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Hey, Folks. A fellow from another local sign shop stopped in today and we chatted awhile. Latter on he called and asked if I could help him with a sign that needed routed letters. I said "Sure!" Question: is there a standard "trade discount" we give each other in the biz? If so, what is it?
Thanks, Mark
-------------------- Mark Rogan The Great Barrington Sign Company 2 Stilwell Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230 mark@gbsignco.com
"Sometimes I think my head is so big because it is so full of fonts" Posts: 332 | From: Great Barrington, MA | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
Depends on the difficulty of the job and if the other guy is a jerk or someone you'd like doing business with.
I'd say maybe 10-20%.. it gives him a little room to make a profit on that part of the job but he should have that built into the overall price he's charging his customer anyway... There's no reason to go hog wild and drop the price 30, 40, 50% cause right now it's just a one-time deal, but let him know if he continues bringing more work he's elligible for more discount.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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Do you mean "Help him" as in, you do the whole job, or he will do the sale, prep, layout and finish and you "help" just with the routing? If I were going to only do the routing for him, I would treat him fair, but basically get my usual shop hourly rate. I would try to avoid that situation though - what would happen if your router slipped and you ruined his blank he made?
If he wanted to sell the job and have me do the complete fabrication, same deal, Time & Materials, or a contract price we would agree to up front, but I would prefer to avoid that scenario also, for similar reasons - if I don't have a sufficient profit margin built in, I could never recover from a screwup of my own doing, and where would I be if the client ultimately said "I don't like it"? (because of some miscommunication between the seller and client that was out of my control).
The only comfortable way to work for other shops (in my opinion) is to have them refer the whole job to me, sale and everything. I have first hand contact with the client and know their wishes, expectations and budget, plus I've priced it out with a sufficient margin to make a real profit. In fact, I can add 10% on top of the price for the referring party if all goes well. Better yet, I can return the favor down the road with a referral thats up his alley.
SONGPAINTER Original Sign Music by Sign People NOW AVAILABLE on CD and the proceeds go to Letterville's favorite charity! Click Here for Sound Clips! Posts: 1974 | From: Orleans, MA, Cape Cod, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Thanks, guys. I think Joe's approach may be in order here. The shop I'm "helping out" only does vinyl. It appears, however that he sold a local coffee house a carved sign. Coincidentally, the coffee house is right next door to my shop and I've been meaning to stop in and tell the owner—in a nice way—that his signs suck and he should let me redo them. So, I think I will try and just take the job over 100%. I wouldn't steal it. I'd only take it if the other shop agreed that it would be the best way to go. I'll let you know how this all works out. Thanks again.
-------------------- Mark Rogan The Great Barrington Sign Company 2 Stilwell Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230 mark@gbsignco.com
"Sometimes I think my head is so big because it is so full of fonts" Posts: 332 | From: Great Barrington, MA | Registered: Mar 2003
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