Business Plan

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D

DA

CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
Joined
Oct 18, 2005
Posts
104
Loc
Maryland
I'd like to join the ranks of the true picture framers and be a part of a retail operation. But I find the opportunities very limited.

Most shop owners I've dealt with don't feel they can afford a framer. It seems like all the job opportunities I've seen have been from the Big Boxes and commercial operations. And I'm just not into the monotonous or sweat shop action.

I've come to the conclusion that my best option might be to find an existing frame shop that would like to do some aggressive things to increase it's market share and propose an offer. I would offer a measure of financial support, as well as the following services:

1. Creation of marketing literature
2. Direct mailing and marketing
3. Pursuit of commercial business
4. Framing
5. Delivery

I'd want a flat weekly payment. Benefits aren't an issue since I'm on my wife's plan. The main idea is to move toward specific revenue goals that once satisfied and maintained would lead to a business partnering or something similar to a franchise situation. Of course, the details would have to be ironed out up front.

My sense is that this would be a hard sell for a few reasons. First, I'd want the shop to be in a decent location. And though the idea of a decent location is very subjective, I think I'd be good at assessing the value of a spot. Unfortunately, those who have a decent location aren't usually looking for any help.

Secondly, I've never met a framer that wanted to share a piece of the pie. When one works hard to build a business, one is naturally less inclined to share. The strange thing is I've known shop owners that would rather go bankrupt than let someone else partner with them.

I imagine some shop owners have had experiences that have made them very untrusting of others. And while I believe it's important to be careful, I'd argue that it is just as important to build good business relationships. And I would personally prefer to have a good partner to having a good employee. I've heard many a story about good employees stealing materials or clients (side work). And while a partner might do the same, it's less likely. They should feel like they are in the same boat.

Anyway, I'd like some feedback on this idea. How would you respond to such an offer? Would it be nuts to even try? Do you know someone in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area that might be interested?
 
The list you have is something I consider hiring an employee to do. You say you'll give financial support, but want pay? Please elaborate.

I'm in preparation of opening a shop. I'm buying all equipment, supplies, building or buying shop fixtures and talking with people in the biz. There will be considerable investment in money and time before the door even opens. The first years will be worrisome for me as new small business owner. I am concerned with making enough money to feed myself let alone someone else. I have to pay the rent and utilities and buy supplies for the shop. One thing I'm finding out is that IT AIN'T EASY and I don't even have a store front yet! If I was doing well enough, I'd hire employees rather than sell part of my business to a partner.

What revenue goals do you expect to meet? If for some reason I had a shop and was going to partner with someone, they would have to buy half the business from me before they start taking their share or they get paid as an employee.
John
 
As a small business owner that has grown the store from literally nothing seven years ago, it would be very difficult (maybe impossible) for me to sell part of my "baby" to someone. I need some of the services you are mentioning, but I am in the process of developing them myself and looking for a dependable employee to back me up. I cannot think of sharing the decision making with anyone other than my husband. It may be different for some others that are getting burned out or getting ready to retire. But for someone in my situation, and my personality, I would opt for an employee like you, not a partner.

You are on the right track. Whenever I look for an employee I try to think of that person not costing me money in payroll but making me money in increased revenue and productivity.

All that said, I hope you find the ideal situation. It has to be out there, you have your job cut out finding it. Good luck.
 
I appreciate the remarks. They have helped me clear out the cobwebs. It appears that my best bet would be to put forward funds suffient to become a full partner or offer to work with the owner as a broker.

Partnering is tough because even if I found someone who wanted to do it, compatibility is difficult. But it's very unlikely someone would share their baby unless the boat was sinking. And that might be more trouble than it would be worth.

Brokering is difficult because I'd want the relationship to be more solid. A broker would be treated more or less like a customer. And the idea of a broker and shop owner working together to build a client base is a bit unrealistic. Mine would be mine, and theirs would be theirs.

I'd probably be best off looking for someone who wants to open up a new shop. We would sit down and put together a business plan. I'd make half the financial contribution, as well as provide the equipment and materials I already have.

If there is anyone in the area looking to open up a frame shop let me know.

Thanks,
Don
 
Don,if you do not want to work for a big box why not spend the time and money by attending a framing school? Sounds to me like the only thing you are missing is the practical knowledge of custom picture framing.

You want to partner with someone who has paid their dues by learning our craft, then having the intestinal fortitude to open their own business. Someone who has suffered through the growing years.

Perhaps what you are also missing is the desire to take hard chances and a willingness to learn. You want to cash in on someone else's hard work, sweat, and tears, without having to go through it yourself.

You must be one of those sharp folks who has priced out custom framing and thinks we are making a bloody fortune. It ain't so, most shops, at best, earn a reasonable living, that is all.

It is definitely not like having a government job, with lots of money, benefits, and security. Very few shops can handle paying a bloated salary to another person. After paying themselves, operating costs, and taxes, there isn't much left.

Go to school, learn the craft, take your chances.

John
 
5th Corner,

I'd like nothing more than to open my own shop. But I'd rather learn from the mistakes of others than hurt myself. And I'll try to explain what I mean by that.

I've thoroughly studied the market trends in the framing business, and I see the squeeze that big boxes are putting on the small shops. And I'm thoroughly convinced that any shop that doesn't have strong partners is going to struggle mightily or go down quite fast. I don't believe one can make it waiting for the customers to come in the door. Failure will meet those who don't have a partner that will creat a scenario that allows for effective production management as well as aggressive marketing. There will be the exceptions of course. But they will most probably be those who are happy to barely eke by working hard day in and day out. And while I can respect those who struggle and work hard to get paid, I want more than that for me and my family.

Contrary to the picture Mr. Baker paints in his infinite wisdow, I'll commit the time, money and labor necessary to succeed. But I won't be foolish enough to go it alone. And attempts to find employment with others hasn't worked out. The idea I presented in opening this post was an attempt to find a better understanding of where I can find an opportunity to move forward. If it seems like I was attempting to take advantage of others, I wish to apologize for that.

Thanks,
Don
 
Actually, the values and business attitude of the independent framer was probably one of the easiest things to research.

Here at the grumble you get to see how owner operate in different parts of the country. Each with characteristics that require a different approach to business.

As I may have mentioned, I have and continue to work with half a dozen gallery owners in this area. And there are a number of different reasons why I haven't offered to work with them. The main reason being the lack of standard operating procedures and a focus on a marketing strategy. I'm sure there are those who feel that such concerns aren't necessary in a small operation. And I would agree, if one wishes to remain a small operation.

Last week I was offered a job by one of the gallery owners I know. When I discovered that he allowed his framer to come in whenever he pleased, he was against adding POS software to the business and he basically wasn't concerned about substandard framing, I respectfully declined the offer.

That experience is what prompted me to see how people would respond to the proposal I presented here. And while I may not have presented the proposal as clearly as I should have, I still think it would be acceptable under certain rare circumstances.

I didn't expect others to accept or embrace the idea. I was simply wondering how most would feel about such an idea. And even the few comments I've received have been most helpful.

What I've concluded is that I should look for someone who would like to create a partnership. I believe I can frame just as good as the next guy, but I'll get formal training and certified. I have no doubt there is a great deal more I should learn.

I hope all of you enjoy prosperity in your holiday sales. And thanks again for sharing your knowledge.


Respectfully,
Don
 
You may wish to consider the option of becoming a franchisee.

For a fee, you get a support system, education, buying advantages and a host of people that have made the mistakes you hope to avoid.

It ain't for most folks, but it is a fast track to what you may seek
 
Don, I am sure you are a decent fellow and your intentions are honorable. You started a thread one day ago, now you are giving up. You have wished us well, your on your way.

