Gerber Edge pricing

[niksagkram]

Hi all. We finally "broke down" and bought a used Gerber Edge. We had one years ago, but sold it in favor of a Roland printer/cutter. Over the years we have regretted selling the Edge (but not the purchase of the Roland) as many jobs have cropped up that the Edge was perfect for. Well now we are back in the game.

My question is, does anybody have a tried and true pricing "formula" for the Edge, using Gerber foils (spot, process, metallics), 220 vinyl and various sizes? I know markets vary, and quantity prices can factor into it too, but somebody must have it figured out?
Appreciate any help/advice.
Mark :Canada:

 

[signage]

Advantage Sign Supply has a good start for pricing in the catalog.

 

[niksagkram]

Ok... I did some more digging, and found a link to GraphixCALC Sign Pricing Software, with a Gerber Edge pricing option available. Does anybody here use this? Any thoughts/comments on it?

Mark

 

[Tim Aucoin]

Hi Mark,
I've been pricing my Edge stuff using EstiMate software... been working out pretty good so far!

 

[HulkSmash]

Hi Mark,
I've been pricing my Edge stuff using EstiMate software... been working out pretty good so far!

how is estimate..? I looked at it a while back.. seemed pretty cool.

The cost per month is kinda what i pay now for support on my POS.

 

[Tim Aucoin]

I like EstiMate... somewhat! It is very helpful for pricing out cut vinyl, ready to apply, decals and such, but I prefer using my other software for posters, banners and larger sign work. EstiMate is like any software when it boils down to it... it's only as good as the data you feed it. It takes time to set up PROPERLY, but then it works and estimates very fast and very consistent. I like the ease of tacking on various "pita" charges via use of their cool sliders!

You're likely wondering about the other software I mentioned, so I'll briefly mention it, although it would likely be overkill for most. It is called EFI PrintSmith. It is Print Management software intended for print/digital shops, and it has transitioned beautifully into the sign end of our business... to a point! I don't like doing Gerber stuff or decals and cut vinyl on it, as there are too many variables to be consistent. I've been using PrintSmith for over 15 years now, and it is fantastic at what it does, but needs more work to fully integrate into everything we do here. The new version coming out this spring is promising to be more friendly for the stuff I mentioned, so we'll see!

EstiMate is definitely more cost effective if it suits your needs, as the full blown PrintSmith package is pricey. Over the years, we've spent well over $6000 on this software... but because it does such a fabulous job managing the business (and it runs 4 workstations and a master), it is a business expense I couldn't do without! And similar to EstiMate, I do pay an annual maintenance fee for PrintSmith ($900US). Not sure what I pay for EstiMate to be honest... I purchased the first year by paying in full and getting a nice discount!

 

[Fred Weiss]

Both GraphixCalc and Estimate will handle the essentials of pricing Edge work adequately. Important variables are present to automatically adjust for size, quantity and extra time or materials. You simply have to input your costs and needed markups then test the results in your marketplace to see if the closing rate is acceptable or if the prices are too high or too low.

I have some well tested pricing formulas that have served me well since 1998 for Edge printing but which I will not post in an open forum.