posted
I had a customer 2 years ago ask me if we could make a standup cutout like these celebrity cardboard standups you see at gift shops. She said they cost $100 on line and about $20 to ship them. She didn't like that they came folded in half with a crease in the waistline area. She asked me if we could make them without folding them which I said yes.
They will pick them up anyway, so there was no need to fold them over. Plus they will save shipping cost. I thought it was just going to be one standup. She ordered 5 for the Senior Girls high school basketball players! They provided a professional digital camera image which we enlarged to actual size of each girl. They came out perfectly clear. We mounted them on foamboard, cut them out with an xacto knife and I made a easel back support out of coroplast and double-stick taped it on the back so they stood up. It takes about 45 minutes from start to finish for each one.
We have now added the BOYS basketball Seniors after they saw what we made for the Girls Seniors. The word is spreading and another local school is placing an order this coming season. Do you think $100 each is a fair price? It is quite a keepsake after they graduate. I am attaching a photo of a recent cutout of a girl that is now playing college ball.
My graphic designer Amanda is posing next to the standup to show how life-like they look. Of course Amanda is only 5'1" tall so you can see a slight height difference!
Sign-cerely, Steve
-------------------- Steve Luck Sign Magic Inc. 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 (618)466-9120 signmagic@sbcglobal.net Posts: 870 | From: 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Honestly Steve, I think that is a really low price, the print alone is worth at least that much....2ftx 5ft at $8 .. $80.00 then you have to lay it down, cost of Board, labor to attach the easels, then cut to shape... Probably worth at least $150... but you have to get what you can and also you are doing multiples....
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Steve, You gotta decide if it is for love or money. You've priced it for love. I would do the next batch for $175ish. You can get this because they know the others have them. You will not get it if you do not ask.
-------------------- Bob Sauls Sauls Signs & Designs Tallahassee, Fl
"Today I'll meet nice people and draw for them!" Posts: 765 | From: Tallahassee, Fl | Registered: Jun 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
I was thinking we could increase the price on the next order since we have done them for 2 seasons now. It really isn't time consuming when I get to do 5 at the same time. I did see them on the internet for $99.95 plus shipping, but I think since we are not having to fold them over for shipping, we can offer a better looking stand up. Thanks Neil and Bob for the insight on pricing. I think they are worth more and since we have proven that we can make them look great, I don't think we will have a problem raising the price.
Sign-cerely, Steve
-------------------- Steve Luck Sign Magic Inc. 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 (618)466-9120 signmagic@sbcglobal.net Posts: 870 | From: 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
I've had this same dilemma with customers telling me the price they can get it for. Actually expecting me to make something custom at a cookie cutter price. Customers should never dictate the price.
-------------------- 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
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hiya Steve, I would easily be in the $250 range. But, I would use Gatorfoam instead of foam board.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
It's perfectly acceptable to tell your clients that the increase in price is from underestimating the job originally and you need to adjust or it is costing YOU . . . and that it is NOT price gouging. They will appreciate the honesty.
And isn't that the truth anyway, Steve? What would 'Honest' Abe Lincoln do?
That said, if they could contact the other company about not folding theirs, ship it unfolded for $20, then your price would need to reflect that reality.
But I doubt it could be shipped for $20 so the $150.00 to $200.00 seems pretty close to fair (to me) - and parents today would pop for that with no problem at all . . . but THAT is another topic in itself!!
(We like UltraBoard - or any styrene faced foam board. It doesn't curl or bend easily)
Good luck!
[ July 11, 2012, 10:05 AM: Message edited by: Jay Allen ]
-------------------- Jay Allen ShawCraft Sign Co. Machesney Park, IL jallen222@aol.com http://www.shawcraft.com/
"The object of the superior man is truth." -Confucius Posts: 1285 | From: Machesney Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
I didn't think about Gatorboard or UltraBoard at first because of the cost. Both of those boards are a little pricey and regular foamcore/foamboard is less expensive. So.. if I were pricing it at $10 per square foot and the tallest guy is around 6ft+/- tall, we are right about 12 square feet. ($120.) I'm digitally printing and installing on foamboard and adding a coroplast easel to the back so it can stand up. Add an extra $30 for the easel/labor and we are at $150. Am I about right or do you think it still is too cheap? This is not the kind of job we get everyday so I'm trying to not shoot myself in the foot here by overcharging.
If I were to use stronger material that Checkers suggested,which is also more cost, I think I could get $200+ per cutout, but I think it may be overkill. It definitely would last longer, but I'm not sure the parents would go for it. I might be a cheapskate, but if my kid were one of the graduating seniors, I don't think I'd go over the $150 mark.
I want to be fair, but I don't to lose money either. I can knock these out pretty fast, but I now feel they are worth more. Thanks for the advice and input everyone. I'll let you know when I get the next order and see what happens.
