• Definately a lot less
• Turnover is massive however the profits just aren't there anymore.
• Youve got to be kidding, profit is well down.
• We make the same today per hour in business as we did when I started with the brush in 1979. Less money - More Stress!!
• We find our profit is steadily increasing each year.
• Only just - doing more work but base costs (especially rent and electricity) eat into the profit unless one increases prices and then customers start looking around which then means you are doing more work quoting etc: and losing work because someone else (including backyarders) who are doing the work to cheap.
• This is an easy question.....LESS!!!!! by far. There are many external factors affecting the profit ratios of this industry. You can put it down to the fact that this industry is not regulated and any Tom Dick and Harry can grab a printer, and a computer and they instantly call them selves a "Signwriter". Not to mention the fact that we have windscreen guys advertising that they do cheap signs, and then there are the many graphic designers that advertise they do signage and screw the manufacturers down so far just so that they can get the job (meaning the stupid manufacturer makes little money). With all these factors that unfortubately are outside your circle of influence (including the GFC) and you cannot control the fact that many of the people do not have the knowlegde or ability to know what the item is worth nor do they have the knowledge of general business to understand what a good business plan or model should be and what money they should be making per item......
• About the same given the large increase in overheads. 
• I have found that our profit margin is less than five years ago, running costs have increased dramatically, with fuel, power, materail costs etc heading sky ward compared to the pricing we can charge. In fact I find that we cant get the same money for say a colorbond panel sign as we did five years ago. due to every increasing competion especially and mainlly in the digital printing aspect. Fabrication is a different story.
• We have never lowered our prices since we opened 7 years ago and our material's cost has gone down significantly. Not to say we are down around 15% on sales since the GFC but profit is still better.
• Profit is up nicely thanks. Better to get less work and make more money than drop prices and go for every job and make less profit.

(These survey questions are sent in by our readers. If you have a subject that you would like us to survey, please send your subject to brian@dezuma.com.au. Thanks.)   

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MACHINERY FOR SALE 

(VIC, Bright) Roland PC 60 In excellent working order. Comes with $1700.00 worth of new ribbons, incl 3 gold & 3 silver all manuals & driver. + stand & tools. $3000.00 Ph 03 57 551418 - 0418 573200 hcountry3@bigpond.com
(Posted 12th February 2012)    

(VIC, Melbourne) VP 540 roland printer excellent condition with 6 months warranty left $12,000 call nick 0418 104 324.
(Posted 11th February 2012)

(NSW, Charmhaven) 12 rolls various archival canvas, photographic & plain papers for Aqueous pigment ink wide format printers. $550 the lot. Phone 0408404107 for details. Charmhaven. Business closing.
(Posted 10th February 2012)

(NSW, Charmhaven)Oce CS4336 wide format colour scanner. 36 inch wide. Perfect condition. Business closing. Take over lease $557 monthly (includes GST) for 2 years or pay $15,753 to keep. Phone 0408404107. Charmhaven NSW.
(Posted 10th February 2012)

(NSW, Charmhaven)Epson Stylus Pro 9900 wide format printer. Photographic quality. 44 inch wide. Perfect condition. Business closing. Take over lease $376 monthly (includes GST) for 2 years or pay $10,492 to keep. Phone 0408404107. Charmhaven NSW.
(Posted 10th February 2012)

(QLD, Gold Coast) Mimaki JV3-160 SP 60" eco solvent printer. 4 Colour set up with bulk ink system. Just replace all 4 heads and had a new pump put in. Prints great. Great media take up system applies constant tension to the graphics. $11 000 ONO or $13 500 with wasatch rip 6.8. Call or text Liam 0413314744. or liam@myrabellestudios.com
(Posted 9th February 2012)

(VIC, Blackburn) FREE. HP Designjet 3000CP complete with stand and takeup reel. Has spare unopened encoder strip. Not working but may be something simple. Otherwise excellent condition for parts. Phone Brett - 9878 3544.
(Posted 8th February 2012)

(NSW, Wollongong) HP DESIGNJET 5500PS 60"- Comes complete with Take Up Reel-UV Upgrade Kit-Perfect Working Order- Great Workhorse- All Offers Considered $$$ Call sales on 02 42 299333 or email sales@wdoe.com.au
(Posted 7th February 2012)

(ACT, Canberra) OCE TCS400 large format colour printer, wide format copier and large format scanner for sale. All offers considered. Phone Garreth 0406657576 or email garreth.wigg@cg.catholic.edu.au .
(Posted 6th February 2012)

(VIC, Melbourne) Roland XC 540 PRINT/CUT- for sale in excellent condition with warranty till November 2012
Regularly serviced by Roland tech. (recent service in Nov 2011) Comes with 2 sets of media roll ends, a set of media clamps, cleaning solvent, cleaning sticks, Versa Works Software. This machine is a great high speed, high resolution printer, impeccably maintained and looked after in a clean, controlled environment. All records maintained by Roland. Selling price excl gst :  $14,000
Only reason for sale is I need wider machines due to a new customer contract . call 0420612737 or email boetnswaer@gmail.com.au   

