posted
The FIRST time "Sign Painters are a dieing breed" came from a supplier! Trying to get them to understand it was because of lack of materials,was like talking to a wall.
My reponse was to order out of town. I belive IF merchants would band together,As they have here in Letterville. Catering to the ones(8,000 STRONG) that use and (give feed back)of thier products. Would benifit ALL!
-------------------- PKing is Pat King The Professor of SIGNOLOGY Posts: 3113 | From: Pompano Beach, FL. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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it's a global marketplace. I can't imagine waiting a long time or doing without a product because it's not locally available. Almost nothing (sign related)is locally available for me, so I guess that may be a blessing in disguise. Unless I can't find it anywhere, I offer a price & lead time based on my research. My clients life on the same island, so they understand our unique shipping concerns. The vast majority of my consumables come to me from Michigan. I used to get my supplies from California, but the better service I now get from Advantage Sign Supply is worth the extra freight costs.
Inventory on hand, the cash flow to aquire it, the space to warehouse it, & the percentage lost to shelf-life or slow selling items are all neccessary evils that I consider part of the cost of doing business. I have to order $3,000.00 to $4,000.00 in vinyl, transfer tape & edge foils so I can wait 2 weeks for a barge & then have enough of the common items I know I'll need for the next 3 or 4 months.
I agree that the concerns mentioned above are valid & I could rant about similar inconveniences, (& some others as well ) but while we wait for, or petition for, or personally correct these inequities in life... I thought my shipping-warehousing logistics may relevant to others in the search for alternative solutions.
posted
What the fire service does is this; (at least in my general area) The coordinator of the Capital Area Mutual Aid Fire Compact puts together lists of available equipment, such as hose, boots, axes, nozzles, etc. Once a year the departments in the compact order stuff. By doing it this way, the coordinator is able to go to XYZ hose company and say "look, I have 18 departments that may be looking for hose, gimme your best price" All the departments win. The coordinator has done his homework, (and TONS of it) he knows what hose is the best, which is the worst, and what folks like or dislike. I am aware that I am way oversimplefying this, but just thought that I would share the way the fire service does a lot of it's purchasing. I am sure something like this could be adapted to work for the sign industy.
Just sharing for what it's worth!
-------------------- Mike Berry New England Posts: 534 | From: New England | Registered: Jan 2002
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I'm sorry, I thought this was an online version of a letterhead meet. Seems to me that at every meet I've been to, there has been at least an informal discussion of problems we face in the sign business, be it how to handle problems with customers, problems with materials or whatever. How stupid of me to think we could discuss the same topics here.
Guess we'll just have to act like everything is hunky-dorky and go back to asking for clipart since obviously we're a dying breed and the real signmakers only need to know how to run a computer and press the print button, nothing else.
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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Chris..I'm sorry but I don't understand the jist of your comments.
I haven't posted on this topic, but have followed it, and it seemed to me that everyone was expressing their difficulties or suggesting ways to improve customer service from our suppliers.
Sorry if I missed something.
Can you clarify what you mean?
(posted sincerely, and not intended to create any animosity)
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
posted
Sorry Dave, I didn't wanna be confrontational, was just irritated at those who refered to those of us with supplier problems "whiners" & told us we were a dying breed.
I have no problem paying for materials. I have a problem when I can't get the materials.
The idea of using our merchants here is great, now if we could convince UPS to ship 4x8s, I'd be all set.
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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Sorry if I've offended you Chris, by using the term "whinner". I've always been under the impression that a frank and open discussion also allows for a dissenting opinion here and there. If everyone's in agreement and merely commiserating about problems they're having, then not much progress gets made toward solving that problem. A problem area has been identified. I've suggested a possible solution, which may or may not work. I've also suggested that those having the problems look inward to see if some of their practices have contributed to their problem. Others have also made suggestions, and have suggested looking at the problem area from the suppliers' viewpoint. It may very well be a valid observation that they view artisans who work with brush and paint etc. as a "dying breed", and have a reluctance to attempt to develop or satisfy this market.
Those are legitimate viewpoints which might very well be expressed at any live meet. You might not like hearing them, and might vehemently disagree with them, but that too is part of a discussion.
