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2.38. Why is my material cost so high?

My material cost seems so high for the type of vinyl sign I am doing. What could be wrong?

Most often the cause of this is incorrect dimensions for the roll of vinyl listed in the vinyls database.

I advise the following:
1. From EstiMate's main screen click Edit Data Files > Ingredients > Substrates. Edit the 'Customer Supplied' entry and confirm that there is no cost information in the cost field. If you do see a dollar figure other than zero in the cost field, erase it, enter the number zero as the cost and save the record.

2. Again, click Edit Data Files > Ingredients > and choose Vinyls from the list of ingredients. Edit the vinyl in question and review the dimensions listed carefully. Do they reflect the dimensions for the roll of vinyl exactly as you purchase it from your supplier? Is the cost figure correct for the dimensions listed? If not, update the entry accordingly, save your changes, re-open the quote, re-select the vinyl, and press the calculate total button twice. You should see a change in the price and in the materials cost on the hard numbers.

3. Check your transfer tape information for accuracy. Click Management > Configure EstiMate > Preferences. Review the transfer tape information carefully making changes to cost, markup or roll dimensions as needed.

Suggestions for troubleshooting if the cost and dimensions in the database seem to be in order.
1. Look at the New Line Item screen carefully and make sure that the each price is not overidden.
2. Re-open the quote, re-select the vinyl, and press the calculate total button twice.
3. Close the quote, select Management > Repair Maintain Data Files > Verify and Rebuild. Create a new estimate and try again.