I'm a newbie who purchased a low budget plotter (28 in) and bought some 15 in x 50 yrd White Oracle 651. I'd like to get some work doing car and store windows, but how much should I charge when I get a job? I want to be more affordable than the big sign shops (to land jobs) , but not so cheap that it only puts an extra $20 in my pocket. A response to the following two scenarios would really help and provide a point of reference.
Lets say a rear car window job wanted 3 rows of letters. First row with lettering 8 in x 30 in, Second row with lettering 4 in x 20 in, Third row 2 in x 10 in, all one color. What would be a fair amount to charge?
Now, lets say a store window job wanted 3 rows and a logo. First row with lettering 14 in x 60 in. Second row with lettering 9 in x 30 in. Third row with lettering 5 in x 20 in. Logo on left side, a 12 in circle/ring with simple cat face in middle. What would be a fair amount to charge?
Don't know if this changes things, but jobs would be in S.California.
I'm just a guy who lacks years of experience in this trade, has a knack for art & design and is trying to make extra funds on the side. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
oNLY YOU CAN COME UP WITH THE PRICE YOU NEED PER SQUARE FOOT.
Once you establish yourself as a lowballer on price, you will never be able to raise it and keep your cheap customers. Major flaw in your business plan.
Price doesn't land good jobs, quality does.
I'm a newbie who purchased a low budget plotter (28 in) and bought some 15 in x 50 yrd White Oracle 651. I'd like to get some work doing car and store windows, but how much should I charge when I get a job? I want to be more affordable than the big sign shops (to land jobs) , but not so cheap that it only puts an extra $20 in my pocket. A response to the following two scenarios would really help and provide a point of reference.
Lets say a rear car window job wanted 3 rows of letters. First row with lettering 8 in x 30 in, Second row with lettering 4 in x 20 in, Third row 2 in x 10 in, all one color. What would be a fair amount to charge?
Now, lets say a store window job wanted 3 rows and a logo. First row with lettering 14 in x 60 in. Second row with lettering 9 in x 30 in. Third row with lettering 5 in x 20 in. Logo on left side, a 12 in circle/ring with simple cat face in middle. What would be a fair amount to charge?
Don't know if this changes things, but jobs would be in S.California.
I'm just a guy who lacks years of experience in this trade, has a knack for art & design and is trying to make extra funds on the side. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Noob in SD
I thought your question was very well written and precise. I've seen so many non-specific questions that it was refreshing to see yours.
2007 Sign Pricing Guide This helpful pricing manual is the result of SignCraft's research and surveys of successful sign shops. It covers pricing for everyday sign projects on flat stock, vehicles, banners, sandblasted signs and more--each on four different levels based on overhead cost. There's never been anything like it to take the guesswork out of pricing. #369 Price: $23.95 Add to Cart | View Cart
I'm a newbie who purchased a low budget plotter (28 in) and bought some 15 in x 50 yrd White Oracle 651. I'd like to get some work doing car and store windows, but how much should I charge when I get a job? I want to be more affordable than the big sign shops (to land jobs) , but not so cheap that it only puts an extra $20 in my pocket. A response to the following two scenarios would really help and provide a point of reference.
Lets say a rear car window job wanted 3 rows of letters. First row with lettering 8 in x 30 in, Second row with lettering 4 in x 20 in, Third row 2 in x 10 in, all one color. What would be a fair amount to charge?
Now, lets say a store window job wanted 3 rows and a logo. First row with lettering 14 in x 60 in. Second row with lettering 9 in x 30 in. Third row with lettering 5 in x 20 in. Logo on left side, a 12 in circle/ring with simple cat face in middle. What would be a fair amount to charge?
Don't know if this changes things, but jobs would be in S.California.
I'm just a guy who lacks years of experience in this trade, has a knack for art & design and is trying to make extra funds on the side. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Noob in SD
First one would be $30.00 as I charge a $1.00 per inch on the widest part.
Second one would be $250.00 but I wouldn't use 651 vinyl, I'd use 851.
Thanks for the feedback. FlowerBox, on the first you indicated $30, would this include installation? Also, can you please explain why you would use 851 instead? (still learning about vinyl).
It really depends on how busy I am on whether or not that would include installation. I could install that in about 5 minutes. It would all be cut at once so it would be one big graphic/text. I'd do it wet and then let the water dry for a couple minutes, may take 10 minutes tops As for the 851 it is cast vinyl which holds up outdoors alot better then 651 (calendared vinyl) does. Also cast vinyl will contour "like a dream" in most cases on curved substrates such as vehicle fenders and such. Here is a good explaination of the differences of the 2 Cast vs. Calendered Vinyl
If you go to the thesignexpert.com they have price calulator thats free to use..
im in southern calif.. on the first one my price would be about 40 and if they wanted them installed i would be at about 40-50 more to install..
Im not the cheapest sign shop in the area.. but im the busiest lol..
If I was you I would make my name known by doing excellent work.. and not being the cheapest around..
Its better to do 2 x $100.oo jobs than. 10 x 20.oo jobs..
If you go to the thesignexpert.com they have price calulator thats free to use..
im in southern calif.. on the first one my price would be about 40 and if they wanted them installed i would be at about 40-50 more to install..
Im not the cheapest sign shop in the area.. but im the busiest lol..
If I was you I would make my name known by doing excellent work.. and not being the cheapest around..
Its better to do 2 x $100.oo jobs than. 10 x 20.oo jobs..
You said it Susan, I agree work smarter and not harder. .... JB
__________________ "Striving to help others, as I learn myself"www.coedsembroidery.comwww.coedstsaver.com "Heat Press Vinyl Remover" T-SAVERTurn Your Mistakes Into Makeovers
How to price window work (cars & stores) 
Re: How to price window work (cars & stores) 
2007 Sign Pricing Guide
As for the 851 it is cast vinyl which holds up outdoors alot better then 651 (calendared vinyl) does. Also cast vinyl will contour "like a dream" in most cases on curved substrates such as vehicle fenders and such. Here is a good explaination of the differences of the 2 
