Contracts: A question for Printing Pros.

[S.Blake]

This is prob more directed at the industry types like Andymac, Andydiesel, RGT's, Bdix, etc...

Do you guys do contract work for large clients? And if so, how do you go about getting a contract gig? What sort of basic/minimal perameters should be considered? Is there a standard industry agreement, or are there to many variables in each job to have standards? We really want to start to hit up some big* corps for steady contract work so that we can hire 2-3 employees in the future and keep our shop "stable".

*small ones too!

Im not so much a business man as a hands on artist/printer but I would like any information you could provide.. a step in the right direction would be great.

Excuse the spelling/grammar...

Cheers..

-Scott.

[RichieGoodtimes]

Our experiences with contract pricing have not been good. Maybe some other people have had good experiences, better customers for this type of arrangement...I don't know...

[andydiesel]

Edit. I'm not sure if I answered the question right.

You should understand that the larger your company gets the less money you make. Andymac will agree with that too.

I get jobs through word of mouth mostly now.

[RichieGoodtimes]

Goat Shows got like 2 or 3 decent autos I think. Isn't that right?

I think he just wants to keep the presses running. That's te only way contract printing can actually work out to your advantage. If those presses are constantly moving.

[bdix]

Our experiences with contract pricing have not been good.

Same here. Especially with middle men. They'll walk over you. We rely mostly on word-of-mouth customers and repeat customers.

If you do start doing large contracts be sure to build in a "waste" percentage (2%-3% for large orders) especially if it's customer provided stock. And get them to do press checks (I know, pain in the ass) and sign off on the actual shirt.

Another thing on customer provided stock. Count it as soon as they bring it in with them watching. I don't know how many times someone has brought in their shirts with a work order and price quote for 1,500 shirts and they bring in 1,750-2,000 hoping we won't notice.

[S.Blake]

75% of our work comes from word of mouth. The other 25% is from our website and marketing/advertisments.

We have repeat customers and a good work flow, however we are looking to find a few consistsant jobs to "keep the press's running" as RGT mentioned above.

Our goal at monster is not to get big, just do great work in a relaxed enviroment, and have fun doing it, even tho screen printing has so many complications that sounds a bit of a dream, haha. We are a family run business.

[S.Blake]

Goat Shows got like 2 or 3 decent autos I think. Isn't that right?

Yes, Two 10-Colour autos and one 8-Colour auto still in the box.

[RichieGoodtimes]

Not to be a downer...but I think you're looking for the same pipe dream we all are.

I don't think contract pricing is your answer, but I ain't no business genius either, so don't take my word for it.

[S.Blake]

I guess the only thing I'm really looking for, is some information on how to begin to establish contract work.

[bdix]

Be prepared to low ball.

Direct markerting. Show each individual company what you can do for them. Hell, make free samples with their logos on them. But most importantly, get in good with the marketing person in charge at each company. Play any golf?