posted
After doing this for over 50 years I shouldn't be surprised at anything, but some experiences are just so "out there" than I have to share them with fellow sign folks...and you've probably heard the same thing in the last few weeks or you will before long.
Today I received a phone call from a local Federal Credit Union wanting to know if I do signs on glass. Yes. "Well, we are changing our drive in hours from 8 to 7 and need to change the lettering on the glass door".
No problem, right? Since I did the hours on the glass door and the drive up window originally, I know the color, size and font.
"We'll be glad to take care of it"
Good."Could you come out to discuss the project?"
What? Discuss what? There is no need to come there since I did the original job and know the details.
No, she wanted to be sure that I understood what they needed. Yes, you change the "8" to a "7" on the front door and on the drive up window.
"How long have you been in business?" Well, at the present location 21 years, but I've been doing signs for spending money for 55 years.
After a few more questions, she still wanted me to come there before giving me the go ahead. A price had already been given and she was OK with that and they would have a check ready when the job was finished.
In my most professional sounding voice I was sure I had her convinced that I could handle the job without any problems. But...just to be sure, she wanted me to send her a proof of what the changes would look like.
Believe it or not, I still got the job - without the proof.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Since I try to do window splash mostly, this is a reason why.
My new window splash customers, like to ask to see what it looks like before, do not blame them but has a cure.
I quickly draw it out with pen & paper as we talk & walk back in by that time I have a good idea& so do they as we discuss colors which is short, by that time I may have drawn it out a couple more times ..they now have a good idea & realize by looking at mine or others window splash as they surfing the net looking for what is it going to look like..oh I've drawn again if they are fussy while they were surfing & cleaned it up more.
This is why I like doing window splash & hand painted signs instead of software driven
Sold a small job today it will be done after dinner tonight between jobs & I'll ride my bicycle with a trailer of supplies & do it & get paid after ... love this kinda work, talent & know how equals sales & cash.
I remember, back in the days ( in Orlando ), when you and I would be driving to see one of your customers...
While you were driving the truck, and I was riding shotgun, making sketches of what you had told me, previously ( meaning 15 minutes earlier ),we were going to be painting on the windows.
That's what I used to call "design on the go"........We didn't need no steeenkin' computer, in those days. Loved it !
posted
The client's contempt for much common sense, still baffles me today. I did a 4 hour design of numerous sign projects on Sunday for a Chrysler dealer who told me he was in the big rush. It is about 7 grand of work. Spent my Sunday doing these and here it is on Thursday and he has not yet called me back to give me the green light. Made me drive out there 22 miles away, twice and acts like all is well. Somehow, I think he just lost his chance for the old package discount. Will listen to his ideas again and will bump him right into the stress pit when it comes to delivering things on time for his big grand opening. Got to love the jerks. They actually pay better than the ones who aren't.
-------------------- Preston McCall 112 Rim Road Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 text: 5056607370 Posts: 1552 | From: Santa Fe, New Mexico | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Wow Craig, Ricardo said he was your gunshot passenger. You must have been a real slave driver to make him sketch out a project before taking him to the hospital to treat his wound or were you on the way already?
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5396 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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Thanks for pointing that out.....My bad.....I meant to say that I was riding "shotgun", not that I was "gunshot".....Thanks for paying attention, Mr. Smarty Pants.
posted
Craig- I like how you put the vinyl down first on the glass and letter over it. The reasons you listed on your website make a lot of sense. Is it "removable" or regular intermediate vinyl?
-------------------- Phil Steffen, 29 Van Rensselaer St City of Saratoga Springs DPW Saratoga Springs NY 12866 Posts: 563 | From: beautiful Saratoga Springs NY | Registered: Aug 2001
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[ August 16, 2013, 07:56 AM: Message edited by: Philip Steffen ]
-------------------- Phil Steffen, 29 Van Rensselaer St City of Saratoga Springs DPW Saratoga Springs NY 12866 Posts: 563 | From: beautiful Saratoga Springs NY | Registered: Aug 2001
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