Customer quotes

[John Childs]

Fred,

Do a search, this topic comes up time and time again.

1. Happens all the time. Nothing you can do about it.

2a. Charge a design fee before they take the drawings away.

2b. If you designed it then you have copyright, and the option to sue the firm who carried out the work.

[John Wilson]

There is loads of threads on this board relating to what you asking….. have a look.

If I do design work for someone i don’t give them a copy, I keep everything so that they can’t just go elsewhere

[Rodney Gold]

In case no 1 , you most likely came off as too expensive and even tho he did ask for a "quick quote" , he probably wanted more , like "improvements" on his design. It could have been that he was dissatisfied with his existing supplier and was just trawling for others , they might have kissed and made up?
In case no 2 , you have to decide what your business strategy is , whether you are willing to invest time into a job without reward and take a chance you get the job , or be a stickler and demand a deposit up front.
Albeit its difficult , we will only do designs on acceptance of a quote , but have to provide some sort of pre quote visual or description for the client.
You cant really quote properly if you dont have at least the major elements of the job.
If you have enough work to keep you busy and dont need the customer , you can take the route where you refuse to do anything prior to deposit or acceptance , if you need the business , you then have to do the design it first thing and write off the time you put in with no reward as school fees.
What you really have to ask yourself in this regard is what sets you apart from anyone else out there. In terms of signmaking , what generally sets one apart is creativity , the ability to know what materials are suitable , to do the job with quality and deliver on time at a fair price.
In essence what will really put you above the crowd is your creativity and if thats the situation , you have to demonstrate it.
Your customer wants something to boost their bottom line , no matter what type of signage and your job is to maximise that for the customer in whgichever way you can , you are the expert , so the customer relys on you.
No use being p—d of with ppl that steal your designs and have em done elsewhere , you will never stop that and to pursue remedies is often futile , it just costs too much and creates bad blood. As suppliers to a customer , you have to eat crow often and pretend to smile and like it – thats the reality.

[Gwaredd Steele]

For the 1st problem, I now always give them a 2nd, cheaper option & they almost ALWAYS go for that one, despite it looking worse. The thing I’ve found is that you can actually make more profit on the cheaper job & they go away thinking they’ve got a bargain.

2nd problem, add a disclaimer on all artwork/emails. That way, if they shaft you, you can send them a bill.

[Dave Harrison]

I personally don’t think that any one rule applies, its just a case of learning to read your customers. There has always been price shoppers and messer, there always will be. Its all about distinguishing these customers from the rest.
If you have any suspicions give a ballpark figure, and wait for their reaction.
Another method is to allow potential customers to view the layouts on screen only. Half the time they will ask for a copy or modifications, this is your prompt to ask for a non-refundable deposit for artwork etc etc.

As a balance, it is also important to recognise your sincere customers and extend a little trust, this is the only way you can up-sell your services and products using creative ability.

[Fred McLean]

Thanks for everyone’s input.Should have searched the boards to start with!!Numpty!!

[Kevin Titcombe]

Hi Fred

Here’s what I’ve done in the Passed when I’ve put a lot of time in to a design for someone. It means they can get a quote without obligation to pay if they don’t use it.

You can get them to sign a non disclosure agreement for a copy of the artwork with a set fee if they wish to use it. At least if your up front about it most people understand your time and effort costs money, if you put a value on the artwork/ design, they see they are getting something for free if they take up the quote. With a signature it is d be very difficult for them to get away with using your design without having to pay your fee, as on the signed agreement. It would be pretty dodgy for them to try and get away with using your design after signing. If they don’t want to sign what dose that say about there intentions ??.

Kev..

[Fred McLean]

Hi Kev

Thanks for your input,will keep in mind for future reference

F