|
|
|
|
edge
Jun 17, 2012, 5:55 PM
Post #36801 of 45342
(4414 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 14, 2003
Posts: 9120
|
Lazlo wrote: Lazlo wrote: edge wrote: Lazlo wrote: Gmburns2000 wrote: Lazlo wrote: Gmburns2000 wrote: Lazlo wrote: Piton Bottle Opener.... [image]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/c67.0.403.403/p403x403/168845_3463146092351_630418404_n.jpg[/image] what's it pull test at? Heh. .2 Kn The piton actually sold the moment I brought it into the store. I was stoked. Now to make a few more. yeah, you're doing pretty well for yourself. when do you think you can start making a living off of them? I'm a long way off from making a living off them. You should open up an account on http://www.etsy.com I've been selling my Native American style drums and rattles there, and it only costs 20 cents per listing and then a tiny % when you make a sale. Much less than any store commission. It cost nothing to set up an account. I actually do have an account...but I haven't had any success. Any tips to increase my traffic? One issue I have with Etsy is that the 'stock' I list on Etsy kind of stays in Limbo. I can't sell it in other places.
I still sell my listings in other venues, if they sell then you have made a sale and are only out 20 cents. Also, make sure in each listing that you mention that you can make custom orders.
(This post was edited by edge on Jun 17, 2012, 6:16 PM)
|
|
|
|
|
Gmburns2000
Jun 17, 2012, 6:24 PM
Post #36802 of 45342
(4407 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 6, 2007
Posts: 15266
|
Lazlo wrote: Gmburns2000 wrote: Lazlo wrote: Gmburns2000 wrote: Lazlo wrote: Gmburns2000 wrote: Lazlo wrote: Piton Bottle Opener.... [image]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/c67.0.403.403/p403x403/168845_3463146092351_630418404_n.jpg[/image] what's it pull test at? Heh. .2 Kn The piton actually sold the moment I brought it into the store. I was stoked. Now to make a few more. yeah, you're doing pretty well for yourself. when do you think you can start making a living off of them? I'm a long way off from making a living off them. so how many do you make per month? how many orders do you get? were's the website? it's obvious that a market exists for these things. you just need to get your name out there more. Lately, I've been guiding full time. I haven't been making a whole lot. I might sell one ever week or two. I don't have a website. I've been relying off Facebook. I think there could be a fairly large market...I just don't have the time to market the way I need to. Do you think a website is important?
1 - save some money for the following things:
a - talk with someone about setting up a reasonably decent e-commerce site
b - the purchase of industry materials that can help you identify possible customer targets
2 - have the e-commerce site built so that you can manage, or in the future transfer management to another person, on your own (i.e. - you collect payment, you respond to customer service, etc)
3 - market the website
4 - pay industry sources to get your name out there. you might have to go down a few roads to find the best mass-advertisement method, but the opportunities are there.
5 - focus on making the products and relating to your customers, if the latter is your thing.
|
|
|
|
|
Gmburns2000
Jun 17, 2012, 6:32 PM
Post #36803 of 45342
(4404 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 6, 2007
Posts: 15266
|
I guess what I'm saying is that most entrepreneurs don't do this alone. The best focus on doing the parts of the business they enjoy the most and pay others to do the rest for them, and these other services don't have to be expensive either. I have a friend who, in the beginning, made about $15k per year as a guide and found ways to use various advertising methods to get his name out there. Some worked and some didn't, but he got his name out there and now he has a good guide service. Just bought his first new car a month ago.
If you find various services then shop and price things out. One web developer may charge you $7,000 and another only $1500. It depends on who they are and what you want, for example.
There are companies that pay to put 2,000 of your brochures in various stores in the region. That costs a few hundred dollars. Good ol' footwork works, too. Go to a few hunter / camper / climber stores (preferably local ones, as they're usually more receptive to beginners) and show them your stuff. Give the owner / buyer some free stuff.
E-mail REI with pictures and a sample of your work. (make sure you can produce a lot in if they order a lot, first, though).
All of these only cost a few bucks. Now you're doing 1-2 per month and soon after you'll be doing 20 / month. Keep getting your name out there and you'll do 50 / month.