It would seem that agreement and commiseration is preferable to dissenting opinion. If that's the case, then the Emperor will be forever naked, and no one dare to voice the observation that he has no clothes.
Once again, I offer my appology if what I have said has offended. I certainly meant no harm or ill will, but simply offered a dissenting opinion.
-------------------- Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail: kjmlhenry@rogers.com
Why do I get all those on-line offers to sell me Viagara, when the only thing hardening is my arteries ? Posts: 2684 | From: London,Ontario, Canada | Registered: Feb 1999
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Man, I think some of you need to step away from the thinners! Just to make myself clear for the slower participants here, when I referred to a dying breed, I was referring to shops that specialize in the type of custom work normally discussed here. Sure, there are new sign companies opening their doors every day. But, how many of them even know what 1-Shot or Ronan is, never mind knowing what it's used for? Since most suppliers cater to the majority of these customers, they're going to stock what these customers want. If the majority wants double sided red aluminum, that's what the supplier will have. The fact is that we, as Letterheads, are a very small and difficult group to deal with. That's why most of us are self employed. Our work is unique and special, requiring products that most sign shops do not use. That's also why most suppliers don't stock the items we use on a regular basis. So, lets face reality, our suppliers are running a business, just like us. The purpose for them being in business is to make money by servicing the majority of their customers. Again for the slow few, if you're not making money at what you're doing, it's referred to as a hobby. Just ask the IRS. Anyway, a good supplier will be able to special order the unusual materials you need for those special projects. He will be able to have them delivered in a timely manner. There may be an additional charge for this service, but that's the cost of doing business. If your supplier can't service you in the way that you expect, you may need to find another supplier or re-examine how you do business. After all, you are the professional. And for those of you waiting for an apology from me, Please don't hold your breath. I'm gonna crawl back under my rock
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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I feel your frustration. The good news in this area is Grimco (Mobile, AL) is stocking Rapid Prep & Remover. I can get one gallon or a case & free delivery.
The bad news is these guys make very good money on vinyl. It's easy to stock, restock, handle and has a good shelf life. It's clean and there are no state or federal restrictions or safety codes Blah blah blah like paint. Most suppiers would still carry paint but it's just not a money maker for them. I hate it, but I understand it.
Even if OneShot sold direct OSHA or some other fed group would like make shipping it way costly.
What's the answer? I don't know.
Wayne
-------------------- Berry Signs & Stripes Hattiesburg, MS Signs, lines, lettering & other neat stuff. Posts: 82 | From: Hattiesburg, MS | Registered: Jan 2000
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Nothing much to add to the discussion, but wanted to include our shop as supporting Cams post. I gotta beleive that suppliers will read this thread and hopefully will respond in some meaningful way. Our issues are the availability of various colors of substrates and not having to buy a pallet load and wait weeks for shipments. BTW I think Checkers expresses a logical and non-emotional viewpoint to consider. But I'd probably be more agitated if I used paint products.
-------------------- Tony Lucero Eagle Graphics Waterford, MI www.eaglegph.com Posts: 305 | From: Waterford, MI, USA | Registered: Apr 2000
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quote:Originally posted by Checkers: for the slower participants here
Ouch. No need to appologize for your opinion Brian, but regardless of whether some of us may or may not actually BE a 'dying breed', I think the prevailing theme of this thread is it doesn't feel good to be treated as insignificant by suppliers. In spite of how big or small our wants are in the grand scheme of things, we still need what we need.
SONGPAINTER Original Sign Music by Sign People NOW AVAILABLE on CD and the proceeds go to Letterville's favorite charity! Click Here for Sound Clips! Posts: 1974 | From: Orleans, MA, Cape Cod, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Ok, so lets see, Checkers works for a display production co..
he probably dosn't have to deal with the problems that you folks do.
I think there are a lot more "small shops" in the country then "large shops" and I still agree with Cam, these suppliers need to train they're sales staff as well as the purchasing staff.
The products they don't want to inventory are not just "old out of date stuff" and there is quite a market for them, if handeled right, these products could make someone a hell of a gross.
