How to approach this type of enquiry?

[KevinGaffney]

I always try to determine a ball park figure for their budget first. Regularly get customers
Looking for van wraps when that’s either not what they want at all or they have no idea what a wrap will cost. No point wasting time on artworks if the customer hasn’t the cash

[David Hammond]

Had a similar email last week.

I ask for their logo etc what they want, then send out some photos of work we’ve done previously explaining the options, along with an approximate cost, of course subject to site survey & confirmation of sizes.

Seems to work quite well, as they like what they see, and it kind of sells itself. If it’s too expensive for them, it’s cost me 20mins, rather than driving to site, and messing about from there.

[Simon Worrall]

They probably need an anchor figure from you to determine what their budget SHOULD be, as they have no idea what it all costs.
Throw a few numbers at them, from high to low (ie. Routed letters, Clear panel on standoffs, vinyl on wall) chances are they will go for the middle number.

Simon.

[Pane Talev]

Good thread Ewan. Thanks.
I’ve worked on optimisation on this matter for years.
Picture says a thousand words.
I always ask the client to send me a google image or something they like on my website. By sending me this image I see what they like (sign, vehicle graphics etc) then it is easy for me to do the rest.
Some clients refer to van wrapping – but they mean normal van sign-writing.
As they ask for built up letters – i quote for built up – but also quote for flat cut and vinyl cut.
Will read the rest of your comments with great interest. I hope many members of the forum comment on this matter.

[Ewan Chrystal]

Thanks for the comments so far, very helpful. I’ve not really got anything of my own to send her as examples so I’ve sent her a link to appropriate google images to give her an idea of what is possible, I’ve explained there are potentially hundreds of options depending on what they like, the look they want and budget. I’ve asked her to have a look, see what she likes and if possible give me an idea of budget and we can take it from there.

[Denise Goodfellow]

I never refuse to quote, but I don’t take too much of my time on it. As oftern an office bod has been told to get ideas as they have e Mailed lots of firms.

As above I will copy and past a few pics, vinyl, stand offs, trays, 3D letter,

I never includes price as oftern it includes sorting out artwork or ringing suppliers for prices, I just put them in order, cheap going to expensive

[Phill Fenton]

Good question Ewan. All good advice so far and something I still struggle with. There’s nothing worse than a vague enquiry. I’m interested to hear how others respond without taking a great deal of time and effort at the enquiry stage where it’s best to focus on work that is likely to go ahead, but at the same time not wishing to dismiss what may well be a lucrative lead. My response is generally very similar to Denise’s

[Iain Pearson]

Evening Ewan
After many enquiries and countless fruitless leads, i decided to make up some electronic folders with examples of work, each of them depicting a different type of install – lettering, vehicle graphics, window manifestations etc.
Within each folder, a brief explanation of the type of application – screws, adhesive, split baton etc.
I then attach the appropriate folder to a response email and allow the potential client to peruse different avenues and ideas.
This way i dont get bogged down with the tennis match emails that go back and forth that are largely non-productive.
If they come back excited and full of ideas, then there is a fair chance you can work something out together that you both understand, if they dont come back, then you have wasted little time and can carry on with your day.

Covering as many bases as possible is the best way i find.
Many clients dont know what they want to spend until they can see whats on offer – only my humble opinion :thumbsup:

Good luck sir

[Ewan Chrystal]

This was the reply i got back today, so it would seem the approach i took worked this time

Hi Ewan,

Thank you for getting back to me.

We have had a look at the link you sent through and found a style we like (please see below).

We would like to have two signs – a wall sign and a desk sign. Please could you provide a cost estimate?

• Wall sign – preferred sign style below with full colour logo (attached)
• Desk sign – sign on front of desk which reads ‘Reception’ (Rockwell font in dark teal C: 100, M:0, Y:18, K:83)