A compact, efficient vinyl sign workspace
A veteran sign maker told me once that there were only three ways a sign shop could be more profitable: raise prices, reduce… Read More
Online Exclusives
Make post covers the easy way
In the previous Online Exclusive article we showed some interesting variations on post covers and how they can dramatically improve the impression that… Read More
Four easy ways to make mountings pay off
So you’re working away on a design for a great-looking sign. Naturally, most of the attention goes into the layout of the sign… Read More
It’s hard to beat a sign for value
When it comes to long-lasting advertising, a well-made sign is hard to beat. Compare it to the longevity of other types of ads…. Read More
6 easy ways to set your layouts apart
It should be easy to make signs that stand out from the crowd, right? Not really. All sorts of things get in the… Read More
Here’s how others price their signs
Last week we asked Trade Secrets readers to help us out with a survey to find out how sign shop owners price their… Read More
5 steps to more effective truck lettering
When it comes to sign design, vehicles are much more of a challenge since they must be read while they’re moving—and often by… Read More
Overcoming sticker shock when you quote a wrap
There’s no doubt about it. Well-executed vehicle wraps pack a lot of potential for high-impact advertising. They are also potentially quite profitable for… Read More
Take a look at what others charge for 3 x 10 banners
Though it’s important to know your production costs, it also helps to know what others charge for certain types of work. Last week… Read More
Letter the truck, not just the doors
Surely the most captivating thing about a vehicle wrap is that it turns the whole truck into a sign. But not every small… Read More
Boring rectangle? Cut it out!
Sign substrates come in nice neat rectangles. Panel cutters and table saws precisely cut them into smaller rectangles. It’s quick and easy—but does… Read More
How others finish HDU board
John Ralph, Quail Run Signs, Hamilton, Virginia, suggested we ask Trade Secrets readers how they handle some of the processes sign shops use… Read More
Nice sign, but what did it sell for?
Ever see a photo of a great-looking sign in Trade Secrets or SignCraft magazine and wonder what it would sell for? You’re not… Read More
How to save a sign sale
Closing a sale is easy when the customer seems positive, then says something like, “That sounds good…” after hearing the price. But what… Read More
6 ways to add life to lettering
Sign makers have long been using special effects to make letters on flat signs more intriguing. Years ago it was common to add… Read More
Download this form today to make design work easier
Click here to download a version of theform that you can start using today. A key part of being a successful designer is… Read More
What would you get for this semi door lettering?
In our most recent Trade Secrets e-letter, we asked readers what they would charge for this typical project: lettering the doors of the… Read More
10 Great-Looking Shop Trucks
It only makes sense that a sign shop should have an effective sign and effective graphics on the shop vehicles. Yet, so often,… Read More
A quick formula for killer layouts
Ever wonder why some signs have so much more impact than most of the others? It’s because the designer used the basic design… Read More
Try this approach to estimating
Ever wish there was a formula you could use to check your pricing? Here’s one we learned about from Jim Jackson of Artcraft… Read More
