Is there a national average sign writers charge?

[Martin C]

This is a bit of a nightmare for me too Paddy. In order to establish myself I’m trying to offer good design to win orders. Unfortunately it’s the design that allows one to increase the cost but which also takes the time!!

If I’m unsure, which is most of the time I take the material cost, try to work out what I think it is worth to the customer and settle on a figure that I’m happy with.

[Lorraine Buchan]

Paddy and Martin,

Pricing is always a difficult one, but what i would advise is to spend a couple of hours on the net looking at the web sites of other sign companies, you’ll find quite a few out there who have prices listed for things like vinyl lettering magnetics banners etc.. have a look at the ones nearest to you compare the prices and then make your self up a price list based on this ensuring your competitive in your area. Then decide how you are going to market yourself in order to justify your prices.

Another thing you might like to do is get a spreadsheet set up with all your regular substrates in it, vinyl, banners, foamex etc…
Andy Blackett posted one many moons ago, it takes a while to get your prices input but then you can adjust your mark up percent without having to change the whole sheet, and you can give your own hourly rate, and also discounts for multiple orders… give it ago..

[Kevin Flowers]

Hi
i am in an area where if you throw a stone you will hit another sign company in one 5 mile stretch 6 sign shops and others working from home like myself, needless to say competition is tough. i work on a figure of £25 per meter by 610mm i use this as the basis calculation and adjust for multi colour, effects intricate detail etc and sometimes a decrease if more than one vehicle is done also if tghe vehicle being done uses alot of vinyl i find it is better to offer some sought of discount rate. this rate is solely for vinyl cut an application and as stated is just a basis sometimes under sometimes over but good starting point.

Kevin 😎

[Lee Attewell]

I’m really surprised that you don’t have an industry based pricing guide. I use the Aussie one and it’s really good especially if you’re quoting on something that you don’t do all of the time it also gives you different substrates, sizes and treatments as well as vehicles, boats and the like.

You could contact a trade school in your area and ask them what rate is expected.

With regards to your own costings…If you know what your costs to run are per year, you can work them out to an hourly rate, once you know this you can then add your markup to your rate. don’t forget to charge a healthy markup on materials, over estimate on the hours needed to finish a job and you should be ok.

It all comes down to this…If you are only charging enough to just cover your costs, is it worth doing it? It’s a question I ask myself constantly to make sure that there is a financial gain at the end of the day.

also…
The hardest lesson I’ve learnt is if you don’t get paid for it…It’s not worth doing the job. So make sure your quotes have your trading terms, collect deposits before every job, and on completion. I’ve had to learn to be outright and brazen with customers when asking for my money. It’s a good way of training yourself and your customers. On the next job for them, they know how you are and act accordingly re payment etc.

Sorry if this is teaching you to suck eggs, but it serves me to keep it right in my mind.

Lee

[Lee Attewell]

I’m really surprised that you don’t have an industry based pricing guide. I use the Aussie one and it’s really good especially if you’re quoting on something that you don’t do all of the time it also gives you different substrates, sizes and treatments as well as vehicles, boats and the like.

You could contact a trade school in your area and ask them what rate is expected.

With regards to your own costings…If you know what your costs to run are per year, you can work them out to an hourly rate, once you know this you can then add your markup to your rate. don’t forget to charge a healthy markup on materials, over estimate on the hours needed to finish a job and you should be ok.

It all comes down to this…If you are only charging enough to just cover your costs, is it worth doing it? It’s a question I ask myself constantly to make sure that there is a financial gain at the end of the day.

also…
The hardest lesson I’ve learnt is if you don’t get paid for it…It’s not worth doing the job. So make sure your quotes have your trading terms, collect deposits before every job, and on completion. I’ve had to learn to be outright and brazen with customers when asking for my money. It’s a good way of training yourself and your customers. On the next job for them, they know how you are and act accordingly re payment etc.

Sorry if this is teaching you to suck eggs, but it serves me to keep it right in my mind.

Lee

[Lee Attewell]

Mate, I’ve gotta tell ya…You’re right. I start my day here and usually finish it as well also a few check ins as I’m doing artwork, maybe the occasional look see after emailimg a client, and when I get a bit bored…Well you know.

lee