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If you were contemplating moving your shop, what factors would you consider or what kinds of things would you look for in a new location. I know there could be many reasons, but what are some good ones? Thanks
-------------------- Wayne Webb Webb Signworks Chipley, FL 850.638.9329 wayne@webbsignworks.com Posts: 7405 | From: Chipley,Florida,United States | Registered: Oct 1999
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I would start with demand for my type of services, second I would consider the opportunities in the area both business and recreational. I would consider the economy of the area. I would look at living costs against possible income. Security is a good consideration. Church , Synagog, Mosque or other religious considerations. Schools would probably come first if you have children. I don't anymore. and last but not least will you be close to family and friends. I would have to check into the civic clubs to make sure the area had people that cared for each other etc. There are many other things I would look at, but These are the most important to me. Bill
-------------------- Bill & Barbara Biggs Art's Sign Service, Inc. Clute, Texas, USA Home of The Great Texas Mosquito Festival Proud 10 year Supporter of the Letterheads Website www.artssigns.com "MrBill-" on the chat page MailTo:biggsbb@sbcglobal.net Posts: 1020 | From: Lake Jackson,Tx | Registered: Nov 1998
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Funny you should ask... I gave my notice ( 3 months ) and took possesion of the New shop Sept. 1. The new shop is 1800 sqft of nothing... which means I get to build it the way I want it. The new landlord is going to assist with the cost of construction. So that always helps.
Main reasons for wanting to move ( in same town ) 1 larger bay, I can now decal hwy tractors in MY shop 2 better parking 3 better visibility 4 It will be layed out to suit MY needs The reason I will have both shops for 3 months is to use the first month for renovations and the other 2 will be to retrain my customers to go to the new location, before anyone else can move into my old shop. It is also cheaper than doing a major news paper and advertising campain.
-------------------- Glenn Thompson Tell-Tale Signs Williams Lake, BC sign@telus.net (250)398-7446 Posts: 201 | From: Williams Lake, BC | Registered: Dec 2000
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Thanks Bill and Glenn, I will take all of those things into consideration as I've been thinking seriously about moving. Since I own my shop, I may just lease it out but am a little reluctant to sell.
I love making signs more than anything else I've ever done but, it's just barely paying the bills right now. October 1st will be three years since I punched my last time clock. If I can't drum up some business pretty soon, I'll be punching it again I suppose.
-------------------- Wayne Webb Webb Signworks Chipley, FL 850.638.9329 wayne@webbsignworks.com Posts: 7405 | From: Chipley,Florida,United States | Registered: Oct 1999
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wayne do you have a real web page? might be a good thing to invest in and see if thast would bring you more business since you do a lot of sanblasted signs. since you own the building rent out a section of it.......before you move the business....i would try to stay....i moved from sarasota to pecola....been here 4 years and its taken 2-3 of those to get a client base...built up. the year i closed the shop....2000 from june till dec....was a total dumper. i went to figure out the income tax....and didnt even make enough to pay social security!!!!! so really do all other things before moving.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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Thanks Joe, We only have a "free" website and can't spare the cash for a real one right now. When we do I will have to learn how to build it myself. We have had some color flyers printed and will distribute these this week.
About 75% of our work is sandblasted signs and most of our clientele are professional people but they just aren't buying right now. I have the CEO of a cable construction company, an attorney, two doctors offices and a glass company who have all put their projects on hold. They aren't buying from someone else, most are just waiting for the economy to improve.
I'll try to hold out as long as I can.
-------------------- Wayne Webb Webb Signworks Chipley, FL 850.638.9329 wayne@webbsignworks.com Posts: 7405 | From: Chipley,Florida,United States | Registered: Oct 1999
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I managed shops for other people for ~10 years. Here are my feelings based upon their successes & failures.
WAREHOUSE SPACE: good use of a generally large space for the money. rarely have much visibility, so expect to have to bring business in w/ outside sales effort. expect very little if any business brought in by the location.
INDUSTRIAL SPACE: Usually have little visibility, so expect to have to bring business in w/ outside sales effort. adds the requirement of an employee to staff sales counter for the rare times when walk-ins do come in. expect very little if any business brought in by the location. Rent is often overpriced in this area...
RETAIL SPACE: Very expensive, but will bring in business, expecially if you are located where it is very convenient for your target customers to get to. I have seen fantastic results being next to office supply companies. I would recommend this to someone who has enough cash on hand to get through tough times & add staff before the need gets extreme. In order to sustain the volume necessary to support higher overhead, marketing needs to be constant. Think about what you are getting into... how will you handle demand vs. quality without just putting out c**p like the other quickie shops.
[ September 04, 2002, 09:48 AM: Message edited by: Deron Johnson ]
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