posted
...how do any of you estimate plotter time? I've built my own spreadsheet to get my pricing accurate.
The biggest problem I have, though, is determing how long it should take to cut the vinyl. I've been using a formula based on the size of the cut, however, as we all know, the amount of cutting within a certain area varies GREATLY.
Anyone use any techniques when they are trying to determine how long their plotter will take to cut a design and/or lettering?
------------------ Randy Graphic Details Fort Edward, NY
Posts: 381 | From: South Glens Falls, NY USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
i look at plotter time same as time spent applying paint with a brush, application tape,rapid tag and diapers(i buy these for rags)dont think its worth tryin to keep track of......if your plotter aint cuttin, you aint doin any work and you aint makin any money.
------------------ joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-944-5060 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND
Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I guess I don't think about plotter time. I have a system... when my plotter is cutting.....I am weeding. I work fast. So I charge by the job rather than by time.
------------------ surf or MoJo on mirc Cheryl J Nordby Signs by Cheryl Seattle WA.....! signsbycheryl@hotmail.com Hitch your wagon to a star. Ralph Waldo Emerson http://www.thisismycool.com/signs/
posted
I agree with Cheryl. I don't care how long it will take to cut, because once it starts, I am working on other art or weeding or doing something else. I usually figure out (rounding to the nearest half hour) how long it will take me including BSing with the customer on the phone, driving time, production and application (and installation, if needed) and multiply that by an hourly shop rate and tack on the materials cost. That gets me in the right area, if it sounds way high or too low, I adjust accordingly.
------------------ Tyler Malinky
A Step Above Signs Cleveland, Ohio 440.479.8129 440.842.1894 fax
www.astepabovesigns.com tmalinky@astepabovesigns.com or exmayors@aol.com
Posts: 190 | From: Parma, Ohio USA | Registered: May 2001
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------------------ "He who asks is a fool for 5 minutes. He who doesnt ask, remains a fool forever." ------------------ Marcano-Welch Signs Luquillo, Puerto Rico 787-889-6608
Posts: 2287 | From: Luquillo, Puerto Rico, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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posted
Cheryl is correct - we are all doing other things while the plotter plots.
The key thing to do is to incorporate the lease cost of the plotter (or a figurative lease cost if you own it, since you have a depreciating asset) in your hourly rate, and bill accordingly for the time spent actually producing the job.
------------------ Mark Smith Ampersand Signs & Design EstiMate Sign Estimating Software www.ampweb.com/estimate 1-888-304-3300 Hailing from beautiful Asheville, N.C.
Posts: 724 | From: Asheville, NC, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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