Trenton Dog,
Vendors are vendors, and I think we all understand there is a profit in every business, and some people try to cut corners and make the big hit. So (we) people on this board like you and I think what the hell if he can do that so can I. I LMAO when I read your post, I just had a bid of $800.00 for camo on my current project john boat. I thought what the hell that’s a lot of BBQ sandwiches and ribs. I’m going to do it myself. Please post from time to time and tell us how your graphics adventure goes.
Thanks for the smile
Jack

Hey Jack,
 
Yep, it sounds like we are cut from the same cloth in that regard. I do understand that the sign guy has to earn a living too, but I didn’t see any value in paying him what he wanted for his services. To tell you the truth, I don’t think he really wanted my business as it really wasn’t worth his time and effort to do some vehicle lettering and signage when he could be doing his full vehicle wraps and huge billboard sized signs making much more money. (to pay for the high dollar equipment needed to do those sophisticated jobs)
 
Of course, sometimes I take it to the extremes. For example, several years ago, the transmission on our family minivan started leaking profusely. I took it to three places and got three different estimates from $1700 to $2800. The low estimate was to fix the leak and the high estimate was to overhaul the entire transmission. None of the shops impressed me with their people skills or knowledge. So I bought about $1000 worth of tools that were specific to overhauling that transmission (chrysler 41TE), and with another $400 in parts I overhauled the tranny myself. Still have the minivan (over 200K miles) to this day. Sold the tools (used once) on eBay for 75% of what I paid. Not a bad deal.
 
On the other hand, I recently payed a local garage to replace the sway bar links on my Jeep for $200. Sure I could’ve done it for $70, but paying the mechanic was a greater value than doing it myself since I had a private catering gig that weekend.
 
I guess I am frugal – but not cheap. When I strike gold slinging dogs, I’ll be able to pay others whatever they want for their services, but until that day happens I’ll have to scrape the grease from under my fingernails I suppose. 🙂