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How is everyone doing as spring approaches?
The local sign business in Southern Oregon is really doing well, and I'm just curious if the rest of the country is seeing this same healthy growth.
One business I deal with on a regular basis is doing all they can to keep up with the demand for sign work, and the promotion they did while business was slow is paying off ten-fold. What is everyone else experiencing as of late? Have ads, yellow page ads, flyers etc.. helped? Did anyone make cuts as business slowed? etc.. Just really curious to see what's happening in North America lately in the Sign biz.
-------------------- Jeff Bailey Rapid Tac Inc. Grants Pass, Oregon Posts: 231 | From: Grants Pass, Oregon, USA | Registered: Feb 2001
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This is the worst winter we've ever had. We usually count on Jan and Feb to be able to ease off and relax a bit, but it's been like the middle of June here. Once again this week we're turning work away. We're getting tired and it's just beginning the heavy season again.
-------------------- Pierre St.Marie Stmariegraphics Kalispell,Mt www.stmariegraphics.com ------------------ Plan on knowing everything before I die and time's running out! Posts: 4223 | From: Kalispell,Mt 59903 | Registered: Mar 2000
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I find this thread particularly interesting, given all of the talk of recession etc.
What kind of work is keeping you busy? Who / what kinds of businesses are spending the money? What are the trends?
Your insights (as always) are appreciated.
Thanks, Jeff, for asking the question to start!
[ March 14, 2002, 03:31 PM: Message edited by: Jon Aston ]
-------------------- Jon Aston MARKETING PARTNERS "Strategy, Marketing and Business Development" Tel 705-719-9209 Posts: 1724 | From: Barrie, ON, CANADA | Registered: Sep 2000
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No problem Jon, I love to see and hear about people thriving in business.
What is really interesting to me is why some businesses are so busy they are wearing themselves out trying to keep up with demand, while others are counting out change to pay the power bill.
Could everyone share what they are doing to stay busy, and like Jon asked.. What kind of business are you all getting right now? Maybe some of the people here that are thriving could post what they feel has helped them, then those who aren't thriving can put the good advise to use.
One thing I've learned from dad is that business is a very much like gambeling. If you're a smart gambler and take some educated risks you're odds of doing well are better than if you either never take risks, or are reckless and gamble it all away without an educated plan.
Two things dad has always instilled in my sister and I are;
One: No matter how slow things may get NEVER compromise quality to cut costs.
Two: Customers won't buy a product or service if they don't know it exists.
Advertising and promotion is what will make or break you. It's striking to me that there are some sign businesses That don't understand this even though the very service and product they create is exactly that. Advertising for someone else.
What are everyones thoughts?
-------------------- Jeff Bailey Rapid Tac Inc. Grants Pass, Oregon Posts: 231 | From: Grants Pass, Oregon, USA | Registered: Feb 2001
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I have been really busy with only a small lull after 911. I've been doing lots of trucks, vehicles, trailers. I have a bike (harley) shop next door that builds customs, so I seem to always have one lined up to stripe flames or airbrush on.
I'm in a college town of 12,000 but cover a large area with smaller towns, so there is a variety of work to do.
I currently have 5 4x8's for a rodeo, a 4x6 and 4x8 church signs, a semi, 2 bikes, 3 banners, fire truck, heat & air van and foam letters for a mall store lined up, and thats just part of it.
With warm weather it is picking up fast.
Do quality work and get your price. Treat the customers good and they will tell others.
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There are two very large mural carvings in the carving room, and up front we have a whole load of job-site signs from contractors. Three Architects are waiting for their pedestal sign layonts, and there is no daubt that all three will be approved. A new restaurant in Coeur d' Alene has all of thier signage done, but now I'm working on the menu boards. HUGE menu boards with a ton of copy. Pepsi Cola comes in an average of three times a week with panels from customers gone out of business for removals and new artwork for the businesses moving in. A new fleet of over the road trucks is due in next wednesday for tractor decals and the Swank 50' trailers are being prepped for 6' high painted logos beginning April 20th. Eagle Transit bought 2 brand new busses and the side graphics (large) and all the interior copy MUST be ready by next tuesday. Installation will begin on wednesday morning. I'm tired of typing now, so I'll go away. :^)
Posts: 764 | Registered: Jan 2001
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Very, very, very busy. Knocking down $1000.00 plus a day. GOTTA LOVE IT:) Thank GOD I live in a military town business is great year round plus I live in a town of 500,000 people including surrounding counties. I really don't know how some of you make it in small towns, that sounds like a nightmare to me. Give me asphalt, bright lights & lots of traffic..yup, Thank GOD I'm a city boy. Didn't John Denver write that song?
