Another Factor - Engraving Etc. Forum

From:	Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)	28 Jun 2006
To:	ALL	1 of 5

4202.1

We have had some discussions in the past about the plastic sports and activity trophies. As I've mentioned in past discussions, I don't market these products aggressively. In spite of that, I am beginning to get more and more of that business, even at a non-competitive price.

As this aspect of the business, in the short term, seems to be spiking a bit, I'm recognizing that I don't have the appropriate space allocated for completed jobs. These assembled trophies take up some major space, even when boxed and stacked.

This is just another factor I wanted to mention to those who are considering getting into this market more heavily. Not only is it more labor intensive, it is more space intensive.

From:	gt350ed	28 Jun 2006
To:	Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)	2 of 5

4202.2 In reply to 4202.1
Whether it be trophies or any other awards & recognition product, you have to "display to play". I know I don't have to tell you that ours is a very visual industry. It's always a lot easier to sell a product that is actually on display than from a catalog. We estimate that trophies represent about 37% of our gross revenue. Coincidentally or otherwise, it's about 37% of our showroom display that we have allocated to trophies; mostly on shelves across windows at eye level or higher. A quick count while writing this post indicates that we have about 100 trophies on display, all different. And we have another 100 or so resins in display cases. Unlike other shops or tradition, we do NOT display sets (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.), even though we DO sell sets more often than not. We show them what can be done in this regard, as opposed to taking up space with what is essentially a 3-Peat of the same trophy or award. For further space-saving, we do not have many really large or tall trophies on display, although we DO build them to order. Most of what we display is in the $12.50 to $25.00 range, with a lesser segment in the $45.00 to $65.00 range. Ed Holley Victor Valley Trophy & Awards Co. and Coffee Mugs Online www.coffeemugsonline.com

From:	Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)	28 Jun 2006
To:	gt350ed	3 of 5

4202.3 In reply to 4202.2
To contradict that theory, I have no plastic trophies on display and I still seem to be selling more and more as of late. Part of it might be because I am doing them upon request, but offering the more unique designs that others may not have seen before.
EDITED: 28 Jun 2006 by DATAKES

From:	gt350ed	28 Jun 2006
To:	Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)	4 of 5

4202.4 In reply to 4202.3
What really blows your EXPERIENCE, is the fact that you are in the "Show Me" state. Go figure. B-) Ed Holley Victor Valley Trophy & Awards Co. and Coffee Mugs Online www.coffeemugsonline.com

From:	Stunt Engraver (DGL)	28 Jun 2006
To:	gt350ed	5 of 5

4202.5 In reply to 4202.4
Ed, I think David wants to amend the state motto to read, "Show Me the Money." David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri DGL Engraving Port Hueneme, CA