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Exactly, I usually figure in my design time into the job. That is why if I get the job the design is part of it, if some other company steals it, then they should pay me. But I usually tell the client up front that there is a design cost and it is included in the sign project total. Some clients have offered to pay me for my time up front (which is rare, but I love it) The majority of clients that contact me have already decided ahead of time they are going to have me do the work so it is easy for me to design and know I am going to get a return on it.
-------------------- Jeff Wisdom SignWorks info@oregonsignworks.com Posts: 450 | From: Oregon | Registered: Dec 2005
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David, Here's what I do. Most potential customers come in the shop or call, and start asking questions like "How much is....." I show them all the samples and possibilities to get them into the "YES" mode. Sell yourself, or your company. Don't try to sell them a sign yet. I heard this example from a large sign company years ago. They never went out and sold signs, they first sell them on the company and it abilities and reputation. I then explain the best way to get started is with a logo or the design. "If you would like me to do some drawings, (of course....there thinking "YES")it takes a $150 to start the designs. I explain it will be deducted from the bill when completed. If a logo design is is needed first, it's paid up front in advance ($200) I recently went to give an estimate at a "stand alone" dentist building. I saw a Sign-A Rama truck parked there first. I waited till they left and went in figuring on "NOT" selling them a "NEW SIGN", but did go through the necessary steps and listened to what they wanted. Then went through enough samples and got them into the "WOW" mode. (They liked my portfolio) They had 5 sign shops come over for an estimate. They wrote me a check for $150 to start the concept drawings. I'm sure Dan Swoows#w@anks*tikizee never trys to sell a sign to anyone potential customer when they first meet. He sell his abilities! Hope this makes sense. John
-------------------- John Arnott El Cajon CA 619 596-9989 signgraphics1@aol.com http://www.signgraphics1.com Posts: 1443 | From: El Cajon CA usa | Registered: Dec 1998
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I always found it very simple. A look thru my portfolio of past work showed them how good I was. Stages of the job were all separate, priced and paid for before continuing from one stage to the next.
Design work was in terms of roughs, then a comp of one of them (is that word still used, to mean a tight illustration of the final art?) to show them what they'd be getting.
Since they had paid for the design work, they could do what they wanted with it. Usually, of course, they went ahead and had me do the final art, spec the printing, etc.
I always avoided situations that involved bickering, bargaining, pleading, cajoling, worrying, etc. I found such things interfered with my pool game.
-------------------- dennis kiernan independent artist san francisco, calif, usa Posts: 907 | From: san francisco, ca usa | Registered: Feb 2010
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