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We had no slowdown at all this winter. It was awful. No time to just take off. My only trip to Colorado this winter was a rushed President's Weekend. Now we are in a pre-Memorial Day type rush. I can't figure out exactly what has brought this on, but we're trying our hardest to keep up. Last year was our biggest year ever, with a 7% increase over the previous year (actually we've never had a down year in the 9 years I've been doing this), but as of today we are 20% over last year-to-date. We're doing a lot of manufacturer production runs of decals (500-100 pcs) right now, along with trade show material. But we also have been slammed with contractor vehicles, subdivision entrance signs, coming soon signs for realtors and developers, architectural signage for office buildings, showcards, you name it. We live in a small resort town, population about 5000. Go figure. But I'll take my $1250 a day to the bank! (And use SignGold, not leaf).
-------------------- Steve Siu Custom Graphics & Rapid Signs Osage Beach, Missouri Posts: 197 | From: Osage Beach, Missouri, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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The sign portion of our biz was dead January and February. All of the shops in our area have been struggling. I spoke to one shop owner last week. He said February was the first time he went an entire month without a paycheck.
Things are finally starting to pick up a bit. I hope it continues.
Meanwhile, our screen printing operation is going bonkers. Its booked solid for the next 2 weeks, which is highly unusual.
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I was going to tell you that I was very busy, but the 1000 to 1225 a DAY(!) shut me up.
Anyway I am busy doing last minute work for the Saskatchewan First Nation Winter Games, and it's like "oops, we forgot to tell you we also need another five 8x16' signs and six or seven 4x8's, maybe more..." Yes, this actually happened this morning, and if I keep having trouble with this cutter ot mine I don't know what I am going to do.Maybe move to Giorgia, or was that Missouri?
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my dec was great ...then jan-feb was like death...rode into to town. now its halfway thru march..and mar 1 i didnt have anything goin...got all kinda calls and small jobs and this week i did over $1000.00 and next week looks the same...
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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I'm always busy - when you work alone you only have 2 hands and there's only so many hours in the work day. Now that spring is coming I'm slammin' - trucks are nuts (I'm very surprised guys are still buying a new, so I'm happy to accomodate them) and my vinyl & decal & design work is getting way behind. I've just decided I'm NEVER going to catch up! I have to agree with Mark, we all should "get it" because it is true! Karen
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We are busy. Jan and Feb was real slow...but now it has hit again. We are currently working on 2 signs for the Rotary flowers along side US 101, a mural in a basemant (Dad's playroom) A PT cruiser to stripe, a Harley split tank to airbrush, 2 cedar sandblasted signs, a window job, a sign for a B&B, and other assorted small jobs...yeah..I'd say we were busy!
Our advertising is mostly word of mouth and bieng involved in the community.
Now...how in the world will I find the time cause the phone is still ringing!
-------------------- Jackson Smart Jackson's Signs Port Angeles, WA ...."The Straits of Juan De Fuca in my front yard and Olympic National Park in my backyard...
"Living on Earth is expensive...but it does include a free trip around the Sun" Posts: 1001 | From: Port Angeles, Washington | Registered: Jan 1999
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I have 14 landscaping companies with an average of 20 vehicles and trailers that keep me busy year round. Winter is thier slow time as well, so they are beginning to diversify.
One went into the roll-off business and sent me 3 trucks and 15 dumpsters. Another one went into the tree service business and sent another 4 trucks my way. And yet another has gone into the Holiday light business for res/com and sent thier stuff here too, all at the same time. New business form old customers are the best sales you can make.
I just finished the winter rush and will now go back to remodeling the design office in my house.
Gotta go, I hear a powerstroke desiel outside the door....another landscaper
-------------------- Mike Duncan Lettercraft Signs Posts: 1328 | From: Centreville, VA | Registered: Oct 2000
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