posted
its probably not too late to be selling holiday splashes, cutouts, etc. i've only dabbled in that work -- what are some tips for selling them and making money. (i was inspired by the cut-out Santas in a different topic thread). how do you work fast enough to make it profitable? how do you find customers who want more than "made in China"?
-------------------- :: Scooter Marriner :: :: Coyote Signs :: :: Oakland, CA :: :: still a beginner :: :: Posts: 1356 | From: Oakland (and San Francisco) | Registered: Mar 2001
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No, its not too late to sell this sort of work, but I am completely booked for Christmas. I stay booked year round, because folks typically do this sort of thing year to year. So, if you make a handful of calls to last years customers say...in August to book, your calendar will most likely be filled in advance. Thats a good thing.
Tips for selling them...hit the pavement with some mock-ups if you don't have any portfolio work to show. Decide in advance what sort of pricing you need for your work. A sq. ft price works nicely, and is easy to quote on the fly...I also have a minimum price because I need to make it worth my while. For example, they will ask "how much?" and you already have a number in your head by mentally tallying up sq footage in your head when you pulled in the parking lot before you walk in their door. (A good rule-of-thumb is 48" high at visual center on the window glass x ? length of window) Of course, you tell them what area it will fill, and then show them the mock-ups and assure them it will be done with that sort of style.
You could also design up a dozen designs/mock ups in advance and when you sell a customer...just fill in the details/copy for that individual. It is possible to sell the same design in different towns/areas...simply change out some details like color, etc. By doing this you will also get faster at producing your work, since you will already have done the layout several times.
You will be suprised at how many customers will want the same design year after year. I know I am. I have a dentist office that just loves my candy cane theme! :-)
How do you work fast enough to make it profitable? Work like your life depends on it. Start early in the season, run till late in the season. Sometimes you can give discounts off of work being done "late" in season...but better a lower paycheck, than no paycheck. There is also a premium for being installed the week of Thanksgiving: and only regular, well-established clients can opt for that time frame. You will also find that certain shops need their storefronts done at different times: shipping companies need it done first, then retail, then restaurants usually get done after Dec 1st. Begin work early in the morning....and, well...I have worked into the dark by shining my truck headlights on windows to finish them.
I have found customers that want more than "Made in China" mostly by giving my very best work everytime. The work speaks for itself, and people still like quality. I will say that selling some "prominently" placed windows that get tons of exposure certainly helps. Nowadays, people will stop into those shops to get my name and # so they can hire me to do their windows. Thats when you know you've done a job well!
You won't be a beginner for long....you are asking all the right questions, Scooter! Merry Christmas!
Stef
-------------------- Stefanie Fox Fox Design Studio Atlanta, GA Posts: 181 | From: Atlanta GA, USA | Registered: May 2006
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posted
Scooter, you'd do well to call Rich Stebbing and see if you could be his helper for a day or three over in the Santa Rosa area learning some of his techniques.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6736 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I contacted my neighborhood chamber of commerce and offered free Halloween window splashes for the "first three who contact me." So I got three little practice projects, and I'm hoping those will get the other merchants aware of the impact that splashes can have, and will establish me in the area prior to the winter season.
I know that different people have conflicting ideas about "giving away" work. I figure these people wouldn't be paying for Halloween signs anyway. Having three sets of windows to practice on is a big help to me, so they're loaning me windows and they're getting some temporary signs.
I also think that "samples" are a great sales tool.
I guess I'll know in a few weeks if the samples were tasty enough for the other merchants to want to buy some for themselves.
-------------------- :: Scooter Marriner :: :: Coyote Signs :: :: Oakland, CA :: :: still a beginner :: :: Posts: 1356 | From: Oakland (and San Francisco) | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
why,, speculate? you are using your time and talent to speculate on a future gold mine.. Any way,, its good to try..
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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