Etc.
|
|
|
|
|
edge
Jun 17, 2012, 11:35 PM
Post #36804 of 45342
(4389 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 14, 2003
Posts: 9120
|
Gmburns2000 wrote: I guess what I'm saying is that most entrepreneurs don't do this alone. The best focus on doing the parts of the business they enjoy the most and pay others to do the rest for them, and these other services don't have to be expensive either. I have a friend who, in the beginning, made about $15k per year as a guide and found ways to use various advertising methods to get his name out there. Some worked and some didn't, but he got his name out there and now he has a good guide service. Just bought his first new car a month ago. If you find various services then shop and price things out. One web developer may charge you $7,000 and another only $1500. It depends on who they are and what you want, for example. There are companies that pay to put 2,000 of your brochures in various stores in the region. That costs a few hundred dollars. Good ol' footwork works, too. Go to a few hunter / camper / climber stores (preferably local ones, as they're usually more receptive to beginners) and show them your stuff. Give the owner / buyer some free stuff. E-mail REI with pictures and a sample of your work. (make sure you can produce a lot in if they order a lot, first, though). All of these only cost a few bucks. Now you're doing 1-2 per month and soon after you'll be doing 20 / month. Keep getting your name out there and you'll do 50 / month. Etc.
All this is well and good, but turns your avocation into your vocation, ie work. Do you want to do it full time, or just for enjoyment with an increase in sales and turn-over? I would personally get bored making the same things over and over, like my drums and rattles, so only try to sell as much as I enjoy making.
I suspect Laz has already experienced this somewhat with the guiding gig. Designing and making furniture is my job, and as a result I never end up doing it for fun or on off days anymore. That doesn't mean I don't love my job and the freedom of self employment, because I do, and for that I am blessed.
Just saying, there is a difference.
|
|
|
|
|
notapplicable
Jun 18, 2012, 3:40 AM
Post #36805 of 45342
(4379 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 31, 2006
Posts: 17771
|
Leaving your haness in the car does not mean the day is over...
Version 2.0
3.0 was cleaner/neater and had a gear loop around back for cleaning routes.
|
|
|
|
|
edge
Jun 18, 2012, 2:49 PM
Post #36806 of 45342
(4361 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 14, 2003
Posts: 9120
|
notapplicable wrote: Leaving your haness in the car does not mean the day is over... Version 2.0 3.0 was cleaner/neater and had a gear loop around back for cleaning routes.
I had to make a rope harness at a youth comp once, to climb up about 20' to fix a spinner.
The parents were horrified, the kids were curious, and the coaches all just smiled knowingly (because they had read about it; I don't think they had ever seen it in practice).
And so the legends grow...
|
|
|
|
|
Lazlo
Jun 18, 2012, 3:09 PM
Post #36807 of 45342
(4355 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 14, 2007
Posts: 5079
|
You both have some very good tips. Thank you very much indeed!
In the short term, I'm going to change a few things on the Etsy account. And I can think of a few stores locally that could be good markets that I haven't hit yet.
I do want to make money. I'm already past the line of work and play. Right now I want to make money guiding and forging.
|
|
|
|
|
SylviaSmile
Jun 18, 2012, 4:23 PM
Post #36808 of 45342
(4347 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 3, 2011
Posts: 983
|
notapplicable wrote: Leaving your haness in the car does not mean the day is over... Version 2.0 3.0 was cleaner/neater and had a gear loop around back for cleaning routes.
Wait, but that's not you, is it? Who got to wear it?
|
|
|
|
|
SylviaSmile
Jun 18, 2012, 4:24 PM
Post #36809 of 45342
(4346 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 3, 2011
Posts: 983
|
Lazlo wrote: You both have some very good tips. Thank you very much indeed! In the short term, I'm going to change a few things on the Etsy account. And I can think of a few stores locally that could be good markets that I haven't hit yet. I do want to make money. I'm already past the line of work and play. Right now I want to make money guiding and forging.
If you are interested in a website, send me a PM. My dad and I have a new website company and are looking for some first clients. All you'd need to do is purchase your domain/web hosting plan (per our advice) and we could do the rest. :)
|
|
|
|
|
Lazlo
Jun 18, 2012, 5:28 PM
Post #36810 of 45342
(4343 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 14, 2007
Posts: 5079
|
sungam wrote: erisspirit wrote: hmmmm ight end up going to shasta sometime next month... that should be interesting If you're using guides, go SWS and go with Lazlo!
My name is Lazlo, and I support this message.
