Msg: 5951 *Conference*

08-13-95 10:59:05

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : THOMAS MCKEAN

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #5948 (GUESS WHAT I GOT? :))

Thomas: I went over to my M100 8K RAM bin and made a count ... I have only 4
left.  Hmmm...!  I am now at a decision point.  How many more should I have
built, at what cost, for what retail?

The $29.95 price is very close to what I pay an engineer to build each one by
hand.  I used to charge more but never as much as I should, i.e. practical
merchandising markup.  I lowered the price some time ago to return invested
dollars in the face of reduced demand.

So, what's involved?  The engineer has to pay for a production run on the
circuit boards, buy the components, assemble and test, before packaging and
shipping to me.  I, on the other hand, must apply the value of money spent now
and determin how many I can buy, how long they will stay in inventory before
sold, etc.  These decisions are coupled with how many the engineer will require
that I purchase, i.e. usually the entire production run.  There is little room
for degociations, and the count is quite high vs. a very slow market.

Despite the above, I will get a fax off to the engineer right now ... since
Sunday is spent on Club 100 work and today is Sunday.

Yes, I understand about tax deductable items.  If I were in better financial
position that would be an option but not right now.  I am still feeding the new
business, and Club 100 is barely at break even.  It's been 1 1/2 years since I
had a positive net income.  I am planning and working towards a positive net
income by the end of 1996 or mid '97.

Please remember, unlike many of you folks, I do not have a steady paycheck, no
benefits, no retirement ... other then that which I make for myself.  I am not
complaning, nor am I worried.  :)  See ... I am smiling (smile!!)  Yes, I tend
to beat dead horses and lean toward altrueism but I am not totally crazy.  I
believe in sticking-to and finishing or maintaining things I start.  I also
believe that creativity and enthuseasm is more important than facts.

Gald you like the Booster Pac.  It's a really nifty devise.  Note: Always
remember to back up your data to disk, even though you "think" you don't have
too due to your Booster Pac reliability.  It's only technology!!!

At your service ... -Rick-

PS: The fax just went out.  Now we wait for a reply.