I have been givin the opportunity to quote on a large job. My problem is that I'm not equipped or experienced enough for this job, but don't want to loose the opportunity. My customer has x6 48' trailer with full rivets and would like full colour graphics applied on both sided approx. 20' wide. I don't have a colour plotter, and I would not be able apply this myself. I also do not have a clue how to price this job out. I have been wanting a colour plotter for a while but could not justify the cost - probably a roland 600...maybe this is the opportunity to buy one and have a good payment on it....I'm not sure if that is expecting too much. Some advice would be greatly appreciated.
My first thought was to farm the whole job out and have some one else cut the vinyl. The only problem is...if there is a screw up with the application it would be cheaper for me to re-cut if I had the equippment than someone else.
------------------ Brenda Beaupit Classic Graphics Kemptville, Ont CANADA
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Brenda,
If it were me, I would probably farm the printing out, then mark it up at least 300%. Also, be sure to order an extra set in case you screw up something. You may also want to invest in the Rob Ivers video tapes - especially about the one concerning applying large graphics and dealing with rivets.
[This message has been edited by Glenn Taylor (edited May 21, 2001).]
Posted by cheryl nordby (Member # 1100) on :
Hi Brenda! Well I see this as a great opportunity! Go for it!! Years ago I never knew how to gold leaf....or make sandblasted signs. But I bought books explaining how. Or asked someone to show me, or just did it, and learned as I went. Maybe ask around and pay someone who has done those before, to help you. Good Luck! "Experience is one thing you can't get for nothing" Oscar Wilde
I gotta agree with Glenn on this one. Although, I'd probably only mark up 200% On a different tangent though, when are we as Letterheads going to start hosting some meets where we can share vinyl tips. I would love to give a demo on large format graphic installations. Havin' fun, Checkers
------------------ a.k.a. Brian Born Harrisburg, Pa 717.652.9073 members.home.net/sign-it/ This isn't Burger King, you can't have it your way.
Posted by Michael Boone (Member # 308) on :
More tips... Rent or buy a 6' section of scaffold with wheels...make sure the wheels have brakes. If you can rent an electric manlift...it will be well worth the money. Allow at least 3 hours to wash the trailer and dont trust anyone to do it.I scrub the trailer first with a good industrial cleaner and add a healthy splash of whitewall cleaner.Then a quick wipe with mineral spirits.Finish with Rapid prep and cheap generic paper towels.I think any shop that does any trailer work is not properly stocked unless there is some Rapid Prep on the shelf.I washed a 48' Great Dane both sides and stainless rear doors with less than a quart of Rapid Prep.Thats pretty good mileage. Do not think for one minute that this work will be easy.Is not.Its backbreakin tirin work.And you will be absolutely amazed at how many!@#$%^ rivets can be jammed onto the side of a 48' van! Definately get a garage to work in. Have heat in winter,always. Make sure you have very good lights. Its a real plus if you have a good helper.You will enjoy some company too if you take on 6 vans,especially if you do em back to back. Large graphics come in sections as a rule.I like to start at the back and work forward so the overlays are not lifted by constant wind as the truck goes down the road. Specify a good overlap..15-20mm on big graphic that size... Do not be afraid....you will make some good money here..as well you should,but you will definately earn it. If the client has 6 vans now...no doubt there will be more later and other work...Go Git Em!
[This message has been edited by Michael Boone (edited May 22, 2001).]
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Brian!!
How ya doin buddy?
I'd LOVE to see a demo on full wrap stuff! I have done large stuff on flat surfaces'rivited surfaces but the "wrap" stuff on rounded objects is something I have only done on small stuff like motorcycles and jetskis and snowmobiles.
Could ya get to Pat King's meet and bring a couple of sample graphics to demo?
