Hi Ed

No problem with the advice. I'm always willing to learn. That's kind of where we are in life (wife and I). We are trying to re-invent ourselves in the laser engraving business. And we are quite willing to let it grow slowly since we don't need the income for survival purposes.

I am not sure what niche we will fall into quite yet. We are doing and have done several plaques for individuals and businesses. I'm in the process of doing a large photo engraved plaque for a local business. That might lead to us doing an extensive interior signage job with them...they are showing some interest, and I'm making up a sample this weekend.

The trophies thus far (until the 240 item order) were fun and easy money. I've found building 240 trophies to be some kind of effort. As for the plates, I now know I should have had Johnson Plastics apply the adhesive and it would have saved me quite a bit of work. However, I now own 5 sheets of flexibrass brushed gold with blue substrate...so I think I'll have to use it up.

Are trophies going to make us money? I'm comfortable with it so far. Our little area could supply us with 6 or 7 of these larger orders, and if they repeat yearly...well, it could be a nice steady piece of change.

Our business is but 4 months old and still evolving. I'm enjoying watching the growth and intrigued to see where we are going to be a year from now.

Thanks for the welcome! I'm enjoying the Forum already.