(NSW, Nowra) Computer Engraving Machine Brand New... Never Used..
Computer engraving machine Suregrave 2516i comes with programs, cutters, manuals and toolbox. Selling price is $16,000. Please ring 02 44210021
Stewart Place Nowra, 2541. email shoalhaven.trophies@bigpond.com
(Posted 4th February 2012)
 
(VIC, Mill Park) Ausjet laminator 1400 wide heat assist to 60 deg C, electric, foot pedal. Spare silicone bottom roller as new.. pablo@imageprinting.com.au
(Posted 3rd February 2012)
 
(QLD, Midway between Brisbane and Gold Coast) Mimaki JV5-160S. Excellent condition - surplus to requirements. Price $35,000.00 (new price $65k). Comes with software and ink - ready to work. Can deliver SEQ. Ph. 0411 074 779.
(Posted 3rd February 2012)
 
(QLD, Gold Coast) Used rolland VP 540 very good condition $8800.00 phone 0466379636
(Posted 3rd February 2012)
 
(NSW, Wagga Wagga) For Sale, $15000.00 ONO, HP Design Jet 5500 Colour with tonnes of extras, cutting table, Wasatch RIP and unopened photo rolls etc, Wagga Wagga NSW, Angela 69226661, Make an offer. Email: info_CABC@bigpond.com . Your phone: 0269226661
(Posted 2nd February 2012)
 
(VIC, Mill Park) Roland VP-540 w/takeup roller and bulk inking. Jetmark inks and some media. Pickup from Mill Park, Victoria. $16500.00 ono pandksigns@gmail.com . 0487196891
(Posted 2nd February 2012)
 
(VIC, Blackburn) For Sale. Best offer. Canon ipf9000 wide format printer in showroom condition. Has power to screen but can't clear error message so won't operate. Has one new unused printhead. Ring for further details - Brett 9878 3544.
(Posted 30th January 2012)  

(QLD, Gold Coast) DTG Viper For Sale includes platens, spray guns and accessories. Please email me at iroamgraphics@bigpond.com for more information and price. Must Sell.
(Posted 24th January 2012) 

(NSW, Lane Cove) Powerful manual guillotine for perfect and effortless cutting and trimming of paper stacks or bound brochures with up to 40mm height. Fast flick action clamp, side lay with measuring scale, fine adjustment with spindle guided back gauge with hand crank.
Safety guards front and back, blade lock. Cutting length: 390mm. New. info@artpetrus.com, tel. 0400 066 440.
Price $ 1690.- ono.
(Posted 23rd January 2012)   

(VIC, Altona) Laser cutters for sale: All laser cutters come as is,they have all been used for hobby, no commercial use. Prices are negotiable, and inspections recommended. Inspections are in Altona, VIC
Model: GK1612 - Laser Power:140 watt. Machine Power: 1100 watt. Machine Size: 2130x1780x1000cm Price: $6,000
Model: GS1280 x2. Laser Power: 80 watt. Machine Power: 1250 watt. Machine Size: 173x138x109cm Price: $4,500 each or $8,000 for both.
Desktop Laser Cutter. Model: RSC0708223-1/-3 x2. Price: $1,500 each or $2,500 for both
email: miss.decor.interiors@gmail.com
(Posted 20th January 2012)
 
(QLD, Brisbane Binding Machine Rhino-O-Tuff includes 4 x die's which are Comb, Wire and continuous coil (the wire is 3-1 and 3-2 with the 3-2 needing a new screw to allow it to enter the binder)
We never use the 3-2 as we have had no need to and never replaced it.
It will take around 27pp at a time to punch and we purchased it new for $3500 and only want $1000 for a quick sale.
Greg McIntosh < greg@copycatprint.com.au>
(Posted 19th January 2012)
 
(QLD, Brisbane) Guillotine Sistemi RC465
This will cut up to SRA3 paper and around 300+ sheets with a red laser style light to assist cutting with a manual turn wheel for paper advancement and a safety leaver for cutting.
This has been regularly services with PHE where we purchased it from and modified for better straight cutting etc.
Sell for $800
Greg McIntosh < greg@copycatprint.com.au>
(Posted 19th January 2012)  

 
(VIC, Mt Waverley) FOR SALE Roland VersaCamm SP540V in excellent condition. Well looked after with service record. Reason for sale: Printer upgrade. Location: Melbourne. Price $6500+GST Contact: Jeffrey 0419 374 229
(Posted 19th January 2012)
 
