Full Version: Vision Engraving Systems
From: gt350ed [#13]
31 Jul 2005
To: ALL
Thank you for the reply. Actually, since your first response to me on the forum, a lot has happened. The Phoenix 1212 and cylindrical engraver that I WAS looking at kind of fizzled. It probably was doomed from the start just by the fact the equipment was 2300 miles away. The two engravers were bundled with some really good "other" equipment and materials which, at first blush, made the whole package very tantalizing. But as we got into telephone
conversations, I sensed that there was something not quite right. I was
talking with one of two owners who were selling the package. Ultimately, the other owner got on the phone. We had a great conversation and he proceeded to tell me about their experiences.
First, the equipment was over 10 years old. It had been a Series I (DOS), but was upgraded to a Series II. Although the Phoenix was improved by the upgrade, the cylindrical engraver was made worse. And, according to the owner, it had always been extremely "finicky" and fairly frustrating right from the start prior to the upgrade. To make a long story short, the sellers, who happen to be fairly "visible" in our industry, pulled the cylindrical out of the equation and made me a proposal for buying everything else. I think, ultimately, they did not want the hassle of a disgruntled buyer out there in the "community"who, they were sure, would quickly be dissatissfied with the cylindrical engraver. And, although I decided not to make the purchase, I am most appreciative of their candor and honesty and look forward to telling them that again and shaking their hand in Las Vegas next year. They indicated that they hope to be there.
In any event, I've always been a big believer in the fact that things
generally happen for a reason. In this case, I believe that I was supposed to gain some familiarity with the Phoenix 1212. These sellers, and especially you forum members and others gave me that familiarity for which I am grateful. Additionally, it caused me to do further research as to my own needs.
Another "coincidence" in all this, was the fact that right in the middle of
it our West Coast version of the NBM "BIG" Show was taking place in Long Beach, California starting this past Thursday. We attended on Friday and then, again on Saturday.
The good news is that we purchased a brand new Phoenix 1212 that comes with the new Series III controller and Vision Pro 7 software. We could not be happier. We did NOT purchase the cylindrical engraver which, by the way, will NOT be able to utilize Series III.
Interestingly, as it turns out, sales reps from Vision had actually
monitored our forum postings as related to my thread. I would not have
believed it except that when we arrived at the Vision booth, the Southern California rep had my name and company name written on his lined tablet in the hope that I would be stopping by. He was able to recite our complete forum thread dialogue.
In the end, we cut a pretty good deal for what we got. And, I am very
confident that the forum "chatter" contributed to that end.
So, again, I thank you for your insight and replies.
From: JHayes55 [#14]
1 Aug 2005
To: gt350ed [#13] 1 Aug 2005
From: gt350ed [#15]
1 Aug 2005
To: JHayes55 [#14] 3 Aug 2005
We also spent a lot of time with Xenetech and Gravograph NH but just could not come to grips with various aspects of the equipment, price, and the overall approach. We know that both brands have a great reputation but, sometimes you just have to go with your own evaluation of where you are at, combined with what just feels right.
We wanted to talk with Quality 1 but they were a no show. At least we never found them to be there. And we were ready to buy at the show.
By the way, we also purchased a 24" CE3000 Graphtec cutter/plotter. Got a great deal on that as well.
Who knows what we'll be doing with the Phoenix 1212? We'll take it wherever it will go. As you may recall, our business operates out of two facilities. One is the store. The other is the production shop in a building at our residence. Although our laser covers 90% of what we are called upon to do, we've always recognized a need for a rotary. And in our case, the rotary will be placed in the store. Initially, it will be used for "same day" stuff and sports medals, name badges, etc.
Initially, the cutter/plotter will be used for banners (sports, as well as business promotional).
We also bit the bullet and made a significant investment in clipart. Frankly, we have needed it. It was long overdue and I'm not sure how we made it this far without it. We purchased from Smart Designs and upgraded our Corel from 9 to 12 while we were at it.
Anyway, enough for now. I have to go earn the money to cover all the checks I wrote this weekend.
Hey, August 1st, our Second Anniversary with a storefront. Now, where's the number of that bankruptcy attorney?
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#16]
1 Aug 2005
To: gt350ed [#15] 1 Aug 2005
Ed,
Those are some great investments that will serve your future well. Thanks for sharing a bit of your vision.
You are right-on with the decision to have the 1212 at your showroom. I don't anticipate it will ever find its way back to your other facility.
From: gt350ed [#17]
1 Aug 2005
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#16] 1 Aug 2005
Thanks, David! We're very excited. This kind of represents the next big step in the evolution of our fledgling business; happening on the occasion of the store's 2nd anniversary. The laser, sandblasting and sublimation got us this far and, while they will continue in their roles (I make them sound like living things), we now have additional tools.
Of course, with new tools comes the "new" (for us anyway) learning curve. Although we have no illusions regarding the work ahead, we're energized by what these things can mean to our revenue stream and our continued growth.
And through it all, isn't it nice to know that this wonderful peer group exists to exchange ideas and ask and answer questions, etc. ?
Have a great evening!
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#18]
1 Aug 2005
To: gt350ed [#15] 1 Aug 2005
Congratulations on the new equipment and your anniversary. There will be many more to follow. I'm certain. :-)
From: gt350ed [#19]
1 Aug 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#18] 1 Aug 2005
From: UCONN Dave & Lynn too (DANDL48) [#20]
3 Aug 2005
To: gt350ed [#17] 3 Aug 2005
Ed,
Looks like you ran wild at the show! Good thing we didn't take you up on the lunch you offered!
Good luck with the new purchases.
Dave
From: gt350ed [#21]
3 Aug 2005
To: UCONN Dave & Lynn too (DANDL48) [#20] 4 Aug 2005
Good morning, Dave! Well, although it seemed "wild" and does represent a significant chunk of change, it was something that has been part of our business plan from the start. Now was the time to make the investment. Our attitude has got to be...we're either in this business with the proper tools, or we're not. Recognizing that one will never have ALL the things needed for anything that comes thru the door, we feel that we've got it pretty well covered for the foreseeable future. And what's really important is the fact that all of these purchases will contribute to making us more money. As we all have done, I've made purchases in the past that had no hope of providing a return on investment. Spending hard earned money on something that can make money has a greater appeal to me these days. Is that an old age thing, er, I mean "wisdom"?
Hey, we enjoyed you visit. So, where are you? Northern California? Or back home?
From: JHayes55 [#22]
3 Aug 2005
To: gt350ed [#15] 11 Aug 2005
Gee............... You didn't buy me anything. :'-( I bet the moths flew when you opened that wallet up!!!! (devil)
Congrats' on the new purchases and two year store front.
I know Joe Brill from a year or two back when he visited my shop with a new NH rep (he was the District Rep) - seemed like a nice guy with some knowledge. I have had Smart Design for about 5 yrs and I do like it. Did you get CoCut Pro to run your vinyl plotter????? If not buy it from the same folks how sold you Smart Design - I have had some other vinyl cutter programs and CoCut Pro is by far the best I ever used (lower learning curves and you do all you design in Corel and export to cut screen in CoCut Pro - it is seamless. If I can be of any assistance with the vinyl stuff let me know. Smart Design has so much in it, you may find it takes a while to figure the whole thing out. Good luck and good to hear from you!!!
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