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Newbie just starting out need help…
Hi all
As Iām new to all of this vinyl cutter stuff
I thought I should ask some question if anyone can point me to the right thread or answer the question then thanks,Ok my brother-in-law works for a medium to large motor (van) supplier
He says a word in the right ear would get me the contracts to put the vinyl lettering onto the van for any new customers prior to them picking their new vehicle up from the them,
Also a business card and pamphlet or brochure would be put into each van as it went out of the door,
The only thing that they may want me to do is a discount direct to the customer,
Any suggestion on how I should price and discount this is their any software that would help me out with pricing the job.What software would you recommend to someone who is just new to the trade?
A Friend of mine says! I can have his copy of signpal or signlab not sure which and the dongle that goes with it
Also the vehicle outlines cd can these be imported into these programs and will they automatically resize the panel to the correct size for cutting the vinyl,
If these programs are no good! I am familiar with some of the adobe products and CorelDraw are these worth looking at,
Is their any vectoring software out their that can help me?
I know a bit about computers, just not that much about vinyl cutting side of things
I guess Iām about to learn the hard way,Are their any demo versions of software I can try before I buy?
Sorry for the long post I just have a lot of question and very little time to learn this I have about two weeks before I have to put all of this into practice so any help would be greatly appreciated,
Re Ray
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7 Replies
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hi, welcome to the boards…
first question for you… have you ever applied vinyl. if so, how long etc?if signlab and comes with dongle then go for it, its one of, if not the best sign softwares. just my opinion of course š
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quote Robert Lambie:hi, welcome to the boards…
first question for you… have you ever applied vinyl. if so, how long etc?if signlab and comes with dongle then go for it, its one of, if not the best sign softwares. just my opinion of course š
The easy answer to that is no
However I have helped a chap a few times and know about wetting the panel to allow myself to position the vinyl etc and how to take out air bubbles
iv’e also researched the differnet vinyls ie 3 year 7 year,
and how to use mask and appliacation tape.
I know that if i do this, it’s going to be a long hard learning curve,
But it’s one that I look forward to,as for the lettering the company that sells the vans only really offer simple styles and graphics nothing to fancy which would suit me until i get a handle on how to do this properly… re Ray:) -
Good luck Ray, you really are throwing yourself in the deep end!!
I personally wouldn’t advise doing what you are doing without experience, but its a mad world so who knows? I would only say that you should expect expert guidance from these boards, but certainly not a total piggyback.
I say this in a friendly and hopefully helpful way, as it is good to remember that the vast majority represented here are professionals who take immense pride in the skills acquired over years. The boards are a helping hand to fellow professionals, not a free ticket to deceptively skilled though seemingly simple industry.
So, welcome and the best of luck in your venture!
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Good luck Ray. If you’re determined to do this then you will succeed š
No point in going in to this half heartedly, so go ahead and follow your dream.
Signlab is ideal for vinyl cutting – and there are demo versions avaliable (there are demo versions available for other dedicated sign programs such as flexisign and vinyl master). If you are computer literate already then you’re half way there. There is a lot to learn – but you can learn what you need to know very quickly.
I would suggest you get a sign system such as Signlab and a decent cutter. Join the UK signgroup to get the best prices for buying your materials. Once you have your system try putting together some actual designs and fit them to your own car or van.
Buy a vehicle outline CD such as Impact’s. This contains layouts for all the vehicles you need drawn full size.
Research your pricing carefully – make sure you don’t underprice the work you are doing. You need to charge enough to mantain a viable business that can grow in time.
Buy Mike Stevens Book – “Mastering layout” to learn how to design.
Finally – if you need help just ask here š
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Thanks rightsigns
I was actually looking once I get up and running at joining the UKsign group,
some good honest straight forward advice, which is what i needed,
ok were would I geta copy of Mike Stevens Book – “Mastering layout
as for the vehicle outlines cd’s are their any that are a waste of money and any that are well worth the money considering that I’m in the UK their seems to be a lot os amercian cutting software out their that seems unsuitable for the UK market,
Thanks Ray:) -
Order from you local bookstore or Amazon quoting ISBN: 091138068X they should be able to get this book in 3 weeks – it is a hard to find title
Impact Vehicle Library
The only dedicated UK Vehicle Library. The brand new 2004 Edition version 12.
Vans, Cars, Trucks, People Carriers, 4×4 & more now in stock.Graphic Signs SUpplies 01582 462152
Best of luck
Chris
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Thanks Chris I’ll give them a phone :wave:
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