I just found out that I lost a bid to a competitor to apply graphics to 5 police cars, by $125!  Really thought I would get it.

You win some, and lose some I guess.

It's happens. 

Everything happens for a reason. 

you may get to redo them in a year or so - low bid isn't always the best!

Very well said. and so true..

Just found out this morning I lost out as well. More due to the fact it was on a large truck and they wanted it done NOW - and the other guy has a heated garage to do it in, and I'd have to do it in their space next week.

Odd thing though, I asked if the guy didnt mind telling me, what did the other shop quote it at. They were $120 under my quote, and mine was quite reasonable. Here's where it gets odd... they said it was quoted to them at $880, installed.

So I email that company and ask for a quickie quote for something similar... easy truck vinyl, 52" high, 8' wide, two sides, installed. They quoted me $800.

Huh? The quote I lost was about 100 sq ft total, the quote I requested was about 69 sq ft. And an $80 difference? Something doesnt add up. Either the guy BS'ed me and lowered it trying to get me to come down next time, or that other shop was apply unlaminated economy vinyl or something. Doesnt make sense how his 100 sq ft was $880 and when I requested a quote for 69 sq ft, it was $800. Odd.

Anyway.

And I was so excited. First job with the new printer. Oh well.

And once they say "Ok" do you still charge them the inflated price? Or do you price it out correctly?

I just got a quote from that company for a job that is 5% smaller than the one I lost, for 45% more than they charged the other guy. Wouldnt you try and at least be reasonably accurate to get the job?

I guess I dont get it. They quoted me $11.50 per sq ft for a printed, laminated flat wrap applied to the side of a box truck, vs $8.66 per sq ft for a presumably laminated, contour cut wrap applied to the side of a curved truck.

You'd think they'd at least be close... ish... Only thing I can think of is they didnt charge for the area cut away? Which doesnt make any sense, but... what do I know?

And once they say "Ok" do you still charge them the inflated price? Or do you price it out correctly?

I just got a quote from that company for a job that is 5% smaller than the one I lost, for 45% more than they charged the other guy. Wouldnt you try and at least be reasonably accurate to get the job?

I guess I dont get it. They quoted me $11.50 per sq ft for a printed, laminated flat wrap applied to the side of a box truck, vs $8.66 per sq ft for a presumably laminated, contour cut wrap applied to the side of a curved truck.

You'd think they'd at least be close... ish... Only thing I can think of is they didnt charge for the area cut away? Which doesnt make any sense, but... what do I know?

Why'd you have them quote you a job? Are they somebody you use for printed goods? 

Quote from: locknload1 on December 05, 2011, 03:57:17 PM

Why'd you have them quote you a job? Are they somebody you use for printed goods? 

research purposes. 

Well, at least Lasershark can rationalize that he got even with the competition for his wasted time... if that was the goal.