Roger
-------------------- Roger Bailey Rapid Tac Incorporated 186 Combs Dr. Merlin Oregon 97532 Posts: 3020 | From: Merlin Oregon | Registered: Dec 1998
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Alright, imagine it this way. A customer goes into a signshop and says "I want a blue sign with yellow letters." How would you expect that customer to react if they are told, "No. We only have white signs with black letters; if you want a blue sign with yellow letters you have to wait three weeks and order fifty of them." Or go into a shoe store and be told that they only have red shoes size 6, any other color or size is a special bulk order, come back in three weeks. Then imagine the reaction if you told that customer that you only have red size 6 shoes because "nobody buys other shoes".
This isn't like we are going into plumbing supply stores and asking for roof shingles, or to a dress shop to buy wallboard spackle. To bring this back to sign supplies, what if you called a supplier and were told they only stocked black and white vinyl; to get green or red or blue you hve to order fifty rolls and wait three weeks?
Again, I'll reiterate that I don't understand the position of suppliers. A company like Omega or Dibond isn't making a specialty product only used by a few people - we aren't talking about smalt or glue chipping, we're talking about 4x8 panels, for Chrissake. Obviously these manufacturers see a potentially large market in their products or they wouldn't be spending what they do on advertising. Yet what good is a full-page ad for multi-colored Omega board, if an average shop has their supplier tell them to order fifty sheets and wait three weeks? And I have yet to see any intelligent answer to why on earth a supplier would choose to carry a line of substrate, but only in white, or a line of paint, yet refuse to carry the same company's reducers or additives - that is just idiotic.
And I don't think anyone here is suggesting there's a "limited market" to a "dying breed" for RapidRemover, yet as Roger has stated, try to get purchasing agents to figure this out! I understand how business works; wouldn't we all love to sell one product over and over at a fixed profit margin? But I would suggest that anyone who wants to do that in the sign trade is in the wrong business; it's the infinite variables in what we do that make it interesting.
Most of the sign business works on narrow profit margins and sporadic cash flow. We have neither the capital, the time or the storage space to order in bulk, or wait around for special orders. My whole argument here is not about "specialty items" or even paint; I wouldn't expect a supplier that only carries vynull and banners to be handling one-shot. But to call a local One-shot disributor and be told, yes we have One-shot paint - but no, we don't carry One-shot reducers or hardener or gold size - well, wtf? Or to have the same supplier handle RapidTac - but no RapidPrep or RapidRemover? I'm not asking them to take on a new product line, I just want to be able to buy items FROM THE PRODUCT LINE THEY ALREADY CARRY!!!
-------------------- "A wise man concerns himself with the truth, not with what people believe." - Aristotle
Cam Bortz Finest Kind Signs Pondside Iron works 256 S. Broad St. Pawcatuck, Ct. 06379 "Award winning Signs since 1988" Posts: 3051 | From: Pawcatuck,Connecticut USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Looks to me that some suppliers are looking at each sign shop as a little entity. Actually, they should be looking at all small sign shops as an industry in a collective..
One local supplier used to treat us in our area like we was bothering them when we called. Put us on hold, told us to call back, sent us "alternative" products. And worst of all.. During an order call they would get the first or second part of the order then say thank you and hang up. HUH????
Another local supplier and a third picked up on this and suddenly started getting our calls instead. And they now deliver on Monday and Thursdays. NICE
Now first calls us for orders. Hmmmmm but since we get better service from the other two now we usually say no thanks.
Being completely independant and unorganized has its benefits. On the other hand it has its penalties such as being treated like an individual entity instead of an industry.
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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I agree with Cam. If they're going to carry One Shot products they should carry the whole line.
Someone in this thread said to "try Midwest Sign Supply." I have. They are my main supplier. They don't carry the new clears from One Shot. Most of the people I talked to don't even know what they are. Same old thing. The decision to NOT stock the new One Shot clears was made by someone that does not even talk to their own customers. The order takers weren't consulted. The decision was made with absolutly no input from people who know what we want or ask for.
