Jester1167
Premium Subscriber
Bob, you are correct, that is not a shop minimum. His true shop minimum is $25.
His and my real point was that each process has a minimum based on all the steps it takes from taking the order to invoicing. And everyone should have a basic understanding what these are for all sign types. These numbers allow us to qualify the typical walk-in customer. That way we find out if they are serious or not. If they aren't serious we save 10 or 15 minutes beating around the bush and get back to producing profitable signs.
But, your goal shouldn't be to get rid of small jobs as fast as possible. It would be better to go a step further and create a 3-tier pricing system for each type of sign or graphic you produce. That way you're not stressing minimums and instead qualifying your customers.
When dealing with customers you have to be careful what thoughts are going through your head. If you’re thinking "I don't have time to deal with this." Our shop minimum is "X". "I hope they just go away." They will pick up on that. Instead, ask them what they need and explain your pricing and how far out you are. If it's not a fit, guide them to a shop your friendly with that has similar pricing. That way your pricing isn't out of the norm and you've been helpful. When they talk to their friends you’re not a jerk.
Typically, we create these minimums or tiered systems based on the calls we get. "How much for a vehicle wrap?"
I'm not going to sit down and figure out the square feet of vinyl needed and judge the difficulty of install to come up with a price on your 2008 dodge caravan until I qualify you. Instead, a typical car, truck or van would be between $2200 - $3000 depending on the complexity and amount of window pref. That doesn't include any design or layout. If they freak out they were probably taking about cut vinyl not a full wrap so you better change gears really quick.
Another component of this process is that the medium size shops need to set some guidelines for their employees. Let’s face it, if you’re going to grow or build a true business and not just a job, some of your employees will need to be able to quote jobs as well. Setting these minimums helps make sure you stay profitable as they learn.
Setting a true shop minimum will be a blessing and could be a curse depending on your ability to read customers. Truly cheap customers usually are the biggest pain in the rear and waste more time haggling and complaining than they are worth. In 22 years I have fired 3 or 4 customers like that. Even if you're good at sales you will lose a few great customers by enforcing shop minimums, so be careful.
If you have a shop minimum spend a few minutes with the customer before enforcing it. And, if you choose to enforce it help them find a solution. Consider those few extra minutes part of your advertising budget.
If your shop or sign type minimum isn't based on facts, it will come off as arrogant as Bob stated, and that’s bad advertising.
His and my real point was that each process has a minimum based on all the steps it takes from taking the order to invoicing. And everyone should have a basic understanding what these are for all sign types. These numbers allow us to qualify the typical walk-in customer. That way we find out if they are serious or not. If they aren't serious we save 10 or 15 minutes beating around the bush and get back to producing profitable signs.
But, your goal shouldn't be to get rid of small jobs as fast as possible. It would be better to go a step further and create a 3-tier pricing system for each type of sign or graphic you produce. That way you're not stressing minimums and instead qualifying your customers.
When dealing with customers you have to be careful what thoughts are going through your head. If you’re thinking "I don't have time to deal with this." Our shop minimum is "X". "I hope they just go away." They will pick up on that. Instead, ask them what they need and explain your pricing and how far out you are. If it's not a fit, guide them to a shop your friendly with that has similar pricing. That way your pricing isn't out of the norm and you've been helpful. When they talk to their friends you’re not a jerk.
Typically, we create these minimums or tiered systems based on the calls we get. "How much for a vehicle wrap?"
I'm not going to sit down and figure out the square feet of vinyl needed and judge the difficulty of install to come up with a price on your 2008 dodge caravan until I qualify you. Instead, a typical car, truck or van would be between $2200 - $3000 depending on the complexity and amount of window pref. That doesn't include any design or layout. If they freak out they were probably taking about cut vinyl not a full wrap so you better change gears really quick.
Another component of this process is that the medium size shops need to set some guidelines for their employees. Let’s face it, if you’re going to grow or build a true business and not just a job, some of your employees will need to be able to quote jobs as well. Setting these minimums helps make sure you stay profitable as they learn.
Setting a true shop minimum will be a blessing and could be a curse depending on your ability to read customers. Truly cheap customers usually are the biggest pain in the rear and waste more time haggling and complaining than they are worth. In 22 years I have fired 3 or 4 customers like that. Even if you're good at sales you will lose a few great customers by enforcing shop minimums, so be careful.
If you have a shop minimum spend a few minutes with the customer before enforcing it. And, if you choose to enforce it help them find a solution. Consider those few extra minutes part of your advertising budget.
If your shop or sign type minimum isn't based on facts, it will come off as arrogant as Bob stated, and that’s bad advertising.
