The List of Questions

[dlndesign]

So I wanted to get some feedback on what questions you ask your client when you do a site visit or over the phone.

This is my basic rundown, but I am looking to make it more efficent.

-There contact info.
-Where the sign is going, interior /exterior
-What they want, or ideas they have.
-Temporary or Permanent
-Illuminated or Non Electrical
-Budget
-Building Requirements/Landlord Requirements
-Deadline
-Graphics/ or Design Work Needed

I am just looking to streamline my questions as to not have a 1/2hr discussion for a $250 job.

Thanks

 

[jiarby]

or worse... 2 hours for a $25 job!

 

[dlndesign]

Yeah, so is there a particular order to the questions that I should presue?

Thanks

 

[Gino]

There's no set sequence for anyone particular person. You want to find out who they are, what they want, where they are, if they have any idea as to what they want and if they have a budget. Don't ask what their budget is or you'll lose them for sure. Most people when asked that, tend to think you're just gonna undercut by a few dollars. Once you do this enough, you'll develop your own spiel and once you own the opening lines.... it will come easy to you.

Most important is.... to listen and take notes.

 

[rfulford]

I find that the most important question is to ask what the clients expectations for the sign / graphic are.

 

[Bigdawg]

Those are good questions... but a lot of the time people don't know what they want/need... they tell you they have a logo ready to go but don't tell you it's a 2 inch gif from the internet. They want THIS sign, but the code says they can't have that style.

Or worse - as was the case today. I had a client that told me originally he had NO ideas... yet doesn't like anything I do. No input. No feel for what he wants. Just a "you're the professional.. figure it out"

Ummm.. yeah... I flunked my mind reading class...

 

[dlndesign]

Thanks, all great advise! Gino, I do not particullay believe if you ask the budget upfront, you'll loose the client. Most times if I have a budget in mind I can estimate alot faster and get back to them sooner, rather than spend time in research and find out they only had the budget for a economy sign (waisting time).

 

[Mosh]

How much they want to spend is the first thing I ask. It cuts out all the tire-kickers.

 

[marcsitkin]

How did they hear of us (new client)?
When do they need it?
What is their budget (new clients especially)?

 

[dlndesign]

Definately for new customers, because they never know what they are getting into when they ask for it.

 

[Gino]

Thanks, all great advise! Gino, I do not particullay believe if you ask the budget upfront, you'll loose the client. Most times if I have a budget in mind I can estimate alot faster and get back to them sooner, rather than spend time in research and find out they only had the budget for a economy sign (waisting time).

Fair enough. If this was in the 'Premium' section, I'd go into it more, but you go right ahead and ask upfront and see how well that goes over.