So here is a supplier that I count on for Rapid products. Gregory Inc. They have their own software called Trendlink that they'll send you for free with $30 off your first order. The program is way cool having everything they sell. You can use it as an order list and send it when you're ready. It goes through your internet connection and your order gets shipped out the same day if you order by 3:00 PM central time. Free freight with an order of $150 or more. They also carry 3M, Avery, and Oracal vinyl, as well as sign frames & aluminum panels transfer tape, many other sign supplies so its unusual to not make the minimum. In my area I have to have all supplies shipped in, so UPSing my supplies is SOP.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5398 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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"The decision to NOT stock the new One Shot clears was made by someone that does not even talk to their own customers."
This is the crux of the problem, which is why I suggest that instead of sales reps, suppliers should send their purchasing agents to Letterhead meets, or create a system where requests for products not carried goes directly to purchasing. Instead of sales staff having to explain why a supplier doesn't carry a full line, let the purchaser deal with it. A request for a supplier to carry One-Shot Gold Size, for example, goes through a salesperson, who is not familiar with the product; the supplier has been selling Luco or Rollco or whatever. So even if the salesperson asks the purchaser about One shot size, he's likely to be told something like "we already have gold size in stock." The purchaser, who probably has never used these products, has no idea why customers would want One-shot size instead of Luco - to him it makes no difference, hey, it's all just gold size, right? So the request is ignored. I'm not making this up out of nothing, this is the actual stituation with this particular product, according to the sales rep I deal with at Nepco. Because there is very little accountability for decision-makers to customers, customers get overlooked.
-------------------- "A wise man concerns himself with the truth, not with what people believe." - Aristotle
Cam Bortz Finest Kind Signs Pondside Iron works 256 S. Broad St. Pawcatuck, Ct. 06379 "Award winning Signs since 1988" Posts: 3051 | From: Pawcatuck,Connecticut USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I attended Jay Cooke's Course in The middle of February. I have just finally recieved all the materials I needed to start messing around and get some samples done. I had to pay the extra frieght on some precision board, because in a city with a population of 1 million, we can find a supplier who will warehouse enough material to reduce freight charges. I was literally paying 80-90 dollars for shipping on a sheet of 4X8 Precision board. So I echo all of your concerns. It is difficult for me when I am trying to show our board of directors progress and it takes me 2.5 months to even start this whole thing up.
posted
I must agree with Cam, particularly having been in the position of a consultant, attempting to educate suppliers about paints et al. I think sometimes we give our suppliers the wrong message. As an example, some years ago a supplier in Denver discontinued their line of great brushes and brought in some really cheap c****y brushes. I asked what happened and they said everyone alsway s compalined about the price of teh good ones. My response was that we always want the best price for the good ones but are willing to pay what it takes to get them. Thye had not carried the idea that far. Same is true of many other products and it is difficult to justify inventory levels for a diminished market. That does not mean however our end of the market is dead. One of my suppiers has the philosophy that they would like to have 99 $100 customers instead of 1 $10,000 customer because the odds are in favor of collecting from 98 of them, pooed together. We are spoiled here as we have Midwest and Denco who balance each other and we are a day shipment away from their other branches and many othere to choose from as well.
I will forward this thread fo some of my friends in purchasing and business development around the country and see if there is a response. Letting them know is what it takes to improve the Customer Service Chain (my ST article in 1993).
-------------------- Kent Smith Smith Sign Studio P.O.Box 2385, Estes Park, CO 80517-2385 kent@smithsignstudio.com Posts: 1025 | From: Estes Park, CO | Registered: Nov 1998
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every supplier should have at least 1 signman working for them as a purchasing agent or sales person. or at the very least a consultant.
-------------------- Jimmy Chatham Chatham Signs 468 stark st Commerce, Ga 30529 Posts: 1766 | From: Commerce, GA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
(Dave (Sherby), . . . . Just thought I'd mention to clarify that Gregory's minimum order amount is $50.)
So, I wonder how many suppliers are reading this post so far?? I think it might be a good thing if we all e-mailed this post to suppliers......if they got it 50+ times would'nt they eventually read it??
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
Jimmy just hit on it. If you are a sign maker who for whatever reason isn't able to make your business work, AND ... YOU LOVE THE SIGN BUSINESS, why not apply as a sales rep for a sign supply distributor. You would surely be an asset.
