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yeah....you heard me. I just lost a job to them due to 'my prices were too high'. I had a nice layout....(no I didn't give it to the customer) I was fast and friendly. But TOO EXPENSIVE. Now this will be interesting to see what the signs look like. Most work I have seen from them sucks. (Yeah Steve......go ahead. Delete this post.) I am just ****ed. Going to go jump on the trampoline.....yeah might have a brewskie later tonight too. Boy......talk about sign companies needing to raise their prices! Get a f*@~!*@ clue sign franchises. Oh and as far as giving a freebie now and then......some of these stupid sign companies GIVE their sh*t away daily. Go ahead.......work your butts off. No wonder your work sucks. You have to do each sign so fast because you didn't CHARGE enough. GET IT?
Posts: 3729 | From: Seattle | Registered: Sep 1999
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CHERYL.... DON'T MINCE WORDS!....TELL US HOW YOU REALLY FEEL! DON'T YOU JUST LOVE THE "FAST FOOD" SIGN SHOPS? IT'S A WALMART WORLD WE'RE MOVING INTO. DON'T GET ME STARTED!
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So, do we put you down as being "Undecided"? Maybe you could make up a special little window decal that reads "Half-Fast Signs" for Half-Wits. I'd be willing to bet that if you stuck one on their storefront, they wouldn't even notice it for several days.Heck, they might even adopt that as a franchise slogan!
-------------------- Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail: kjmlhenry@rogers.com
Why do I get all those on-line offers to sell me Viagara, when the only thing hardening is my arteries ? Posts: 2684 | From: London,Ontario, Canada | Registered: Feb 1999
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And it just keeps getting better!! I go an e-mail this week, about writing a business plan for a guy in Atlanta thinking about opening a sign bizzzness there. When I asked about his experience, he said he and his partner were thinking of opting for a deal through SignWorld and didn't need any experience. He also stated that his brother was going to take a crack at writing the plan. Go for it. Watch out Atlanta, here comes another success story!
[ July 03, 2003, 10:29 PM: Message edited by: Ron Helliar ]
-------------------- Ron Helliar Marysville Sign 11807 51st Ave. NE Marysville, WA 98271 (360) 659-4856 Posts: 263 | From: Marysville, WA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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I've been making signs for 27 years Stephen, in the 'real world'. And I don't have dandruff, thank you very much. I just get tired of dumb asses. They all need to go off to some big island and underbid each other and see which one can make the UGLIEST sign. They all suck. Just get them out of Seattle. sheesh. We fricking need MORE helvetica red on white around here. Bring it on man.
Posts: 3729 | From: Seattle | Registered: Sep 1999
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Got an Island in mind for your idea. Kaho'olawe was used exclusively for bombing practice. There are no people there & not much vegetation, and a minimum of un-exploded live ordnance. Probably a little room for Brush script caps! (on an arc)
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Don't you like it when you price a sign say using just for example .080 aluminum with High Performance Vinyl and somebody else beats your price because they used .026 with calendered. I use what material the job calls for to last. I hate guys who undercut and don't care if a sign is there in a year or not. I have also seen a lot of young kids getting cutters just because they saw the "Fast And The Furious", they want start cutting car graphics in their mama's garage and then they think they can do signs too. I can't remember where I was at but I even saw a Sign/Produce stand the other day. About franchises, I worked for one a long tome ago (not a sign franchise) who's advertising gimmick in the classifieds of the buisness and investment mags was "why put your money in the uncertainty of stocks when you can invest in a restaraunt". I saw people who had no knowledge of that industry getting tossed in and turned loose and if they fell flat on their faces, oh well, at least we got their franchise fee! I know that I haven't been doing signs for too long but I have done art stuff since I was a kid, I am really good with tools and building stuff and I really do want to be in this for the long haul so I really care about what I put out even if it takes me a little extra time and effort.
-------------------- John Thompson JTT Graphics "The big guy with a little sign shop!" Royston/Hartwell Georgia jtt101@hotmail.com Posts: 626 | From: Royston Georgia | Registered: Feb 2002
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I hope that barber shop doesn't ever have to do several 4 X 8 signs quick. I have a 12" Stika just for doing car tags at fairs and I couldn't bear the thought of that being my only cutter. As a matter of fact it bothers me so much that if my 24" machine was to croak, it would, that I am going to buy another plotter at least a 24" for a just in case machine. I think that a lot of those kids and the such don't even have a clue about the materials that they are using or how long they last let alone how to apply them correctly.
-------------------- John Thompson JTT Graphics "The big guy with a little sign shop!" Royston/Hartwell Georgia jtt101@hotmail.com Posts: 626 | From: Royston Georgia | Registered: Feb 2002
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One ice cold BREWSKY coming up! It's a 24 oz 'er From the way you sound you could knock it out in one shot. Hey don't let no one get you down, it happens to all of us. Even though I hate it too when that happens!