Therein lies the problem with folks such as yourself, you give up way too easily. It takes weeks to get a good Grumble response to a thread, you give it a day.

Our industry has always had major slumps, usually almost every year. Business does not slow down, it stops. This even occurs at the big box stores, ergo, your slashed price sales and one cent sales.

What if one of us had you on board as a full partner? We have taken your money, invested or spent it, then we go into a slump. We do not have the funds to buy you out, you are panicked by the slump, you want to recover as much of your investment as you can. The only choice is to liquidate the assets and close shop. This is probably the biggest reason most of us do not want partners, they panic, we're screwed.

It takes a lot of intestinal fortitude to ride out a slump in sales, I don't think you could handle it.

You also say you have a family that depends on you. Custom framing will not do it. You are living in government job heaven, what are you waiting for?

John
 
Mr. Baker,


First of all, it doesn't matter to me whether or not you or anyone else thinks I can handle this business.

Secondly, each individual makes up his or her own mind as to whether or not they've received sufficient information to move forward with an idea or move on. Your one way fits all approach is quite simple-minded.

My family and how I provide for them is quite frankly none of your business. But thanks for your concern. Just because you don't think custom framing will allow someone to provide for their family, doesn't make it so. There are people who are doing it.

You obvious are bogged down in some bitterness, possibly as a result of some bad experiences from the past. Unfortunately, that's probably the biggest problem independent business people face. It would be best to learn from the past, apply the knowledge positively toward the future and humbly take the good with the bad.


Thanks,
Don
 
"I've thoroughly studied the market trends in the framing business, and I see the squeeze that big boxes are putting on the small shops. And I'm thoroughly convinced that any shop that doesn't have strong partners is going to struggle mightily or go down quite fast."

Have you made an assumption about the need for a partner?

I would think that most of us who own a frame shop really believe that we can grow without a partner by, 1. Hiring an employee to perform the services you offer. 2. Contract the needed services from professionals.

Now if your expertise in,

1. Creation of marketing literature
2. Direct mailing and marketing
3. Pursuit of commercial business
4. Framing
5. Delivery

Is finitely tuned to the specific culture, geographic area and the owner’s personal values and goals... one of us may find value in your services.

Mitch
 
I'm with Bob Carter, look into a franchise for the reasons he presented. Many good ones out there that would provide an arena for the expertise with which you offer. There are many franchisees who participate on this forum who have done very well for themselves.

---
Mike
 
Bob,

A franchise is an interesting option. I'll have to check out the details and weigh the pros and cons. Thanks for the suggestion.

Maryann,

My source of information comes primarily from talking with a dozen of so gallery owners in my area. I'm known to most of them as a wholesale shadow boxer. They don't look at me as a competitor and I also help some of them with their marketing material, so they don't mind sharing their methods of advertising with me and giving me an idea of how effective each method has been.

Mitch,

Yes, my idea was based on the assumption that the owner felt they were in over their head. They would be looking for someone to put up $30K to $50K to get things on track with the understanding that implementing an aggressive marketing strategy would make a difference. Of course we'd have to agree upon what the funds should be used for. I would expect it to primarily be used toward the cost of the retail space and materials used on the business I generate.

Actually, I wouldn't need to be paid. I could just set aside funds to cover me for about four months while I secure business. The bottom line would be, if I met certain goals after the four month period with regard to generating business I would become a working partner. A salary agreement would be put into place. And a plan would be created for reinvestment of funds into the business, as well as profit sharing. If I don't meet the objectives to increase business, I walk away with nothing but a hard lesson.
 
Don, With 30-50K you could open your own shop. 15K is plenty to buy professional tools and work tables and some furniture for the shop. Probably plenty leftover to stock some moldings and supplies. The rest can pay the rent and some advertising to get the ball rolling. Sounds like you have tools already anyway. 30-50K would be too much unless your buying into a business that is well off. In this case they would not likely want to talk.

