Hello everyone, this is a great forum. Ive been lurking here for a while researching and learning everything i could about laser engravers and was looking into purchasing one in the very near future.
A few days after discussing my plans with my mother, whos a realtor, she called me up and told me one of the top sign companies in her area was for sale. One that she has done business with several times.
There are only 3 sign companies in her imediate area. This company is probably the #1 vinyl sign maker in the area, with many repeat customers including repeat work with the two close cities doing vehicle graphics.
I dont have all the details yet but my mom stopped by and spoke with the owner, he told her that he was selling because his young son has Autism and wants to spend more time at home with him. He works alone from 6am till 10pm just keep up with the work, while meeting customers and collecting during normal business hours.
He said he has about 25k in equipment, all the graphics programs to do the work, even a cost estimating program, along with all the materials needed. He said 40k in programs but that sounds crazy to me.
Anyways, from the sounds of it, it looks like a very productive company, with many established customers and he is wanting to sell for 70k. We think a little high but we will work out numbers later.
We are having him put together a list of all the equipment and material he has, along with a list of repeat customers and copies of his books from the last year or so, if he kept good enough records.
He also said he would work for/with us for a month or two, whatever was needed, to show us all the tricks of the trade that he knows.
After establishing a good customer relationship once we become the new owners we want to then start pushing laser engraved items and eventually purchase one or two laser engravers depending on the demand, which i believe will be very high in that area.
My origianl plan was to just purchase a laser engraver and market it mostly to all the (1 mill+) custom home/condo builders in the area, along with the condo and hotels in the area in hopes of getting some customers. Now we think buying into an established sign company, showing the existing customers we are a reliable affordable sign maker, we could expand with the laser much easier.
So what do you Creekers think? I would really like to have your input on this matter. Anything we need to ask and look out and be prepared for?
Thanks in Advance
Jeff H.