Dave Simms
09-19-2008, 11:10 AM
We just listed our Laser Engraver in the Sawmill Creek Classified Section. I should have taken the advice that I read here many years ago that you better have a real good marketing plan before you go out and shell out the big bucks required to start a Lasering Venture. Someone had written a great Post saying was that success was easier if you already had an existing business that you were just adding new products to, hence you already had the exposure. I should have taken that more to heart.
Looking back on it, the biggest mistake I made (other than the above) is not fully understanding the competition from Imports (..stupid me). One example: I spent a few month researching and creating incredible boxes for the Princeton University, and Duke University Gift Shops. These 2 universities have incredible "Coat of Arms" that engrave beautifully on Gold Foil on my Linden Wood Boxes. When I arrived with my samples at these 2 institutions they truly loved everything about it. Since each box cost me $20 in raw mateials plus about 25 minutes on the Laser (which included a graphic of their major buildings on the inside cover), I priced them in the $40 to $50 range (couldn't go any lower than that).
The respective Gift Shop Managers had the same sympathetic look on their faces as they showed me the aisles (and aisles) of incredible, beautiful Chinese imported souvenirs that cost anywhere from $5 to $20. They each gave me about 20 inches of shelf space between these glittering Chinese items; I immediately knew that I wasn't going to see a lick of business from this path.
There were other ideas and gift shows that had the same result, every unique idea I had was countered by a low priced item from another country. I'm not blaming anyone other than myself; I am simply posting this here because it might be of some value to a person considering initiating a business. Take your time, spend about a month reading every post on this board - and then be real cautious about your actions.
Best Wishes to everyone (and if anyone needs a Laser then please see our classified entry).
Looking back on it, the biggest mistake I made (other than the above) is not fully understanding the competition from Imports (..stupid me). One example: I spent a few month researching and creating incredible boxes for the Princeton University, and Duke University Gift Shops. These 2 universities have incredible "Coat of Arms" that engrave beautifully on Gold Foil on my Linden Wood Boxes. When I arrived with my samples at these 2 institutions they truly loved everything about it. Since each box cost me $20 in raw mateials plus about 25 minutes on the Laser (which included a graphic of their major buildings on the inside cover), I priced them in the $40 to $50 range (couldn't go any lower than that).
The respective Gift Shop Managers had the same sympathetic look on their faces as they showed me the aisles (and aisles) of incredible, beautiful Chinese imported souvenirs that cost anywhere from $5 to $20. They each gave me about 20 inches of shelf space between these glittering Chinese items; I immediately knew that I wasn't going to see a lick of business from this path.
There were other ideas and gift shows that had the same result, every unique idea I had was countered by a low priced item from another country. I'm not blaming anyone other than myself; I am simply posting this here because it might be of some value to a person considering initiating a business. Take your time, spend about a month reading every post on this board - and then be real cautious about your actions.
Best Wishes to everyone (and if anyone needs a Laser then please see our classified entry).