Your sign estimating software

[ams]

I posted this in General Software and never got a reply in 36 hours so you can delete that one.

What kind of sign estimating software do you use? I've seen prices $249 - >$400. Also some are just a monthly fee of $39.

I'd prefer to purchase it and not have a monthly fee, and I don't like the excel estimating programs because those are cheaply designed and made and not worth it. I'd rather use a program.

 

[Gino]

36 hours isn't that long. Many people only tune in once or twice a week and contribute slowly. Try not to be so anxious.

We use QuickBooks. Costs about $400 for the version we have and then about $150 every three years to upgrade it and you must upgrade it.

 

[Malkin]

We built our own rather complex excel spreadsheet to use. We also have a binder full of pages for prices on common items. Sometimes I just cost it up by hand.

We used to have a 3 tier system based on how simple or fancy the signs was, now our 3 tier system is

Economy (very simple copy, no proof, white background etc)
Customer provided art (think "Camera Ready")
Art/Design by us (can vary quite a bit)

 

[dwt]

I fly by the seat of my pants and work it out as I go based on past experience.
$50-70 per hour for labor plus a healthy mark up on materials, in case I bungle up a job and don't want to loose my a$$.
Here is a quickie cheat sheet if your ever at a complete loss.
http://www.thesignexpert.com/TheSignExpert.com/Sign_Business_Free_Sign_Price_Calculators.html

 

[ams]

I see you all make your own, but was hoping someone used pre-made professional sign software that they could recommend. The sign writers price guide says for a 3 X 6 banner two colors I should be charging $200. That seems highly expensive as I normally would do it for about $110.

 

[Letterbox Mike]

GraphixCalc is very very good and accurate and it's inexpensive compared to most. You have to do a lot of upfront setup to get your costs set right (but this is true with any program thats going to give you accurate pricing), but once you get things set right it's very fast and we've never had it give us an inaccurate price.

 

[showcase 66]

I use Graphix Calc. I have the excel version right now. I am thinking about getting the Pro version soon.

 

[ams]

Thank you I will check it out.

 

[sardocs]

We just bought GraphixCalc last week. We have been using the pencil, calculator, and "gut feeling" method since about 1977. It's been fun so far learning how to use the program. Already it has got me re-thinking our shoprate. I think it has about paid for itself already.

 

[ams]

Sounds great, I looked at it and its a decent price, but I only need 1 license not 2, so emailed them to see if I could just get 1.

 

[ova]

We use Quick Books for billing, but adjust pricing in there. Most of the work on the awards side of the business is custom work, so it's hard to have a set price.

 

[VTSigns]

We use Cyrious Software. It cost about $2500 8 years ago. Haven't had to upgrade it yet. It's a very easy to use and professional option. I know there is software called Estimate but it carries a monthly fee. Check out Cyrious.

 

[Steve G.]

GraphixCalc is very very good and accurate and it's inexpensive compared to most. You have to do a lot of upfront setup to get your costs set right (but this is true with any program thats going to give you accurate pricing), but once you get things set right it's very fast and we've never had it give us an inaccurate price.

Absolutely Agree!
Been using graphix calc for about 4-5 years.. Very Happy with it.
Graphix calc works Flawlessly for most all of our work, and after initial set up, very fast and easy to use.

We also use quickbooks to submit estamates and billing.

 

[sardocs]

For us the second license allows it to be installed on the desktop pc but can be used on the wireless laptop. Any data input into either computer automatically updates on both.

 

[American & Proud]

I bought GraphixCalc Pro and QuickBooks Pro 2010.

I like GraphixCalc and like that I can have it on my laptop as well.

And I carry SignCrafts 2010 Sign Pricing Guide in mine and my wifes cars at all times.

 

[BobM]

GraphixCalc Pro for the last two years. Excellent software at an affordable price. Short learning curve.

 

[ams]

We use Cyrious Software. It cost about $2500 8 years ago. Haven't had to upgrade it yet. It's a very easy to use and professional option. I know there is software called Estimate but it carries a monthly fee. Check out Cyrious.

I looked at that, and there is no information about downloads or a price anywhere on the website, you have to call them for a demo and prices. So I ignored them.

 

[trakers]

I looked at that, and there is no information about downloads or a price anywhere on the website, you have to call them for a demo and prices. So I ignored them.

Exactly the same here. Too much like a "used car salesman" pricing tactic for us. I picture the cost being a percentage of your shops gross sales.

 

[trakers]

..

 

[visual800]

price is not determined by a pricing guide in our shop...price depends on budget, complexity, customers attitude, the economy and the amount of sale I have done or have not done