Sign Service
What will I be doing ?
You don’t have to be an artist to operate a successful home-based sign service. In fact, you can learn your trade as you go. A sign service designs, produces and/or sells signs to advertiser and inform. If you’re artistic you can design unique signs for businesses, churches or other groups. If you’re not good at assembling things, you can sell preproduced signs. Of course, the more skills you have, the more you will be paid. But you can start small and build your skills as you build your home business.
What will I need to start ?
Before you start sign service, take an inventory of your skills and experience. Here are some options : Design and draw unique business signs; repair or restore older signs; produce or repair neon signs, purchase and resell stock signs available from wholesalers or subcontract your services to a regional sign installer.
In each type of business, your startup requirements are different. So decide what sign services you can best offer and start planning how you will offer them. You may need a commercial vehicle to transport signs, or tools for shaping glass tubes for neon sign-or you may need jigs to specialize in producing wooden signs.
Who will my customers be ?
Your customers are all around you. Start looking today for the types of businesses and groups that most frequently use the signs you will be selling or servicing. You may decide to specialize in restoring signs in older shopping areas or in producing stylistic signs for upscale businesses. As you drive around, look for such signs and potential customers.
One man found himself in the sign business when he bought a box at an auction. In the box were hundreds of stock signs that said “Open/Closed”,”Employees Only”, “Restrooms”. and other common signs. He loaded them in the trunk of his car and drove along a nearby highway looking for small businesses. Ig he spotted one with poor signs he stopped and showed his wares. In less than a month he had built sufficient capital to start a sign service employing others to do the same.
How much should I charge ?
Your hourly rate will depend on your creativity. If you’re selling stock signs, your rate will be much lower than if you are designing and producing unique signs. A typical rate is $30 to $60 an hour, depending on needed skills and tools. Once installed you can contract with the sign owner for ongoing maintenance.
How much will I make ?
Income for a sign service is as varied as the signs provided. In general, however, 25 to 50 percent of sales income will go to cover overhead expenses including telephone, advertising and equipment. Of course, your own sign won’t cost you much. If your neighborhood doesn’t allow signage, find out if you can park your business vehicle in front of your home with a sign on the side of it.
How can I get started ?
Learn your trade. If you are simply selling stock signs, learn the skills of salesmanship. If you will be producing neon signs, take courses and get a job doing so for an employer before you start your business.
Gather your tools. You will need tools and equipment for most types of sign services, including a vehicle to transport signs or your tools. Start finding the tools you need and the best way to transport and use them.
Look for opportunities. Consider starting by refurbishing existing signs. It can help you develop your skills, your income and your customers. Subscribe to Sign Business Magazine (303-469-0424).
The SIC code for sign services is 3993-02 and for sign painters is 7389-05.
From the book of Dan Ramsey, Title : 101 Best Home Businesses, CAREER PRESS, 3 Tice Road, P.O. Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, 1-800-CAREER-1, 201-848-0310 (NJ and outside U.S.), FAX : 201-848-1727
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