Dave the Letterman from Wisconsin was one such person. He applied for and was accepted into N. Glantz's Milwaukee store. Because of his knowledge of sign making, he quickly rose to the top spot as manager of the store. Today he is a sales rep for all sorts of products suck as Alumalite, etc. You'll find him at all sorts of Letterhead events -- usually with a brush in his hand -- striping and lettering. He talks the talk and walks the walk, and when he speaks up about something that concerns those of us in the field, the suppliers listen. In his free time, he paints signs and loves not having the pressure of having to make a living at it.
JUST A SUGGESTION! But it would be nice to have more like Dave working for these suppliers and setting them straight.
[ April 27, 2004, 09:47 AM: Message edited by: Bill Diaz ]
-------------------- Bill Diaz Diaz Sign Art Pontiac IL www.diazsignart.com Posts: 2107 | From: Pontiac, IL | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted
Sheila mentioned e-mailing your supplier with this post and that is a good suggestion. But I just went to the "Letterville Merchant" section of this site and I notice that A LOT of those merchants ARE at Letterhead meets. Did you talk to them and voice your concerns? You SHOULD! That's why they are there! If you look at the list of suppliers listed there to the left, I'd say half of them were at meets that we attended in the last few years. Get to know them! Ask questions. We can only expect them to improve if they know there is a problem....it's great that we are venting here, BUT we need to get to the source and let them know what we like and don't like about the products they carry. Most of them listen....it's just like our customers....if we do something that they don't like or have a problem with, how many of them speak up? Most do, but some don't tell you. And don't you hate the guy who just walks out and bad mouths you to everyone and doesn't tell you that he has a problem! You hear about it from someone else! My feeling is, if I would have known you were unhappy, I would have tried to fix it!! Or at the very least, we could have discussed the problem....Tell ME, not everyone else, how I wronged you! That's how I would like to be treated. Hopefully, with enough input from their customers, the suppliers will listen, too. Just my humble opinion.....
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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You're opinion's not that humble..it's kinda right on target. I can appreciate you're thoughts about someone bad-mouthing a given product or company, without even contacting them first.That's just wrong. I've actually seen people use SignGold products WITHOUT reading the directions, and without contacting the company, or tech support (both numbers are on the instruction sheet), and when something goes awry, they come in here and start ranting and raving about the product or the company, when one phone call would have solved everything, or better yet, reading the instructions. Please people..talk to your distributors and manufacturers.
I was just observing this post, but I'll add a couple of things.
One: A manufacturer cannot force a distributor to carry any product, no less a full line. It would be a wonderful world if every sign supply house had every product on the shelf at all times...but alas, it's not gonna happen.
Two: If your distributor says he's out of something, or doesn't stock it...inquire about drop shipping. Drop shipping is an important part of Signgold's, as well as many other manufacturers business.
Three: Very often, manufacturers CAN NOT sell direct, as specified in the agreements they reach with distributors. Furthermore, direct sales is NOT the way to support a distribution network. SignGold is realizing that the way to increase distributor stocking orders, is to increase demand. We now contract with Yorston and Associates, a very reputable and productive manufacturer's repping firm (which, by the way, employs the aforementioned Dave "Letterman" Jeffrey, and several other hard-working guys, including some from the working end of the sign trades). They are out beating the streets, creating demand, which in turn, creates increased requests to distributors, and is resulting in more distributors stocking more product.
Four: Assume some responsability with your own inventory. MDO, Aluminum, DiBond, Banners, these materials don't have any shelf life..so inventory them. Often, if you buy enough, you can get a price break. I frequently work with other shops in my area to purchase two dozen sheets of this or that...and it's in the shop when I need it. I keep a full line of sizes and colors of banners in stock. Someone earlier asked why 1Shot's 4007 hardener isn't sold in pints. Think about how little that product costs...and how much work you can accomplish with a quart. It's not killing anyone to keep it in stock. What I'm getting at..is don't place yourself in a position where you need to call for materials every time a job walks in the door.
