David,

Thanks for the input. As you can well imagine, dress code on Maui is casual, ( with the possible exception of attorney's when they go to court).
You mentioned initially marketing your services to "other trophy shops". How did that work out for you? Do you think it is a wise thing to do in a "small" market? ( 130,000 resident population). Would I be shooting myself in the foot by doing that? I had intended to approach them all and offer my services for any "overload" they may have.
Thoughts?
Can I get an advance ( and autographed ) copy of MEM?

Thanks
Chuck
21 days

David,

As time allows, I'd be interested in hearing the other parts to MEM.
I suspect I'm not the only one.

Chuck,

I operate in a town of about 80,000 and have competition from four other engraving/awards shops. These shops are owned and operated by good people who have been content with their existing business level and have not embraced any new technology beyond the computerized mechanical engraver.

I have done some wholesale work for local shops, but I think their biggest fear is that I would end up stealing their customers. Anyone who knows me would know that that would never happen intentionally. It's happening anyway, but it's of their own acord.

Your business plan will really need to address the wholesale vs. retail marketing issue. While I think there is room for both in many of our operations, it needs to be well thought out.

A wholesale pricing structure can put drastic use requirements on your equipment. To sell at wholesale pricing you need to do volume. To do volume, you need to keep your machine(s) running. If your machine(s) is/are constantly running, how do you have time to take care of your retail customers and produce their items? This is the cycle you have to avoid.

David,
Thank you sooooooo much for your reply. I"m encouraged.

Chuck

Chuck and Ken,

I worked on the MEM post early this morning. I meant to add more, but the Sandman won out :-)

I do have more of my observations to contribute. David T. touched on the dynamic of working with other tradespeople. I'll add some of my own thoughts, when time allows.

Right now, I'm heading off to the ISS Show in Long Beach, CA. I'm getting a late start and may have limited time at the show, but you can bet I'll be in time for the forum member get-together, that follows :-)

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA