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.