Screen Printing Forum

So... I was just curious about how everyone around the country handles their pricing.

I am always looking to streamline my operation.
I currently charge PER COLOR, PER SIDE. Add in the cost of the garment and setup charges per screen.
Kinda old school. but it helps deter people from ordering small quantities with lots of color.

If anyone cares to share their pricing tips... PLEASE DO!

I use software from Estimate. Best thing I have done so far up front. Anyone in the shop can easily quote a job and be on the money Whether it is screenprinting, digital, lit signs, etc.. Took some time and effort to set up, but well worth the time and $.

Do you have a website for the software?
I wrote my own application but I am ALWAYS on the hunt for ideas.

hmmm.... cant get a quality estimating software for MAC

Does anyone post or print their price list for the customers to take with them?

Pick up an older pc just for books. It doesn't take much to run a speadsheet program and quickbooks and a used refurb will be cheap. I know you'd rather fall on a pointy stick than use a pc (macboy) but something to consider. I would have thought estimate would have a version for mac. I do find most sign shops use pc over mac for whatever reason. Most ad agencies run mac. Go figure.

Maybe this is way too simple, but I just have a chart that I made up for myself. Basically the colums are number of colors and the columns are quantities. This is for printing price only. Then again, I run a very small shop and this might not work for a larger business with more operating costs to be figured in.

yeah I have he same spreadsheet style price chart...
but to this point its for my eyes only.... meaning customers dont receive a copy.

I could use some help on quantity Discount pricing.

Anybody have any ideas?

What about the old .... . 100 Custom Tee's $3.99 each!

Thats what I am seeing alot of in my area..... but thats WHITE TEES (prolly 5.4 oz) 1 color, 1side

My opinion..... YOU CANT CROSS THE BRING FOR LESS THE $5!
GAS IS $3+ and YOU BURN IT!!!!

TEE SHIRTS LAST FOR YEARS!!!

Raise your prices people! Stimulate the economy and your wallet!

Those internet sites that boast $3.99 shirts are getting the suckers because they get their money somewhere in other charges. but they are still stealing business from us.

from what I have found.... people MUCH rather pay an extra dollar or 2 and get a place they can go into and touch the material and see some samples.

I am really talking about the LOCAL GUYS that sell to cheap. I am 100% booked weeks in advance and I think my prices are still kinda low.
I guess thats why all my equipment is paid for and other people still have loans..... BAD BUSINESS.

do you have the people come in and say you charge what!!!!! and complain about the prices? I have those people and I think my price are about where they should be. It makes me mad if these people knew what kind of work goes into making those shirts they might think that is pretty cheap. Some people come in and say oh thats it!!! I like those people but i frustrates me because I could have made more money off of them.

Yeah I get those people too.

Not even 20 minutes ago a guy I do some embroidery came in wearing a competitors shirt.... I was a bit let down since I gave him a price on screen printing for his event this weekend and he didnt tell me it was to high or two low.... just gave someone else the job.
He also didnt tell me I could put my logo on the front of the shirt.... I would have done them for FREE!

Oh well live and learn.

sometimes I try to read the person and see what they think about my pricing, but that sometimes gets me in trouble and I price way to low. I does really hurt when you see someone comes in with a competitors shirt on. I always think they do it on purpose to show you they can and will go somewhere else. BUt the big key with your person is that they came back in to you. So there is something there that brought them back to you.

I do have another Q about pricing for leagues. It is a little league baseball league in my town. Does anyone have any experience with quoting out jobs like this?

They would be getting t-shirts, hats, socks, and maybe pants.

I am trying to win a contract with them in 2009. As of right now they go out of town and I think that is ridiculous.

Please anyone that might have written up any contracts like this also chime in.

thanks,
Matt

I would ask them to show you the invoice from the previous year. Tell them straight up.... you have to compare Apple to Apple.
If they wont show you the last price that means it was HIGH and they know it and want it cheaper.

If they show you and its really low.... PASS ON THE JOB!
more then likely its going to be a headache.

thanks that makes a lot of sense I will try it.