Okay, this is going to be a bit lengthy, but hear me out.
I need some help thinking this through, and I can think of no where else to get a wide diverse group such as you guys to help me.
So, screwing around on Facial Book, I start talking with an old friend of mine who I inform I am unemployed. He at first is absolutely furious with me for not telling him sooner, but after all the blah, blah, blah, we start talking.
I've known this guy for over 25 years, back when I was doing the Service Bureau gigs. Since then, he and I have crossed paths many times professionally, but have always remained really good friends. He knows my family, knows the wife and is just a cool bastard. He is one of the few that gets and can hang with my severely warped sense of humor. Needless to say, we have always gotten along really well.
Okay, so here's the skinny:
He left the radio business as their marketing manager several years ago, you may remember the KATT posters I did a while back where I won my weight in Famous Star hamburgers? Yeah, this is the guy that made that possible.
For the last 8 years or so, he has been running a business where he supplies photographers, video guys and web artists/graphic guys space to do their work on a temporary basis. He has a full studio with all the mics, cameras, computers, the green screen, I mean the works. Has a pretty good handle on marketing in general and has a lot of connections.
He just got finished remodeling a new building, but has a ton of space and really good visibility to I-35. He wants me to figure out a way to utilize the storefront space he has and maybe get into doing more than JUST supplying artists workspace.
After talking, especially with my background in Prepress, printing and POP, we come to the conclusion opening up a large format, multi-graphics store would be the most advantageous and profitable. We have some other ideas, but need a vehicle to get capital before we start branching off on some of our other hair-brained, crazy ideas. The location is the key, there are no other outfits doing this kind of work in the area that are worth a shit.
My thought was, at first, outsource a lot of the work, setting up a network of vendors to do most of the grunt work and uncharging the customers until we get the funds to invest in our own equipment. His contacts and mine, would definitely be worth the effort. Basically, we are open to anything. BUT, we walk it through, from start to finish and "handle" the job like if we were doing it. Think of a print-broker, but on a larger scale.
I'm talking signage, trade show booths, banners, posters, print, wraps, whatever... the key being, we follow the simple rule: Price, Quality, Turnaround Time - Pick 2.
What do you think? Does this sound feasible? What problems do you foresee and what opinions do you have about this? I am open to any and all criticisms, all opinions and all comments. I want to go into this feeling all my basis are covered and I think you guys are the best people to see this having a Prepress background.
Thank you in advance.
It's definitely a good market to be in. I have 2 friends that are doing it and met another guy at the bar when the topic of printing came up. My one friend works at a local place and they're never slow. My other friend owns the business and just picked up some major accounts like Delta and M-B. If the commute wasn't so shitty, I'd go work for him.
One of the issues I see with outsourcing the work is the quality and timing. I know we have issues all the time with our vendors, well maybe that's because we use cheap, shitty ones. I have a feeling you're a bit of a perfectionist like me and unless you find good vendors, you might drive yourself nuts. I know it's a little far away but I can give you the contact info of my NJ based guy.
P.S. last paragraph, it's bases, not basis. I know, I should be the last guy commenting. I go back and read some of my posts and I wonder what kind of drugs I'm on.
I would have the same concerns about outsourcing. You are the vendors mercy as far as times to get it back and quality. We run into both of those issues when outsourcing a few things. But I'm sure there are good ones out there but you have to be careful. They will make all kinds of promises to get your business and then fall when trying to do the work.
yep, the only week link is going to be the outsourced vendors. If you got some you trust to do the work and complete it on time, it should be a minimal worry.
Only thing I can add is I see more and more "Large Format Printing" jobs than anything else.
seriously thinking about getting some of these skills
Maybe start slow with one machine, then gradually get more? That way, you'd have control over the whole process. You don't have to fill the whole building all at once. If you get orders that machine can't handle, you'd have to outsource to start with, but at least you'd have some control over the work, gradually taking on more and more.
Yes, classic catch-22, you need the clients to get the machines and you need the machines to service the clients.
I've seen it work, it is doable.
My thought is to minimize risk by just getting what you need, used equip. even. That way you're not carrying so much debt that you can't sleep or keep food down.
Quote from: Joe on July 25, 2016, 08:08:01 AMI would have the same concerns about outsourcing. You are the vendors mercy as far as times to get it back and quality. We run into both of those issues when outsourcing a few things. But I'm sure there are good ones out there but you have to be careful. They will make all kinds of promises to get your business and then fall when trying to do the work.
You know the solution to that problem, right? B4P folks buy the equipment, set up shop(s) and become the vendors! We know we
all give a shit more than most places out there & wouldn't screw over one of our own.
