Anyone interested in ca.dsm.org plate frames?

I think this is a good way to show club spirit/support without placing stickers on your car.

Perhaps a portion could go directly to this board. In fact I think it should be mandatory.

I lack resources to get this going, but perhaps a group effort could pull something together.

Please post with a Yes or No and any constructive comments are welcome.

Thanks

Adam

I think it is a nice idea! If there is interest, I would be willing to try to do some organiztional stuff...find out where they can be made, that kind of stuff. I would be willing to do this "non profit" for myself, if there is some "profit" from each sale going to the board. Basically I think we would need an approximate number, so that we could figure out the cost of having that many made. From there, we could figure out what to donate to the board, and come up with a final price. We would then NEED to sell the quantity we order.....I don't mind doing the work for this board, as this board has been good to me, but I don't want to end up being stuck with unsold frames that come out of my pocket...let's hear some more feed back...what do you guys think??

A guy I know in town here has had a custom frame made for his 1g. I'll try to find out where he got his done.

:rolleyes:

Well Ziggy and Shaun that would be mighty fine of you. Let us know what you find out.

Like I said any constructive opinions or ideas will help. Possibly any suggestions from people who have done this on other boards etc.

Keep it coming.

Adam

I'll take a set aswell.

I've already talked to you about this Grenon, but I just thought I'd throw in my $0.02. I personally think it's at great idea. As long as they aren't too tacky or anything, I definitely would run one on my car. And why not contribute back to the board. We all know that we use it enough that it deserves the payoff (even if it might be meager in this case). I think that's something that even you can admit Pete!

Yea forsure I would want one...

Everytime I see a DSM I wonder if they are part of this board. This way if we all have them I know who is part of the group!

id take one

I'll take one.

I'll take a set.

Ya I'd take one. As long as their not tacky Id put it on the ride. If they are tacky, it would go on the garage wall

I will take two.

Looks like lots of interest. Someone mentioned knowing someone who makes them....you could start looking into it. I am busy as hell today, and Melissa is off, but will have her start to investigate tomorrow...

Good to see the interest.. As for design, I would say the simpler the better.

E.G. Club DSM Canada Across the top with some sort of logo on both sides of that and then the web address across the bottom.

Any suggestions?

Ya, thats what I would have suggested. Would there be different colours to choose from? (Grey would be nice to match my car , but thats probably getting a little complicated) If not I would vote for black.

Edit: Maybe put the logo on the bottom & the web address ontop

I was kind of hoping Ziggy would put his machining skill to work, a machined aluminum frame would look sweet.
Maybe he could set up a package price for 1 or 2 frames and the billet Eagle logo's...
I would only need one frame, but I would have to see the design first.

Thats a good Idea, match my shift knob from him.

I think that the machined aluminum frames are a good idea, but it's probably asking a little too much. Ziggy's doing enough by just trying to find someone that makes these frames and get them for us, and although I'm sure they would look nice, having Ziggy make custom aluminum frames at his cost and still have the proceeds go to ca.dsm.org is a lot to ask. Plus, I'm sure they would be much more costly and you wouldn't have as many people buying them, which kind of defeats the whole purpose of this (being able to recognize board members and also show support by donating back to the site). Anyone else have any opinions on this?

Yah I agree with you steve... Who would be able to read anyting off an aluminum frame anyways?

Plastic, black.. simple and effective is the way to go.

Steve hit the nail right on the head..they would be too expensive!! They would be nice, but too expensive!! Something plastic and cheap I think...this is basically just to show you are a member and to support this board....

Ok, not sure if interest in this is still there, or has died. I did some checking the plate frames are pretty cheap, the problem is that there is a large minimum....I have to buy 250 frames.

At that quantity, if the printing is in one colour only, cost would be $1.34 per frame. That would be in individual plastic sleeves, so the printing doesn't get scratched. Otherwise, they would be 9 cents cheaper.

If we wanted a 2 colour print job, cost would jump to $1.89 per frame.

The cost is cheap enough, the problem is going to be selling enough of them....

I think we need some more feedback before proceeding with this....

Even with the single colour, total investment for the 250 frames would be $358.45 with GST. If we assumed for a moment that we were only going to sell 25 pairs (and I think they should be sold as pairs only, since we need to sell lots)....we would have to charge almost $15/pair just to break even.

If we sold 50 pairs, it would be like $7.25 per pair to break even. I think the only way this is going to work, is if we sell AT LEAST 60 pairs of frames. If we charged $7. per pair, we would not turn ANY profit until the 52nd pair.

If it looks like there is the support, I would be willing to stick my neck out for the initial cost. I could sell them personally, rather than through the company, so there would be no taxes, but then I would have to pay PST when I buy them, making the total $385.25. That would mean no profit until the 56th pair.....

