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We are always trying to widen our business scope in an effort to diversify and add new profit centres. While in Saskatchewan lately, I came across another sign business that subscribes to that theory too. Have you any ideas to share?
------------------ We now distribute Gyford Standoffs and Rod and Cable Systems WHOLESALE in Canada Duncan Wilkie aka signdogwww.commercialsigns.com Edmonton, Alberta
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I sell a lot of printing these days. Its a real good profit center for me, and it establishes a lot of repeat business.
I broker the printing from 4 color newsletters, to business cards and stationery, and everything in between.
Last month I printed 150,000 4/4 11 x 17 newsletters. I also designed the piece, and handled the mailing as well. Now, they want to do it 2x a year. It's a nice piece of business, for sure.
I have 4 color 9x12 pocket folders on press this week - a $8000 print job plus more for the design.
I also sell a lot of four color business cards. I buy from postcard press for $69 and resell for $269. Last year, I sold over 50 sets of cards. Thats 10g in profit, for emailing and setting up the card.
Of course, being a graphic designer and having a lot of experience in print buying, makes it a little easier for me. But, its not too hard to get set up to just sell stationery, and cards. Find a good, reliable printer, and make sure he gives you a brokers rate. Then, whatever he sells it to you, double it, and then sell back.
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Our recording studio complements our graphics studio quite well. If they need signs, they probably need radio ads here too. We write copy, perform and record radio spots. Jingles seem to be making a comeback around here.
------------------ St.Marie Graphics & Makin' Tracks Sound Studio Kalispell, Montana stmariegraphics@centurytel.net http://www.stmariegraphics.com 800 735-8026 We're chiseling every day of the week! :^)
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non-conforming business...heh....I have a business card from a local sign guy, hedoes, silkscreen process printing, advertising art & design, traditional & computerized signage, video taping service, portable welding....and....marine photography.....damn, why did'nt I include that on my card....Ron
------------------ "Of all the things I've lost in my life...I miss my mind the most" Ron Norwood 6732 Raleigh Street Vancouver, BC V5S 2X1 Phone/Fax: (604) 437-0899 email.hitest@mailcity.com
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there was a sign shop that opened here a while back(only lasted couple months) was a sign shop/thrift shop, all on the same sign...but the printing /sign shop or mailboxes/sign shop see a lot of them..
------------------ joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-944-5060 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND
Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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We have a deal with some local printers. 15% on a sale and we add in artwork. I like Dan's markup. A couple of screen printers do tshirt orders. We do large format printing. This month we are starting custom imprinting using dye sublimation inks. We can do tshirts, plaques, name tags and just about everything else. A quick print on the printer and then dye sub it on to the material. It is not great profit but it keeps my customer with me. Also keeps us busy in the cold months of Jan, Feb and March. Selling brew kits is a touch to far for me but if it works, who am I to judge.
------------------ Kevin Landry KnL Signs Halifax NS knlsigns@hfx.eastlink.ca
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Hi Heads! Funny you should post this. Last night I was surfing the net (for performance parts for my S10 shop truck) and I came across www.truckperformance.com which sells all kinds of truck/car performance parts. I filled out the page to become a dealer for custom parts like roll pans/headlight covers/neons/and other custom stuff which is pretty hard to get your hands on around here! I also have a friend which is an ase certified technician who can help with installs of complex stuff (for those euro street racers everyone's driving) I have a small entrance/showroom which i think i could put up a few product walls and still have enough room in the actuall shop for signage. I think if i get the customers in the door originally for the parts ........ theyll see my work and definately want graphics!
So what do you people think, itll kind of change the shop from just a sign/graphics shop to more of a "customizing shop"?
------------------ Ryan Ursta Ursta Graphics 27 West Shenango St. Sharpsville Pa. 16150 Call: 724•962•2206 "letters of Recommendation"
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Ryan, I have a buddy who owns an Auto and Truck Accessories business here in townHe has several examples of my graphics in his show room and I store some of his excess invantory upstairs. It works out real well and we do alot of combined business.
Here in town we have a scuba diving shop that wanted to add to their business in the winter, so he got a plotter and now makes signs too.
------------------ Troy Haas "Metal_Leg" on mIRC
SAM Signs "At old Hose House No. 8" 931 W. Columbia street Evansville,Indiana 47710 812-437-5367 Home of the: "Brush Fire at the Hose House" Letterhead Meet April 27-29th,2001
"Chaos, panic, disorder - my work here is done."
Posts: 1100 | From: Evansville,Indiana, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Hi I think we are as about as diverse as possible. We offset print, screen print ( Stickers, signs and shirts) and, of course, signage which is the main part of what we do. Whet is outside our capabilities (full colour printing, digital printing) we farm out. I think it makes economic sense not to to be as diverse as we are as we jump from one job to another, and am considering cutting out doing the textiles. And for a real touch of diversity, we have an aromatherapy display in the shop, as my wife makes soaps and creams. One of our books is "Aromatherapy Soap Making" Kerry Wright Print Wright Gladstone Qld 4680
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Posts: 119 | From: Gladstone, Queensland, Australia | Registered: May 1999
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Like Dan we are also involved in printing. We have a GR3770 Risograph for letterheads and envelopes and business cards. It prints up to 11"x17". We do quite of bit of restaurant place mats.(Nice profits from the advertising). We've designed brochures for tourist camps and motels and restaurants. We have the brochures printed by the pros and delivered right to the client. We also are involved in photography mostly passport and identification. At one time we did portrait and school photography. That has been put on the back burner for lack of time. We are involved in picture framing and very soon large format printing with a CJ-500. Hopefully will keep us busy year round except for one day a week for fishing (rain or shine).
------------------ Mario G. Lafreniere aka Fergie.
jnsigns@onlink.net Chapleau, Ontario home of "The World's Largest Game Preserve" Spring is upon us,in Shania Twain Country. Farewell snow,here comes the mosquito!
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Just putting a fresh marketing program together as we write. Sometimes it brings too much business but this is a new idea. Thas'it....................Jack
------------------ Jack Wills Studio Design Works 6255 Brookside Circle Rocklin, CA 95677 writer@quiknet.com
Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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Hey Fergie, we're getting ready to add picture framing here too. I have all the equipment already. All thats left to do is set up the display of frame samples.
I'm also considering getting into screen printing.
------------------ Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 ICQ: 21604027 sherwood@up.net
Posts: 5397 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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