(VIC, Glenroy)  Mutoh PJ-1614NXE 1600mm wide True Solvent Printer, Spectra Heads with Bulk Ink System. Includes Inks (4lt bottles) C 24lt, M 28lt, Y 32lt, K 16lt. Currently Inactive- needs work on K subtank or Great for parts. col@csandg.com.au
(Posted 19th January 2012)
 
(QLD, Brisbane Southside) EXCESS STOCK - Many rolls of monomeric clear 1540 x 50m Way Below Cost $50 ea. Also uv resistant high quality FLEXFACE 1870mm wide $20 per metre.
Email: helengosd@hotmail.com
(Posted 18th January 2012)
 
(VIC, Sunshine West) Roland PRO III XJ-640 1600mm wide Eco-Solvent Printer - Well maintained through Conect/Roland Maintenance. Comes with take up mechanism and fans. Comes with inks in printer + 4 in total brand new light inks.
$18,000+GST ONO - Sunshine West VIC, Jamie 0430 110 859 jamie@mediapoint.com.au
(Posted 18th January 2012)
 
(QLD,Brisbane) used and surplus to requirements, GZ3200 TRUE solvent printer, CMYK, 16 x XAAR 128/80 heads, RIP/PC included. See it working.   $22,000 + gst + install/freight.Call 0418 180574
(Posted 18th January 2012)  

 
(QLD,Brisbane) used and surplus to requirements, Mutoh Rockhopper 1600 solvent printer, CMYK, 4 x Epson 10000 heads (all new) , $5,500 + gst + install/freight. Call 0418 180574
(Posted 18th January 2012)
 
(QLD,Brisbane) new and surplus to requirements, H Duty Mounting machines (2) large diameter silicon rollers, 1700mm wide x 25mm opening, $4200 + gst.Call 0418 180574
(Posted 18th January 2012)

 
(QLD,Brisbane) used and surplus to requirements, H Duty Mounting machine with table large diameter silicon rollers, 1700mm wide x 25mm opening, $2800 + gst. Call 0418 180574
(Posted 18th January 2012)

 
 
(QLD, Brisbane), new and surplus to requirements, H Duty Cold Laminator large diameter silicon rollers, 1700mm wide x 25mm opening, Roll to roll. $7500 + gst. Call 0418 180574
(Posted 18th January 2012)

(QLD, Brisbane), ex demo and surplus to requirements, GZ2500 TRUE solvent printer, CMYK, 12 x NEW XAAR 128/80 heads, RIP/PC included. $25,000 + gst + install/freight.. Call 0418 180574
(Posted 18th January 2012)
 
(QLD, Brisbane), new and surplus to requirements, GZ2500 TRUE solvent printer, CMYK, 8 x  NEW XAAR 128/80 heads, RIP/PC included. $25,000 + gst + install/freight.. Call 0418 180574
(Posted 18th January 2012)  

(QLD, Gold Coast) HP z5200ps 44" printer. Latest model less than a year old. Built in eye one spectro for consistant colour. Quick printer with consistent colour. Used primarily for canvas and banner stands. Call Liam on 0413314744. $4750 ONO. Must sell.
liam@myrabellestudios.com
(Posted 18th January 2012)  

(QLD, Brisbane) HP Z2100 44 inch Wide Format 8 Colour Machine. The HP 8-ink Design jet HP_Z2100delivers superior colour accuracy & consistency with the first-ever embedded spectrophotometer with i1 Colour Technology. HP Photo Inks produce Vivid Colour and BW prints.
3 years old and works like a dream with 5 star reviews.
New Spare inks thrown in as well and extra paper roll holder 2" corr
Upgraded to a Latex Solvent now after building my UV print base and need the room otherwise I would keep it.
Sell $3400 ono (contact Greg 0433178111 or 07 38314766)
(Posted 18th January 2012)
      
(QLD, Albion) Hybrid Flatbed Printer 2.5m wide for sale.
PDF_Hybrid_printerGCC Stellarjet 250uv. Includes 2 x 10 amp 3 phase blower/vacuum fans, 2 roller tables and all associated accessories. Machine is available in as is condition. Requires 2-3 new print heads to be in a working condition. 6 Colour + White. All offers considered.
Email : mark@pdf.net.au
(Posted 16th January 2012)

(NSW - Lane Cove West) Scanner HASSELBLAD Flextight X5
HASSELBLAD_Flextight_X5Virtual drum scanner for films and prints, includes slide and batch feeders, 10 additional holders and cover, as new, scanned no more than 500 slides. Features 8000 dpi, 4.9 D-max, 300 MB/min minute, auto cropping/formatting/naming, FlexTouch dust removal. info@artpetrus.com , tel. 0400 066 440.
Price 14,900.- ono.
(Posted 16th January 2012)

