Ad Specialties - Engraving Etc. Forum

<body> <h1>Full Version: <a href="https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.54">Ad Specialties</a></h1><a name="a828_54"></a><p><b>From: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.54">#54</a>]<br /> 28 Feb 2005<br /><b>To: UncleSteve</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.52">#52</a>] 28 Feb 2005</p> <p>Steve,</p> <p>Is there a legal fund for that group of people, that could be contributed to?</p> <p>If so, I'm in.</p> <p>David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri<br /> DGL Engraving<br /> Port Hueneme, CA</p><hr /><a name="a828_55"></a><p><b>From: UncleSteve</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.55">#55</a>]<br /> 28 Feb 2005<br /><b>To: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.54">#54</a>] 28 Feb 2005</p> <p>Yes, there is a legal fund set up. I don't know how they would react to an "outsider" but David Takes is now a member and he can ask for you.</p> <p>As you can understand, they are very touchy about discussing the law suit since it is still in progress.</p> <p> </p> <hr /><a name="a828_56"></a><p><b>From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.56">#56</a>]<br /> 28 Feb 2005<br /><b>To: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.55">#55</a>] 28 Feb 2005</p> <p>David,</p> <p>Being new to the group, I'm not ready to jump on that one yet. I will ask the moderator privately about the legal fund. </p> <p>I think this case is more complicated than your typical vendor-bashing lawsuit. I think Norwood stands a real good chance of collecting damages on this one.</p><p class="edit_text">EDITED: 28 Feb 2005 by DATAKES</p> <hr /><a name="a828_57"></a><p><b>From: UncleSteve</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.57">#57</a>]<br /> 28 Feb 2005<br /><b>To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.56">#56</a>] 28 Feb 2005</p> <p>This case IS a bit more comples than just bashing.... The crux from what I have read over the months is that Norwood has been accused of competing with their distributors... ie, direct to end users. The group was discussing whether anyone should do business with a supplier that competes and sells to the end users.</p> <p>The most vocal saying that such suppliers should be avoided. Then Norwood claimed, after being named as selling direct, that a boycott was being organized to put them out of business.</p> <p>Norwood claims they do NOT sell direct and the members in the lawsuit cited Norwood owned companies that do sell direct. I guess Norwood is counting on the fact that owning a company is not the same as being a company..... </p> <p>I don't really know what the truth is but then the lawsuit started.</p> <hr /><a name="a828_58"></a><p><b>From: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.58">#58</a>]<br /> 28 Feb 2005<br /><b>To: UncleSteve</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.57">#57</a>] 1 Mar 2005</p> <p>Steve,</p> <p>This will no doubt a defining moment for their forum. Naturally, I'm interested in the outcome, because our industry faces similar issues.</p> <p>David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri<br /> DGL Engraving<br /> Port Hueneme, CA</p><hr /><a name="a828_59"></a><p><b>From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.59">#59</a>]<br /> 28 Feb 2005<br /><b>To: UncleSteve</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.57">#57</a>] 1 Mar 2005</p> <p>Steve,</p> <p>If Norwood is selling to an the end user, that is certainly not illegal, and organizing a formal boycott on those grounds would be problematic in my opinion.</p> <hr /><a name="a828_60"></a><p><b>From: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.60">#60</a>]<br /> 28 Feb 2005<br /><b>To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.59">#59</a>] 1 Mar 2005</p> <p>David,</p> <p>Do personal opinions, stating what a person would personally decide, for the good of their business, or conscience, constitute organizing a boycott?</p> <p>If so, it could be said that by my deciding to attend the ARA show as a paying non-member, until such time as an "Ethics Committee" (with teeth) is formed, would be organizing a boycott.</p> <p>That's my personal decision. The fact that my decision is read by hundreds of people, doesn't make it an appeal to boycott.</p> <p>David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri<br /> DGL Engraving<br /> Port Hueneme, CA</p><hr /><a name="a828_61"></a><p><b>From: UncleSteve</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.61">#61</a>]<br /> 1 Mar 2005<br /><b>To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.59">#59</a>] 1 Mar 2005</p> <p>While it may not be illegal, it borders on "fraud" since the company insists (in its law suit and to the distributors) that it does NOT sell to end users.</p> <p>This is a key to the promo industry. The suppliers have all the customer information including their logos and it is too easy to casually send out a mailing featuring a "monthly special" without referring them to their original distributor.</p> <p>I differentiate between blank and imprinted goods suppliers since the customer would still have to find someone to do the personalization or do it themselves.