Starting out in Commerical films

[Guest TakTekFilms]

Morning All,

I am totally new here, so firstly let me introduce myself. I have been tinting cars as a part-time occupation for a couple of years now, using SunTek films. SunTek recently sent me lots of gump about residential and commerical films as I was consistantely getting asked by main contractors in construction to assist in schools, hospitals etc.

I can see big potential here, but I understand the flat glass industry is more enjoyable and less painstaking once you get past the initial problems and work your way around different glass types.

Being in the UK, I am not sure if glass standards are different. Many windows have no stamp at all. I have contacted Llumar, as they seem to be very knowledgable in the films, have a good understanding and are willing to help with my film selections (which I havent yet asked SunTek as I struggle to get hold of them).

So firstly, I just wanted to ask a few questions:

1- Are you pricing on a percentage or a standard quote for film, tools + labour? Many main contractors want me to do the job at cost +30%? Margins of error, should I price for these too just incase if I do a percent job?

2- What tools for flat glass (I know Llumar & SunTek should be able to help here, but would love to know from actual installers)?

3- Frost glass partitions, do you install the partitions too?

4- Is it still a baby shampoo & water application?

5- Shadows etc, how to take these into account when choosing the film? Simply note and ask supplier?

6- How to initally clean the windows from dirt? Razors? What about large glass?

7- How to handle larger films? Take 2 or can you one man it!

Really appreciate all your help

Nathan

[Roach]

4- Is it still a baby shampoo & water application?

Yes.

6- How to initally clean the windows from dirt? Razors? What about large glass?

6" razor blade / scrapper. Unless it's tempered glass... if you are tinting the 'rough' side, you have to be careful when cleaning so you don't scratch the film.

7- How to handle larger films? Take 2 or can you one man it!

Depends on the film. Is it a PS adhesive or dry? Dry is easier to work with solo.... but even at that, if the panes are very big, it's always easier with two people.

-R

[Guest shadowline]

Where in the UK are you Nathan

[Guest Infiniteoptiks StL]

Skip the solar and go straight to the profit center of the universe"decorative films".

We manufacture Infiniteoptiks www.infiniteoptiksstl.com and we'll be happy to help you with custom films and so can Peter @ Decorative Films, LLC.

Hotels, schools, hospitals, government and business. Market to architects and professional commercial interior designers. Don't waste time on telephone directories or ad campaigns. Face to face meetings.

It will take time but you'll be shocked at the profit potential. And once you establish a client base they'll call you for solar too.

Cheers!

Robert

[TomTint]

Skip the solar and go straight to the profit center of the universe"decorative films".

We manufacture Infiniteoptiks www.infiniteoptiksstl.com and we'll be happy to help you with custom films and so can Peter @ Decorative Films, LLC.

Hotels, schools, hospitals, government and business. Market to architects and professional commercial interior designers. Don't waste time on telephone directories or ad campaigns. Face to face meetings.

It will take time but you'll be shocked at the profit potential. And once you establish a client base they'll call you for solar too.

Cheers!

Robert

I have to agree here. Deco is by far our largest profit margin. And typically easiest work. Over the past 6-7 years, the percentage of deco work we do over solar has grown by double diddets every year. This year alone, it will account for almost 75% of sales.

[Tint Eastwood]

I wouldn't skip the solar, especially on the advice of a deco films dist. Ask a solar film dist, I'm sure he will tell you skip the deco.....unless they sell that too.

I'd say offer both, then let your market decide which one is the profit center of YOUR universe. Good luck.