Paying 15-30 grand to buy into a struggling business may perk up some ears, but convincing the owner that you can get the business to support you both will be a challenge not to mention actually doing it!

If you can find someone that will do this, you both should have a lawyer draw up a contract. Partnerships can be tenuous. You might even offer to work at the shop for several months for little or no pay to see if you are both compatible. Partnerships often fall apart due to personality incompatibilities.

I think what you are wanting has a very small chance of happening, but who am I to say? Get out there and pound the pavement!

If you really want to get into this business, I encourage you to open your own shop. Now may not be a good time but some owners may be tired and ready to retire or move on. That is your opportunity.
John
 
Hi DA-I don't mean this to sound the way many might take it, but if your expertise comes from about a dozen or so framers in your immediate area, then you simply are not equipped to undertake the task in front of you.

I'm not sure if I can name a dozen or so framers that I would consider to be qualified to explain Market Trends thoroughly and that is from the whole dad gummed country.

For sure, there a many pretty good operators, but you might need to recalibrate your "measuring stick"

I'm not real sure if I would include myself in that dozen and I do a lot of Market Research on a major scale
 
DA,

You said that you would walk away empty hands if at the end of the first for months you did not meet the objectives. What sort of objectives do you have in mind for those four months trial period? What type of growth do you think your aggressive marketing approach may return in those first four months?
 
Having a partner is a lot like a marriage. Some join together from friendship. Some join together from necessity. Some are 'arranged' relationships. Some work, some don't. It is a turn of the card whether the relationship gels. I can't imagine working with someone who I didn't already know and trust. I think you should approach one of the galleries with whom you have a business relationship and with whom you feel a kinship. It could work. Or it may not. A lot like a marriage...
 
Many thanks for all the great advice.

After viewing the last several posts, it's obvious that I have much more to learn about the business before making any decision.

JohnR,


I've got the following equipment already.

1. miter saw and measuring table
2. pistorius VN-A underpinner
3. 48" mat cutter
4. miter sander
5. Seal dry mount press
6. fillet cutter
and various other items.

After my first child was born with severe eczema and multiple food allergies, my wife and I decided that one of us would have to stay home with her, as opposed to trying to find someone willing to attend to her special needs. Well, since my wife has little patience and enjoys the regular 9 to 5 work schedule, we decided I would leave my sales job, watch our daughter during the day and find some way to make some money in the evening and during the weekend.

Well, it just so happened that my cousin, an artist, wanted someone to help her market her work. I've spent most of the past 10 years in sales, door-to-door, business-to-business and various products and services. I didn't have to make a lot of money, just enough to supplement what my wife was making. And the family was under my wife's health benefits plan so that wasn't an issue.

I started off ordering ready-made frames over the Internet and began marketing and selling my cousin's artwork to my wife's co-workers at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. It started out well enough, but I started to receive too many frames that were damaged. And I didn't have time to deal with the hassles of replacements and such.

I turned to a company that provided chops and it started out well. But again, I started receiving damaged chops.

I started going to galleries to see about having them do the framing for me. But at the price points I wished to move the items, it wasn't worth their time. And that was perfectly understandable.

Fortunately, I left business cards at the galleries and a framer from one of the galleries called me to say that he was starting his own business and wanted to speak with me about doing my framing.

I discovered that he already had all the framing equipment in his home. So we worked out an agreement. I bought materials for work tables and a moulding storage bin and we built everything in his basement. I also bought 6 boxes of moulding and opened up an account with a local supplier for all my framing materials.

It was clear that I couldn't rely solely on selling my cousin's art. So I added shadow boxed masks and started pursuing wholesale opportunities. I found three or four stores that wanted framing and a few galleries that wanted shadow boxes.

Things were moving along well enough for me, but the framer was relying on me alone for his income. And though we both had working spouses to supplement our incomes, I discovered that he had issues with gambling and womanizing. I probably should have started to look for someone else then. Anyway, he started complaining about not having enough work. And this was only a month into the venture.

