posted
I got a call from someone a couple of weeks ago, and they wanted to someone to come out and give them a quote on a fairly large order. (On a Friday)
I go see them the next Monday, and they are changing their name because the company had been sold. They have Gemini type letters on the front of their building, 4 trucks that need relettering, front door lettering, and a 4 x 6 hanging sign out front.
Talking with the man who called me, he tells me that it is going out for bid, but I was the first one to show up, and he was impressed by me showing up so quickly. He also said that the job has to be done by Jan. 1. I get a quote over the following day, and follow up the next day to make sure he got it.
I did mention to him that he really needed to make a decision as to who is going to do the work, so that who ever is going to do the work can get to work on obtaining the permiting.
I called back this morning, and they have yet to assign the work, and I am starting to worry about meeting their deadline, if I do have to get permits.
What is the worst that can happen if permits are not filed? Would you advise the customer that because it is too close to the deadline to get permits (2 to 3 weeks for this town)that we can go ahead and start working on the signs, and hope the permits will allow the signs (considering that they should, it is getting the same size letters, sign, etc.)
How would ya'll handle this situation?
-------------------- Mark Kottwitz Kottwitz Graphics Ridgely, MD www.SeeMySignWork.com -------------------------- Imagination is more important than knowledge. -- Albert Einstein Posts: 746 | From: Ridgely, MD | Registered: Oct 2000
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If all the signs are within the guidelines of the town, then the permits shouldn't be a problem. BUT I would tell them that you can start with out the permits, if they are willing to eat the cost should the town have a problem with size, color, etc. In other words let them who are impatient take the risk.
quote:I called back this morning, and they have yet to assign the work, and I am starting to worry about meeting their deadline, if I do have to get permits.
Why are you worrying about this? It isn't a job, it's a quote you gave to a procrastinator. Save the stress & worry for real jobs. When and if they give you the signed work order & deposit, then explain their choices, as Dana put them. But make sure it's all in writing.
I do disagree with Dana's last line. It would be better "Let those who procrastinate, then are impatient take the risk."
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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-------------------- Frank Smith Frank Smith Signs Albany, NY www.franksmithsigns.com Posts: 807 | From: Albany, NY USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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tell em to give you the OK to do em. Git em done. HAve them pay ya.
Then let them worry about the permits. Their problem
Other wise just walk away.
-------------------- 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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quote:What is the worst that can happen if permits are not filed?
Around here, it depends on the city.
In some, the final responsibility is the licensed sign company, who can be fined up to $2000 per day that a sign is up without the permit. In municipalities that do not require a license, the final onus might be on the end user, who can also face daily fines.
To my knowledge, the only time the fines have really been assessed is when someone cops an attitude with the city. Usually, they allow payment of a double fee.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5084 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I imagine that there are 1000 other things on his mind. I'd gently remind him once more that I have concerns the permits will take time, that I would really like to do the job for him but that I realize that his slate is full right now and so I will wait to hear from him. Then I'd simply forget about it until he notifies you as to his decision. Should he decide to go with you, you can then deal with the permit issue and decide how to proceed. I'm betting he is probably waiting for other shops who are not as diligent, hopefully the $ value will be close enough that your conscientious work ethics will win out. Good luck, hope you get it.
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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around here the permit process is overlooked more often then not, and in the very very few instances I've heard of in the last 12 years, where a permit requirement was imposed after the fact, there has never been any question as to who put the signs up.
Of course these are usually cases where no permit application was filed at all.(otherwise they would know which sign contractor filed the application)
I've only heard of the County seeking out non permitted signs when a complaint is filed (usually by a competitor)
I have clients who want me to get the signs up now & deal with the permit applications later. I make sure they understand I don't issue permits, I only apply for them, and as much as I would like to know what is allowed, I tell them it is very complex, with various criteria that changes based on their location, and building size & the square root of the age of their first born child. Being as how our local Government is well known for being exactly like that, they realize the sad truth that I'm sorta NOT joking.
posted
I wouldnt make his urgency my problem. turn in the bid, stress the latest date you need to know by and forget about it. its HIS problem not yours. how long does it take to get permits anyways I can have a permit in 1 hour.
on top of that why get permits, its gemini letters and some trucks and another sign. do it on the weekend
-------------------- You ever notice how easily accessible people are when they are requiring your services but once they get invoice you can't reach them anymore
quote:What is the worst that can happen if permits are not filed?
Around here, it depends on the city.
In some, the final responsibility is the licensed sign company, who can be fined up to $2000 per day that a sign is up without the permit.
Fines are exactly what I am worried about. When I say its a large order, it is a quote for $5200, which is a huge order for me.
As far as forgetting about it, I hate to admit that this sale would be really nice to help me out financially. It is in the back of my mind, along with the other really big bids I put out over the last 2 weeks or so (well over 20K).
-------------------- Mark Kottwitz Kottwitz Graphics Ridgely, MD www.SeeMySignWork.com -------------------------- Imagination is more important than knowledge. -- Albert Einstein Posts: 746 | From: Ridgely, MD | Registered: Oct 2000
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In our town there are a bunch of unlicensed sign companies who never pull permits. We are licensed and always pull permits. If someone calls us for a quote and we advise them that the signs must be permitted and then don't hear from them we keep an eye on what is going on there. If they are going elsewhere, I check with the city to make sure the playing field is level and that they have pulled permits.
-------------------- Joy Kjer Art On Display Signs 4001 Randolph St Lincoln, NE
"My life has a superb cast, but I can't figure out the plot." Posts: 445 | From: 4001 Randolph St. Lincoln, NE | Registered: Jun 2002
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We also like to make sure that permits are in order before ordering materials. The review board and zoning commission make some strange decisions sometimes....
One option would be to do the trucks (No Permit needed), and give them an option for a temporary sign or banner if they can't get you a full approval in time to meet their deadline.
It will allow you to take the proper time with the real signs, they will have the name change in place and you get a couple more signs out it.
-------------------- Tom & Sharon Giampia Creative Image Design Port Chester, NY Posts: 285 | From: Port Chester | Registered: Mar 2001
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Mark, If the signs are just basically a change of copy, and the sizes are remaining the same,I would go ahead and do the changes. It is a speech issue, not a zoning issue. What the sign says is none of their business as long as it is not "unconstitutional" speech (pornographic, inciting, etc. If the signs are already legal, then the new signs will be also, just with a different message (First Amendment if you ask me). But I am more willing to push those limits of legality. If it's outside of your comfort zone, then by all means, don't proceed.
But... you can always letter the trucks and get your foot in the door. Something is better than nothing.
-------------------- Gene Golden Gettysburg Signs Gettysburg PA 17325 717-334-0200 genegolden@gettysburgsigns.com
"Art is knowing when to stop." Posts: 1578 | From: Gettysburg, PA | Registered: Jun 2003
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