That was actually the first thought that came to mind. I have 2 friends that offered me money to buy my brother out. Knowing the inner workings here I knew damn well that wouldn't work nor was a worthwhile investment. Now starting a wide format place might be worth it. ???
Thanks for all the input, for sure. I really like Slappy's idea, too bad for now it isn't a reality. I can see something like this happening, though. :hello:
After reading all of this, and a few more brainstorming sessions, I think I have refined my idea a little further...
Okay, what about being a business promotion outfit? For example, come up with a package system and just for explanation sake I do a bronze, silver, gold, platinum type structure, where each package is incremental in price, but each package contains business promotion deals containing like, BCs, brochures and maybe a banner. Next deal would be the same, but adding maybe a web page and hosting. The next package would contain the same, but adding maybe radio spots, and finally the last being the same but adding TV?
This is all kind of floating in my head right now, I mean, I can break this down even further, by adding a la carte items; window clings, posters, signage... you get the idea. We would advertise free consultation from business promotional experts with XX amount of experience, and tout the idea we are using Oklahoma or local businesses to accommodate your promotional needs, (Oklahoma eats that shit up). We would walk your projects through these "trusted" vendors we have a relationship with, all the while keeping the customer needs at the forefront, because we WANT to make your business succeed...
Get the idea? There is a lot more I need to think about to really finalize the plan, but that's where I am right now...
What do you think?
can I get a large with fries?
Seriously, sounds like a good idea.
You can make your own large fries! :laugh:
Sounds like someone thinking outside of the box!
I'm more of an inside the box girl :laugh: :cry:
I didn't know you swung that way Tracy. :dev2:
Quote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on July 26, 2016, 11:14:38 AMThanks for all the input, for sure. I really like Slappy's idea, too bad for now it isn't a reality. I can see something like this happening, though. :hello:
After reading all of this, and a few more brainstorming sessions, I think I have refined my idea a little further...
Okay, what about being a business promotion outfit? For example, come up with a package system and just for explanation sake I do a bronze, silver, gold, platinum type structure, where each package is incremental in price, but each package contains business promotion deals containing like, BCs, brochures and maybe a banner. Next deal would be the same, but adding maybe a web page and hosting. The next package would contain the same, but adding maybe radio spots, and finally the last being the same but adding TV?
This is all kind of floating in my head right now, I mean, I can break this down even further, by adding a la carte items; window clings, posters, signage... you get the idea. We would advertise free consultation from business promotional experts with XX amount of experience, and tout the idea we are using Oklahoma or local businesses to accommodate your promotional needs, (Oklahoma eats that shit up). We would walk your projects through these "trusted" vendors we have a relationship with, all the while keeping the customer needs at the forefront, because we WANT to make your business succeed...
Get the idea? There is a lot more I need to think about to really finalize the plan, but that's where I am right now...
What do you think?
Don't forget social media. Everyone wants to be on social media.
Quote from: Joe on July 26, 2016, 01:34:40 PMQuote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on July 26, 2016, 11:14:38 AMThanks for all the input, for sure. I really like Slappy's idea, too bad for now it isn't a reality. I can see something like this happening, though. :hello:
After reading all of this, and a few more brainstorming sessions, I think I have refined my idea a little further...
Okay, what about being a business promotion outfit? For example, come up with a package system and just for explanation sake I do a bronze, silver, gold, platinum type structure, where each package is incremental in price, but each package contains business promotion deals containing like, BCs, brochures and maybe a banner. Next deal would be the same, but adding maybe a web page and hosting. The next package would contain the same, but adding maybe radio spots, and finally the last being the same but adding TV?
This is all kind of floating in my head right now, I mean, I can break this down even further, by adding a la carte items; window clings, posters, signage... you get the idea. We would advertise free consultation from business promotional experts with XX amount of experience, and tout the idea we are using Oklahoma or local businesses to accommodate your promotional needs, (Oklahoma eats that shit up). We would walk your projects through these "trusted" vendors we have a relationship with, all the while keeping the customer needs at the forefront, because we WANT to make your business succeed...
Get the idea? There is a lot more I need to think about to really finalize the plan, but that's where I am right now...
What do you think?
Don't forget social media. Everyone wants to be on social media.
I have it in my notes. Yes, that is a HUGE part of marketing a business. I just failed to mention it.
Quote from: Farabomb on July 26, 2016, 01:26:21 PMI didn't know you swung that way Tracy. :dev2:
:banghead:
I knew it when I typed it :laugh:
It's ok, we accept all types here.
salesmen need to be vetted.
