Full Version: Chuck, where are you
From: Shaddy [#15]
16 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#14] 16 Jul 2006
I don't have any advice that would turn your life around, so on a strictly personal level... I just wanted to say that your one of the posters here that I always seek out to read. You've consistantly put a smile on my face. Regardless of what you decide to do business-wise, I hope you keep coming around here.
Shaddy
EDITED: 16 Jul 2006 by SHADDY
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#16]
16 Jul 2006
To: bobkat [#5] 16 Jul 2006
bobkat etal;
I am not ignoring or avoiding the question, I am just trying to figure out how to answer it. It is challenging to put into words, but in a nut shell, I do not see the profit potential in this industry, in my location.
This is the fourth time I have tried to be specific about the question...and the post becomes so long an so obtuse that no one would understand it.....or the situation.
Basically it comes down to marketing and pricing. The ONLY thing I can see that I have to compete with is QUALITY and SERVICE and as I am sure you know that can be expensive to provide, yet in a highly competitive price driven market cannot be charged for.
As for getting the clients, it seems that almost every call is for something obscure that I either do not have or have not yet learned to produce...these customers go elsewhere. The ones that I am able to do come at such a high cost that it would make more sense for ME to PAY the CUSTOMER for the privilege of doing the job.
Shipping and handling are another issue. Also the onesy twosy items that I get calls for.
I could give several examples but that is where the thread gets long and boring.
How long does one try and how much money does one spend before saying enough?
I do however appreciate more than anyone could possible know, the friends and family in this forum that have offered support and encouragement. I means more than you could possibly know and I thank you all for that.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#17]
16 Jul 2006
To: Shaddy [#15] 16 Jul 2006
Shaddy,
You are too kind. Thank you for your kind words.
From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#18]
16 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#17] 16 Jul 2006
From: Carl (CSEWELL) [#19]
16 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#16] 16 Jul 2006
If you are looking for additional ideas, Rodney submitted a whole bunch in this message: 1617.1
Unfortunately, I don't think anyone can answer your question about how much you spend and how long you try. I know it doesn't help, but you're not alone. Maybe some of the 'old timers' (experience-wise) would care to share their trials-and-tribulations? Maybe all of these have been addressed/answered before?
How long did it take to get your business established? I've heard YEARS!
When did you know (or were reasonable sure) that things were going to work out? Does anybody ever really know?
What kept your motivation and spirits high when the bills couldn't be paid? Faith? Confidence?
If you had to do it over again, what things would you do differently?
What things REALLY worked for you and what were a total waste of time?
Others?
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#20]
16 Jul 2006
To: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#18] 16 Jul 2006
Dave,
Yes I have thought of that. THAT is exactly what everybody and their brother that has a laser is doing here. The market is saturated with that sort of item and the folks that make them seem to be entrenched.
I guess part of the challenge I am having is "seeing" the vision. What I am seeing is mostly the obstacles and it is difficult, ( me being me) to move beyond that. I KNOW there are customers to be had, the challenge for me is finding them. I KNOW that once American Pacific Awards is established, it will be successful....the question is how long am I willing to wait and how far am I willing to go and how much more money and effort am I willing to put into it to see a return?
Perhaps I am jaded. When I opened my upholstery business 18 years ago, I had a $40,000.00 profit, yes profit, the first year and it just kept going until it topped out because I lost interest and my back started hurting. So after almost two years of expending time, money and effort and STILL not seeing a return with American Pacific Awards I am discouraged.
Further, people don't seem to know what American Pacific Awards is. THAT is frustrating too so I have been considering a name change.
Thanks for taking the time and having the interest to help. I appreciate it.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#21]
16 Jul 2006
To: Carl (CSEWELL) [#19] 16 Jul 2006
Carl,
Thank you for your post. You have brought up some interesting points, and perhaps some WOULD like to share their experiences.
As for Rodneys list, I have looked at it several times. The challenge is that the Maui economy is largely tourism driven, and as I mentioned to Dave Jones, pretty saturated.
Anyway I am flattered and amazed at the outpouring of support from this forum.
Now it is time for breakfast.
From: Carl (CSEWELL) [#22]
16 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#21] 16 Jul 2006
Okay, I'll accept that. There must be industry that supports the tourism. Is the industrial market also saturated?
Sorry. I don't have any answers. Just more questions. But if you ask yourself the right question(s), they might lead you to the answers that you are looking for. That's why I keep asking myself questions.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#23]
16 Jul 2006
To: Carl (CSEWELL) [#22] 16 Jul 2006
There is no industrial market. Tourism and agriculture, ( sugar cane, coffee, macadamia nuts ) are the economic driving force. Oh yes, and development, development and development.
The rest of the economy is driven by the service industries which are comprised of carptenters, carpet cleaners, carpet layers, painters, drywall installers, upholsterers, etc. All of these are small Ma and Pa businesses.
This leave a market for me of non profits, schools, churches and the hotels. The first three operate on who can give them the lowest price. The latter does most of their work in house ( as in name badges and the like ) or through their corporate offices on the mainland.
