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Left in the Dark

iceon

iceon

New Member
To shorten a long story,
I had incident which ment a career change and had the chance to buy a local signshop equipment with the agreement to be taught how to use it and go into buiness because he was retiring. I live 30 minutes away in another town. Needless to say liar the only help I got was to his wore out stuff so he could get new. And didn't recieve any help learning anything. I've been working with it for two years and have replaced about all the equipment and enjoy it much better that I can see how good stuff works.
I have a few questions and hope to learn on here to help some of my problems.
Littlesignshop
 
G

GypsyGraphics

New Member
I'm curious to know how you've managed for the last two years? What was your previous line of work?

With specific questions, your sure to find answers here.
:Welcome:
 
iceon

iceon

New Member
Well this will seemed far fetched but my career job was bridge construction. But I have a background in autocad and hand drawn arts. Neither not much help here. I've had a main income on top of the vinyl work. I did alot of trial and error. Vinyl cheap enough to do quite abite of practice with, and youtube has been alittle help as well. The one thing I've learned in busy situations is never turn work down if I can't do it my self I can always farm it out. That is a good way to make friends in this buisness and give each of us some work. But you also have to take in aspect that the area I live in is small communities. One thing I have going here is I live about 40 minutes outside a bigger city and do buisness with people commuting to work. Whereas I don't have the overhead the shops in the inner city's does so therefore less exspensive for the same product.
I've been fortunate so far no bank loans and or leases.

Littlesignshop
 
Craig Sjoquist

Craig Sjoquist

New Member
Welcome to a outstanding forum and people.

Oh the garbage we have to deal with when new or old & trusting & the things we really learn
maybe we will get to see your work soon ?
 
S

StopSignGraphics

New Member
Oddly enough that's not the first time I've heard that story... I interviewed with a small company a few years ago. The owner had bought the shop with the expectation of training and some help from the previous owner but nothing ever came of it.

The guy actually offered to sale me his business in the middle of the interview (that was a little awkward). It sounds like you are faring much better than he did.

Best of luck and welcome,

Chris
 
O

ova

New Member
Welcome from Wheeling WV. Like you, I purchased both of my businesses from people wanting to "retire". The sign shop was first. He gave me the same run around you got. About a month of training and some consoltation anytime I needed it. The whole deal lasted about as long as it took to get the equipment out of his shop. He tried to open up his new shop a few months after we purchased all his used stuff. Luckily it didn't work out so well for him. We're still using the Ioline Studio 8. Works OK, but you really have to give it TLC.

The next thing we bought was the trophy shop. I made the guy sign an agreement through our lawyers that he wouldn't open any business relating to awards for five years and within a five hundred mile radius of us. It's been eight years and he's no where around this area. We also had to upgrade the equipment from the trophy shop. But we knew that going in.

After ten years, we now have a new printer/cutter and engraver. Money well spent since time is also money in this business.

Hang in there, keep you prices competetive and you'll do just fine.
 
Patrick46

Patrick46

New Member
ova said:
The next thing we bought was the trophy shop. I made the guy sign an agreement through our lawyers that he wouldn't open any business relating to awards for five years and within a five hundred mile radius of us. It's been eight years and he's no where around this area.
Click to expand...

This is known as an 'Anti-Competition Clause'...and is the only safe way to buy-out an existing business. Lesson learned the hard way.

Welcome to the board!
 
S

Suz

New Member
Oh gosh, so sorry this happened to you! Sounds like you have managed anyhow though, so good for you! Wishing your more success!!!
 
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