Pricing of Log Signs?

[bryan]

I'm making a few wood slab signs from 4 to 8 ft long. Have been looking around in my area and their's nobody making them. Wanting some help in developing a pricing list for different signs, does everybody charge based up on the length of sign, size & no# of letters or do you just charge for the sign. Any and all input would be nice.

[rookie432]

Bryan,

Pricing is difficult, but, the goal is to get as much as your market will bear.
Time and materials is not necessarily the best way to price a sign.
For me as is with many sign makers a base price per square foot is a good start point.
Once that is establishe you work upwards for extrasa or special features.
Here's is a good example.

4x8 routed wood sign 3 color paint scheme.
$65 sq ft vee carve
$75 sq ft raised letter
$5 sq ft each additional color
$$? sq ft gold leafing
$$? sq ft smalts
adder costs for special 3d carvings
adder costs for special logo work
adder costs for installation and special installation.

This formula works 2 fold. Your customer can choose a sign design that is in their budget and you can increase your profit potentials by upselling and having more control over materials and processes.

hope that helps.

Bill

[joe]

Bryan,

I also have been looking at a log sign product line.

Last week I visited a log furniture manufacturer, who uses aromatic cedar logs for their product. They have a small one man mill and cut some planks, two sides, and hand letter them up. We may try to do something together. I will keep you posted, with a photo or two along with the price.

The square foot price for routed signs is probably a good start, but I've not made a good profit this way. I don't like working by the hour either.

What I have found best is, determine as quickly as possible, the customers expectations and price from there. My web site is also helpful.

I am in the process of making samples for customers to choose from. That may be the best way of all.

j
www.normansign.com (http://www.normansign.com)

[bob russell (Unregistered Guest)]

in my area just north of boston typical gold leaf carved signs (hdu /sign foam)retail at 135.00 s/f
, carved and painted 65-75 dollars s/f hope this helps
Bob Russell

[andymjn@ecenet.com]

I am inaterested in making some log namd signs but have not been able to locate the lettering large enough for the job. I am looking for 6" and largers letters. Can anyone help? Thanks a lot, Andy

[Brady Watson]

Andy,
I can make you any size letter you want. E-mail me with details.

i_bild at comcast . net

-Brady