On a side note, give me a ring when you're in Shasta if you want to get a beer.
|
|
|
|
|
Lazlo
Jun 18, 2012, 5:33 PM
Post #36811 of 45342
(4340 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 14, 2007
Posts: 5079
|
SylviaSmile wrote: Lazlo wrote: You both have some very good tips. Thank you very much indeed! In the short term, I'm going to change a few things on the Etsy account. And I can think of a few stores locally that could be good markets that I haven't hit yet. I do want to make money. I'm already past the line of work and play. Right now I want to make money guiding and forging. If you are interested in a website, send me a PM. My dad and I have a new website company and are looking for some first clients. All you'd need to do is purchase your domain/web hosting plan (per our advice) and we could do the rest. :)
PM sent
|
|
|
|
|
Lazlo
Jun 18, 2012, 8:18 PM
Post #36812 of 45342
(4332 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 14, 2007
Posts: 5079
|
Lost Arrow Piton Bottle Opener
|
|
|
|
|
notapplicable
Jun 19, 2012, 12:27 AM
Post #36813 of 45342
(4292 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 31, 2006
Posts: 17771
|
edge wrote: notapplicable wrote: Leaving your haness in the car does not mean the day is over... Version 2.0 [IMG]http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm148/notapplicable42/harnessofdeath.jpg[/IMG] 3.0 was cleaner/neater and had a gear loop around back for cleaning routes. I had to make a rope harness at a youth comp once, to climb up about 20' to fix a spinner. The parents were horrified, the kids were curious, and the coaches all just smiled knowingly (because they had read about it; I don't think they had ever seen it in practice). And so the legends grow...
Ha! Non-climbers are funny about that stuff, I can only imagine what non-climber parents of aspiring climber children are like.
|
|
|
|
|
notapplicable
Jun 19, 2012, 12:35 AM
Post #36814 of 45342
(4290 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 31, 2006
Posts: 17771
|
SylviaSmile wrote: notapplicable wrote: Leaving your haness in the car does not mean the day is over... Version 2.0 [IMG]http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm148/notapplicable42/harnessofdeath.jpg[/IMG] 3.0 was cleaner/neater and had a gear loop around back for cleaning routes. Wait, but that's not you, is it? Who got to wear it?
Thats Alex. She belayed a bunch of leads, took and caught TR falls in it and onsighted up to 5.8 in her Five Ten Tennies.
Oh yeah, did I mention the climbing shoes were sitting next to the harness. Back in the car. A 1.5 hour hike from the crag. 
|
|
|
|
|
notapplicable
Jun 19, 2012, 12:37 AM
Post #36815 of 45342
(4288 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 31, 2006
Posts: 17771
|
Gmburns2000 wrote: Kartessa wrote: It's BBQ weekend!!!! churrasco here (pronounced: sho-ha-scoe). brazilian bbq is a big fucking deal.
Damn. I bet Brazilian style BBQ is some tasty stuff.
|
|
|
|
|
Gmburns2000
Jun 19, 2012, 1:01 AM
Post #36816 of 45342
(4284 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 6, 2007
Posts: 15266
|
notapplicable wrote: Gmburns2000 wrote: Kartessa wrote: It's BBQ weekend!!!! churrasco here (pronounced: sho-ha-scoe). brazilian bbq is a big fucking deal. Damn. I bet Brazilian style BBQ is some tasty stuff.
uh-huh
I haven't eaten much red meat lately, though. Lots of fish and veggies. But still.
|
|
|
|
|
SylviaSmile
Jun 19, 2012, 1:08 PM
Post #36817 of 45342
(4274 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 3, 2011
Posts: 983
|
notapplicable wrote: SylviaSmile wrote: notapplicable wrote: Leaving your haness in the car does not mean the day is over... Version 2.0 [IMG]http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm148/notapplicable42/harnessofdeath.jpg[/IMG] 3.0 was cleaner/neater and had a gear loop around back for cleaning routes. Wait, but that's not you, is it? Who got to wear it? Thats Alex. She belayed a bunch of leads, took and caught TR falls in it and onsighted up to 5.8 in her Five Ten Tennies. Oh yeah, did I mention the climbing shoes were sitting next to the harness. Back in the car. A 1.5 hour hike from the crag.