Not sure that this will raise much for the club...
or are you guys willing to go higher with the price? Maybe $10/pair, no taxes? It would be no different than making a $10.donation to the club, just you would get a pair of licence plate frames, and the first $385. would go towards the cost of the frames instead of to Andy. Anything after that point would go 100% to Andy...

Let me know what you guys think.....

edited for spelling

I wonder if we bought more than 2 pairs if there would be a discount or a buy 2 pair get the third free.

Sounds like theres going to be a lot left over anyways.

What about shipping can you send these by regular ground mail to keep the costs down?

I don't have any in my hands to try, but I would hope that 2 pieces would fit into an envelope and still be thin enough to go by regular mail....if so, they can ship for $1., otherwise, they would cost about $5. or $6. to ship...Only thing is, if the envelope is not padded enough, they might break...if it IS padded enough, they might be too thick....

Maybe we can ship a bunch off to one guy in the London area, one guy in the Ottawa area, etc., and have people pick up there to keep shipping costs down??

My only concern with doing third set free or something like that, is are guys going to get together and split an order to cut costs? I would need to recover my investmment before any money went to Andy, and if guys are going to get them cheaper, I am afraid we won't sell enough for Andy to make anything out of this....

Let's have more feedback!!

I would be willing to serve as a depot in the london area. I have two dsms and thats what I want two plates for. I was going to sneak the other set onto mothers buick.

"Nathan all these loud cars keep honking and waving at me!"

"I have no idea why that would be!"

Even at $10 a pair that seems like a great deal to me. I would be willing to pay $20 for a pair, as the whole purpose of this is to advertise the club & help it out financially. $20 doesn't seem out of line to me, I know there are other clubs that charge a $20 membership fee & all you get is a couple small vinyl stickers.

20 seems alright for me. As of right now i'll only need one set. But who knows I might go crazy and get two cause I know im going to have another talon some day.

We ran a GB like this on the Colt board and the guy sold them for 15USD a set plus shipping.
I'd be in for a set for sure.

Well, if we can up the price, that is less sets we need to sell until we break even and start to make some money for the board....I should get a sample set and look into shipping costs...Like I said, if they go regular envelope, they would ship for a buck, but be processed by machine...I would worry about breakage..they are just plastic...If I put them in good bubble envelopes, the envelopes are about a buck or more, and the postage will go up to about $5.

I will look into this. Also, any suggestions for "artwork"? I can't find the page that gave the size of the imprintable area, but I am pretty sure there was an area at the top and one at the bottom. Also, what are thoughts on sticking to one colour to keep costs down. If we are going to up the price, we COULD go up to 2 colours, I just don't want to end up stuck with a bunch of these out of my pocket and the board making nothing..that is my only concern..

Personally I like the 10$ a pair price, but hey if you got the cash just donate 10$ to andrew directly!

$10 or $20 bucks is no big deal, I'd love a set. Get rid of the dealership ones I have on now.

I will be in for a set or 2 whatever the price $10-$20.

I'm definitely in for a set!

I'm cool with 10-20$ a pair as well.

As for artwork, well somones got to be able to photoshop something together. I will see what I can come up with, I am not very artistic though lol.

What size of space will there be for the logos/lettering?

Yah, once we find out the dimensions of the frame used for text, etc. Grenon and I could fab. up something if no one else wants to. Of course if we're working with only 1 or 2 colours maximum, it's not going to be flashy anyways and I don't think "artwork" is really needed. But in my opinion on license plate frames, simple = good.

I will see if I can get those sizes today...

It doesn't need to be flashy or anything. The more subtle the better IMO. Even something saying "Club DSM Canada" then having a maple leaf, have that at the top, then maybe the website address at the bottom.

yeah, I was thinking Club DSM Canada on top, ca.dsm.org on bottom. maybe the talon, eclipse, laser emblems on down on the sides. If that, I'm sure it will all work out.

I was thinking the exact same thing Jay, maybe minus the symbols (would add extra colours and also in my opinion it wouldn't look as "clean"). Anyways, what was everyone's verdict on what they thought would look good anyways, are they going to be plain black frames with white (or whatever it ends up being) coloured text?

That sounds like a good design, just the plainer the better on these things. There isn't too much space you can use. Once there are some designs maybe more guys will be in on it, I know I will be

Matt

Ok, I found out they CAN ship regular mail, but will still cost a little more than I thought. THey will be processed by machine, but I think inside a bubble envelope, they should be OK.

The bubble envelopes are $1.39 each (I can look around and see if I can do better in quantity), and shipping within Canada is $2.45, so with GST shipping will be $4.11. At that price, I also can't put ANYTHING extra into an envelope, that would be the limit....

The printable area..on the top, it is 6"(152mm) wide and 7/8"(22.2mm)high. On the bottom, it is 10.5"(267mm) wide, by again 7/8" (22.2mm) high...

