karkess 28 Posted October 20, 2013 So, I'm starting to get some auto sign and decal business. And everyone wants me to install, which I don't have a problem with, but than the question arises. What to charge? My reasoning is this. If the customer installs and messes it up, he comes back to me and I charge him again for another sign. If I mess it up, I cut another and eat the loss. So for an easy formula, I was thinking of charging half the price the sign for install so per everyone's formula (L+W/2). Signs I just did 12" x 17" would equal to $14.50 and I would charge an additional $7.25 per sign to install. My reasoning for this is if I charge too much for install they can take the chance of messing it up and buying more signs a couple times over before they reach my install fees and will play those odds and put me out extra money. Am I even close in my reasoning? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Monkey 252 Posted October 20, 2013 I generally charge 50% for install within reason. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bayshorecreations 30 Posted October 20, 2013 We charge somewhere between $45 - $65 per hour for installs. Price we charge depends on the job. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted October 20, 2013 If it's a car decal or a small sticker on their window I smile and sat no problem. If I screw it up being a professional how can I expect them to do any better. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SeeJaysPlace 476 Posted October 20, 2013 I don't charge really for installs since i do it out of my home, and have no over head .. But depending on the job i might add a $20 charge for installs depends how long it really takes me .. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
karkess 28 Posted October 20, 2013 Ok, it seems I'm not unreasonable to charge 50% for an install. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted October 20, 2013 I don't charge really for installs since i do it out of my home, and have no over head ..But depending on the job i might add a $20 charge for installs depends how long it really takes me .. while I understand where you are coming from, isn't your time and expertise/experience worth something? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikemike 711 Posted October 20, 2013 I think is a wide open thing. If you have to install on a grimed up truck that you have to clean (they said it was good to go) then you have to work from there. An install that is on a clean window for store or something like that... It goes on and on. Solid quote is very hard to judge. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mabscotthandyman 1,410 Posted October 21, 2013 Sorry no freebies unless you are kin or one hot babe. I charge $50.00 up per hour or a preset quote. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted October 21, 2013 I think is a wide open thing.If you have to install on a grimed up truck that you have to clean (they said it was good to go) then you have to work from there. An install that is on a clean window for store or something like that... It goes on and on. Solid quote is very hard to judge. I had somebody drop off a 14' box van that was supposed to be clean. Locked up int the parking lot with no keys and I had to "wash" it with windex and paper towels. They cam back later that day and we had a nice conversation about why I charged an extra $150 and what their definition of clean was. Van hadn't seem soapy water in years Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mabscotthandyman 1,410 Posted October 22, 2013 Jay i did a bus for a daycare and i pressure washed it then hand washed it before i lettered it. I belive they were more impressed with the thing being clean then the lettering and did not whimper a bit when i gave them the $650.00 invoice. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted October 22, 2013 I wish I'd had the keys, car wash was a block and a half away. But no way to get water to where they parked it. I seriously considered leaving it be and when they came back tell them to reschedule when they had time to wash it. That van was just nasty. Almost as bad as the pic I posted of my Pinto. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
karkess 28 Posted October 22, 2013 Oh, the joy of dealing with customers. As long as they pay... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdrgrafix2 30 Posted October 22, 2013 I figure out how many hours an install will take roughly and multiply that by shop rate and there is what I charge. Unless its a really really good customer that just wants a quick sticker on there vehicle then I just put it on and dont charge them. That keeps the word of mouth going and in a positive way. For vehicles I tell them that they need to be clean and washed and if its badly dirty I call them and tell them it will be an extra charge of x amount, they can reschedule the install or pay the extra Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