</p> <p>The game is "what is an end user" and who is a distributor. If the order is large enough, a college could be a distributor since they buy many different items even though they have no company in the business... just a purchsing department and they don't do outside jobs, just for the school.</p> <hr /><a name="a828_62"></a><p><b>From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.62">#62</a>]<br /> 1 Mar 2005<br /><b>To: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.60">#60</a>] 1 Mar 2005</p> <p>David,</p> <p>I don't think the issue is in the words one selects to convey their opinion. I think it may even be safe to explain how one would react to whatever their opinion and experience has been with a given vendor. But as soon as you begin to rally the masses for a boycott, that is when things get a little cloudy. Finding a line drawn in the sand is very difficult on some issues, even after legal interpretations are made.</p> <hr /><a name="a828_63"></a><p><b>From: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.63">#63</a>]<br /> 1 Mar 2005<br /><b>To: UncleSteve</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.61">#61</a>] 1 Mar 2005</p> <p>Steve,</p> <p>The ASI industry isn't highly regulated at all.</p> <p>I've only dabbled in the industry, but I can tell you, the times I've approached ASI suppliers for a product, I'm asked if I'm an ASI member.</p> <p>I'm not.</p> <p>Here's my ASI number:</p> <p>Whatever the dollar amount of the purchase.</p> <p>Flash the cash, and you'd be surprised by how quickly protocol, by laws and regulations fall by the wayside.</p> <p>When dealing with ASI supliers, I've never found myself SOL.</p> <p>David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri<br /> DGL Engraving<br /> Port Hueneme, CA</p><hr /><a name="a828_64"></a><p><b>From: Pete (AWARDMASTERS)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.64">#64</a>]<br /> 1 Mar 2005<br /><b>To: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.63">#63</a>] 1 Mar 2005</p> <p>David,</p> <p>ASI does not have an exclusive agreement with suppliers. I do not consider it to be an ASI industry, ASI is just an expensive aide to their member distributors.</p> <p>The suppliers are free to deal with anyone that they wish and there are several different companies that provide services similar to those ASI provides. The one we use is SAGE. There are a few companies who will only deal with ASI members, but their numbers have dwindled to the point that it is no longer important.</p> <p>It is true that there is a problem with some suppliers operating as both suppliers and distributors. Some do it directly in house and some set up special retail divisions. Some do it openly and others try to sneak it by.</p> <hr /><a name="a828_65"></a><p><b>From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.65">#65</a>]<br /> 1 Mar 2005<br /><b>To: Pete (AWARDMASTERS)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.64">#64</a>] 1 Mar 2005</p> <p>Pete,</p> <p>Something that is interesting about ASI is that they make a point to tell you that you are not an ASI "member", you are an ASI listed company. If I recall correctly, they even make it clear in their literature that you are not to say you are a member.</p> <hr /><a name="a828_66"></a><p><b>From: Pete (AWARDMASTERS)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.66">#66</a>]<br /> 1 Mar 2005<br /><b>To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.65">#65</a>] 1 Mar 2005</p> <p>Yes, I seem to remember that. However, it has been many years since we have been a "member?". Probably a legal angle.</p> <p>We have been with SAGE for a while and our relationship with them has been excellent. They have an extensive on line product database and one of the best credit card merchant account setups that we have seen. Also, none of the pressure to buy their services that we had with ASI. ASI has been losing ground for years. There was a time when they were about the only game in town, but that time has long since passed.</p> <hr /><a name="a828_67"></a><p><b>From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.67">#67</a>]<br /> 1 Mar 2005<br /><b>To: Pete (AWARDMASTERS)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.66">#66</a>] 1 Mar 2005</p> <p>Pete,</p> <p>I am evaluating product database search engines right now and have not hit SAGE yet. My initial problem with SAGE is that they do not support the MAC platform, therefore shutting out my two highest producing sales reps. They both have a graphic art background and live and die by the Mac.</p> <p>I just can't see myself going back to ASI and their agressive marketing.</p><p class="edit_text">EDITED: 1 Mar 2005 by DATAKES</p> <hr /><a name="a828_68"></a><p><b>From: Pete (AWARDMASTERS)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.68">#68</a>]<br /> 1 Mar 2005<br /><b>To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.67">#67</a>] 1 Mar 2005</p> <p>David,</p> <p>Sage On-Line is the distributor app and it is windows only.</p> <p>However, WebExpress is their webbased database store and it is cross platform. Anyone with an internet connection can access it.</p> <p>Take a look at our WebExpress and you can get an idea of what it makes available. I should clarify - actually, WebExpress is only a simple page. You have to add the Webstore function for the database access. I believe Webstore was $395 per year. WebExpress is free, but really does not do anything for you.