Full Version: Chuck, where are you
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
From: Zonas [#35]
18 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#4] 18 Jul 2006
Chuck, you can't give up...........your coconuts were a BIG hit this past weekend at the wedding I did!! So I'm posting a picture.....maybe there are others here that can give you some jobs B-)
To explain to others. I like to specialize in weddings. If I called myself a "Stunt Wedding Planner" you'd probably understand when I say I don't do the normal boring weddings ;-) . The challenge this time was they wanted a 'tropcial' theme to their reception. It was going to be an outside wedding and they had already decided they wanted my Palm Tree wedding cake, now we needed table decorations. Coconuts!! I contacted Chuck about engraving on coconuts. He could do it. I decided to let him engrave all of them for me so I wouldn't have to worry about messing any up and having to order more PLUS I don't mind giving work to others here on the forum. Chuck offered to get them candle filled on the island, but I also do candles so I said I would candle fill. The bride decided to candle fill half of the order and use the other half as bowls .
I guess what I'm trying to say is...............this was a small job, but I hope I can get more jobs for Chuck as he is able to get coconuts a lot easier than I can in Kansas ;-) . Do you have any customers that would like to have 'custom engraved in Hawaii' item that you could outsource to Chuck? If the locals haven't found him WE have!
Zona
Zona's Engraved Creations
EDITED: 31 Jul 2006 by ZONAS
From: ULC1 (ESCALES5057) [#36]
18 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#30] 18 Jul 2006
Chuck,
I too have missed your postings and I too am in the same state of mind your are in. My wife and I started our laser business 1 1/2 years ago and we were both working full time jobs. My wife has since quit her job and is working at home doing the laser stuff. But, most days go by without her getting one single phone call. I ask her every day when I get home, "Did you get any calls or emails today?" The answer is usually "No". We finally bit the bullet and spent the money to have a very nice website designed, hoping that someone shopping online might find us. We also are trying a radio ad right now on the local radio station. We also had a 30 second tv ad for a month before Christmas. Of all of these, the tv ad was definitely the best response, but I think it may have been because it was the holiday. By far, the best advertising is word of mouth. Everyone that sees our stuff, loves it and tells others about it. Unfortunately, it takes a long time for the word to spread far and wide enough to make our business profitable. So now, I spend my lunch break online, racking my brain, for other avenues to take this business. I have done a couple industrial jobs, with a couple more quoted, but nothing to get excited over. I ask my wife all the time, "how can we make our business grow?" We can't seem to find our "niche market" or our "specialty item". I guess I don't have any answers for you, just some encouragement to let you know that you are not alone in the way you're feeling right now. So, try not to be discouraged. We're all in this business together and we're here to help each other out. I think it helps just to talk about it and get it off your chest.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#37]
18 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#21] 18 Jul 2006
I'd say this thread is far from long and boring. One sound piece of advice you've received is, get plenty of rest.
What's overwhelming, at the end of a long day, can be much less daunting, after a good night's rest.
That's easier said than done. I'm sure many of the people here (and yourself) can attest to the fact that a businessperson's mind runs nearly non-stop, in trying to find ways to improve their businesses and their quality of life.
Here's an idea, based on tourism:
You have sublimation equipment. Why not team up with a sportfishing, scuba diving, golfing outfit etc? Have them take digital shots of people with their prize catch, family etc., and email them to you, to be used in ceramic tile murals, refrigerator magnets, keepsake boxes etc.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#38]
18 Jul 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#37] 18 Jul 2006
David,
Thanks for the idea. I guess my biggest challenge is making the contact. Like I mentioned earlier in this thread, I am technically proficient. Marketing is where I am struggling. I am sure there is work out there.....getting it is another question.
So how does one approach these potential customers? Cold calls? ( COLD FEET). It goes back to my try at radio advertising. I would sit in my car frozen with fear at the prospect of going into a potential clients place of businesses.
How does one convince someone they need ones product or service?
Thanks again for the ideas.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#39]
18 Jul 2006
To: swede (BRUCE_LARSON) [#32] 19 Jul 2006
Bruce,
I have investigated signs.....I actually did some indoor signs for Pacific Disaster Center, so I know I can do it but I cannot afford more equipment right now and there are more sign shops on Maui than awards dealers...most are struggling DESPITE the boom in development ( mostly condos and UN-affordable housing.
I am afraid that my "tool/equipment" budget is tapped out until I can get the equipment I have making enough money to pay for itself. I keep hear stories about " Man, my laser paid for itself in 6 months...".... How do they do it?
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#40]
18 Jul 2006
To: UCONN Dave & Lynn too (DANDL48) [#34] 18 Jul 2006
Dave,
Believe it or not there is only ONE Country Club on Maui and ironically enough I just got a job from them. A small job, but a job none the less. When the tennis pro told me what he wanted I said YES, I can do that. So I ordered in the necessary items ( trophy marble etc)....$259.00 and paid the freight $330.00 ( over 100% of the cost ) to secure the client in the hopes of getting more work from them. Basically I am paying for the privilege to do the work....... THAT was the straw that almost broke the camels back. I could not see the profit potential so I started wondering what the heck am I even doing this for? And it sort of snowballed from there.
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, interest and encouragement. I appreciate it more than you might know.
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