Personally, I think we need to stick with one colour to keep them cheap...I would think either white lettering on black, or black lettering on white...


Let's keep the feedback coming...

Alright Ziggy, that's pretty good news on the shipping and good work with getting the design dimensions! I was just wondering how the design for these works? If we can fab. up a couple designs with different fonts, could we send them a picture, or are there certain boundaries (font-faces, etc.) that would have to fall within? If there aren't limitations on the fonts, I'm sure a few of us could make some different ones and post them for everyone's input.

I think Red letters on a black surface would work too. IMO

Any idea if we're able to put images (logos) on the frame or just text?
White on black or red on black would probably look the best imo

Mike, usually images consist of more than one colour, which pretty much stops us from adding them right there (Price would be sky-high). Plus, I don't know how well images would show on a license plate frame anyways.

Yeah, absolutely I'd be interested in, probably, two sets (one for the Talon, one for the winter beater). As for the price, I think anyone who would even CONSIDER balking at the idea of paying a measly $10 per set should crawl off into a corner and hide their head in shame. I would think they should be too ashamed to ever post on this board again. I think the price shouldn't be ONE CENT LESS than, like, $15 as an ABSOLUTE minimum. I think $20 is probably more reasonable. Sh*t, if someone can't cough up $20 for a plate frame which helps to support the Club, I think they should reconsider being in the Club. Now, I can understand if someone (for whatever reason) doesn't want a licence plate frame. That's fine. Maybe they haven't got the money to spend, maybe they're going through a tough time, maybe they don't like plate frames, whatever. But if they're going to get one, and they quibble over the price, something's wrong with that picture.

Anyway, count me in, and as has been suggested, the simpler, the better.

I totally agree that $20 towards a frame and supporting the club isn't that much to ask for at all. Of course, the lower the price, the better the chances of getting the required # of people.

Got bored at work (gotta love gov't employees! ) so I came up with a few ideas. I'm no good at photoshop at all, but at least it'll give you guys a mental image.

<a href="http://home.cogeco.ca/~michael.carag/Plate_Red.jpg">Red on Black</a>
<a href="http://home.cogeco.ca/~michael.carag/Plate_Red_2.jpg">Red on Black with logo</a>
<a href="http://home.cogeco.ca/~michael.carag/Plate_Red_3.jpg">Red on Black with logo 2</a>
<a href="http://home.cogeco.ca/~michael.carag/Plate_White.jpg">White on Black</a>
<a href="http://home.cogeco.ca/~michael.carag/Plate_White_2.jpg">White on Black with logo</a>

just tossin out some ideas.

I really like the red on black with logo#2

The white on black would be highercontrast and more visible though and that would be good!

I agree with Nathan on red and black logo #2 or just the plain red to black.

To be completely honest, even before Mike made up those images I didn't think I was going to like the red text on the frames, but after seeing those, I'm definitely a fan. And as everyone has stated, definitely liking the Red and Black Logo 2. Hopefully I can get my laptop working again soon (with all the graphics design stuff on it) and throw some more together as well!

I'm all for #2 as well..

Simple, effective, clear to the point.

I like #2 in either white or red.

Think I like the white better, red doesn't really go with my grey car

Daren, Unfortunately when we're limited to one colour besides the background, that image at the top of the screen is not really feasable and would drive the price way up.

The red is okay, but personaly I like the white better, better contrast and will match any car as Darren stated...

Matt

You could do it in one colour, couldn't you? Just have the maple leaf as a solid colour, plymouth & eagle outlines & mitsu as a solid. That would work?

It might "work", but I am not sure it would be "instantly recognizable". I think anything that you have to think about to decipher what it is would be less than ideal....
I also like the white on black, think it stands out well, and goes with any colour....

I actually like the white on black with NO logo the best.....

Exactly! We want these frames to be instantly recognizable. Everyone knows text and most people can read! But if we tried to re-design the symbol at the top of the page in all one colour using outlines, etc. it's just not going to come out very well no matter what. People would look at the symbol and think "wtf?" whereas they could simply be reading the words "Club DSM Canada" and "ca.dsm.org" and understand what it was about. (hopefully).

I do like the red design with the logo #2, but yes, White and Black do match most cars a little better.

Red also shows our canadian spirt I think.

OK, I went away to Japan for a week, and I got busy at work, and all talk of this just stopped!

Is this idea dead, or should I go ahead and have them made? Have we decided on colour? what to print where? Price?

Let's revive this and see if we can't make a decision..

red doesn't really go well with all colors of cars though.

To come to consensus on this matter I would assume the best idea would be to go with white lettering on black frames. As for whats printed on it I would be satisfied with "Club DSM Canada" on the top and CA.DSM.ORG on the bottom. I don't really care if there is any logo or not, but it's up to what everyone else wants.

Fine with me lets do this before summer!

