What to charge for installing perforated graphics?

[Jon T]

Good morning everyone. I tinted a shoe store last month and now they are asking if I can install their window graphics. I've done this before while employed by a company but, I'm not sure what to charge. The graphics are 3@ 4' x 7', 1@ 3' x 7', and two sections on the top half of the entry doors that are about 3' x 3' each. I'm guessing the job won't take more than 2-3 hours. I would really like to know what the industry standard pricing is for something like this. I don't want to shortchange myself but I also want it to be a fair price that is in line with what a sign shop would charge. Thank you for any advice and/or insight that is provided!

 

[unclebun]

We charge hourly. Our shop rate is $75/hr for one man, $120/hr for two. When estimating time, you have to include office time (for arranging & quoting job, billing and receiving) packing up and travel time as well as cleanup and return to shop time.

 

[Jon T]

We charge hourly. Our shop rate is $75/hr for one man, $120/hr for two. When estimating time, you have to include office time (for arranging & quoting job, billing and receiving) packing up and travel time as well as cleanup and return to shop time.

Thank you very much for the quick answer. I figured I would have to charge hourly versus a square footage price, and $75 was the range I was thinking. I have a lot of experience installing solar window film but it's been awhile since I worked with full pane window graphics. Is my guess of 2-3 hours about right for a one man install? I just need a number for the estimate that I will be submitting. Thanks unclebun!

 

[TimToad]

Thank you very much for the quick answer. I figured I would have to charge hourly versus a square footage price, and $75 was the range I was thinking. I have a lot of experience installing solar window film but it's been awhile since I worked with full pane window graphics. Is my guess of 2-3 hours about right for a one man install? I just need a number for the estimate that I will be submitting. Thanks unclebun!

What calculations and methods helped you arrive at thinking $75 per hour was fair in your individual circumstances?

Calculating an hour rate is a complicated task that involves taking all of your fixed expenses, costs, equipment, rent, insurance, local cost differentials for shop rent, materials, etc. into account and coming up with a figure.

These folks seem to be a decent resource for figuring things out. I'd also suggest a subscription to SignCraft magazine for both its inspirational value and nuts and bolts resources on pricing, design, fabrication, etc..

https://thesignexpert.com/sign-pricing-calculators/vinyl-calculator/

 

[Texas_Signmaker]

Dont do hourly.


$2.50 install to the trade..

$5-$7.50 retail, since you'll be assuming the risk.

 

[unclebun]

We would likely charge 4 hours if that job were somewhere in town. So $300.

If you do it by the square foot, it's 123 square feet. At $2.50/sq ft that's $307.50.

I don't think anyone in our town would pay twice that for installation, since we have guys with bucket trucks that will change out a 4x8 plexiglass double sided sign 20' tall for $100 that we have to compete against.

 

[Modern Ink Signs]

Just doing some quick math, $600-$700. Assuming you can get to it with minimal need for a ladder. Small step ladder at most.

If you need something like scaffolding or even a lift. That would add to the cost


I’d make sure that this is also allowed by your local sign code. In most cases window graphics count towards your total allowed square footage. CYA.....

 

[GAC05]

Think I would also charge an hourly rate.

Can't bill full square footage since you are laying down only 65% to 80% material per square foot compared to regular non-perforated material, due to the holes.

Just like donuts - the ones with the holes in the center are cheaper than the solid filled ones.....

 

[Johnny Best]

Well according to the Sign Expert pricing that Toad suggested with #3 4'x7', #1 3'x7", #2 3'x3', it comes out to $1,309.95.
And at 4 hours thats $327 an hour.
Thats almost as much as a medium end escort in Vegas gets an hour.
I would think $400 for all that would be a great price for #4 hours work if just labor is involved.

 

[kcollinsdesign]

Simple. For 70/30 film charge your standard square footage price x .7. For 50/50 film, standard price x .5.

 

[TimToad]

Well according to the Sign Expert pricing that Toad suggested with #3 4'x7', #1 3'x7", #2 3'x3', it comes out to $1,309.95.
And at 4 hours thats $327 an hour.
Thats almost as much as a medium end escort in Vegas gets an hour.
I would think $400 for all that would be a great price for #4 hours work if just labor is involved.

I didn't suggest he use that site to price anything.

I suggested he use resources like that site's tools and the SignCraft overhead calculator to HELP him calculate his overhead and establish a fair, locally based price structure taking ALL relevant factors into consideration.

 

[Johnny Best]

I didn't suggest he use that site to price anything.

I suggested he use resources like that site's tools and the SignCraft overhead calculator to HELP him calculate his overhead and establish a fair, locally based price structure taking ALL relevant factors into consideration.

Au Contraire, you suggested that website had a decent resource for figuring things out.

 

[Reveal1]

Good feedback unclebun; very close to what we would charge which is understandable since we are in a similar cost market. I suspect local factors such as labor cost, insurance, local regulation/permitting, travel costs etc. can be significant. Also agree that you need to consider prep/travel time etc. except we don't charge for quoting outright - just part of our sales overhead cost built into the price of everything we do.

 

[Todd Jelle]

Wow, I must be crazy. I wouldn't touch that for less than $600-$700 minimum, likely more. You guys must have some serious low ball competition. The cost of running a business doesn't justify 300-400. Maybe I'm in a different business, but with 25 years experience I would hope I know something. I would figure 6 hours minimum just to cover my butt. The job would be figured with an assistant. Prep time, looking at the site, allowance for something to delay the install, etc... We are a small shop full service company with little serious competition within 100 miles. Hell, most of the sign companies 100 plus miles out let us do the work instead of coming out this far. I keep thinking I'm too cheap.Is there no value in our work anymore?

 

[kcollinsdesign]

With graphics that big, it will go better with two people. Three hours not including drive time. You can do the math.

I am in an area with dozens of small sign shops falling over themselves for jobs like this. Any non-union shop in my area would not be able to get over $300 for this. I have insured subs that will do this for $200; I think that is the route I would go.

 

[Texas_Signmaker]

If all you can get is $200 - $300 then that is sad...

This is not a two person job... I've installed 54" wide.. 10' long and this was 25' high on an extension ladder... now that wasn't the most comfortable install, but it gives you an idea.

 

[kcollinsdesign]

If all you can get is $200 - $300 then that is sad...

This is not a two person job... I've installed 54" wide.. 10' long and this was 25' high on an extension ladder... now that wasn't the most comfortable install, but it gives you an idea.

Hey, I'm not saying I could not do it by myself, but that I would rather not.

There is nothing sad about it. It's market economics. I just sub it out, mark it up, and go on to the next project. Don't like climbing ladders.