A-frame signs by Skip Rosell, eh, eh, by Jason Hatchett
 

Even if you are all thumbs and don't know a screw driver from a saw check out this post on A-frame signs, ok?

Here is a link to the post by Jason.


http://www.sowpub.com/forum/showthread.php?p=29847

You back? Ok let's get started.

I read that post where he says he sells from 2 to 6 signs per week. I said to myself yea, sure in his area. What about my area. Will they sell as well in my home town?

So I decided to do a test in my area. Being cheap I didn't want to spend any money to test this out. So here is what I did and you can test this in your area the same way for zero dollars.

The first thing I did is put an ad on Craigslist the same as the ad in Jasons post. I did not buy any materials or make up any signs I just placed the free ad.

Here are the results of a two week test.

The first full day the ad was posted I got 4 calls and 2 emails.

The second day I got 3 calls.

By the third day the ad was down the list on Craigslist (your ad drops from the top to the bottom) each day as new ads are posted.

So with only a two day test I could have sold maybe 9 signs. I say maybe because since I did not have ANY signs I told each person the sign was sold. So I really didn't know how many of that 9 would show up and actually buy the sign.

So I bump the ad back to the top of Craigslist. I wanted to find out if the 9 that replied was a fluke.

The next day with my ad on top again I got 5 calls. The next day 2. This was looking good.

16 calls in less then a week. So I bit the bullet and bought some plywood and hinges, paint, etc. Had my son make up a few signs for me. Since this was not at the top of my sons list to do it took him a few days to get around to making the signs.

Only took him about 15 minutes to make each sign.

Still with my ad way down the list (I did not bump it a second time) I was still getting calls. I got a total of 8 more calls in the next 5 days before my son made the signs.

Now even though I told my son I would give him all the profit on the signs he made he said he would split the profit with me. So each sign costs $15 and they sell for $65 that leaves a $50 profit. $25 each for each sign.

So how can you do this and make the test and if it works in your area have the signs made so you do not need any knowledge of woodworking?

Go back to Craigslist and find a handyman to work with and give him the $25 to make each sign. He can make at least 4 in an hour which is $100 an hour. You make the same with NO work. In fact when the handyman makes up more signs at the same time the amount of time to make each sign is less then 15 minutes. Good hourly wage for a handyman.

There you have it. Any questions just ask and I will see if I can help.

Best of success,

Skip Rosell

Re: A-frame signs by Skip Rosell, eh, eh, by Jason Hatchett
 

Skip,

What thickness is the plywood (1/2 inch 3/4 inch)?

Probably doesn't make a difference other than the price of the plywood.

Tom

Re: A-frame signs by Skip Rosell, eh, eh, by Jason Hatchett
 

Thanks for asking Tom,

I tried both but I found with the 3/4 they were too heavy to carrier in and out of the store at night and in the morning. Some of the women could not lift them off the ground. So I now use just 1/2 for all the signs.

This does make a big difference in price.

As far as the kind of plywood I use PTS grade. That means Plug, Tucked and sanded. They might call is something else in your area. Just find the least expensive plywood that is smooth. That could be called A/C or B/C. just the best you can buy for under $20 a sheet. Then the hinges, paint, chain for the side so it does not open all the way will cost under $10. That way your costs are no more then $15 bucks per sign.

Best of success,

Skip Rosell

Re: A-frame signs by Skip Rosell, eh, eh, by Jason Hatchett
 

Thanks Skip. That was a lot of info and I appreciate it. Might try running a CL ad just to see what happens.

Tom

Re: A-frame signs by Skip Rosell, eh, eh, by Jason Hatchett
 

Hey Skip,

What section on Craigslist do you put the ad on for the A-Frames? Have you tried Bozo's headlight cleaning business. I have been doing pretty good with this business.

Don

Re: A-frame signs by Skip Rosell, eh, eh, by Jason Hatchett
 

Don,

Here's where Jason says he puts it:

"Then I place a ad on Craigslist in the business section..."

Tom

Re: A-frame signs by Skip Rosell, eh, eh, by Jason Hatchett
 

Hi Don,

Thanks for asking.

As Tom said use the business section. I have not tried any other section yet but it may be worth it to test other sections.

Best of success,

Skip Rosell

Re: Don, Quick Question
 

Don,

I recently purchased Boz's updated manual for cleaning the headlights. Without giving away too much info, what method are you using to get your customers?

Ron

Re: A-frame signs by Skip Rosell, eh, eh, by Jason Hatchett
 

Yes, I read that thread before and for sure, its a good one. Talking about signs,
do you have any idea what biz owners does with the signs as far as putting something on them? Not that it really matters because this is the biz of SELLING signs, not headlight cleaning (Ooops, did I say that...).

