[Mutoh and Camjet for sale]

We are looking to sell our 64 Mutoh Toucan LT. The printer is currently using the U-Fill bulk ink cartridges with Mutoh MS-1 Mild Solvent Inks which requires ventilation. The printer was new in 2005 and has been under warranty/service contract since then.

We also have a Roland CammJet CJ-500 that we are looking to sell. The machine was purchased in 2001. It is a 54 wide water-based printer/cutter. The printer function is no longer working but all the cutter functions work perfectly.

We are asking $5000 for the Mutoh Toucan LT and $2000 for the Roland CammJet CJ-500 or $6000 for both.

We can negotiate for installation/setup/training, but it is NOT included in the price.

Camjet.bmp

Mutoh.bmp

[Channel Letter Installation: Remote Power Supplies]

According to an inspector in Michigan who teaches update classes on the NEC, Bonding is still a requirement for all metal letters. Section 600 requires you to refer to section 250.112. It states that it shal be grounded regardless of voltage and (G) is electric signs and outline lighting in section 600.

The local authority can overide the NEC, BUT only to a higher standard. Not a lower standard.

You have to drill a hole and protect the wires with a passthru for low voltage, so it is just as easy to run flex and be safe.

[estimators]

Where do we get this product? HAHA! We request 50% down and 50% upon completion. We typically do not have any problems, but occasionally. If we really suspect a cheat, we will ask for 100% up front. If the customer is serious, they will pay. If not, it weeds out the riff raff!

I thought that company never started production of it?

[estimators]

That sounds like a good plan. Do you ever have any issues collecting the the monthly payments after the project is completed?

Not really. You seem to know when talking about pricing to the client if they are legit or not and might stiff you.

I don't offer more than a leasing company if all they talk about is "how cheap can we go?"

Most generally if you convince them of how important their signs are to the business and how you want them to succeed with the right look for their business, it is taken well and they do feel an obligation to you for your commitment to their business interest.

I always tell them that if they go cheap now they will hate themselves later when they start opening their new stores in the near future. It gets them thinking of their original plan of having more than one location, which if they put together a good business plan in the beginning is what they should have planned on.

If you do get stiffed for a payment or two it will probably equal the discount you would have offered in the beginning anyway. At least you covered your costs and made some money. It is worth the risk compared to how many will pay you.

One last thing. Let them know up front that their warranty starts the day of install, but is not in effect until final payment is received. That way you have no more out of pocket until you are paid.

[estimators]

We aren't offering discounts, but instead are giving them the option of paying the deposit then splitting the balance into 2 or 3 monthly payments with the first one due at completion. We do this after offering leasing by others.

We bury the interest in the estimate. We may be higher, but the customer likes the idea of making payments rather than all of it at install.

If a payment is missed then interest is tacked on again. You have to be able to go with your gut on who you offer it to though. So far we have been pretty lucky and the payments keep coming in.

The companies that are low balling the jobs can't afford, or won't, offer payment plans.

[WE need your help (Part 2)]

[Great Idea! Long overdue, we need some protection here in light of the current market.

the biggest problem here is the fact that there are so many installers who will take the work knowing it is going to be 90 days to get paid or longer!

Sign Installers should hold Primary GC to the terms on the PO, which should be no more than 60 at best. And yes, they should pay us, and secure their own line of credit to fund, however, probably not realistic, much like a General Contractor - Sub contractor relationship where no one gets paid until the owner pays....

Has anybody had any success with the attorney pursuing collections from Image Point installers?

If you have done work for them for Brigestone, you can get paid from Bridgestone direct. It was part of their agreement with Image Point.

I don't think any installers will see money from them.

[WE need your help (Part 2)]

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