SAI Gordon
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| 06 Oct 2008 10:55 AM |
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I wanted to open a thread to sample how business is coming in across the country (and in the world). So how is it ??!
We have definately experienced somewhat of a slowdown here locally. I think perhaps some people are just waiting to see how the bailout plan is going to affect things (or not). Probably keeping their purse strings tight until they are more sure.
Anyway, we're doing our thing, but could be busier. How 'bout you? |
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Gordo (a.k.a. The Fro Bro)
Surface Authority, Inc.
www.surfaceauthority.com |
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David G.
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| 06 Oct 2008 11:03 AM |
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I'm swamped, it will change very quickly though. This time of year is always this way, it being the end of the summer's building season, next up the xmas panic season. One thing that is paying off for me is selling vanity tops from leftovers. I started buying extra material just for that reason, I invite customers to come in and look at what we have and I'll make em a sweet deal along with an under mount china sink. All word of mouth too. Like I said though, I expect it the change with the season. |
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DON"T LET WILDLIFE RUN RAMPANT! (Walter Hickel)
david1062"at"gmail.com |
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Jon Olson
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| 06 Oct 2008 11:30 AM |
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Things are still good here Gordon. Just hired 2-sanders and a Shop carpenter to help build jigs |
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| Building Bridges.
www.sterlingsurfaces.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sterlingsurfaces/sets/72157600265050765
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Andy
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| 06 Oct 2008 12:39 PM |
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We are very busy. The concern for us is that you never know what's around the corner. Lead times are slim as well.
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FabNet Administrator
andy@thefabricatornetwork.com
Countertop Company - www.OliveMill.com |
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Kowboy
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| 06 Oct 2008 04:34 PM |
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I finished a my Cambria job for this month. I had no troube getting bids on fabrication.
I've gotten two servicemagic calls. One lady had a $300.00 budget for a 11sf. solid surface sink and bowl fabricated and installed and another guy wanted a hole drilled in granite for a water dispenser. I didn't get either one.
I've been working on my History class presentation all day today. That pays the same as the jobs above.
The Lions are 0-4 but the Shock won the WNBA last night, so that's Michigan for ya.
Joe |
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Paul Bingham
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| 06 Oct 2008 07:29 PM |
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Things are going great in this part of Canada (Nova Scotia). We just had our year end and our business was up about 90% over the year before. We are projecting the same growth for this year. The economy is fine in this area and we keep finding K&B's and mill shops that want our services. The decision to take on granite and quartz has proven to be a good one. We have transitioned from 75% direct sales and 25% dealers to 25% direct and 75% dealers. The lose in margin has been more than made up with increased volume.
Paul |
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Kowboy
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| 06 Oct 2008 09:40 PM |
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Posted By Paul Bingham on 10/06/2008 7:29 PM
We have transitioned from 75% direct sales and 25% dealers to 25% direct and 75% dealers. The lose in margin has been more than made up with increased volume.
Paul Paul: You are forgetting an important part of your equation. Retail/direct customers take much more hand-holding, time and education than K&B dealers. Not only is it increased volume, it's less work per job and subsequently less risk. Joe |
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Paul Bingham
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| 07 Oct 2008 08:46 AM |
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You're so right. My time with customers is very low with dealer sales and quite substantial with direct sales. On the negative side, we get 50% upfront and 50% on completion with direct and wait 30 days from billing to get paid by dealers.
There also seems to be a little more risk of getting scr***d by direct customers. We recently had to take a direct customer to court for non payment of a $4500.00 invoice.
Paul |
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SAI Gordon
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| 07 Oct 2008 11:08 AM |
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I appreciate you guys taking the time to answer this thread and your candor herein. I was just wondering (with the market jumping up and down the way it is) how it was going elsewhere in the country.
I see too that there were a lot more viewers to this thread than there were folks willing to make an entry (currently 7 vs. 104). I wonder if that is indicative of anything.
Glad to hear that things are going well for so many of you. Joe, I hope that things pick up for you (and any one else needing more work) soon.
All our best wishes for a speedy economic recovery. If there is anything we can do to help you or vice-versa, please feel free to contact me anytime. |
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Gordo (a.k.a. The Fro Bro)
Surface Authority, Inc.
www.surfaceauthority.com |
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Johnny C
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| 07 Oct 2008 11:23 AM |
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Posted By Kowboy on 10/06/2008 9:40 PM
Posted By Paul Bingham on 10/06/2008 7:29 PM
We have transitioned from 75% direct sales and 25% dealers to 25% direct and 75% dealers. The lose in margin has been more than made up with increased volume.
Paul Paul: You are forgetting an important part of your equation. Retail/direct customers take much more hand-holding, time and education than K&B dealers. Not only is it increased volume, it's less work per job and subsequently less risk. Joe The hand holding part is defenately true. That is why they are given a price point that allows them a margin. Vertually all of my sales are through independant dealers and I have never had to send a dealer accout to collections. Johnny C |
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Len Smith
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| 07 Oct 2008 04:26 PM |
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I don't really think we've seen the full impact of this economic downturn yet. I'm concerned that the foreclosures and banking fiasco were only act I. I watched a round table discussion last night among people way smarter than myself, from all ends of the financial spectrum, and if they're right, we're in for much worse. I hope they are wrong, but I think they may have a point.