-------------------- aka:Cisco the "Traveling Millennium Sign Artist" http://www.franciscovargas.com Fresno, CA 93703 559 252-0935 "to live life, is to love life, a sign of no life, is a sign of no love"...Cisco 12'98 Posts: 3576 | From: Fresno, Ca, the great USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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You'd better make that a MARGARITA! Doesn't sound like the beer's gonna do it!! LOL
Relax, have that drink...IT'S FRIDAY!!!!!!!
Have a great weekend Cheryl. Thank your lucky stars you're not here - it's damn near 100º today with no end in sight. I'm off to the pool, then BBQ some sea bass and have that aforementioned margarita.
-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3722 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
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my revised "quickie-signs-24-7" motto: 24 min./hour, 7 hours/day, 24 days/month, 7 months/year. hey wait aminute that doesn't sound so bad!!!
some comfort in knowing that I'm not the only one who gets frustrated at people comparing apples to canaloupes.
stopped by a new bank yesterday just to visit with the bank prez, introduce myself, present a business card, offer any of my services... the guy just about shook my hand off, he was glad that I took time out of my day to stop by... he needed a banner just like the one he has been borrowing from another branch, nothing much to look at: a 4'x10' ugly maroon with two lines of helvetica copy and a poorly cut, jagged image of a computer mouse. He had to know how much, how much, HOW MUCH???? I just priced it based on my standard sq.ft. price:($6/sq.ft.) with better graphics,fonts, layout, ropes, etc. The guy just about fell over! THAT MUCH!!!, that sounds WAY HIGH!!! I didn't budge on my rate...he went on to inform me that the other branch only paid about $100 for the 4'x10'-- oh well, let THEM have that job!
-------------------- Michael Clanton Clanton Graphics/ Blackberry 19 Studio 1933 Blackberry Conway AR 72034 501-505-6794 clantongraphics@yahoo.com Posts: 1736 | From: Conway Arkansas | Registered: Oct 2001
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Friend of mine had a "Quickie-Stickie" open near him. He ha d a phone call from them asking if he could spare some vinyl glue as none had been in cluded with their first shipment
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How do those guys make any money paying for supplies, overhead and the usual plus the biggie FRANCHISE FEES? Also, they are usually in an overpriced shopping center. I guess they must get their supplies for a 10th what we all are paying for them.
-------------------- John Thompson JTT Graphics "The big guy with a little sign shop!" Royston/Hartwell Georgia jtt101@hotmail.com Posts: 626 | From: Royston Georgia | Registered: Feb 2002
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When my good friend Ricky Jackson was in Warner Robins, GA.... he had a big advertisement ad painted on his wall about Earl Shibe... the shiftless car salesman.... It says... I will paint any sign for $99.00 !! Well, it was done in jest. But, in todays fast moving, money-hungry world.... talent and good products sort of fall off to the ditch for the cheaper price. It is a real shame that the talented folks such as yourself have to suffer to those that want the bottom dollar products. We all feel your pain !!
-------------------- John Smith Kings Bay Signs (Retired) Kissimmee, Florida Posts: 817 | From: Central Florida - The Sunshine State | Registered: Jan 2000
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Well....I am sitting here having my brewskie..and prit near spit the whole gulp out. Bob you are a funny one. Thanks fer the laugh! Haw haw haw!Good one. Yeah....you are all fun. Let's have a party. (psssst BOB....party is at YOUR place!)
-------------------- 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: 1000 | From: Port Angeles, Washington | Registered: Jan 1999
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Cheryl, take comfort in the fact that you.re in one of the best States in the Union for
-------------------- John Lennig / Big Top Sign Arts 5668 Ewart Street, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada bigtopya@hotmail.com 604.451.0006 Posts: 2184 | From: Burnaby, British Columbia,Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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Cheryl, TAKE COMFORT in that YOU'RE IN ONE OF THE FEW best states in the union FOR awesome microbrew!
Don't let the buzzards grind you down!
John / BIG TOP Graphics
-------------------- John Lennig / Big Top Sign Arts 5668 Ewart Street, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada bigtopya@hotmail.com 604.451.0006 Posts: 2184 | From: Burnaby, British Columbia,Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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CHERYL... i feel your pain..got a SIGNS NOW HERE....i think the guy workin there does stuff without makin recipts....and sticks the money in his pocket....without lettin the owner know.... does stuff way to cheap
-------------------- 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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Ahh, my Friday is over. Had too much wine & beer & pinchos (shiskabobs) & junk food. I just thought I'd jump in & see how far this post would get.
Don't worry about it babe. Monday's around the corner.
G'nite!
