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I work out of my home doing 90% mail order t-shirts and 10% vinyl cut signs. I could do more vinyl but until we move into our house my husband is building, I'm tight for space so don't promote it. Any local work I do is strictly word of mouth because someone happens to know me.
Where we are moving is very rural, but still only 3/4 miles from town. This town is very small and cute and has no sign shop but it's close to the freeway and there are several capable quality sign shops in Grass Valley / Nevada City 12 -15 miles away. There are some large warehouse industrial buildings going up across the freeway and there is a large golf course and gaited community down the highway a bit. New apartments going in, too. Real estate is sky-rocketing around here.
Someone very wealthy in our little town is adding some new buildings right downtown... classy looking structures for commercial use. They look more like houses than stores. A very nice new non-chain grocery store recently opened too. There is new life and I want to be a part of it. I get really rev'd up at start-up stuff... gets my creative juices overflowing.
Here's what we have in town so far:
One grocery store Tire shop Hardware store Small gift store (looks more like used stuff) Thrift shop Post office Two gas stations Fire station VERY large pretty park (lots of sports) Two restaurants One bank Baby clothing store Pet supply store Hay & Feed store Wood Stove store Cheesecake store Chamber of Commerce Real estate office Several misc. business which I can't remember
I'm getting repetitive thoughts to check out the lease prices for a small shop and open a custom decals / signs / shirts / banners and souvenir shop. I have my 24" plotter, have pretty much decided to get the Summa DC3 Plus (thanks to the info I received from my introductory post), I already make the t-shirts, and photo greeting cards... and will be adding (after research) equipment to do mugs, hats, posters, and decorative tile (combo dye-sublimation and inket printers, probably).
But... I've never had my own 3D retail shop before... just been online these past years. I did work for a couple years in a large one in Sparks, NV. This was many years ago (pre-digital)... and while my experience level is not that great at all, since I didn't stay with it... I have learned about myself that I'm a quick learner and fast producer... when I quit the sign shop after two years, they had to hire 4 people to replace me.... so I do work hard to make up for my shortcomings.
I'm not inclined at this time in my life to pursue mass-production, i.e. political, real estate, etc. Let them go to the big shops for that. Don't want to do any more wood either because of time and space involved. Will probably just be plastic, vinyl, metal.
Is this even sounding feasible?
I used to be an away-from-home workaholic and don't want to go back to that again. So I would likely limit my shop hours and since I live so close, I may even direct potential customers to drive 3/4 mile to my little ranch...or call me...if they have an urgent need... because it's still a lot closer than going up the hill to the big town.
Another thing is that the cute little retail buildings are all still empty so maybe there'd be a good deal to be made for them to get some occupancy going.. gonna check that out.
Can you think of any other graphic / sign products that may be sellable in a circumstance like this? Or do you think it could be a mistake?
Short list of Positives: Get to know my community, get to do business with my community
Short list of Negatives: Have to adhere to a set schedule; Have to increase overhead and expenses; Have to give up looking out my office window and watching my horses and their antics....
BTW, I am so grateful for finding this site... the help I received directly and vicariously through others' posts, that I am planning to become a paid member. Things are a little tight right now with the building (paying as we go) and the equipment budget... but I've decided that I will join as soon as I can to show my respect and appreciation. I found the letterhead site this month while googling for Summa, Roland products.
Sorry for the looooooonnng post.
-------------------- Sharon O'Brien-Lykins HorseDesigns.Com PO Box 1898 Penn Valley CA 95946 horsedesigns@gmail.com Posts: 43 | From: Penn Valley, California | Registered: May 2005
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Add to the Short List of Positives: I strongly desire a creative outlet in my community. A place where I can line the walls and shelves with things I make that people might want to buy... in addition to being availabe to make stuff for others. I'd consider consigning others' things, too... if I liked their stuff! LOL
-------------------- Sharon O'Brien-Lykins HorseDesigns.Com PO Box 1898 Penn Valley CA 95946 horsedesigns@gmail.com Posts: 43 | From: Penn Valley, California | Registered: May 2005
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The town I was in was smaller than yours! 440 year round residents.
Eventually I had a set up where my computer and plotter were at home, and I had an area in town to do production.
I thought about opening a shop, but there's only me. I don't want to be tied to a shop, with certain hours, that I have to run by myself. I liked the flexibility that working out of my house had. If I boards drying in the shop, I could run back home and work on the computer, do some laundry, check out the BB, whatever. I didn't have to babysit a store front from 9-5.
Also with a storefront, you have all your overhead, plus your time for being there.
