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Re: Service Contracts


>On pricing, the "per letter" method (based on size and style) has been best
>for me, though it's not perfect.  I've been thinking of hacking a
>spreadsheet together that would take into account the difficulty of the
>job.  For example,


>
>Kenny?  This sounds like something you've thought about.  Any ideas?

Well let's see which version do you want?  I've done it has a spreadsheet, a
program in basic, and I've been meaning for quite some time to convert it to
Visual Basic as a Windows program to either sell or give away. And I've
thought of doing it in cgi so that it is on the web.  Supposedly there will
be code available this year to port vb4.x programs to Mac - though that may
be MS b.s.

Apart from finding time - I was hoping to get some consensus from this group
of what methods people use.  I can tailor a program so that you all can plug
in your own costs, etc. 

If y'all want to start a thread on the intricacies of different methods
here, that's one way - or if you want to send me your pricing method
privately that's another way.  In either case I'd like to develop a program
that suited most people and had a clear rationale so that you as a user
could configure it.

How about all who send me their methods (or price list) will get a full
license to use the program in all future incarnations.

I find that the book from what's his name in Nebraska is it, is somewhat
helpful because it is geared to bottom line unemotional mass production.  I
don't think it is a good guide for the typical one to three person shop.

I use formulae based on labor, overhead, glass usage & waste - which is not
only different for different styles & glass - but also varies because
certain size letters or straights force you to break out another stick.

Installation has lots of variables. Then you have variables based on
wholesale, retail & in between.  Quantity, Repairs, Maintenance, Special
Effects, design & my favorite "I've got a restaurant I need you to come out
& look at".  

My new response to this is "Well, first let me see if I can save you my fee
for coming out & looking --- do you have a design? how large is the window?
etc... 

This isn't because I'm so overloaded with work that I can afford to be a
prima donna.  It saves time.  9 times out of 10, I am being dragged out to
look at a job that's going to someone else.  Maybe it's different where
others live & true the direct contact face to face can make or break a deal,
but...  I'm finding I can, as they say in corporate lingo, 'qualify' my
customer more quickly.

Anyway, if the pricing stuff doesn't catch fire this round, I'll repost it &
other things in a more coherent fashion (still on my first cup of coffee).


Kenny



>
>I think it would be neat if we could all start sharing our neon computer
>hacks with each other.  Would no doubt benefit us all.
>
>  -John
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Kenny Greenberg   Neon Artist, Scenic Specialist, Columnist - Internet World
c/o KRYPTON NEON 34-43 Vernon Blvd Long Island City, NY 11106
      Ph: 718-728-4450   Fx: 718-728-7206  Email: kenny@neonshop.com
      http://www.neonshop.com  -  The Internet's Neon Shop
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