SignMan2u
New Member
I sent out a bid for 6 trucks, 1 trailer and 8 4x8 site signs for a company 30 minutes away with a quick general mock-up. Apparently the owners loved the mock-ups (they had someone design them a new logo and it's much sharper than the old one). She then asked me if they put the decals on themselves if I would come out and measure for them but not install them. I should add this and add that and resend the mock-ups. I didn't respond to that part but my overall response was...
"If you buy decals from me they are considered "cash n carry" and it's up to the customer to tell me total height and width of the decals and then I cut them. If I have to come out and measure, you will get charged for that time, it's included if I install them but not a cash and carry fee."
I'm a little frustrated because this isn't really the way it works...or am I wrong? I'm shocked they even have time to mess around with such a task...I DON'T HAVE TIME TO CUT MY GRASS, I HIRE MY RENTER!
Hi Stacey,
The verbiage can make a difference on how your value added items are perceived by your clients and prospects, but you will always have to deal with those individuals that are looking for cheap, instead of inexpensive or do not have the mentality for business and will treat you like your business is operated in a Flee Market.
When you are providing estimates/quotes to your clients/customers and prospects, the perception of value will drive the sale and also provide the client and prospects options from those valued items.
We would call any onsite visit to obtain dimensions, a "survey" (value item), and instead of the term "cash & carry," try using the acronym RTA (Ready to apply) for printed and/or cut lettering/graphics.
The highest expense within the sign industry is your labor (BIG VALUE ITEM). The burden rate of labor, whether shop labor or installation labor, will be the determining factor of your pricing at your shop or onsite. With that said, if you travel to any location, you can add a standard site visit charge for a survey. As long as you can maintain a good business model and not get frustrated with clients and prospects with a Flee Market mentality, your good clients will recognize that and maybe realize your industry is no different than theirs in the sense that you also have fixed and variable business expenses.
The sign industry has far more moving parts than any business I am aware of as far as diversity, knowledge and time on deck experience, but keep in mind, in a nutshell, we sell time.
Good luck!
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