------------------ Dave Grundy AKA "applicator" on mIRC "stickin' sticky stuff to valuable vessels and vehicles!" in Granton, Ontario, Canada 1-519-225-2634 dave.grundy@quadro.net www.quadro.net/~shirley
Posted by Brenda Daley Giuseppin (Member # 37) on :
Michael, thanks for your e-mail! Excellent work! I tried to e-mail you back, but I got a mail delivery twice. Do you have another address?
------------------ Brenda Beaupit Classic Graphics Kemptville, Ont CANADA
Posted by Bruce Evans (Member # 44) on :
If you've never done large format, you may be in over your head on a job like that. It would take two of my guys the better part of the day to do trailers like that, presuming they do it right. We try and get $15/sqft. for the prints and $2.50/sqft for installation. Assuming a height of roughly 10ft. Coverage of 10'x20' would be $6,000 for the prints and $1,000 labor for the install. Once you do one trailer, you'll attack the others at a faster pace. I'd farm out the printing to a Scotchprint wholesaler such as Gregory. Off the top of my head I would guess you'd be paying about $6.00/sqft. At $7,000 a trailer, we would more than likely get underbid....but you never know.
As far as the PC600, don't even think of it as an option for a job like this....it would take about 5 years to get the printing finished
------------------ Bruce Evans Chromark Design-A-Sign Covina , CA bruce@chromark.net
Posted by Brenda Daley Giuseppin (Member # 37) on :
Thanks Bruce for your input...and your right, I would be in way over my head to install the vinyl myself, but I would like to hire someone for that part. I'm still doing my homework on colour plotters, so if you have a better suggestion for what type of plotter that should be used for the job...this well help me in finding the right person to plot the vinyl for me if I choose to go that route.
------------------ Brenda Beaupit Classic Graphics Kemptville, Ont CANADA
Posted by Mark Fair Signs (Member # 289) on :
brenda, until i see this "full color graphic" there is no way to determine if this is a digital imaging job or an old fashion "cut and roll". i have done several jobs on big trucks using a combination of techniques.
what i mean by "cut and roll" is using a masking frisket such as "tuff-back" (a trade name) apply the mask and pounce an accurate pattern, then cut with an exacto knife. then "rag" roll one-shot over the masked areas, then "tip" with a clean bristle brush to get a nice painted finish.
just like i say, without seeing the sketch, there is no way i can determine how i would approach this job.
don't let em scare you. there is a starting point for everyone.
Posted by Brenda Daley Giuseppin (Member # 37) on :
Actually Mark, it will definitely be a digitized print. The graphic is a Transport truck, boat and train that has been blended together. It could not be painted or at least it would be too hard...plus there are 6 trailers and two sides.
------------------ Brenda Beaupit Classic Graphics Kemptville, Ont CANADA
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
I say go for it!
Ya never know if you never try.
Get the printing farmed out, you dont want to attempt this with a Roland. I like rolands but hey, neither Rolands or Edge printers are adequate for a job like that.
Ya need large format printing.
Jump in there and just go for it, have no fear.
You just might even get more similar work, then after 10 trailers that size you can purchase a Summa DuraChrome printer outright with cash! I think the Summa DC has a cost of around $2/sq ft for full color printing, and judging from the print samples I have from that machine, it does a fantastic job!
------------------ Mike Pipes Digital Illusion Custom Graphics Lake Havasu City, AZ http://www.stickerpimp.com
Posted by Troy Haas (Member # 472) on :
Brian, I know it is along way away, but I got plenty of buddies that have race trailers and maybe at my meet next year we could work something out, I know many of them would go for a good deal. Maybe get a supplier to pick up the cost of the vinyl in exchange for a logo placed on the trailer. I got one guy in mind who races ASA, goes all over, just doesn't have the budget right now for graphics on his Semi-trailer. This is his first year.
Sorry to get OT
------------------ Troy Haas "Metal_Leg" on mIRC
SAM Signs & RPM Auto Graphix 931 W. Columbia street Evansville,Indiana 47710 812-437-5367 Home of the: "Brush Fire at the Hose House" Letterhead Meet April 27-29th,2001