-------------------- Felix Marcano PuertoRicoSigns.Com Luquillo, PR
Work hard, party like a tourist! Posts: 2274 | From: Luquillo, Puerto Rico, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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I've been biting my lip on this one for 6 years now. I just spent a week takin digital photos, picking letterstyles and jumping through hoops between a husband and his wife on this. Plans included a Virgin Mary and a giant market place mural. Long story short..."We found someone who speak spanish and do it for way less that you said."
When they ask me if I can beat it, I tell them I don't do anything for $25. When they ask if they can pick it up 5 minutes, I tell them it takes me more than 2.5 minutes to produce it, and that it has to dry overnight. I'm not trying to be a smart ass or be negative, it's just that I didn't jump into the vinyl game and that seems to blow off all the paying customers...me not being convenient or proficient.
One thing I haven't tried is, passing out cards with George in tow, LOL. I could "explain" that if I can't afford to feed him, I may have to turn him loose. <mischievous grin> (I was trying to laugh at myself here, we all know I'm not totin a canine bear to somebody's business) LOL
*George, Donna knows him as Pookie. He grew to be 120 pounds, he's half lab, qtr. chow and qtr. rott.
I hope you get to unwind from this, it's chappin my butt! Ya got another beer over there? I'm lookin for my car keys, LOL. Do you like to play pool? It allows me a chance to hit stuff, LOL.
[ May 28, 2002, 06:42 AM: Message edited by: Linda Silver Eagle ]
I think Timi has the right attitude, here. Blowing off steam with your friends in Letterville is fine (and good) but it won't help you solve the problem.
The reality Franchises / franchise owners aren't really the problem...they're just a symptom -- a "sign of the times". The reality is that (no matter what business you are in) eventually, way too many competitors will be fighting it out; the market will become oversupplied, pricing and margins will drop, etc. To maintain or improve your position in the market, each of you need to constantly be finding new ways to add value.
Taking stock of your value added Your talent, experience and skill as Letterheads is of value to your customer (though they may not always know it) because the signs you create for them attract new customers and say a good deal about their values, as a business. However, if all of that were enough, "quickie stickies" (as you call them) wouldn't be cause for concern.
I am all for Letterheads being the keepers of the quill and the guilder's tip (in fact, when I finally make it to a meet, I want to learn to carve and paint and guild) but all of you should strongly consider what other ways you can find to add value for the customer...
When was the last time you took a marketing or sales course? Knowledge truly is power. Acquire the knowledge and skills to develop a deeper understanding of what your customers (and the market) needs. This gives you the facility to develop SMART strategic plans to target and deliver the most effective solutions; to the most profitable market segments - and to close the most profitable sales...so what are you going to do with all of this profit?!
Reinvest in your business Forego the "toys" as much as possible...that new pick-up won't make you more money. Plan (and budget) to get ahead -- and stay ahead -- of the technology curve. Invest in the technology that will deliver the fastest ROI and plan to re-invest within 12-36 months (technology cycles keep getting shorter). Plan to keep taking courses in things like colour management and Adobe Illustrator (or whatever).
Choose your business partners wisely Who do you buy from and why? Consider developing partnerships with industry leaders: the vendors who invest in constantly finding new ways to add value...the guys who are the innovators and experts in your market applications (technology, materials selection, marketing)...the guys who believe that "Your success is our success". These organizations offer your business a good deal more than simply "me too" products, at "low, low prices".
Sorry for "soapboxing"...strongly held views on my part.
[ May 25, 2002, 08:40 AM: 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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Jon has it exactly right. Expecting the world to see our intrinsic value is fruitless. I lose bids to these companies every month, but I still sell some nice jobs in the process also. The types that keep them coming back because they can't get it from the others. Everyone has to develop a niche. Hopefully one that will continue to provide for us long into the future.
-------------------- Wright Signs Wyandotte, Michigan Posts: 2785 | From: Wyandotte, MI USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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Hey friends. My head is fine. I only had one beer.(one in each hand) I can't handle more than 2.
As far as all this franchise stuff......I don't dwell. I get over it real fast. It is one of those cases of...."I don't wanna be like them" However I DO get fired up for a 1/2 day or so!
UPDATE: The Customer just called me and was sorry over and over again (and again)! She said her husband was who ordered from FastSignsaJokeShop. She is going to call me Tuesday to make a round front sign, another banner and A-Board as she LOVED my designs. She also said she cut her husband off. (didn't want her to elaborate on this, but he deserves it)
Thanks for all your support!
Have a great weekend.
Posts: 3729 | From: Seattle | Registered: Sep 1999
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HEY CHERYL.... IF IT DOESN'T WORK OUT,,,,,,I CAN RECOMMEND THIS BARBER I KNOW........!
Posts: 2121 | From: Prescott, Arizona, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I think it's time to make a new 3D level for the game "Quake".. I could call it "Sign Franchise Alley".. and model the first person shooter character after Cheryl... then she could run through the streets and blow the crap out of all the franchises without getting tossed into jail.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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I only had one beer.(one in each hand) I can't handle more than 2.
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