posted
I gave a lady an estimate over the phone today for a 3 x 4 sign. 4x4 painted wooden posts, wooden frame and scroll work around the sign. I was going to use alumacorr for the panel. It was for two colors vinyl including a small logo. It was to be installed about 15 miles from here. I gave her an estimate of $350. She said she would get back to me, but I heard her complaining about the price as she hung up the phone. She was referred by another happy customer. It really frustrates me. Is that a ridiculous price, or ridiculous customer?
posted
It's not that high for what she's getting. I just did a 2'x3' on black pvc with mirror gold and beige vinyl for $200. He had it framed for a trade show. Now I'm working on 2-3'x4' mdo signs installed in a v-shape, real simple NOW LEASING signs for $250., I'm surprised he didn't talk me down, he's my cheapest customer. Ask what their budget is. Not everybody can afford a Caddilac, but at least you may be able to sell a Chevy.
------------------ Robert Thomas Creative Signs In Beautiful Naples, Fl.
Posts: 965 | From: Bonita Springs, Florida USA | Registered: Feb 2000
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posted
The gist of this post is not intended to be directed at you or your business Greg. I will attempt try to put a positive swing to your recent experience.
The price seems pretty reasonable to me.
You can't let people like that get to you. They are price shoppers and always think that you are taking advantage of them.
Our products are the most inexpensive means for people to make money and they believe that signs should be even cheaper.
There are differet ways to approach these types of phone shoppers.
Blow them off... .. or...
Get their name, phone number and the name of the business or organization; you never know when it may be another shop pricing your work. Also it gives you a feel for them if they are hesitant to dilvulge.
Next comes the project's application. Is it a short term banner or a trade show banner that they will use over and over? A trade show banner will appear to have more value to the client than a temporary one, so add a dollar or two per foot to your price.
The next step has been shared to me through the Letterhead movement and is close to the top when it comes to added profit in our company.
Don't give them one price.
In this instance, the figure is $ 350.00; a fair price. Instead of quoting that price, you could offer to satisfy their needs for $ 390.00, $ 420.00 or $ 970.00.
$ 390.00 sounds a lot better to them than $ 970.00. And you've added over 10% to your profit - if they choose the lower price route.
Some clients actually will choose a more expensive sign. This in turn allows you to spend more time producing a better product which will showcase your talent.
If they decide to utilize your services, fax them a quote (contract) with an approval line at the bottom for them to sign. On our contracts I also add the sign's description, terms; % 50 down - balance due date, approximate delivery time and "artwork sent on receipt of deposit". You won't spend any of your valuable time designing signs for nothing.
I am aware that markets are different and we are all in different places, but you can't get your price if you don't ASK FOR IT(thanks Cam).
Good luck all.
------------------ Pat Neve, Jr. Sign Man, Inc. 4580 N. US 1 Melbourne, FL 32935 321-259-1703 signman@signmaninc.com Capt. Sign Letterville Constituent constituent: "One of the individual entities contributing to a whole"
Posts: 2284 | From: Melbourne, FL, USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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posted
Pat's response hit it right on the head. Getting upset about cheap customers is like getting mad at the weather.
If your price included everything you mentioned in your post; posts, framework, scrolls, installation, etc., it sounds low, not high. Anyone who says they can do it for less is lying or fooling themselves. What do you bet you see the sign done on much cheaper material, without any embellishments? This customer was shopping; she'll get the trash she pays for. It's HER problem; don't make it yours.
Know what I'd like to do? Take the job at whatever dirt-cheap price, then just don't do it. Give her the "Lenny" treatment for about six months, then say something like, "gee, I guess we're not going to be able to do that after all" and give her the deposit back.
------------------ "A wise man concerns himself with the truth, not with what people believe." - Aristotle
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. - Raoul Duke (Hunter S. Thompson)
Cam Finest Kind Signs 256 S. Broad St. Pawcatuck, Ct. 06379 "Award winning Signs since 1988"
[This message has been edited by Cam Bortz (edited August 30, 2000).]
Posts: 3051 | From: Pawcatuck,Connecticut USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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