This might not be a solution for everyone, but it works for me.
If I recognize a high maintenance customer (especially the low/no budget price shoppers) -- I just refer them to the same graphic designer I've been working with for the past 15 years. I've trained him over the years so his designs don't push production limits / cost expectations.
Does it concern me a little when I refer folks to a 3rd party? Yeah, it crosses my mind, but 90% of the time that same customer orders their
signs from me. That other 10%? A few months later I see them with hand painted
signs in their front yard or paint marker on their
windows. They weren't going to be a profitable customer anyway. But really, the big benefit is not having to deal with the all the riff-raff.
How I explain it:
"I've been providing graphic design since the 90s, and I can totally "do it", but as a
sign shop I have a lot of overhead, so it's probably not cost-effective to have me designing your layouts at $200/hr.
(side note: I'm actually at about $60/hr for worthy clients, or "free" on large jobs)
Me: You're better off letting a professional artist help you create your brand at $50/hour because they have much lower overhead than I do. Just call <my preferred designer> He'll get you a great, brand-worthy design, and he's quick. You'll save money and he knows exactly the file formats I need to for production. This will be way more cost-effective for you. You've seen his work around town (I name off some big ones).
If necessary, I'll follow up with: One way or another, your artwork has to be designed for production -- regardless of which company you hire to do your printing -- this is your best way to get started. Here's his contact info...
Hint: I don't give AF if I lose a price-shopping / no-budget customer. If you come to me, it was probably by referral and you know my work is quality -- and you have a budget! And if I'm being honest, I only want to produce
signs that are worthy of my photo galleries anyway. Small jobs don't have to be a necessary evil. I'll take them sometimes, but only if it's a profitable injection (nesting with an existing job).
The latest thing that's been driving me nuts though? Last year I would've told you "Canva" or perhaps "all the SMS inquiries / conversations". But now it's more like: "Hi, I need to get some
signs". Sure, hit me. "Can you make window graphics?" Yes. "Can you make yard
signs?" Yes. "What about vehicle magnets?" Yes. "I also need a banner, do you sell those?" FML... for 26 years... yes!
Me: Do you already have a logo or layouts or content you can send me via email? Customer: Sure! I have everything ready! I'll send it over right now. Me: (oh shit, that was too easy. I can already feel it. Here comes the overly complex AI generated bitmap.) /rollseyes Sure enough! Dammit. No explanations, no descriptions, nada. Just a file attachment. (I need to write up a boilerplate response for this)