As I got into a groove with the marketing, business started picking up quite well. You'd think he'd be happy, but he was so busy partying that things weren't getting done.

I've got a bad habit of going into too much detail. So I'll try to summarize the rest. He found someone who was opening a gallery and they took him on as a limited partner. I was left out in the cold.

Fortunately, I met a guy who was preparing to open a new gallery. He had seen some of my shadow boxes that another gallery owner had purchased. And he asked me if I'd be willing to do a consignment with him. Being between a rock and a hard place I agreed.

Up to this point I was using clamps and a hand held device to insert v-nails to join my moulding. But this guy had great equipment. And as a part of our agreement I was taught how to use everything. I learned how to do fillets which I started adding to my boxes. And he even allowed me to order moulding through his account. At the time he was getting 50% off the length price of any moulding from Decor, but only for the first time that particular moulding was ordered. I don't know how long the offer was in place, but I bought six boxes of moulding.

Well, things were going pretty good. I learned a great deal about framing and the shadow boxes were selling well because we had agreed upon the pricing and the split. The pricing was such that it allowed for pretty good movement of the pieces. Then the trouble started.

The guy started raising the price for the shadow boxes and activity slowed to a snails pace. He started using my moulding, as it was stored at his gallery. And he had no intention of reimbursing me for what he used. And he started producing his own shadow boxes priced below those I consigned with him. So while mine were there to keep his walls adorned his were selling.
Needless to say, this relationship was dissolved.

All this happened about three years ago. I bought my own equipment and continued wholesale production of shadow boxes. I've eked out enough to help supplement the household income, and I've worked a government contract for a year to ensure approval on our home refinance as I continued limited wholesale production. But I've never really been cut out to continue being someone's employee. And I don't really want to have an employee because 'loyal employee' doesn't seem to be realistic.

Just seems to me that anyone worth having as an employee is going to want their own slice of the pie. So you can either share it with them, or they'll go elsewhere, leaving you to start training someone else to do the same. But I've also heard about some nasty partnership breaks. So I guess it's risky either way you go.

Your posts have really helped me reflect on many things. Some of them hard lessons that I should not have forgotten. Others, potential hard lessons that I should avoid. I don't mind admitting to being naive or ignorant about certain matters. And I'm sure I've been, and perhaps still am, a good bit of each, naive and ignorant. But thanks to your feedback I might avoid being foolish.

This is a wonderful forum that I tell many gallery owners about. Unfortunately, I don't think they've been tuning in. But that's their loss.

If those who do participate here understand that the constructive criticism of the many far outweighs the personal attacks by the few, they will be in for a satisfying experience here at 'the grumble'.

As for my objectives, it seems clear that I have to start my own business. I'm thinking it might be best if I continue building on the wholesale approach. I've purchased a mobile credit card machine. So I could still do retail. Perhaps a few shows here and there.

A few weeks ago I came across a store that sells sports memorabilia. I bought a Redskins mini helmet and a photo of Santana Moss, a Redskins wide receiver. I mounted the helmet in a shadow box with the photo above it. I'll go by this week and see if the owners are interested in working out an agreement. This one opportunity might turn into something big. I could do boxes for football, baseball, basketball, golf, nascar, tennis, etc. I'll keep you all posted.

Thank you very much.


Sincerely,
Don
 
Don,
Kudos to you for sticking it out. Occasionaly it gets a little personal in here and turns people off. Good luck in your new venture. I hope it works out. We need more individuals in this business that have a good sense of where they are going and even more importantly, how they PLAN to get there.

Again,
Good Luck,
Harry
 
Don, if only your last post had been your first. I have been framing for over forty years, I think I have met every brand of shyster out there. Unfortunately, your fist few posts had the ring of things I have heard before, therefor triggering my suspicions of your motives. Good luck on your new venture.

John
 
John,

Thank you.

I often go back to look at messages I've sent and find myself feeling quite uncomfortable about my choice of wording.

