Cost of plotting

[cadfly]

We have a HP designjet 500. Does anyone have an accurate dollar amount that it cost to plot 24x36, 30x42 and 36x48?
I am trying to guage in-house plot versuses using a reprographic service. I know that there is time savings using an outside source, I am mainly concentrating on cost.

thanks.

[ReMark]

What factors are being considered?

Cost of rolls of paper? Do you buy in bulk? If so, how many rolls at a time? What about shipping costs?

Cost of replacement ink cartridges? Do you go through a lot of one particular color (black, cyan, yellow, red). What if a print head goes?

Cost of replacement toner cartrdige?

Cost of developer?

Cost of electricity?

Cost of labor for someone to run one print versus running a set of drawings (sheet count varies widely).

Is there an annual maintenance contract? If not, is money set aside to handle technician service calls in the event of a major malfunction?

What is important to you?

We happen to have a Designjet 500 too.

[cadfly]

ReMark, i wasn't going to add those factors. I was looking for a quick answer if there is such a thing. We don't have a service contract.

Say, Contractor ABC wants to swing by and pick up 5 set of plans (24x36) that consist of 5 sheets, I just want to be able to tell him that it will cost him $XX.XX dollars, or he can go to the print shop and order from them.

Is your DJ 500 able to plot from the queue? I can't, b/c i think i lack a card of some sort. When i click the "Job Management Menu", all i get is an error beep.

[dumfatnhappy]

call your local repro shop, they should be able to give you a rough price per sq. ft B&W and color). Then apply it and quote it.
(I'd mark it up so it's worth your while though)

[PS_Port]

As dumfatnhappy said MARK IT UP, one thing that is easy to forget is that your time is more valuable than the repro shop guy.:)

I only give one copy to our clients, we are a consultancy not a copying service. - There are pletty of copying places out there.:twisted:

If you do copies, then there is the printing time, collating, bundling etc.
Then there is the client pick up, wants to chat, maybe look at the prints again..:x, even think about changes..:glare: ..

My advice would be to charge sh*t loads so the client wont come and waste your time twice, and if he does, it is well worth while.

[ReMark]

Cadfly: Did you have a HP/GL 2 memory card installed?

Charge $1.00 per square foot. If the person really needs the prints, he'll pay. Otherwise he can go around the corner to the nearest reprographics shop. It may cost less but he will have to wait in line. Privilege has its price.

[CADDict]

FWIW, I charge $2 a sheet at 24"x36".