It may actually take another year or 18 months for us to feel the full effect. I'm thinking that it might be prudent to make plans now to act as though they are correct, because there's no down side to that strategy.
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Mike Gladstone
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| 07 Oct 2008 04:48 PM |
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We've been steady to swamped depending on the size of the job. The reason for this is we made a decision about 2 1/2 years ago to start persuing commercial work. We now do about 70% Commercial and 30% Residential, which has definitely proved to be a wise choice. |
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Mike G
GCI Solid Surface Countertops |
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Karl Crooks
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| 07 Oct 2008 06:21 PM |
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Posted By Len Smith on 10/07/2008 4:26 PM
I don't really think we've seen the full impact of this economic downturn yet. I'm concerned that the foreclosures and banking fiasco were only act I. I watched a round table discussion last night among people way smarter than myself, from all ends of the financial spectrum, and if they're right, we're in for much worse. I hope they are wrong, but I think they may have a point.
It may actually take another year or 18 months for us to feel the full effect. I'm thinking that it might be prudent to make plans now to act as though they are correct, because there's no down side to that strategy.
Len, everything that I have read that makes any sense leads to what you are saying. Or something like it ... 1st to fall those tried into bad Home Loans, 2nd the Credit Cards, 3rd the Auto Loans.... a 1, 2 , 3 Punch or a Domino Effect. Thinks could get much worst before they get better. |
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| RESTORE ~ RENEW ~ REJOICE !
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Karl Crooks
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| 07 Oct 2008 06:23 PM |
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Posted By Mike Gladstone on 10/07/2008 4:48 PM
We've been steady to swamped depending on the size of the job. The reason for this is we made a decision about 2 1/2 years ago to start persuing commercial work. We now do about 70% Commercial and 30% Residential, which has definitely proved to be a wise choice. Mike every Fab that we have talked to that is busy as all says the same thing. Smart move Mike, very smart ! Now lets just hope your cash flow is ok and they all pay you  |
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| RESTORE ~ RENEW ~ REJOICE !
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Adam
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| 07 Oct 2008 07:51 PM |
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Things have been pretty decent here in KC for us. There have been a bunch of the garage shop guys that have closed down which is fun to talk about but really is of no matter in the grand scheme of things. There have however been a few legitimately good size shops that have gone to the wayside.
These are times that excite me instead of make me scared. Am I worried? Not too much, just trying to be mindful of all of the ways that things can be done better. In my opinion, these are the times where the people who will ultimately end up successful implement strategies that take advantage of all of the opportunites that are out there.
Some call what is happening with the economy a recession, disaster, chaos, etc.... The term that I prefer to use is market correction. Times were too good for too long and now the market will correct itself. The key is to be around when the corrections are over with.
And in the spirit of the debates tonight
"I am a countertop fabricator and I approve this message." :) |
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Mike Gladstone
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| 08 Oct 2008 05:20 AM |
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Karl as with any contract there is the potential trouble of not getting paid. We cover ourselves everyway possible, but, I think knowing the company your doing work for is important as anything. we work for some of the biggest commercial guys in our area, all are very successful reputable companies. The main problems we've had in the past not getting paid was usually when we subbed thru a cabinet shop that failed, but our exposure was minimalized because of our following all the rules. |
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Mike G
GCI Solid Surface Countertops |
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Karl Crooks
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| 08 Oct 2008 09:45 AM |
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Posted By Mike Gladstone on 10/08/2008 5:20 AM
Karl as with any contract there is the potential trouble of not getting paid. We cover ourselves everyway possible, but, I think knowing the company your doing work for is important as anything. we work for some of the biggest commercial guys in our area, all are very successful reputable companies. The main problems we've had in the past not getting paid was usually when we subbed thru a cabinet shop that failed, but our exposure was minimalized because of our following all the rules. Great points Mike, it sounds like you have it covered. We have not had a problem in this area, but something tells me its coming. Keep a close eye on it and it sould be ok. |
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| RESTORE ~ RENEW ~ REJOICE !
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Matt Kraft
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| 14 Oct 2008 08:54 AM |
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Things are slow here.
Real slow.
Building is dead. Remodeling is dead. Dealers laying off salespeople. Some of our competitors are working 3 days a week. Others have disappeared. Home center work is busy, everything else is off 50% from the 2005 highs.
Commercial market is good, unfortunately we don't have much exposure to it, but we are working on it. |
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| "It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive...." |
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Curt H
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| 14 Oct 2008 09:34 AM |
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Business was really slow in September. October has been pretty strong so far. The commercial sector is up, remodeling is steady, new residential very slow.
Curt
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Tom M
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| 14 Oct 2008 11:21 AM |
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Thank gosh for commercial. That's all I can say right now. |
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| What, me worry? |
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