ed4copies
Local Chapter Manager
In another thread, I was advised on how to introduce a product for Exotics.
My "gut reaction" was to ignore the statement, but then I got to thinking about how many of you have "always wanted to be in business for myself"!
In order not to "cloud the issue" in that thread, I will give you a little information about "projects" in the real world.
The first project I undertook in the pen kit industry was about five years ago, now. Realizing that labor is cheaper in China, I went to a few Chinese sources and, finally asked one of them to make 1000 pens for me. I had priced 5000 and 10000 and the difference (for this particular job) did not merit a larger investment. I was promised delivery in 40 days. Pay in advance (this is the "standard terms" you get in China, until you have done a fair amount of business with a vendor).
Forty days passed and I heard nothing--a couple emails went unanswered. Then, about ten days later (50 days), I was notified they were ready to ship. When I received the order, it had been nearly 90 days---they were shipped by sea and Customs was completely unfamiliar to me--all meant delays.
I went into this thinking a 10,000 unit order would "move mountains. I came out realizing I was a very small mole hill.
Now, I am working with different sources but I recognize my overall lack of importance. Yes, I could PUSH for delivery dates to be kept---at the risk of receiving crap. Instead, I have learned to stress the performance and durability of the product---allowing delivery to be rescheduled as needed.
CAN a project involving several suppliers all be coordinated for a "grand entry"?? How often did Apple have to delay a product introduction? Can you see where a company with hundreds of millions of dollars SHOULD be able to make it happen----but it doesn't??
So, to those who aspire to "be in business for yourself"---first understand your importance to the world-----MINIMAL!!! So, be prepared to do things in baby steps, on someone else's version of a timeline!
This is what I have learned so far.
It has not resulted in well-tuned, perfectly-timed grand entries----But I HAVE been happy with the resulting products. And THAT is the highest priority to me.
I think I will keep more customers and we are adding a couple dozen a week, so we must be doing something right:wink::wink::wink::wink:
OH, if you want to make a small fortune by being "in business for yourself", it really is EASY~~~ Just invest a LARGE fortune, it will be small, soon!!
Hope you enjoyed,
Ed
My "gut reaction" was to ignore the statement, but then I got to thinking about how many of you have "always wanted to be in business for myself"!
In order not to "cloud the issue" in that thread, I will give you a little information about "projects" in the real world.
The first project I undertook in the pen kit industry was about five years ago, now. Realizing that labor is cheaper in China, I went to a few Chinese sources and, finally asked one of them to make 1000 pens for me. I had priced 5000 and 10000 and the difference (for this particular job) did not merit a larger investment. I was promised delivery in 40 days. Pay in advance (this is the "standard terms" you get in China, until you have done a fair amount of business with a vendor).
Forty days passed and I heard nothing--a couple emails went unanswered. Then, about ten days later (50 days), I was notified they were ready to ship. When I received the order, it had been nearly 90 days---they were shipped by sea and Customs was completely unfamiliar to me--all meant delays.
I went into this thinking a 10,000 unit order would "move mountains. I came out realizing I was a very small mole hill.
Now, I am working with different sources but I recognize my overall lack of importance. Yes, I could PUSH for delivery dates to be kept---at the risk of receiving crap. Instead, I have learned to stress the performance and durability of the product---allowing delivery to be rescheduled as needed.
CAN a project involving several suppliers all be coordinated for a "grand entry"?? How often did Apple have to delay a product introduction? Can you see where a company with hundreds of millions of dollars SHOULD be able to make it happen----but it doesn't??
So, to those who aspire to "be in business for yourself"---first understand your importance to the world-----MINIMAL!!! So, be prepared to do things in baby steps, on someone else's version of a timeline!
This is what I have learned so far.
It has not resulted in well-tuned, perfectly-timed grand entries----But I HAVE been happy with the resulting products. And THAT is the highest priority to me.
I think I will keep more customers and we are adding a couple dozen a week, so we must be doing something right:wink::wink::wink::wink:
OH, if you want to make a small fortune by being "in business for yourself", it really is EASY~~~ Just invest a LARGE fortune, it will be small, soon!!
Hope you enjoyed,
Ed