Curious what you would Charge

[monroesigns]

Haggling is a time-honored tradition in many cultures and is associated with both personal esteem and respect. Depending on the situation, I will sometimes offer a price around 20% higher than my final price (the price I need to be profitable). This gives the buyer the opportunity to negotiate and keep their self-respect. I often offer something in exchange for the discount, like extending the production time so I can "work it into my schedule more efficiently".

Shrewd business owners know the value of their time. If your final price is fair, they will buy your services. If they have to find another sign company they will inevitable end up spending more when you consider the time it would take.

Yep, the final "cost" is not just the amount of dollars they pay - time, convenience, trust, done right the first time, etc, etc, etc.

 

[unclebun]

That's the thing. In haggling cultures the initial asking price is more than what the item should sell for and haggling is expected. Here, we try to offer the lowest price we can do while not losing money.

The scene in the marketplace where Brian is trying to buy the fake beard in Life of Brian illustrates this.

 

[Kev-O-Rama]

When I used to live in the middle of nowhere, hunt brothers was good gas station pizza.

It was good slice!! I wonder if Mike is still there?

 

[usmansabir]

I agree with the people saying new ACM panels are usually the safer route. Reusing old panels sounds cheaper at first, but once you add removal, cleaning, possible film issues, old drill holes, rush timing, and reinstall after hours, the labor risk can get close to or even higher than starting fresh. For a job like this, I would price it with clear options:

Option 1: New panels with print and standard install
Option 2: Reuse existing panels, but with extra labor/risk clearly explained If the customer is already trying to cut the price after approval, I would keep the number firm and take payment upfront. The overnight turnaround alone adds value, because you are protecting their business hours and reducing downtime. At Volt Signs, we usually explain this type of thing as “saving material does not always save total project cost,” especially when removal, prep, and reinstall time are involved.