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For what it's worth, I'm running my plotter with a 1999 "Blueberry" iBook G3 clamshell. Works great! And I am using an old PC running WIN 7 to serve hi-res audio to my hi-fi (admittedly, I am controlling it with my iPhone or iPad, but the old Dell is doing the heavy lifting). I still have a...

Please let me clarify a few things: My pricing on commodity products like stickers is based on what it costs me and how much time I have in it. The customer can already get the stickers for what I am paying for them, so if he doesn't like my mark-up (which I am open about), he can order them...

For the most part, it will be to your advantage to stay current with technology. Hardware evolves a little slower than software, but by now you should be at least using a flash drive and running Windows 10. Many people find Apple computers more intuitive and easier to use, and I recommend...

I started out doing splashes. I treated them like large scale doodles. No proofs other than a REALLY rough sketch showing what was going to go where. I also did grocery store windows and windshield pricing for car lots. That was profitable, and I just banged them out. They turned out...

For 3000 4" x 4" vinyl stickers I would have charged $800 including one hour layout time (guessing, would need more details). I would have made $200.00 for one hours work. Approximately 27¢ each. Love these kind of jobs!

You've got to print a boat-load of little stickers to pay for owning and feeding a printer/cutter. And remember, when next years models come out, they will be less expensive to operate and twice as fast. I figure I need to amortize the cost of technology in three years. I wasn't able to do...

Assuming you are running a full service sign shop, I would start with manilla folders and a file cabinet. Once you are doing a couple million a year you should look at project management and CRM software. I like Basecamp.

There is no trick to hanging LED channel letters. Just screw them onto the building and connect to electricity. That is, of course, assuming the sign conforms to local sign code requirements, the attachment method is properly engineered (the mechanical load needs to transfer to an adequately...

You can get them online for about 1.5¢ square inch (you will need a minimum order of $25.00 or so). I would just send them to the internet. Unless you are running a fleet of VuTeks (double shifts), you will not be able to compete and your client will be pissed when he sees he could have just...

First of all there is no industry standard for compensation in this business. If he is running the show, I would want him to make at least a living wage (+/- $45k plus benefits, depending on where you are). It is simple math to calculate whether that is affordable. If not, then I would...

$450 each side maybe if you have an extremely efficient production line and installation facility. A normal shop doing a couple million a year shouldn't touch it for less than $650. A small shop would need to charge more, depending on how they are set up. A single guy with no overhead could...

Just because the client likes it doesn't mean it is any good. You may choose just to collect your money and move on, or you may try to work with the client to develop something that will actually add value to his/her business. Of course, you run the risk of losing the client. I have a...

Not a good logo. Hard to read and has no meaning. Also there is a discrepancy between "binary" (which is composed of two elements) and the model image that clearly shows three elements. "Logos" are best thought of as part of a branding or identity strategy. They do not function well as...

I apologize for being rude. I thought I was being funny, but when I re-read my comment I realized how mean-spirited it was. Good luck with your business venture!

I'm just recuperating from a knee operation. Started looking around on this site and thought I would share some stuff I have learned over the years. Sorry to be a "Sour Dough". I think I was a "New" member 10 years ago. I don't normally have time for this, but I have appreciated advice I...

Cut vinyl will last at least twice as long as printed vinyl when used outdoors on a sign. You will be lucky to get even 5 years with printed graphics. That said, I prefer painted graphics. I have well-prepared polycarbonate faces with Lacryl painted graphics that still look fine after twenty...

Well, you can't write and you can't spell, so I'd stay away from the sign business. Sorry to be blunt, but you asked for "no tinted rose glasses".

Get the book "Gold Leaf Techniques" by Kent Smith and do as he says.

Around here you're lucky to get $3/sq. ft. for a printed vinyl banner. Makes no sense to make them. Most of my clients just order them online for $2/sq. ft. Pat Whatley: I am not carping about prices. Of course things change. I just find it interesting. This business has evolved to the...

Jester: I agree. I (used to) charge about $12.00/sq. ft. installed for IJ 180 w/ top lam. The shops around here are using calandered vinyl when they can get away with it, and when they need cast vinyl they are paying $400.00 for a 54" x 150' roll of "house brand" material. They are coming in...