I probably say so much that I forget what my real point was, and jumble everything up to the point that it leaves everybody wondering if I had written it under the influence of drugs or something.

Though I've only started posting here recently, I've been viewing the posts here for years. And I've found great value in your opinions throughout the years. I hope to continue to do so.


Sincerely,
Don
 
Don,

Being naive and ignorant is how we all started out, but those are curable "deseases". More important is that you seem to have a good bit of the fabric that successful independent framers are being made of. I mean to say that you came across to me as an alert, flexible, perseverent, fast learning, smart hands man who's having a very strong and durable motivation to succeed, namely your parental love and care on one hand and your distaste for being someone's employee on the other. If you add in there a grain of risk taking you'll get a successful independent custom framer in the making FORMULA.
Good Luck!
 
Whynot,


Thank you for the comments. I think you really hit the nail on the head. I'm over cautious. The funny thing is I've taken many risks in the past and still do, but I haven't committed fully to starting my business.

My wife is sold on the idea of doing the 9 to 5 thing and it fits her character perfectly. But it's never worked well for me. And even though she should know by now that I won't do the 9 to 5, she won't support my efforts to build my own business.

My wife's parents came to live with us July of last year. They were suppose to help take care of my daughter and our son who arrived in September. My wife was hoping I would return to a regular 9 to 5, but I saw it as an opportunity to focus more on moving forward with the framing business.

We planned to refinance our home so I took on a contracting job at the National Institutes of Health where my wife works as a federal employee. This worked out very conveniently. We rode to work together, I still did some framing on the side and I had sufficient proof of income for us to qualify for the refinance.

The contractor I was working for knew I wasn't planning to stay. And as soon as the refinance was done I gave notice. We had $40k in the bank, no debt and somebody here to take care of the kids. I was ready to roll.

While all of this was happening I found myself less and less satisfied by the care I felt my Mother-In-Law was providing for the children. I found myself ignoring my business development because I had fallen back into the Mr. Mom routine. But I've come to realize that I have to let them go a little in the interest of becoming better prepared to hold up my end of their support for the future.

So here we are paying my wife's mom $500 a month for little to nothing in return. Her dad works at Wal-Mart and both of them live here rent fee. And neither contributes a dime toward food or utilities. As far as I'm concerned we'd be better off without them.

To be sure, I'm upset about the whole arrangement, but it's a delicate situation. And this isn't the time for me to throw them out. I can't afford the child support just yet.:)

I'm not one to stew on the negative. So this is what I've decided. Her parents can stay here forever as far as I'm concerned. Whatever arrangement they've come to was without my full knowledge or involvement. The price will be that I will use any or all the $40k to get my business set up.

So, I've been looking at ways I might stack the odds of success in my favor. But I'm beginning to feel like there's not much that can be done in that regard. The marriage may or may not survive my decision, but it's a risk I'm willing to take. I'd rather move forward with my wife's blessing, but I'm sure I'll have to do it without. I feel like Job, though I'm nowhere near as righteous.

I'll let everybody know what happens after I spend up all the money. It may not be a Merry Christmas here this year.
 
Based on your posts here, a partnership may be a good arrangement for your situation. If you can find a partner who shares the same vision, and a commitment to the business, this may help supply the support you won't get from the home front. In addition, you can have a partnership where each partner's particular strengths make a better whole.

Before you give up on the idea of partnerships, why not see if you can find someone interested in starting from scratch?
 
I have an idea, why don't you go out and rent a storefront, in the best location you think you will be able to afford. After you have done that, go to a designer and have the store designed, logos, signs, all that stuff. Set up the store, have your cards printed, go to work.

The only think that is bothering me about this idea is your aversion to 9-5 routines. Actually, this won't be a problem at first, your hours will be more like 8am-10pm seven days a week. Now here is the amazing part, the long hours will not bother you, in fact, you will probably love them. There is nothing more satisfying than a good cup of................. no wait, that isn't how it goes..... more satisfying than running your own successful business.