Managing social is going to be a huge undertaking. To get anybody who knows wtf they're doing, it's likely going to be young talent, hard to relate to and potentially harder to manage. Companies have really high, unrealistic expectations of what they "get" for having Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat etc. exposure - seems like a quicksand part of the puzzle best let alone.
Deal with the tangible to start with, or you'll be herding cats and stepping in Tootsie Rolls™ the whole time.
Quote from: Slappy on July 27, 2016, 07:56:24 PMManaging social is going to be a huge undertaking. To get anybody who knows wtf they're doing, it's likely going to be young talent, hard to relate to and potentially harder to manage. Companies have really high, unrealistic expectations of what they "get" for having Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat etc. exposure - seems like a quicksand part of the puzzle best let alone.
Deal with the tangible to start with, or you'll be herding cats and stepping in Tootsie Rolls™ the whole time.
I totally agree, that's why I'm not the guy doing that part. We do have a plan that I think will work pretty well, if I understand it correctly. I have a meeting tomorrow, we are getting down to finalizing what we are going to do. I think it will totally work.
I thank you and the rest of the gang for giving me opinions. You guys make me feel better about it, for sure.
Hire me. :'( :'(
Quote from: Farabomb on July 28, 2016, 06:23:16 AMHire me. :'( :'(
Thanks, F-Bomb. I really want to believe this is going to take off, but I have been wrong before.
My meeting is tonight, so I'll let you know what transpires. We are wanting to get started on this IMMEDIATELY.
I'm through the first couple chapters of your opening post... I'll weigh in once I finish it.
Quote from: Ear on July 28, 2016, 11:11:08 AMI'm through the first couple chapters of your opening post... I'll weigh in once I finish it.
I did warn you. Let me know, I value your opinion.
I give it a 85, it has a good beat and I like to dance to it...
ooooh, David got the moves?
I tried to do a broker/graphics thing back in '04. I printed up brochures and hit the pavement. I went absolutely nowhere, but I wasn't pushing social media because it wasn't really around yet. I got a few jobs, and got stiffed on payment. At that time, my house had a "studio," in the back so I even had brick and mortar free of charge.
Quote from: DigiCorn on July 28, 2016, 06:08:53 PMI tried to do a broker/graphics thing back in '04. I printed up brochures and hit the pavement. I went absolutely nowhere, but I wasn't pushing social media because it wasn't really around yet. I got a few jobs, and got stiffed on payment. At that time, my house had a "studio," in the back so I even had brick and mortar free of charge.
This is a little different. Same principal, but I won't physically be doing "anything" except, maybe pushing graphics on occasion and wrangling customers. If it comes to calling people, I am lost, but walk-ins, I'm gold. I can talk the pants off of you.
And possibly skin as well.
Quote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on July 28, 2016, 10:19:55 PMI can talk the pants off of you.
Can you at leatht buy me a drink firtht, thailor?
(http://www.fiestaturbo.com/forums/gallery/TomRS1800KEVFRSTspingay.gif)
Quote from: DigiCorn on July 29, 2016, 05:53:29 PMQuote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on July 28, 2016, 10:19:55 PMI can talk the pants off of you.
Can you at leatht buy me a drink firtht, thailor?
(http://www.fiestaturbo.com/forums/gallery/TomRS1800KEVFRSTspingay.gif)
Sure... after you help me get this couch in my van.
Quote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on July 29, 2016, 06:20:03 PMQuote from: DigiCorn on July 29, 2016, 05:53:29 PMQuote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on July 28, 2016, 10:19:55 PMI can talk the pants off of you.
Can you at leatht buy me a drink firtht, thailor?
(http://www.fiestaturbo.com/forums/gallery/TomRS1800KEVFRSTspingay.gif)
Sure... after you help me get this couch in my van.
You looked like you could use some help, with that broken arm and all, Mr. Bundy.
Quote from: DigiCorn on July 29, 2016, 06:35:01 PMQuote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on July 29, 2016, 06:20:03 PMQuote from: DigiCorn on July 29, 2016, 05:53:29 PMQuote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on July 28, 2016, 10:19:55 PMI can talk the pants off of you.
Can you at leatht buy me a drink firtht, thailor?
(http://www.fiestaturbo.com/forums/gallery/TomRS1800KEVFRSTspingay.gif)
Sure... after you help me get this couch in my van.
You looked like you could use some help, with that broken arm and all, Mr. Bundy.
It calls me DCS! :hello:
OMG that PINK thing is going to give me a migraine!
Quote from: DPSprint on July 31, 2016, 01:59:54 PMOMG that PINK thing is going to give me a migraine!
Don't stare at it too long... it will make your face melt.