loganBeckwithiv
New Member
I haven't posted on here much. I do however browse the forums quite a bit looking to gain knowledge where I can. Most of what I've gathered is it can get pretty hostile to post on here. Depending on the questions asked or statements posted. I've actually been reluctant to start any new topics because of that fact.
I'm just 20 years old. I've got my own small sign business started and I'm completely self employed. No I don't have a Gateway computer, some 12" China-Man cutter and a squeegee. I've got a Mimaki JV3-160, Royal Sovereign 54" Laminator, Rolland Cutter, and various other machines, tools, and decent software. I've got over $25k into what I've got. All bought and paid in full with my own money... While my friends are out buying new lifted trucks... I'm buying machines and supplies... (And yes I pay Taxes, Rent, Insurance, Heat, Electricity, have a DBA, etc.) Soon to be moving from my 750sq ft shop to a 2,500sq ft Shop. (Lease has been signed, keys in hand... Business is growing
). Very Excited.
Anyways, I've been reading through some old business management books, reading about product pricing strategies, and found a quote from the 1800's that stood out;
“It's unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to pay too little. When
you pay too much, you lose a little money - that's all. When you pay
too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you
bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The
common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a
lot - it can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well
to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will
have enough to pay for something better.”
― John Ruskin
I think this applies to the Sign Industry of today quite well.
It also reminded me of all the times I've already heard;
The number one thing I hate hearing is that they can get it cheaper somewhere else. People just don't get it I guess. But lucky for me I'm not afraid to turn people down if an understanding or compromise cannot be made. I've got the mentality that I'm either going to make decent money, or not do it at all. Also keep in mind that my pricing is fair. I worked at a sign shop prior for 3-4 years. I'm pretty good at quoting out jobs. Being young I feel that many of the clients I do work for feel they can push me around.
Sorry about all the fat^, just thought I'd explain myself a little and share a quote.
- LB
I'm just 20 years old. I've got my own small sign business started and I'm completely self employed. No I don't have a Gateway computer, some 12" China-Man cutter and a squeegee. I've got a Mimaki JV3-160, Royal Sovereign 54" Laminator, Rolland Cutter, and various other machines, tools, and decent software. I've got over $25k into what I've got. All bought and paid in full with my own money... While my friends are out buying new lifted trucks... I'm buying machines and supplies... (And yes I pay Taxes, Rent, Insurance, Heat, Electricity, have a DBA, etc.) Soon to be moving from my 750sq ft shop to a 2,500sq ft Shop. (Lease has been signed, keys in hand... Business is growing
). Very Excited. Anyways, I've been reading through some old business management books, reading about product pricing strategies, and found a quote from the 1800's that stood out;
“It's unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to pay too little. When
you pay too much, you lose a little money - that's all. When you pay
too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you
bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The
common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a
lot - it can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well
to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will
have enough to pay for something better.”
― John Ruskin
I think this applies to the Sign Industry of today quite well.
It also reminded me of all the times I've already heard;
"INSERT COMPANY HERE can do it for way less!"
And then had to explain that there is a REASON why they are cheaper. I'm considering making a sign in my new shop that has the John Ruskin quote.
The number one thing I hate hearing is that they can get it cheaper somewhere else. People just don't get it I guess. But lucky for me I'm not afraid to turn people down if an understanding or compromise cannot be made. I've got the mentality that I'm either going to make decent money, or not do it at all. Also keep in mind that my pricing is fair. I worked at a sign shop prior for 3-4 years. I'm pretty good at quoting out jobs. Being young I feel that many of the clients I do work for feel they can push me around.
Sorry about all the fat^, just thought I'd explain myself a little and share a quote.
- LB
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