I had a great set up - had a friend in town with the local ice cream parlor/coffee shop/arcade/ antique shop... who had a VERY large area in back he wasn't using, with an overhead door. I got it for $100 a month, including heat and electric. My phone was my home phone, with an answering machine.
But what was really nice, was that I didn't have walk-ins. If I had to meet someone, we set up a time and I met them there... or at home.
If you're gonna be set up like a store front, are you prepared to hire someone? Look at what you are bringing in now, will be be able to afford everything? Do you have enough in the savings to cover yourself until you do?
Lots to think about. If you got any questions about small town sign shop stuff, let me know!
-------------------- Dana Ferry St Cloud, MN Posts: 1556 | From: St Cloud, MN | Registered: May 1999
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Thanks, Dana. Agree on the drawbacks. No employees. I once had up to 40 full time workers... swore I'd never do that again. Felt like I was running a day care and the workers' comp ins. was the ever-present mafia, extracting what it could of my profit. So it would just be me... and my husband for times I needed extra help. I don't even want *one* employee as it opens up a whole new level of taxation hassles and the risk of labor disputes and the like. Nope, nada, never again.
-------------------- Sharon O'Brien-Lykins HorseDesigns.Com PO Box 1898 Penn Valley CA 95946 horsedesigns@gmail.com Posts: 43 | From: Penn Valley, California | Registered: May 2005
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Based on my own experience I would advise you to operate from your own place out in the country. I'd keep overhead down and in the process also maintain your freedom.
Just because you are home based doesn't mean you have to be second rate, not professional... or any less creative.
In fact it can be just the opposite. Our shop was just featured in SignCraft's last issue, and few would argue that it isn't among the most creative "sign" shops around. It would have been almost impossible anywhere except here on our small acreage in the cneter of a very small town.
For me its about lifestyle more than anything.
I too look out my studio window and see horses in the field. When todays pressure got to me I jumped on my ridem lawnmower and did the lawn. I also got in some good hugs with my grandchild in the middle of a busy day.
I can work long or short each day... the choice is mine (except when I agree to impossible dealines).
Follow your heart and make the best choice for YOU.
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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I'm with Dan, I would work at home if possible. I don't think I would give up what you have when you look out the window. (great picture!) Being around for the kids/animals/spouse is a HUGE advantage. I like being able to go make deliveries, go to the post office, bank or whatever when I need to, or just need a stretch break. Or even better, play with my sons whenever, they just seem to be able to make a crappy day good!
Just cause you work at home does not mean anything negative. But....you do have to lay down the law, it's your home as well as place of business, folks are NOT welcome to drop in any old time they feel like it! Look at some of the folks around here that are awesome at what they do and are home based, Karyn Bush, Rapid Ray, Bob Rochon, Nettie, Mike Pipes and many, many others.
Good luck with your decision whatever it might be.
-------------------- Mike Berry New England Posts: 534 | From: New England | Registered: Jan 2002
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Sharon: I have always been homebased, (27 yrs); but I am on a busy streetcorner and the home enters from one street-the basement shop from the other, and I do in essence have a store front that way.
I have, though, stringent rules about that I am a manufacturing place, not a store. That I have to be called before a pickup. I have a (glass etch vinyl) explanation on my door about why I cannot always be here, and info on how to reach me and when I hope to be back is in a transparent realtor box at the entrance door.
I, too, have left employees behind, and work by myself with help now and then if absolutely necessary. I did not like to be a manager of production. I like to do it myself, and the money ultimately is the same, and I HATE paperwork, and supervising.
What I see you contemplating is ambitious. No matter where you plan to do it from. I would like for you to be sure to do the things you do best, and not get spread too thin. Branching into too much has a tendency to fragment you and you then have less concentration to function as the productive dynamo you seem to be.
I have a sheet I hand to new customers thanking them for the business and informing them about all the things I do. It ends with that I would like for them to think of me for all the other sign related things as well. Because I can either refer them to the appropriate people, or get it done for them, if I don't do it myself.
I'm glad you found us. I wish you well, you sound like you would be a fun and valuable addition to our group.
-------------------- Myra A. Grozinger Signs Limited Winston-Salem, NC
signslimited@triad.rr.com Posts: 1244 | From: Winston-Salem, NC USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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After reading so far, I will move slow on this, but it's a hard idea to give up just yet.
Dan, how much admission do you charge to come to your place? You're something else!
Hi, Si, I don't build a shop of my own close to town because I couldn't get any closer to my place with a commercial spot than the new little vacant shops already are... not to mention the extremely high cost of real estate and building costs. The only way we were able to afford living here now was to buy all our materials at Home Depot 50 miles away (30% savings) and build it ourselves with no labor expenses. Wanna see a picture? Okay... here 'tis.