That sounds great. I'd be in for those.

Ok, I will get these ordered. I think they will be just like the sample on the first page of this thread, the white on black, no logo. Club DSM Canada on the bottom, and ca.dsm.org on the top.

Now, how about cost? I think we had already determined that it is going to be a little over $4./set to ship these by mail....How about...since this is not for profit, and the proceeds are going to the club (after I recover my expenses), how about we charge $20./set shipped, whether I mail them out or whether you pick them up. It just means those guys picking them up are contributing a little more to the club. How does that sound??

Ok I think this is the way to go to then. White lettering on black frames with just Club DSM Canada and ca.dsm.org top and bottom or vice versa doesn't matter, I would think we would put Club DSM canada on the largest portion be it top or bottom and the web address on the smaller portion.

Ziggy if you can confirm details with us to get this done and what we need to make it happen that would be great. I'm gonna say $20 should be a good set price for each set (2 frames), with no option for buying individual frames. Please guys no hooking up your buddies with one frame make them buy their own set.

I will start a thread in the Group purchases forum for getting a list of people that want them together.

Edited: Ziggy just read your post, $20 shipped or not shipped sounds great to me

Adam,

I agree, Club DSM Canada on the larger portion, which is why I moved it to the bottom. The top has the mounting holes, so there we will put ca.dsm.org. I am going to print out the pic on page one of this thread and bring that to the guy who makes them.

As far as I am concerned, the only thing we might still need to make this happen is a reminder....I am getting old, have a memory like a sieve, and get busy and forget stuff, LOL. I will try to get over to the guy tomorrow and get the order placed. I will also check business depot and see if I can do better on bubble envelopes than the $1.39 each or whatever it was at the post office...

I will post when they are in, and what the total cost was. I am going to do this OUTSIDE of my companies books, so I will pay PST and GST on them, but then, since I am personally selling them, not the company, I don't need to charge the taxes. We will just say the $20. figure includes shipping if necessary, and otherwise the full amount can come off my expenses. I will add to the initial cost whatever I spend on shipping (envelopes and postage), and whenever my money is recovered, the rest will go to Andrew for the board!

Sound OK??


Edited for an afterthought:

I suppose I should keep a list of who bought, and what they paid (just in case someone WANTS to pay extra), so that first of all there would be a proper "accounting" and hopefully no-one will accuse me of pocketing any of the money, and secondly Andrew would know who "contibuted" to the board....

Sounds good Ziggy, Let us know when they will be ready and we will go from there.

In the meantime, for the rest of the group please see my thread in the group purchases section to add your name to the list. We will reserve this thread for anything else in relation to the frames.

Thanks alot to everyone who participates and an extra special thanks to Ziggy.

Also many thanks to Andrew for hosting this site for us, my car would likely be in the scrap yard if not for this site helping me keep it alive

Frames were ordered today . He said 10 working days, so about the 18th or so I should get them in. I don't have the outside dimensions any more, so I will wait until then to check out bubble envelopes (or maybe I will just measure my plate and allow a little extra....). I would say they sould be ready to ship by the 20th...and those who could wait until the Yorkdale meet to get them, that would be no shipping, therefore more money to the club instead of to Canada Post

Ziggy thats awsome, I will be coming to the may yorkdale meet so I will pick my set up then and also you have my lights in which I will pick up then to.

I'll be at may yorkdale aswell.

Sorry to hyjack, but are stickers still available?

No this has nothing to do with stickers. It's not even relevent. The last time I heard about stickers was 2 years ago, and even then there was nothing.

Ok, plate frames are in!!!

It worked out slightly different than the original plan...they didn't include the plastic sleeves...and they charged a print setup charge,...and they went slightly over the minimum..they made 263 instead of 250.

On the plus side, price per piece was $.99 instead of $1.34. With both taxes, it ended up costing $377.63. That is about 8 bucks less than planned, but we didn't get the plastic sleeves, but we did get 13 extra frames....

Anyways, I have them now. I will bring a bunch to Yorkdale, and those who have paid or who are local can pick up here. Always best to call me first..905-383-8230

Those who want shipped (if you aren't coming to Yorkdale, you can send payment and I will get them out...I still need to buy bubble envelopes for these....

First set is going on MY car
(or should we donate first set to Andrew Bienhaus, and second set goes on my car??)


Ziggy

I'm seeing a few different numbers here, whats the final price for a set picked up at yorkdale?

Since the profits are all going to a good cause (this board), we decided to make them $20./set, taxes included, and that is picked up or shipped. If you pick them up, there is more profit for the board. If they are shipped, it is a little less for the board....

I think everyone felt this was a fair price and good for the board..

I'll pick mine up at Yorkdale.

Im intrested in it too
i do lkie the red on black with the eagle,mitsu,plymouth symbols so that ppl know whast dsm's turly are