Sign-cerely, Steve
-------------------- Steve Luck Sign Magic Inc. 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 (618)466-9120 signmagic@sbcglobal.net Posts: 870 | From: 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
These cut outs would be the perfect place for a cut-all saw rather then a exacto or saber saw.
-------------------- Len Mort Signmaker1.com 11 Juniper Drive Millbury, MA 508-865-2382 "A Good Business Sign, is A Sign of Good Business"(1957) Posts: 811 | From: Millbury, Ma | Registered: Dec 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hey Steve, I used Gatorfoam because they typically were being used as part of a trade show or POP display that was subjected to a fair amount of abuse.
As a personal item, I would have no problem using Fome-cor or other lightweight substrate and I think $150-$175 would be a fair price - as long as you know you're not losing money.
If you have access to a flatbed printer and can get them to order at least 2 at a time, you could work on offering a discounted price in the $100-$125 range - figuring ~$75 for materials and printing and maybe an hour to assemble.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hey Len, What is a cut-all saw and what does it look like? I have a Saws-all saw but it is heavy duty and used to cut big tree limbs or 4x4 wood post off at the ground level.
I was looking for some kind of small electric tool saw that would be similar to an electric carving knife but smaller. I haven't found anything yet that wouldn't destroy foamboard! I have a Dremel tool but it doesn't cut like a knife. It is better for carving and shaping.
Just wondering if anyone has a unique tool for cutting out shapes....
Sign-cerely, Steve
-------------------- Steve Luck Sign Magic Inc. 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 (618)466-9120 signmagic@sbcglobal.net Posts: 870 | From: 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Steve A cut-all was a very popular tool years back that many theater's and window dressers used for cutting displays on many materials, I'm not really sure if they are still made today. If I remember correctly someone here found one a short while ago. A very versatile tool for what you are doing.
-------------------- Len Mort Signmaker1.com 11 Juniper Drive Millbury, MA 508-865-2382 "A Good Business Sign, is A Sign of Good Business"(1957) Posts: 811 | From: Millbury, Ma | Registered: Dec 2006
| IP: Logged |
-------------------- John Lennig / Big Top Sign Arts 5668 Ewart Street, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada bigtopya@hotmail.com 604.451.0006 Posts: 2184 | From: Burnaby, British Columbia,Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
I haven't had much luck with a roto-zip giving me a clean cut line, but it may be my lack of experience using one. I will try it and see if I can handle it.
Len, can you post a photo of that Cut-All tool? Maybe someone here knows where I can find one.
Thanks guys for the help.
Sign-cerely, Steve
-------------------- Steve Luck Sign Magic Inc. 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 (618)466-9120 signmagic@sbcglobal.net Posts: 870 | From: 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
-------------------- Len Mort Signmaker1.com 11 Juniper Drive Millbury, MA 508-865-2382 "A Good Business Sign, is A Sign of Good Business"(1957) Posts: 811 | From: Millbury, Ma | Registered: Dec 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
I just bought one last year for $40.00 on Craigslist. I spent a little time cleaning and fixing it up and replacing the bulbs. There is a guy on ebay that does sell the blades, which are hard to find. I plan on playing with it to get a feel for it.
The company on Si's link sells parts and some supplys for the machine. I believe they have some new machines for sale as well, but not sure.
It seems like the perfect tool for the job. One of the blades is a smooth, sharp, knife-type edge. You can also buy knife edge blades for a jigsaw too.
-------------------- Rick Heller Ohio Technical College 1374 E. 51st Street Cleveland, OH 44103 IOAFS Posts: 210 | From: Cleveland, OH | Registered: Nov 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Check out you tube, cutawl machines there are some good video's on how they work.
-------------------- Len Mort Signmaker1.com 11 Juniper Drive Millbury, MA 508-865-2382 "A Good Business Sign, is A Sign of Good Business"(1957) Posts: 811 | From: Millbury, Ma | Registered: Dec 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
cnc ruoter.. cuts one out in about 12 minutes. Print the pic. Bring it into your easy smeasy CAD. draw an outline for a tool path.. DONE!
-------------------- 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
| IP: Logged |
posted
And Steve . . . Let your client make the decision on which material to use. Offer both - extol the virtues of both - then let them decide. Then you can sell either at the same profit.
When your customer feels empowered, you'll get the sale . . . which doesn't matter if the profit is equal.
-------------------- Jay Allen ShawCraft Sign Co. Machesney Park, IL jallen222@aol.com http://www.shawcraft.com/
"The object of the superior man is truth." -Confucius Posts: 1285 | From: Machesney Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
That's a good idea Jay! If they want the cutouts to last longer, then the gatorboard would be the way to go. The decision can be theirs. I think I was just trying to keep it inexpensive for the parents without giving them a choice. My mistake. Gotta look at the big picture and think about offering options.
Sign-cerely, Steve
-------------------- Steve Luck Sign Magic Inc. 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 (618)466-9120 signmagic@sbcglobal.net Posts: 870 | From: 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
What would 'Honest' Abe Lincoln do? ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic