What do you tell the guy that wants "car graphix"

[TheSnowman]

And yes, I spelled it goofy because all "those guys" seem to think their car is worthy of it's own way of spelling.

I have this "kid" emailing me because I did a business job for his dad. He just had a white van, already had a logo, it was one color, I did the job in like an hour, and collected my money and was on my way. Now the kid emails me and says "I have a lot of complicated stuff I need done, and my dad said you do a good job and are a great price".

So I'm instantly thinking, ok, he's got some POS car and he wants to waste all day of my time going back and fourth on crap and it's just never going to end. Well, I got some more info and I was right. I explained to him that we normally blow the budget on this stuff right away because he was looking for a "good deal" and that by the time I get all the time in it to do it, the cost is going to be sky high, and I could have made way better money doing something else.

I told him I could get him some websites that I am a retailer for, and he could order some through there and put it on if he wanted, but I really don't think I'm interested in this job.

Am I the only one that feels this way? Whenever I have a "non-business" customer come in for their car crap, it just wastes a ton of my time, and they want it for free. My friends say "take it, money is money"...but I don't feel that's always the case with these people. So I'm pretty sure I'm gonna pass...but how do you guys handle the car obsessed guys that think their jobs are more important than my real good paying, easily done jobs?

Am I nuts? Or did I just get burned bad the two times I tried this in the past?

 

[john1]

Just price it out and move on until he pays you a deposit to get started. No biggie man.

 

[letterman7]

Just price it out and move on until he pays you a deposit to get started. No biggie man.

X2

 

[96XP]

x3

 

[Baz]

x4 .. i never get those jobs .. i'm always to high

 

[TyrantDesigner]

Just price it out and move on until he pays you a deposit to get started. No biggie man.

This.

I get a lot of these jobs ... I just quote and if they like the price ... we are off. otherwise I just have to shrug and move on with the day.

 

[john1]

I never take these customers too serious as they are usually tire kickers who think they have money and then you say your price and it's a different game

 

[skyhigh]

So I'm instantly thinking, ok, he's got some POS car and he wants to waste all day of my time going back and fourth on crap and it's just never going to end. Well, I got some more info and I was right.

I love this type of customer. I send them to my competitor, explaining that he specializes in these types of auto graphiX. Before I let the customer out the door, I will throw out a ballpark price (if I actually did that type of work that is). The price I tell them is usually 1/2 of what I would actually charge.

Then I chuckle the rest of the day.

 

[Jillbeans]

I hate doing this stuff as well, and typically just buy a kit from Restyler's Choice (I don't let them choose or it adds even more time) and triple that plus install. Either they want it or they don't.
I usually ask if they want real painted graphics. Now some of those can be fun, and for real fancy pinstriped stuff I refer them to one of two sign pals. Those guys charge out the wazoo for airbrushed or gilded things, and make quite a nice living doing that.
As soon as this kid said the line about the "good price" in the same paragraph with "complicated" I would have made him aware that complicated=high price.
Either he pays or he goes to some hack.
Love....Jill

 

[JR-Folientechnik]

Sorry, guys but I disagree....I've made! a couple of million selling "auto graphix's" if someone is interested how to make really money in this alternative business, send me a PM. It's free advice! JR

 

[TheSnowman]

I just went with the "quote high" method. I'll make some good money on it if he decides to do it.

 

[omgsideburns]

Just charge for your time.. then it's always worth it.

 

[Mikeifg]

I agree Kraig. I had a guy bugging me for a CAMO wrap. He seen in different cataloges etc.. Finally after three months I told him what it would cost and his response was

WHAAT ! IT'S ONLY VINYL.....Some days I just want to open a can of you know what.

 

[omgsideburns]

I usually tell people who come in thinking wraps are cheaper than a paint job that "It will cost the same as a decent paint job and it will never be paint, but you can remove it when you're ready for something else."

But we don't do wraps anyway.

 

[TheSnowman]

I agree Kraig. I had a guy bugging me for a CAMO wrap. He seen in different cataloges etc.. Finally after three months I told him what it would cost and his response was

WHAAT ! IT'S ONLY VINYL.....Some days I just want to open a can of you know what.

Yea, plus our market totally sucks around here too. For some reason everyone that comes in thinks everything I do costs $25.

 

[Mikeifg]

I have alot of people who own businesses in Indianapolis wonder how I survive up here. This market does not care about quality it's all about saving a buck even if it looks bad.

 

[skyhigh]

Sorry, guys but I disagree....I've made! a couple of million selling "auto graphix's" if someone is interested how to make really money in this alternative business, send me a PM. It's free advice! JR

There are a bunch of "auto graphics" supply companies that offer hundreds of different options to choose from. Millions$$$??? Yeah, no doubt.....but we don't have to ask you. We have all heard of Restylers, CarPretty......ect.....

I'm also pretty sure you haven't made your "couple of millions" selling "custom" designed car "Stickers" to 17 year olds.

Free advice on how to buy your products? Perhaps you should look into a merchant membership?

 

[CanuckSigns]

I usually tell them that we specialize in business to business advertizing, not graphix and I'm not set up for it.

 

[JR-Folientechnik]

There are a bunch of "auto graphics" supply companies that offer hundreds of different options to choose from. Millions$$$??? Yeah, no doubt.....but we don't have to ask you. We have all heard of Restylers, CarPretty......ect.....

I'm also pretty sure you haven't made your "couple of millions" selling "custom" designed car "Stickers" to 17 year olds.

Free advice on how to buy your products? Perhaps you should look into a merchant membership?

I am not interested to sell my products in the USA, Europe is big enough! Restylers, knows me by the way.. we don't sell "stickers" if you want some look on EBAY! Some other members have already got some FREE advice and not SALE Pitch. And my 18 year son just purchase a bike with his own money and I wrap it FREE of charge! 17 and 18 year old adults, sometimes has more money than 40 year old want to be's.... OH the millions are in EURO!!!!!

 

[Locals Find!]

I am not interested to sell my products in the USA, Europe is big enough! Restylers, knows me by the way.. we don't sell "stickers" if you want some look on EBAY! Some other members have already got some FREE advice and not SALE Pitch. And my 18 year son just purchase a bike with his own money and I wrap it FREE of charge! 17 and 18 year old adults, sometimes has more money than 40 year old want to be's.... OH the millions are in EURO!!!!!

So millions in Euros that is what, maybe $100,000 once you factor in inflation? Not shabby but, not kiss my a$$ money either.

 

[JR-Folientechnik]

So millions in Euros that is what, maybe $100,000 once you factor in inflation? Not shabby but, not kiss my a$$ money either.

OK, Add 250 intallers x 10 car graphics per month x minium 150 Euro per car x 20 days each month x 11 months! Really, what happen to the American Dream? That why I've been 30 year in Europe and it has paid off! No more money talk,....I'am sorry I even posted it. Please no more comments. That was your FREE Advice! Have a nice Day! JR