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Recent content by neil_se

  1. Need Help Wall Wraps

    We used Phototex for a number of years but have now switched to Avery 2611 which works great, laminated or not.
  2. Staffing Mix of $2M+ Shops

    Yes those figures include my salary. I pay myself a good salary and benefits but still looking to achieve a better return for the investment and risk. I think with current total staffing numbers ( less 1 in sales and +1 in production), current equipment, vehicles, premises, etc we could be...
  3. Staffing Mix of $2M+ Shops

    Thanks for everyone's feedback. My expenses averaged over 6 months came to COGS 28% Total Labour 50% (20% customer service, 30% design/print/production/installation) Other operating expenses 12% (biggest contributor rent @ 5%) EBITDA 10% (but NPBT only 5% which is a concern) There were some...
  4. Staffing Mix of $2M+ Shops

    Thanks Alan, that's helpful. My sales people do the spec on most jobs themselves unless it's complex, in which case I spec. Comparatively we have fewer people in the back end and it feels that way, always being under the pump getting jobs out on time and with me and one of the sales persons...
  5. Staffing Mix of $2M+ Shops

    I'm curious to know the staffing mix of other shops with annual revenue of roughly $2 million and beyond. My business is a little shy of that at the moment with goals for continued growth. We manufacture and install most sign types in-house except for outsourcing fabricated channel letters...
  6. ShopVox

    I'm interested to hear how the process goes for you. We've also been using SignVox for about 6 years and I'm looking to change over in Jan which is typically our quietest month, to minimise disruption to jobs.
  7. Avery MPI1005 EZ RS +DOL1360 vs 3M 180CV3 + 8518

    Having had problems with printing MPI1005 on our L260, we'd been using 180CV3 for the past 9 months. We've now been through a few rolls of the new MPI1105 and my guys are loving using Avery again. I haven't tried printing it with my L360 yet though.
  8. How to Enlarge shutterstock images for large wall murals

    I used to think it was futile trying to upscale image resolution, until I really had a need to recently. We printed and installed 15000 sqft of temporary murals in a few weeks for this project and ON1 Photo was a lifesaver. Images were up to 70' long and most 15' high.
  9. Go to media for outdoor signage using a HP L26500

    Avery MPI 2923 is my go to for all long-term flat signage - Easy apply, block-out adhesive - Good white point - Matte surface for nice solid print colours (we overlaminate with gloss 95% of the time anyhow) - Excellent longevity - No shrinkage - Quality backing paper which doesn't buckle...
  10. How do you calculate warp for rear windscreen print?

    Cheers. We do the same for van bonnets too btw (eg. Toyota Hilux, Mercedes Vito & Sprinter). I'll see if I've got a recent photo at work to illustrate.
  11. FB550 not printing full size...

    My FB500 does the same thing. We commonly print pre-cut 600x900mm (2x3') sheets and it always stops about 3mm short of the end. I think my print operator now overstates the material length, eg. 905mm, so that it prints all 900mm of image.
  12. looking for finished goods rack ideas

    Wire racks work fine for me too, then larger signs and banners standing upright.
  13. Covering large windows solid black?

    Toughened glass won't have any problem with black vinyl, it'll handle almost 500 degrees F. I've only had problems with dark tint or vinyl on float glass if there's existing damaged to the glass (although you won't know if there's a crack or shell hidden behind the rubber/frame). Dark tint and...
  14. Ink Erewhere! Split Ink Line

    That's what the tech up here said, he's only ever seen it on cyan. New 360 is on order, still deciding whether it's worth repairing the L26500 at around $4.4k (including Maintenance Kit #3).
  15. Ink Erewhere! Split Ink Line

    I think HP is just trying to force my hand, I was only just thinking of upgrading but I don't think the L560 is released here yet. Maintenance Pack #3 also just came due this week.
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