhat guarded in how much you reveal...
Chances are the other sign shop just had an "in" to get the ball rolling on renting fence signs..since he was the only one around..meet him before you step on his toes.
Dave
------------------ Ace of Signs Selinsgrove, Pa. www.aceofsigns.com
posted
there's only two sign companies in airdrie...wow, it's not THAT small is it. i would've thought it would pretty much be attached to calgary by now
curiousity is killin' me...california to airdire? do you like it?
i'm a native calgarian gone westcoast. love the people, but, the weather!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted
Getting to know him is a very nice idea but with him being the only shop in town for many years the odds are very highly stacked against him wanting to be your friend & ally.Most people (adults) do not play well together when in competition with each other.But there's always a chance & if you fail you can be the bigger man and have satisfaction knowing if he's so great why is he fearing you? In his mind your a newbie wantabe that will be gone in six months.PROVE HIM WRONG !
Printer-friendly view of this topic