Still pretty stark looking without the trim, railing and front stairs. It's just a crackerbox but I've got lots of fun plans for making it unique inside... nothing like Dan's though!
Most everything to the right of the front door is dedicated to business...with an office plus a 12' x 28' work space.
Michael, until you and Myra mentioned the work at home rules, it hadn't fully realized that part of the town shop v. home debate for me is that I'm starved for human contact. After all these years working online and developing internet friendships with wonderful clients I'll never get to meet in person, I would LOVE it if someone actually came to my place, unnanounced even! When that feeling changes, we have a lockable gate at the road.
Myra, you have a best of both worlds situation. I like your idea of flyers with existing customers, thanks. But if I stay put at home, my challenge will still be getting known in town, as well as convenience for locals in being able to find me. I do not reside in a commercial area so promotional signage may not be appreciated by neighbors... plus I love the thought of having a little lobby with lots of tempting things ready to buy.
Well, much to think about either way. I could join the Chamber and just start being more personally visible... ride my horse through town with a sandwich board on? LOL
-------------------- Sharon O'Brien-Lykins HorseDesigns.Com PO Box 1898 Penn Valley CA 95946 horsedesigns@gmail.com Posts: 43 | From: Penn Valley, California | Registered: May 2005
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Sharon......my town is 800 people, and you CAN make it work....it's not the size of the town, it's the size of your heart. If you want it to be a success, you'll find a way.......I did.
-------------------- Mike Meyer Sign Painter 189 1st Ave n P.O. Box 3 Mazeppa, Mn 55956
We are not selling, we are staying here in Mazeppa....we cannot re-create what we have here....not in another lifetime! SO Here we are!!!!!!!
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I live 3 miles beyond city limits . . .roughly 8 miles or more from downtown areas . . . house and shop combo, a few neighbors. . .great back-yard veiw.
Moved here 5 years ago after renting a tiny house and operating out of a 10x16 portable building for 10 years on hwy. 80, the main 5 lane drag in the middle of town...very convenient, very loud, very busy, too much walk-in stuff . . .
Wondered if living out here would be a hassle for customers...but nope. They don't mind the drive one bit. . .and most customers are very glad I have a much larger space to work. Less walk-in stuff to distract me.
Now? I wish I could find a more remote place . . .like you, I'd have a gate there I could lock-up (when out of town). . . which we intend to be doing more of after my little one finishes 5th grade, and I start home schooling.
YOU make your business/building/loctaion/ work for YOU - Your building/location/business does not own/control you.
Granpa Dan...you forgot to say: Build it and they will come.
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Sharon....I have been in business for 38 years, working out of my house. I am in a residental neighborhood...and...NO SIGN IS ALLOWED!
Do quality work and deliver on time...your reputation will do the rest! Repeat and referral customers are the best! Your business may build a bit more slowly, but it will be rock solid!
Werked fer me!
-------------------- Si Allen #562 La Mirada, CA. USA
(714) 521-4810
si.allen on Skype
siallen@dslextreme.com
"SignPainters do It with Longer Strokes!"
Never mess with your profile while in a drunken stupor!!!
Brushasaurus on Chat Posts: 8827 | From: La Mirada, CA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Sharon... when I look at the picture of your house I see it with all the trim in place, fancied up with landscaping and real pretty. I imagine your version is just as nice. Don't compare your dream to mine... for we all must walk the path of our own choosing... what it right for us. Dreams achieved through our own sweat are the sweetest kind to realise.
I should add that our shop will be available by appointment only... which is course a rule I will happily break most days.
I am in the process of building a fancy gate for our property to keep the casual "just lookin' crowd" out at the road. I love people but not an endless stream of gawkers who would simply waste my time. And intercom will connect the gate to the house and shop so I can let in the ones who are serious...
Think about it carefully, choose the dream you want, work hard to realize that dream, and then live it at FULL THROTTLE with a big smile on your face.
Build it and they WILL come!
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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...as long as you build it with a PLASMA CUTTER! (Letterville joke)
Be sure to really crunch the numbers if you opt for a shop in town, and then crunch them again. A very reasonable rent, plus utilities, plus deposit on the utilities, plus insurance, plus equipment costs, plus... can add up to a significant nut to crack each month. That still doesn't go away if you decide to take the month off and go on vacation.
A successful business usually only nets a few percent profit. A person can easily get themselves in a situation where they have to do 15K or 20K per month just to break even.
There are overhead and pricing calculation tools available at various places, including Estimate.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5084 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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