[estimators]

have heard that a lot of Estimators are keeping their jobs by "low balling" bids and winning business....at 30-50% under production cost.

Really good Estimator - right???

how smart is that.........the electric bill still comes due ever month and they want their's

[estimators]

have heard that a lot of Estimators are keeping their jobs by "low balling" bids and winning business....at 30-50% under production cost.

Really good Estimator - right???

i do not believe in getting jobs so low just to keep the doors open.........my owner shares that position......ultimately, i don't control the final say on selling price.......but, what i do control and gaurd it very closely is the cost of a job.......

[estimators]

Talk to your suppliers. I have found that people will reduce prices to keep your business, if you are a good customer. I have one particular supplier that I spend a lot of money with. I told them of the prices I had seen elswhere and told them of the situation out in the sign world with bids being tighter than ever. They came back with some nice pricing.

I talked to my people and asked that we re-double our efforts to maximize our raw goods such as aluminum, plex, vinyl ect...

When we do designs we look closely at how it will be built before we present it to the customer if we feel is that price sensitive our is getting many bids. Sometimes you can save a lot without giving up a lot if the designer knows fabrication.

I keep a closer eye on my scrap.

good points Gerald........our suppliers are going above and beyond the norm, some not at all. my position with those guys and i have told them, those of you who understand and helping all that they can will be the vendors i use long after these times have passed, those who don't, not so much.........one thing that i have been utilizing is going to seconds on my alum sheets. Mainly, it's just water damage but, at half the price. it does take a little more prep time but, the savings can't be ignored. Also, our paint department is not as efficient as i would like so i go to pre-paint as much as i can.......now, lets talk about the art dept.........i redline just about every drawing that comes across my desk..........

[estimators]

We all need to be on the same page because we know what kind of sign companies are out there. One of the ways I try to help our potential customers is by only selling him what he needs and not having to over pay for a sign also by doing a bit of R&D really helps.

hey henry, i trust you are an estimator...........you have to turn over every stone in R&D........it may prove to be a waste of time but, if you find one thing it is worth it.........

i've always prided myself on knowing the market..but not here lately.......like you say, put your best foot forward and price what is neccessary and hope for the best........i have noticed that companies who really want to work with you have been allowing you to revisit a quote with some perimeters.....

[estimators]

any estimators out there.......let's talk about our economy and how we manage.......there's a fine line between cutting cost but, not compromising the integrity of your product. but, there are ways....lets kick it around a bit