Thunderandboltz

I just purchased my plotter and vinyl and have been worried that I would not be able to land any jobs. I thought that if I was cheaper than the rest, I would get some work. I was about to start out my advertising with the word "Affordable" on the back of my car window, to get the word out.

The majority of the people in this forum advised not to go this route, that you should provide quality work, which will yield more dollars in the long run. MYSTYSUE said it best... "It's better to do 2 jobs @ $100 each than 10 jobs @ $20 each". So true, I mean this is the how I approach my current job, do less work for more pay, so why not with my new hobby. Now, let me clarify, it's not exactly less work, just smarter work. Why bust your butt digging the hole, if you can get paid more for telling people where to dig. So instead of my car window almost reading "Affordable Signs", it will now read "Custom Signs & Decals" (vinyl is sitting on my bench at home waiting to be applied tonight)

My question to all is, What are the key factors to pay close attention to, so that you do yield good quality? In my Newbie status, I do know the following..(most Thanks to this forum) to use the right vinyl for the job, to ensure plotter cutter depth is right, to weed carefully so that waste does not mark the kept vinyl, to lay app tape carefully to avoid app tape wrinkles, to not use windex to clean substrate/window, to measure several times & know where center is before you apply, to press hard on vinyl to ensure best adhesion, to squeegee from center out and overlap passes to prevent bubbles, and most important, to have fun. Though I have not had a job yet, I want to be ready and prepared with good habbits so that I acheive quality work and in the event that I do encounter issues (bubbles, channels, etc.) I'll know how to convert it into quality work.

So, now I see that landing cheap jobs is not the route I want to take anymore. I know that many of you in here strive for quality and is exactly what you provide. I would like to get your take on what key factors one must keep on eye on to acheive quality work. Maybe your list of factors would be too long, but I would greatly appreciate it if you could share the important ones.

Sorry for the long post.

Thanks,
Newbie in San Diego

 

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BRC

The secret to vinyl or any other business isn't simply doing a $100 or 10 $10 jobs but charging the correct amount for doing each job. While you are turning down the small cheap jobs I'd be glad to do them, since about 50% of my customers are repeats. That would mean you would get 1 repeat customer and I would get 10 from your scenario. Each time I get a repeat customer they usually spend more than the time before. For instance I did a job 3 weeks ago of relettering a small section of 4 signs for $45. Last week I did 3 signs for the same customer for $330. If you get every job you bid on you are too low, if you get none you are too high, 60 to 70 percent and you are just about right. Also since you are just starting out your prices need to reflect your experience level. Most people will want to see actual samples of your work so you need to have some ready.

As far as making signs correctly everyone has their own style and some people will never be good at it no matter how hard they try. You might want to look at the Sign Warehouse website and check out their sign college section. You tube has some videos as well. Just remember that if you don't make any mistakes, then you're not doing it right, or more likely your not doing it at all. Everybody goofs on occassion but the good thing about cut vinyl is that you can just peel it and replace it.

 

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jiarby

Even better... instead of "Custom Signs & Decals" maybe you can say:
"Vehicle Advertising & Graphics"

The way to a higher ticket average is to sell SOLUTIONS.... not SUBSTRATES! You can charge alot more for advertising & marketing solutions (think ad agency) than you can for "decals"

Signs & Decals are just TWO of the possible solutions that might help a customer with their marketing & advertising needs. Maybe they need business cards, brochures, storefront vinyl, POS displays, Apparel/Uniforms, Vehicle Wraps, Websites, Tradeshow trinkets, etc....

Sell them what they want to buy.... They want to buy the solution to their problem. They want increased visibility, more traffic, higher sales, a proessional look.

Decals are cheap. Solutions are expensive.

 

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Screenanator

All the above are great...heres a couple of "LIL" things
1.Be clean...meaning....leave a job site cleaner than before you arrived.
2.Be knowledgable.....research...study...and absorb....you've gotta think fast on your feet in this line of business....and if you stumble...well it can be bad.
3. NEVER miss a deadline..I dont care if you gotta be up til the sun comes up....do it !!!!!

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The beatings will continue until morale improves!

 

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cruisertoy

I started my business 5 yrs ago and have never done any advertising. Word of mouth is critical. Doo great work at a fair well explained rate and people will come back to you and send thier friends.

 

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Robin

to add what everyone else has said (which is great advice).....make sure your graphic is level!!

There is nothing worse than seeing a truck rolling down the road with cock-eyed graphics on it. As a sign maker, you tend to spot these every time!!

So......invest in a good level that also has ruler markings! If you can find it, get one that is on the thin side so that when you press it against the back window of a suv, it bends! Then get yourself a little one too.

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www.buffalographix.com www.buffalographix.blogspot.com

 

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mystysue

One of the best investments you can make.. Is a book called
"Mastering Layout" By Mike Stevens,
You not only need to know how to apply the vinyl... and what kinda vinyl..
But also how to put the signs and designs together to make them flow well ect..


You need to work at learning what fonts work too.. another good investment is in some well designed professional fonts.

 

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