Sample signs are so important

[MichaelB]

We no longer advertise as a sign company since we opened our sign school ten years ago however, from time to time, we will make signs for people in our area.

We get a fair amount of call for cabin signs. Cabin/home signs can be challenging. Not because they are hard to make but, because it takes more time for the customer to decide on a design than it does to make the sign.

Sample signs can go a long way to helping customers make decisions. One of my favorite cabin signs is the faux "beaver tail" slab wood sign. This is an easy to make sign that looks convincingly like a real wood sign and, lasts outdoors indefinitely.

The "Rustic Signs" sample sold my customer on the "Wood Shed" sign almost instantly.



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[chunkstyle]

Hi Mike
Thanks for sharing. Those signs are really cool and I had been thinking about making more of this kind of thing as were surrounding by lakes with cottages.
The wild edge bark looks really great from what I can see. (sure wish the pics were bigger to fully appreciate your skills!). What is that tool in the fourth pic that your using? Looks like a dental pick. Would you mind sharing how much of a range a sign like this would go for. If I had to guess I would say around $250-$350?

What is that

[MichaelB]

Sorry about the pictures. I will try again and not compress them so much. You're right on with the price although, it depends on the market in your area, your overhead, etc. The tool I was using is a small gouge carving tool. No need to buy expensive carving tools when working with Sign Foam because it carves so easily and the Sign Foam doesn't dull tools quickly. The starter set from WoodCraft supply is a good place to start.

[joe]

My complements also. I'm with you about the need to make lots of samples. Aside from show customers what can be done, there's lots of learning that goes. For example, I've honed my finishing and painting skills through the dozens of samples I've made. Also a bunch of samples gives customers idea's.

Glad you are posting. We need more fellows like you.

Joe

Here's a snapshot of my old display room showing samples and techniques

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27897&stc=1

[MichaelB]

Here's another try at the photos.


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[wcsg]

Samples are VERY important, especially making it mobile.


Here's some pics of channel letter case I did a number of years ago out of aluminum. It's double sided, four letters , two per side and it's modular so I can interchange the Neon lamps as well as faces with various colors. I have one for LED's too but will have to post those pics at another time

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27952&stc=1

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27951&stc=1

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27950&stc=1

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27949&stc=1

[wcsg]

Part II

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27953&stc=1

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27954&stc=1

Samples cases like these help when you're having to give a presentation and very useful for swaying minds from one direction to another

[MichaelB]

Great examples of my point. Not only do the customers get ideas from your samples they also have no doubts about your abilities as a sign maker and craftsman. Years ago we gave away a Grain Fraim as a door prize at a trade show. The guy that won it was very excited. We saw him the next year at another show and asked him how it was going. He said that he was unable to sell a single sign. I asked him if he had made any samples so that he could show customers what was possible. He said "no, not a one". I came down pretty hard on him and I never saw him again but I hope he took my advice. Thanks for showing us your showroom and channel letter case. Great work!