What I am actually trying to tell you is, JUST DO IT! Don't think it to death, learn as you go. The longer you sit on it, the greater the chance of your 40K dribbling away from you.

Opening a framing business is not rocket science, I'm living proof of that. Go for it, get it done, while you still can.

John
 
Don, I hate to preach at you. I don't even know you other than what you have written.

You have one major responsibility right now. Raising your family. To potentially tear that apart over your want to start a business, I don't think you have your head in the right place. Don't take me wrong, I hope you have your wife's blessing.

With $40 grand in the bank, you are far from struggling. Why not pursue making a little side money with the shadow boxes. Perhaps later when the kids have grown and are independent, you can pursue your dreams more aggressively.

Be thankful for what you've got.

John
 
Many years ago, when my kids where toddlers, I came home from work one night, tired, worn down. My wife told me she had seen an attorney and she wanted a divorce. My whole world crashed around me, I gave up everything and ended up completely broke, other than my job.

This divorce nightmare went on for a couple of years. In and out of court over custody etc. For my kids, it turned out to be a disaster, for her, I don't know. I do know she lives in a trailer park and drinks way more than anyone should.

For years, I thought it was the worst thing that could ever happen to me. As it turned out, for me, it was absolutely the best thing that could have happened, to me, not my kids, not her.

I honestly believe I would have been dead years ago, had I stayed married to that sad, unhappy woman.

The only thing I could possibly tell you, don't let her have custody, no matter what. I think I gave up to easily, I never should have given up.

Hopefully, you will never have to go through a divorce.

John gave you some darn sound advice, walk carefully, and think real hard where you are heading. It may just cost you a lot more than you think it ever could, and I am not talking about money.

John
 
DA, you will find yourself working 9 to 5 like you never believed possible!

How many years do you think it will be before you can afford to hire a fully trained reliable person to do the 9 to 5 shift for you?
 
DA, I know just how enticing the sound of "owning your own business" can be. But it really should be 'the business owns you'.

Not to sound too cynical, but it is the truth. You set the hours and you are there, especially if you can't afford any help for the first few months, years...You will be on site for as long as it takes to finish the work, be it business hours or 24/7. And that is assuming you will have enough work to 'pay the piper'. If not, then you will be frustrated and worried where all the customers went and will you have enough to pay rent and suppliers. You need to be accountant, marketing, customer service inventory and production. Not many businesses require as many talents as this type.

All this said, dive in if you feel strongly enough about it but I do recommend full support from the family.

Good luck.
 
A different side of the coin...

I worked for 22 years in the coporate world and in the last five of that, I was miserable. My husband saw it, I knew it, I was struggling to decide what to do. I made GOOD money in that job, a lot of people wondered why I gave it up; it was considered a 9-5 job, but if I had continued as things were, I probably would have ended up divorced!

I sat my husband down with a plan - two years of planning to open, buying equipment, paying off all of the bills except the mortgage, money in the bank to pay for things if necessary for 4 months. He liked my plan, and was finally convinced that it could work. He was one of the ones that thought I was nuts to give up my job after 22 years! It took some time, and logic, but he came around. Within 6 months, he said the sweetest words "I don't care how bad things get, you don't ever have to go back to your old job"

Moral - it can be a good thing, just need to approach it in the right way.

This job (framing business) is way more work, but way more satisfying. And, I don't make as much money, but my husband and I are having fun, we laugh, and we are not wasting money on lawyers.

It can be as good as you make it. Your destiny is in your hands. Be wary of the partner situation (I am getting out of one on another venture - get tired of waiting for some people to make up their minds on things - I just like to "do it" and getherdone! It was a waste of my time, energy, and a losing proposition. I'm sure not all are like this, and I "thought" I had chosen well...

Take your money and make a plan and work the plan. Your wife may be pleasantly surprised.

