Dimension Wood Signs...How To Make 'Em and Sell 'Em Part II

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Make the layout on a generously sized piece of art board, suitably protected with a flap of textured, colored paper. Have the customer initial the drawing as "accepted by" at the time you both sign your contract.

Remember, of course, that you'll probably spend several hours on your sketch and that you should be paid for this time. It only irks a client to be presented with a long string of itemized expenses, however, so don't. Just lump your layout charge along with everything else in your grand total and let it go at that. But don't forget to lump everything including the sample drawing in that total.

The only exception to this "hide the cost of the drawing" approach should take place when your customer requests a great number of layouts for a prospective assignment that you aren't at all sure you'll get. In such a case, it would be foolish to do all that work for nothing so, before you begin, have a clear understanding that the samples of artwork will cost a certain amount, whether or not you land the larger job.

RED TAPE

You should, of course, check out all local sign ordinances before you sign a contract to do any job. Some localities, for instance, will not allow you to take out a sign permit which is invariably required almost every place that anyone wants to erect a sign unless you're a licensed sign contractor. And such a license is usually only granted when the official examiners are satisfied that you have many years of experience in the business and that you're familiar with all applicable sign ordinances and building code data.

If you cannot (after discreetly checking out the local rules and regulations) qualify don't despair. You can probably sidestep most of the red tape merely by having your customer get his own permit for the erection of the sign (offer him a ten or twenty dollar reduction for handling this task for you).

And do thoroughly run through all sign ordinances before you sign any contract. You'll learn a lot and you won't be unknowingly suckered into dumping a job because your area's regs outlaw signs of a certain size or too near a property line, etc.

As for more general permits and licensing, you'll need a state sales tax number if. you plan to collect any money for your work (since almost all signs are taxable now). This number will allow you to purchase all your materials tax free, of course, so it's not all bad. And, if you intend to use a business name for your business, you'll have to go down to your local newspaper office in most states and sign an assumed name form. If you intend to operate under your own name, however, you can disregard this duty. But don't forget to comply with all federal tax rules for self employed individuals. And, if you hire help, make sure you withhold taxes properly and otherwise comply with applicable regulations.

HOW TO PHYSICALLY CONSTRUCT THE SIGNS YOU SELL

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