Differenences In Appreciation

[Erik Sine]

Over the last few weeks I've been so busy but one aspect as I close out each job has suddenly made me notice something. I can do a nice sign for two groups of people and I get a different reaction each time. Not that I need to know the customer loves the sign because I know they do (my arrogance gets in the way again). Buuuuut, I notice the person who calls and "Needs" a sign out of the "necessary evil" that makes us our industry a true specialty shows less emotion than the person who "wants" a sign. Everyone in a strip center "has" to have a sign and it comes off as a added burden in cost to factor in because they didn't know they had to pay for it and thought the mall supplied one for them, I come across this everytime. When the closing time comes it's usually a emotion of "Wheew! Another thing I can cross off my "to-do list".

But as of late I have had clients who want change or add elegance to their office or retail center and they don't necessarily have to have one but they "want" one. Once they get the new installed sign their emotion is much higher with appreciation and gratitude.

Don't get me wrong I love the money either way but I love doing signs for the "Want", much more fore filling to me.

My thought for the day :Chew:

[Travis]

I couldnt agree with you more about this.

Allthough every now and then there is that one shop owner that wants to go for it from the start. I recently made two 20"x60" neon signs for a shop in our local mall. Originally I planned to make a simple welded aluminum box that hinged to the wall. I priced each sign at about $1500. The customer was all over it. He wanted neon, coated bromo blue at that. The mall got involved and required the neon to be covered dispite there were several signs throughout the mall with exposed neon. So instead of the aluminum box I made an extruded aluminum box to accommodate a clear lexan face. This meant more money. The customer had no problem with the increased cost. Here is the kicker, the customer bought two neon signs for almost $4000 and he is renting a temporary space. This is just as good, he gave a $3000 deposit before the details were worked out with the mall.

But most people in that position want the world but dont want to pay for it. Damn near accuse one of trying to widen their 'A' hole with the price.

[joemomma]

It's human nature, loving to be appreciated. When I'm finished a job, and the customer bestows accolades (well deserved, I might add. It's not arrogance, Sign Guy. It's confidence and pride.), I always say the same thing. "I appreciate that almost as much as I appreciate your check. Now, pay up."