(NSW - Lane Cove West) Compressor ATLAS COPCO SF4
Compressor_ATLAS_COPCO_SF4Oil-free scroll compressor 8 bar, 14.7 ACFM, 59dB - complete with filter, dryer, receiver and purging unit, very little use, as new, info@artpetrus.com , tel. 0400 066 440.
Price $6,900.-(Posted 16th January 2012)      

(NSW - Lane Cove West) CANON Imageprograf iPF9000
CANON_Imageprograf_iPF900012 colour inkjet printer, 60" (1,520mm) wide roll, 2,400 dpi resolution, printed 2,200m2, excellent condition, clean, all jets working, info@artpetrus.com , tel. 0400 066 440.
Price $7,600.- ono.
(Posted 16th January 2012)

(NSW - Lane Cove West) CANON Imageprograf iPF8100
CANON_Imageprograf_iPF810012 colour inkjet printer, 44" (1,117mm) wide roll, 2,400 dpi resolution, printed only 150m2, as new, info@artpetrus.com , tel. 0400 066 440.
Price $6,500.-
(Posted 16th January 2012)

(NSW - Lane Cove West) CANON Imageprograf iPF5100
Imageprograf_iPF510012 colour inkjet printer with, 17" (431mm) wide roll or A2 sheet, 2,400 dpi resolution, includes stand, printed only 58m2, as new, info@artpetrus.com , tel. 0400 066 440.
Price $1,800.-
(Posted 16th January 2012)  

(NSW, Castle Hill) Konica Minolta Bizhub Pro C6501 - Professional, on-demand Digital Colour Print System. Multifunction capability: advanced colour printing, copying & scanning, advanced networking capabilities and powerful finishing solutions. Automatic inline folding, saddle stitching and stapling. Meter Count: 237686 (Colour), 286425 (Black). Great Condition. 2 years old.
The machine has been fully serviced under Konica Minolta Service Agreement. Buyer can contact Konica to arrange new service agreement on approval. $15,000.00 Email: richard@signandimage.com.au  ph: 02 98999242
(Posted 13th January 2012) 

This is only a partial list of 2nd hand machinery available. For the biggest and most up to date list of 2nd Hand machines available in our region, please go to Wide Format Online magazine. 

 The weekly Classified Ad Mailer   

MACHINERY WANTED

 (QLD, Glenwood) Wanted Urgently: Vinyl cutter prepared to Drive as far as Gold Coast Ph Julie 0427 911 245 dddjulie@bigpond.com
(Posted 9th January 2012)

 
(NSW, Ulladulla) Wanted Wide format 1600 Hot Laminator - preferably NSW
contact Jack Brilliant 02 44554055  email: office@brilliantsilk.com
(Posted 6th January 2011) 

(VIC, Melbourne) Wanted Roland ColourCamm PC 60. We are looking for a Roland ColourCamm PC 60 with accessories in good working condition, able to view working. Please email aandrade@iprimus.com.au or call me on 0411 672110.
(Posted 2nd December 2011)
 
(NSW, Kingsgrove) Are you about to upgrade your 3.2m printer? We are looking for a 3.2m solvent machine to be used as a back up in Sydney. Any brand considered. Any area of Australia considered but must be in running condition for us to view. Tel: 0414437077
(Posted 29th November 2011)   

This is only a partial list of 2nd hand machinery available. For the biggest and most up to date list of 2nd Hand machines available in our region, please go to Wide Format Online magazine. 

The weekly Classified Ad Mailer   

The weekly Classified Ad Mailer   

TThe weekly Classified Ad Mailer   

BUSINESSES FOR SALE/WANTED

(NSW, Condell Park) Sign Manufacturing Business and Building for sale. Training provided, W.I.W.O. or owner willing to stay on for a period of time. 

(Posted 24th January 2012)

Engraving including glass, Quality Business for sale, Training provided, W.I.W.O. All machinery, stock included. In operation for 19 years.P.O. A . Ring John 0248622388 or 0412806202 

good Customer Base. Would Suit Graphic Designer -Working Couple-Sign Maker 

(Posted 23rd January 2012)

(QLD, Gold Coast) "WANTED " Cash Buyer Looking For Sign Business For Sale in GoldCoast QLD Region.Please email your details & asking price to: robinharle@hotmail.com or text your details to: 04500-39938 

(NSW, Hornsby) Small, well established company. Artwork set up and operation of wide format printers, plotters and laser cutters. Ideal for someone looking for a start in the printing industry. (02) 9987 4004 

(QLD, Yeppoon)General Sign Shop in Coastal town Yeppoon. All Equipment, roland printer ezytaper, and everything needed run shop. Cheap rent. More than 700 clients works completed in past 5 years. On a high traffic street. Husband and Wife team with a couple of casuals. Owners have another business and can't do both properly... There is plently of room to improve. The town is growing quickly and is the signage shop with a shop front. $75,000 inc stock Ph Owner 0413398749