I am sure there is a way, and there is a market, I just cannot see it.
From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#24]
16 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#20] 16 Jul 2006
Do you feel that there's enough demand for awards in Maui to base a business just on that? If so, have you gone to visit local companies that have awards programs (or convinced those that don't that they should)? The local Chamber, Rotary, and Tourist Bureaus should all be giving awards to local businesses on a regular basis (if not, convince them). There must be local organizations that hold yearly competitions (photographers, writers, artists, battle of the bands, etc...). Not to mention sports groups, schools, archery clubs, gun clubs, swimming clubs, horse riding, dog shows, etc... Then how about bars that hold dart tournaments, pool tournaments, wet t-shirt contests, etc...
If there isn't enough awards business available, then you may need to go in several directions at once. Awards, souvenirs, signs, etc...
The souvenir market may seem saturated, but there's always room for more if it is different than all the rest. If you make something like nobody else is making, you'll probably be able to push them into that market. Maybe something 3 dimensional. A lot of laser stuff I've seen is done quickly with vectors so it's fast and cheap, but photos look so much better. Maybe something made from multiple pieces that can snap together but be disassembled to fit in a suitcase. It needs to stand out from the rest when on a shelf full of souvenirs. Something expensive, but that looks worth it. Don't compete with $3 souvenirs. Or sell them through unusual places that don't sell other souvenirs but get lots of tourists. Make tiny little islands with a hole and a hoop and sell them through places that sell necklaces. No single item or market will make you rich, but a little bit each from a lot of them might. I'm sure you and the people here can come up with dozens of ideas for unique gifts based on Hawaii.
From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#25]
16 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#23] 16 Jul 2006
From: Peter [#26]
16 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#23] 16 Jul 2006
Kathy says, why dont you incorporate laser engraved designs into your upholstery, or lasered upholstered Hawaii gifts.
Kathys Dad and Brother are Upholsterers. Kathys dad has been upholstering for 45 years and brother for 25 years.
How about offering auto designs for reupholstered car seats or personalizing the seats with psycho dragon designs and all that other weird stuff the youth of today like?
regards
Peter and Kathy
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#27]
16 Jul 2006
To: Peter [#26] 16 Jul 2006
Peter,
Please extend my heartfelt gratitude to Kathy for thinking of me and offering her suggestions.
The thing is I WANT OUT OF UPHOLSTERY!!!!!!!!!! I have been doing that for 30 years....I have wanted out of it for 25.
Savey? ( Captain Jack Sparrow)
From: Carl (CSEWELL) [#28]
16 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#27] 16 Jul 2006
But why not USE that to help you get OUT AND STAY OUT OF UPHOLSTERY!!!!!! A temporary transition?
From: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#29]
16 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#15] 16 Jul 2006
Ditto to what Shaddy said.
Laura ;-)
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#30]
16 Jul 2006
To: Carl (CSEWELL) [#28] 16 Jul 2006
I am using upholstery. ( read that still doing it) and that is part of the challenge....IT pays the bills so demands more of my focus......however I had NOT thought of combining the two...........something to think about.
From: Kat (KATHY) [#31]
16 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#30] 17 Jul 2006
Peter and I fully understand yor frustration of your current situation, if we had a year to sit down we could tell you some stories about how we have struggled to be where we are now, and you know what I wouldn't change a thing.
I try to step outside the square a little sometimes, (I think my husband thinks I am a bit ditsy doing this sometimes) but here goes. Seeing as that the economy is largely tourism based I would assume that there are many hotels around the place and I know you said you want out of upholstery business so why not try to create some strategic alliances with the ma and pa upholstery business and let them do the upholstery with your designs on leather or denim or some other fabric. We have done some tests for my brother who approached the local casino with some ideas about logos on their seating. When you sit down and think about it the possibilities are endless.
Peters passion is art and we try to incorporate that as much as possible, for those people who want something unique. You know upholstery so why not try to use what you know best, and maybe even throw in some engraved sugar cane for the fun of it.
Hope this helps a little
Kathy
From: swede (BRUCE_LARSON) [#32]
17 Jul 2006
To: ALL
Just a suggestion. Since there is so much development work in your area, it seems that a natural msarket would be in signage.
You have invested in enough of the right type of equipment to work with many of the commonly used sign materials. Your marketing would not be to the awards market, nor to the tourist market, but rather to architects, builders, designers, etc. Some of the vinyl sign makers might want cut acrylic lettering or many of the Romark or IPI type products.
Try going in some of these other directions and with your creativity, I'm sure you will hit the niche that best fits your market.
From: Shaddy [#33]
17 Jul 2006
To: ALL
That's good advice for everyone. when i walk around hotels and see all the signs for everything, i think "I can do that". Some of the signs aren't even that good and I think "I can do better than that".
And yet I don't One of the many things that can be done but then I'd have to quit my other job to have the time.
Anyway, the point is, signs are a good direction.
Shaddy
From: UCONN Dave & Lynn too (DANDL48) [#34]
18 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#30] 18 Jul 2006
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