Craigslist seems to work fine, those are the people that are actually looking for something, not neccessarily a sign but they knew it was a steal at $65. I wonder if making up some flyers and popping in door to door, just dropping off a flyer would increase your sales? Take that back, only TESTING will tell, lol,

Eva

Re: A-frame signs by Skip Rosell, eh, eh, by Jason Hatchett
 

Hi Eve,

Thanks for bringing up the use for the signs.

Some of the businesses just staple hand bills on the signs. Others have the quick print shop print up a banner to attach to the signs. Others have a sign shop or creative friend paint their message right on the sign.

But I have come up with a couple of unique tricks to help me sell the signs when the customer shows up.

If the prospect sign buyer bulks about buying the sign because they do not want to use any of the above methods I suggest they get a can of Blackboard Paint from home depot and spray the sign. Then they can write a different message every day, like a menu daily special.

Another paint that is available is magnetic paint. Then you can use magnetic letters to make up you signs.

Hope this helps.

Best of success,

Skip Rosell

Re: A-frame signs by Skip Rosell, eh, eh, by Jason Hatchett
 

Another way one could go is to make the sign a whiteboard. Look for 'melamine' at the big box stores. 1/4 inch thick pressed board with white melamine coating on one or both sides. Same stuff used for dry-erase boards.

Also this is an inexpensive way to go if you want a large whiteboard to use with Gordon's whiteboard course. You could cover all the walls in your house with the stuff.

100.00 A Day To Park Truck w/A-Frame Sign In Front of a Store
 

Thanks Skip,

I have a friend in Australia who charges 100.00 a day.

He discovered that in many areas A sidewalk or street sign is not legal.

But an A-Frame sign on wheels. (Gets around the law)

Each Sign sits In his Truck Bed - sells like gangbusters.

100.00 to make An Extra 2000.00 a day?

HECK Yeah his customers will p ay that.

Glenn

P.S. - He did tell me that He now has 3 Truck/Signs he rents out. AND
A waiting list.

And the older beat up trucks work best.

Re: A-frame signs by Skip Rosell, eh, eh, by Jason Hatchett
 

Hi Bozo,

Thanks for that great idea. I checked with my local lumber box stores and what you are talking about comes in 2 X 4 sheets. Perfect match for the size of the signs. Just get some hooks and you can hang them on the sign.

Thanks,

Skip Rosell

Re: 100.00 A Day To Park Truck w/A-Frame Sign In Front of a Store
 

Glenn,

Thanks and the law is also here in the states in some areas. It is a law in my area that you can not put up a sign of any kind with out getting a permit.

My friend at the Shipping store uses an old truck and parks it in the parking lot right by the road with an A-frame sign. The truck does not even work. But he says the sign does it job and he figures it adds at least a few hundred a day to his sales.

Best of success,

Skip Rosell

Re: A-frame signs by Skip Rosell, eh, eh, by Jason Hatchett
 

So, the fold-away A-frame signs that are produced with this method, are they legal? Maybe in some locations, others, maybe not.

The idea of either making them a)magnetic, b)chalkboard or c)whiteboard are excellent. Maybe you could get another $20-$25 out of it, telling the buyer they have that option?

Adding battery operated string lights tastefully might draw extra attention as well,

Eva

Re: A-frame signs by Skip Rosell, eh, eh, by Jason Hatchett
 

I'm guessing the most trouble would occur if the sign was placed too near the street where it could become a traffic hazard if bumped or blown over or the sign was left out overnight,etc. and began to look permanent.

1/2 hour north of Los Angeles? I'm guessing they're illegal (just saying.)

(p.s. thanks for the pricing tip, I going to make one of each this week, I'm betting I can sell 'em to the grocery store I work for part time for indoor use if nothing else.)

Re: A-frame signs by Skip Rosell, eh, eh, by Jason Hatchett
 

Hi Ron,

I use business cards and car magnets. I also work for a major car auction in my town so I know all the dealers.

Thanks for the response, Don
 

Don,

Thanks for your response.

I have a mobile detailing business and get requests for headlight
cleaning from my customers from time to time.

I'm testing out a couple of methods for attracting business that
weren't discussed here or in the manual. I'll post the results as
I get them in another thread.

Apologies to Skip & company....not trying to hijack this thread.

Ron

Cross-wired morons
 

Who is the one that is affected the most with some kind of cross-wired, cant keep it straight, staying on topic disease that should know better?

To apologize for keeping up with the cross-wiring is not good enough of an excuse either. Start your own thread for crying out loud!

Sorry for the rant...

Eva