"The Doors of the Ark have closed" That is what I am telling new customers. I'm still gonna do work for my established cliente, but that's it. Really,,,unless it's something only I can and want to do. And as Yul Brynner, when he played Pharaoh, said, "So it is written, so it shall be done".
Posted by DianeBalch (Member # 1301) on :
Sounds like semi-retirement. It is great! I am doing the same thing. Good luck and enjoy life.
Diane
Posted by PatRaap (Member # 4290) on :
Sounds great Alicia! Does that mean you will be traveling to Michigan more often? Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
Ya never know, might even move thee one day. Hang out with the Amish.
Posted by Curt Stenz (Member # 82) on :
I did the "down size" thing a year ago and moved to Tennessee. Lots of Amish here, a whole community just on top of the mountain, great people.
Please don't move to Michigan, you will not like it one bit. The only good thing there are friends and Signs365.
Posted by John Smith (Member # 1308) on :
I remember a few years ago, sitting here chatting with the group; and I got up and tore the sign off the side of my shop, cut it up and tossed it in the trash. Starting the next day, I was strictly internet sales only. If it couldn't be boxed and shipped, I didn't do it. Not the best decision I've ever made, but it was right up there at the top. Internet sales really took the pressure off me from the local drop in and beat me to death cheap locals. I don't know what the competition is in today's market. But for me at that time, it was AWESOME. "Pick your Battles", as the saying goes.
oh - I guess I should have added that I only made sandblasted and hand carved HDU dimensional signs. no vinyl or printed graphics. and a LOT of the pre-cast HDU traffic and directional signs.
[ May 07, 2021, 05:13 PM: Message edited by: John Smith ]
Posted by Ken Henry (Member # 598) on :
One of the things that you will experience, at some future point in time, is that one of those old customers will tax your memory to the max. " Hey Alicia, remember that sign that you did for me back in 2006 ? It's starting to show it's age, so I'd like you to make me another one just like it." Then you'll realize that you not only can't remember the customer, but haven't a clue as to which sign he's talking about. When you ask him some details, he or she won't be able to communicate any pertinent details that you can understand." Well the background color was a Pumpkin/Tangerine color, and the wording was in a dark green color that matched my wife's purse. All other wording was in a medium brown like my dog's collar.
Your best bet is to ask them to send you a picture and actual measurements, and that'll trigger the necessary memory details.
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
LOL Ken!!! Memory does fade a bit with age.
How are you doing these days my old friend? Shirl and I are still hanging in and enjoying our retirement in Hensall. I do kinda miss the business that was so good to me, but I don't miss the actual work of doing business. At age 77 I am happy to enjoy my little hobbies and keeping my mind and body healthy.
Covid crap has restricted things a lot but we just go with the flow!
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
Funny thing Ken, I remember signs. I sometimes even remember how the day went as I did a sign or truck. I still do a great deal of painted work, so I guess that's why I remember. I have sent new customers to a local sign shop that I trust. But if you want your truck with Silver leaf, Airbrushed candy. shaded outlines and hand pinstriping, I'm only of maybe 3 or 5 people in this state that can still do it.
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
I’m going the opposite way from John. I like dealing with people that I can see. I want to see their face when I sketch something. Most of what we do is for our existing customers.
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
I’m going the opposite way from John. I like dealing with people that I can see. I want to see their face when I sketch something. Most of what we do is for our existing customers.
Posted by Ron Percell (Member # 399) on :
Some interesting discussion. Just shows how diverse you can be.
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