Five: Align yourself with one or more good distributors. They are a vital part of your business, and vice-versa. I'm fortunate to have a great distributor in my area. But whatever and wherever...good suppliers are important.
Without a doubt..there are problems with several distribution networks. But understand, that these are viable businesses, much like your own. They feel the same cash crunches you do (and worse..they pay for something when they buy it..sit on it...and when they do sell it, they wait 30 days or more for their money)and are suceptable to the same economic swings as you and I.
Shouting about it here will generate some interest..now make it productive and contact your distributors and manufacturers.
Posts: 465 | From: / | Registered: Jan 2000
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With all due respect, Brian, I have some issues with your comments here.
We're not talking about products that are "out of stock" or back ordered. I've made the example about One-Shot products, specifically hardener, reducers and gold size, because those are the products I prefer to use when I can get them. I talk to my sales rep about this at length, but as it stands I have to order a case or more to obtain these items at all. Drop-shipping or UPS orders from out of town adds substantial hazardous-material charges to an order, and besides that it's a hassle. I want to maintain a good working relationship with a local distributor, and I don't for the life of me see why paint is readily available, yet reducers and additives are not. Wouldn't it make sense for a supplier to deal with ONE manufacturer, rather than buying different products from different companies?
What's especially annoying is when suppliers actively attempt to mislead you in order to sell a competing product. I've had sales reps tell me that certain products have been discontinued - again, this was with One-Shot products. Let's see, One shot just paid for a full-page ad in SignCraft and paid Frank Manning to bring clears, size, reducers and hardeners to a meet, then two weeks later a supply-house order-taker is telling me these items aren't being made anymore? Would youy put up with that kind of BS, Brian? I know you and I don't think so. (And to be absolutely clear, this incident did NOT happen with Nepco.)
I'm not trying to upset anyone's apple cart here. But I'm frustrated by some of the hoops I have to jump through to obtain products that are widely promoted and advertised by manufacturers. If this thread gets some attention and it solves a problem, isn't that part of what this forum is about?
-------------------- "A wise man concerns himself with the truth, not with what people believe." - Aristotle
Cam Bortz Finest Kind Signs Pondside Iron works 256 S. Broad St. Pawcatuck, Ct. 06379 "Award winning Signs since 1988" Posts: 3051 | From: Pawcatuck,Connecticut USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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CAM, I have put toes on my faith and feets on my works and have E-mailed this post to Frank at ONESHOT with a comment about how I know he's "for us and not against us".
I can not beleive Carter at ALUMA-PANEL has no e-mail on the catalogue!! But when I get it, he'll get it too.
Grimco, N.Glantz and others need to read this too. If you know the e-mail addy's, please share them here. Since this subject has been given so much thought and interest and concern, then let's share it with those we are thinkin' about, interested in and concerned with... this is only the just & right action to take.
If there was this much bein' discussed about YOU would'nt you like the opportunity to put your thought's in??
Certainly some reps will not reply. And some will reply with defensive excuses. But if one supplier gets a vision and does something to help then all this producing of ideas and needs will not have been in vain.
Then we can show future generations how to affect change!!
(Steps down from soap-box)
lol, heck. I KNEW I shudda took up politickin'.
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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Frank Manning from One Shot is a guy who cares. I've talked to Frank about a few concerns and one of them is the hardner. My problem with the hardner is the way it wants to glue the cap shut. I like the eye dropper idea, and I know that Frank said they're working on improving the packaging.
Brian states that a manufacturer can't make distributors carry the full line, yet the distributors can stop the manufacturers from selling direct because of an agreement? I think these agreements should be looked into! Sounds like a one way deal in the distributors favor and we signpainters are the losers.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5398 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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![[Smile]](smile.gif)
) but while we wait for, or petition for, or personally correct these inequities in life... I thought my shipping-warehousing logistics may relevant to others in the search for alternative solutions.
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Most of the people I talked to don't even know what they are. Same old thing. The decision to NOT stock the new One Shot clears was made by someone that does not even talk to their own customers. The order takers weren't consulted. The decision was made with absolutly no input from people who know what we want or ask for. 
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[FYI]](graemlins/fyi.gif)
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I KNEW I shudda took up politickin'.
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