As far as the business running you... It can, if YOU let it. I have stopped in my tracks a couple of times and said to self - "you need to start running the business and not let the business run you." Its easy to do when you get mired up in the details and lose the big picture, but you need to keep adjusting on a constant basis.

my 2 cents!

Elaine

p.s. if the inlaws live rent free, babysitting/caretaking should be free - again, my 2 cents.
 
All of you thoughtful individuals have given me a great deal to think about.

Before my wife and I got married she filled my mind with the notion that our family would be the most important thing. She wanted four children and so did I.

Well, after our daughter was born, she couldn't wait to get back to work. And I almost had to twist her arm to have a second child.

Now since there is no way I can understand the trauma of childbirth and how it might affect a woman's attitude about having more children, I can be understanding with regard to her desire not to have more children. But I struggle in coming to terms with her lack of attention toward the children we have. And it's not some post child birth syndrome. It's just a lack of affection and consideration. And having witnessed her mother in action, I see where it comes from.

One may agree or disagree, but I know in my heart that my choice to leave my regular job was an attempt to make sure my child was taken care of. Though I won't deny that I've always had a strong desire to start my own business. But even now, my wife would rather believe I just don't want to work rather than believe I'm trying to put our family's best interest first.

We all have to work with where we find ourselves in life and what we believe in. And some of us are just not cut out to be employees. There is nothing wrong with being an employee, and for most of my life it was fine. But my age, character and the very different dynamics of the workforce leave me with few options to provide a brighter future for these young children of mine.

These days, if you haven't created some traction for a career path by thirty, you might be in for a bit of a struggle. But then again, the Internet is providing some great opportunities for people of all ages, if one knows how to find a good angle. Nevertheless, at forty-three with these youngsters and a knucklehead wife (who I still love), I've really got a lot to make up for.

I know some of you might be saying to yourselves, "well this old fool should have had his act together long ago", or "he shouldn't have had children at this point". And that may be true. But those are no longer points to waste time pondering.

When I speak of a dislike for the 9 to 5, it's not about the hours. I just mean a regular job won't do the trick. I'll work 12 to 14 hours 7 days a week if that's what it takes to ensure a brighter future for my children. Because I believe as someone had mentioned, those hours aren't as bad when you're doing what you love for those that you love. Well, those weren't the exact words. But I have no patience to work for people who have no real passion for their work and don't care about their subordinates. And while I'm sure none of you have an operation like that, those are the types of places I've found myself employed. I sure know how to pick em.

I feel a little embarassed putting all my dirty laundry out for all to see. But the feedback that has come from these discussions is helping me to focus on making better choices. Lord knows I've made enough bad ones.

I'm thinking that if I focus exclusively on shadow boxes of sports memorabilia I might be able to make enough to do okay. I only need to net about $3K a month to take care of my financial responsibilities at home. I'll have to calculate production time and costs to see if I'll need to bring somebody on board to create the box while I focus on the frames, mats, glass, assembly and delivery.

Simplifying what I'm offering should enable me to keep working from home. I can try to create some regular wholesale activity and do retail as needed. Once I gain some traction I could look for a storefront.

I've found some good sources for the athletes photos, mini helmets, mini footballs and mini basketballs. Of course I can just use the regular baseballs. In the interest of keeping it simple I'll just focus on those three sports. Although I might add hockey. Living in a metropolitan area that has a team for each of these sports should make this a pretty good opportunity. I know I can market it effectively. I'll just have to work out the production details and find out who I'll be competing with.

Thank you all very much. You've been very kind and helpful to a complete stranger.


Sincerely,
Don
 
DA, I do admire your being a Mr. Mom. I don't think there is any thing more important in a parents life than raising his children. I hope you are able to counteract the influence of the mother in law.
 
There is this song I heard a few weeks ago. I'm not sure who the artist is. I don't even know the name, but I think it's 'Monday Mornin Mr. Mom'. It's a terrific song, and now my official theme song.
 
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