</p> <p><a href="http://www.awardmasters.com/promo/promo.html">http://www.awardmasters.com/promo/promo.html</a></p> <p>This will bring you in on the Product Search page, not the homepage. Feel free to run searches and see what is available, you can't break anything (I hope).</p><p class="edit_text">EDITED: 1 Mar 2005 by AWARDMASTERS</p> <hr /><a name="a828_69"></a><p><b>From: Stunt Engraver (DGL)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.69">#69</a>]<br /> 1 Mar 2005<br /><b>To: Pete (AWARDMASTERS)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.64">#64</a>] 1 Mar 2005</p> <p>Pete,</p> <p>Thank you for the info. As I say, I'm just an ad spec dabbler.</p> <p>I know of a company, that makes emblematic jewelry, which ASI "called" on working both sides of the street.</p> <p>The solution? Start another company which sells retail.</p> <p>Same company, same peolple, same product. Different name.</p> <p>I guess ASI was satisfied to see an "appearance" of separation of wholesale and retail.</p> <p>I'll have to add that one, to the increasing list of things I don't get :-)</p> <p>David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri<br /> DGL Engraving<br /> Port Hueneme, CA</p><hr /><a name="a828_70"></a><p><b>From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.70">#70</a>]<br /> 4 Mar 2005<br /><b>To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.67">#67</a>] 4 Mar 2005</p> <p>David,<br /> I"m just getting back onto this thread in what little "down" time I have in Vegas.... How much of your gross income do your attribute to ad specialties?</p> <p>Chuck<br /> American Pacific Awards.</p><hr /><a name="a828_71"></a><p><b>From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.71">#71</a>]<br /> 4 Mar 2005<br /><b>To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.70">#70</a>] 4 Mar 2005</p> <p>Chuck,</p> <p>I operate my ad specialties as a different business from my engraving business. It is a whole separate corporation, with a few sales reps in different parts of the country. It is still a developing business in my eyes, although it is one that is developing nicely.</p> <p>I don't see how anyone's numbers will relate to another's. You will only be as successful as the amount of time, effort and creativity you put into it. I would say that 70% of my gross sales are created by my sales reps. That is because they get out and beat the pavement. I'm locked into my little world here at the engraving shop and take the ad specialties business that comes my way through other means of marketing.</p> <p>Bottom line, it is worth the effort and very low-risk.</p> <hr /><a name="a828_72"></a><p><b>From: LaZerDude (CHUCK_BURKE)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.72">#72</a>]<br /> 2 Apr 2005<br /><b>To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.6">#6</a>] 2 Apr 2005</p> <p>David,<br /> It has been awhile since I visited the idea of ad specialties, BUT in the April edition of A&E magazine, a "flyer" was included about SAGE. I checked out their website and it rekindled the idea.<br /> In a previous post you had said......</p> <p>....."If you want to get a feel for the industry you can sign your company up for a free UPIC number at <a href="http://www.the-upic.com">www.the-upic.com</a>. More and more ad specialty suppliers are accepting this number as confirmation that you are a legitimate reseller in the industry.</p> <p>After you get your UPIC number, I would recommend that you contact <a href="http://www.distributorcentral.com">www.distributorcentral.com</a> to get signed up for their free services. Distributor Central is a product database that puts the responsibility of price and data maintenance on the supplier, where with ASI, the product information was entered by in-house staff. With the hundreds of thousands of products on the market there is no way that ASI can keep information current."</p> <p> I have done the UPIC part. When I get the number approved, I'll go to the other website.</p> <p> I'm becoming encouraged. Thanks for your help and support.</p> <hr /><a name="a828_73"></a><p><b>From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.73">#73</a>]<br /> 2 Apr 2005<br /><b>To: LaZerDude (CHUCK_BURKE)</b> [<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.72">#72</a>] Unread</p> <p>Chuck,</p> <p>You are well on your way. The UPIC is always the first stumbling block. The door will be wide open.</p> <hr /><form accept-charset="utf-8" method="get" action="lmessages.php" target="_self"><input type="hidden" name="webtag" id="webtag" class="bhinputtext" value="EE" dir="ltr" /><input type="hidden" name="msg" id="msg" class="bhinputtext" value="828.74" dir="ltr" /><input type="submit" name="submit" id="submit1" class="button" value="Keep reading…" /></form><p align="center">Show messages:  <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.1">1-13</a>  <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.14">14-33</a>  <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.34">34-53</a>  54-73  <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.74">74-93</a>  <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=EE&msg=828.94">94-101</a></p> <h4><a href="lthread_list.php?webtag=EE">Back to thread list</a> | <a href="llogout.php?webtag=EE">Login</a></h4> <h6>© 2024 <a href="http://www.beehiveforum.net/" target="_blank">Project Beehive Forum</a></h6> </body>