Wow, awesome! Thought it might be Alex, good for her. 
|
|
|
|
|
SylviaSmile
Jun 19, 2012, 1:09 PM
Post #36818 of 45342
(4273 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 3, 2011
Posts: 983
|
Lazlo wrote: SylviaSmile wrote: Lazlo wrote: You both have some very good tips. Thank you very much indeed! In the short term, I'm going to change a few things on the Etsy account. And I can think of a few stores locally that could be good markets that I haven't hit yet. I do want to make money. I'm already past the line of work and play. Right now I want to make money guiding and forging. If you are interested in a website, send me a PM. My dad and I have a new website company and are looking for some first clients. All you'd need to do is purchase your domain/web hosting plan (per our advice) and we could do the rest. :) PM sent
And received . . . I am consulting with my dad before I give you a response!
|
|
|
|
|
SylviaSmile
Jun 19, 2012, 1:11 PM
Post #36819 of 45342
(4272 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 3, 2011
Posts: 983
|
SylviaSmile wrote: notapplicable wrote: SylviaSmile wrote: I hurted my hand, though.  At least it's only the left one. Does this mean no climbing on Thursday? BTW, my friend Chris (you met him at old rag) is working in NOVA and was going to come out too, so it's cool if you have to bail due to the hand. Nah I will be fine by tomorrow I'm sure--it only hurts when I flex my wrist in a certain way. I've been a little gimpy today but I expect that will be gone by tomorrow since it must just be some kind of bruising effect. Will be cool to see Chris again . . . this is going to be one of my last NOVA gym sessions before I leave!
So my wrist still is hurting, and in the same way. I did apply ice last week, and am doing so today, but I am getting alarmed--I need to be able to move big heavy stuff without worrying about this!
|
|
|
|
|
edge
Jun 19, 2012, 2:32 PM
Post #36820 of 45342
(4256 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 14, 2003
Posts: 9120
|
Climbing this afternoon. W00!!!!
Going to a new (to me) crag that is only a half hour away. My partner has prepped a line or two for a FA, and usually lets me lead them if they are harder than 5.8 as long as he can second and get in on the FA team. 
I'm hoping it's at least a ten, as I love getting the onsight when all of the hard work is done... 
God I hate smileys. 
|
|
|
|
|
edge
Jun 19, 2012, 2:33 PM
Post #36821 of 45342
(4253 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 14, 2003
Posts: 9120
|
edge wrote: Climbing this afternoon. W00!!!! Going to a new (to me) crag that is only a half hour away. My partner has prepped a line or two for a FA, and usually lets me lead them if they are harder than 5.8 as long as he can second and get in on the FA team. I'm hoping it's at least a ten, as I love getting the onsight when all of the hard work is done... God I hate smileys.
I will post pics tomorrow because ( and listen up, all of you) that is how it should be done in here. 
|
|
|
|
|
SylviaSmile
Jun 19, 2012, 2:37 PM
Post #36823 of 45342
(4244 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 3, 2011
Posts: 983
|
edge wrote: edge wrote: Climbing this afternoon. W00!!!! Going to a new (to me) crag that is only a half hour away. My partner has prepped a line or two for a FA, and usually lets me lead them if they are harder than 5.8 as long as he can second and get in on the FA team. I'm hoping it's at least a ten, as I love getting the onsight when all of the hard work is done... God I hate smileys. I will post pics tomorrow because ( and listen up, all of you) that is how it should be done in here.
*looks for the five-star rating button in vain*
|
|
|
|
|
Lazlo
Jun 19, 2012, 3:26 PM
Post #36824 of 45342
(4233 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 14, 2007
Posts: 5079
|
Gmburns2000 wrote: notapplicable wrote: Gmburns2000 wrote: Kartessa wrote: It's BBQ weekend!!!! churrasco here (pronounced: sho-ha-scoe). brazilian bbq is a big fucking deal. Damn. I bet Brazilian style BBQ is some tasty stuff. I haven't eaten much red meat lately, though. Lots of fish and veggies. But still.
Mmm.
|
|
|
|
|
Lazlo
Jun 19, 2012, 3:27 PM
Post #36825 of 45342
(4231 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Nov 14, 2007
Posts: 5079
|
SylviaSmile wrote: Lazlo wrote: SylviaSmile wrote: Lazlo wrote: You both have some very good tips. Thank you very much indeed! In the short term, I'm going to change a few things on the Etsy account. And I can think of a few stores locally that could be good markets that I haven't hit yet. I do want to make money. I'm already past the line of work and play. Right now I want to make money guiding and forging. If you are interested in a website, send me a PM. My dad and I have a new website company and are looking for some first clients. All you'd need to do is purchase your domain/web hosting plan (per our advice) and we could do the rest. :) PM sent And received . . . I am consulting with my dad before I give you a response!
No problem. I'll be heading back up to Shasta on Thursday. I might not be able to give a timely response after that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
