How's business?? Any other 1-man copier servicers dying out here??

[copiertec]

Re: How's business?? Any other 1-man copier servicers dying out here??

Here is a motivational read. Tried and true by one of the people I consider a success that did things his way... a true entrepreneur Steve Jobs Said 1 Thing Separates Successful People From Everyone Else (and Will Make All the Difference In Your Life). I hope this helps you and everyone that decided to give the middle finger to the security of corporate way and are doing it their way, learning from mistakes and not letting the system beat them down. You have a talent, it may not be easy, you may work waay harder than a 9 to 5, but at the end of the day...it's yours!

[tech28]

Re: How's business?? Any other 1-man copier servicers dying out here??

Been in business for over 31 years, working in copiers and everything in between for 34 years. Volumes are down, at least 1 piece of equipment will always be needed in business environment, varied by what they do. It's been tough at times, but, you have to adjust what you sell, how you sell, to who you sell, when to say "sorry, can't help you" Have to open new avenues for revenue to come in, always have to change product, accommodate the needs of your customers, quality of product, price to stay competitive (with the Amazons of this business) Not an easy business, but, when said and done, wouldn't trade it for any other job. Has a very good for us, have my son help now for about 15 years, have my grandson involved part time. Have many loyal customers for 10, 15, 20, a couple over 30 years now, to start a copier business now would be a very challenging task, diffidently not recommended. Good luck to all indies. God Bless America!!

[JR2ALTA]

Re: How's business?? Any other 1-man copier servicers dying out here??

I recommend anyone going out on their own. Especially if younger and you have a spouse that has health insurance where they work and you can get on that. Give it a shot, can always go back to work for a comapny and keep some accounts from your business for side money.

There are big companies that will buy your active accounts, probably won't offer what you think they are worth but if you are closing business any amount is better than nothing! But that is not the reason you start a business.

There is still plenty of copier business out there! Don't let this "becoming paperless" myth bother you. I actually see more paper now than ever!

I agree with you with one exception. You should team up with a talented, hungry sales rep.

Putzing around repairing machines is a great blue collar lifestyle but won't make you wealthy.

[Froota]

Re: How's business?? Any other 1-man copier servicers dying out here??

The market is evolving and you have to adapt, if not, your boat is going to sink, not only in the printing branch.
The time where you could sell mfp's on high hardware and click prices is over, certainly if you are a small dealer that must fight against the big manufactures who are even selling devices with losses these days.
But you certainly CAN adapt if you are little in contrast with the low maneuverability of a big manufacturer ship.

After all those years of selling clicks, try to turn it over now in digitalizing projects where you are still selling the mfp but as a tool to optimize the paper flow.
The margins are a lot bigger in IT solutions and you would be amazed how many little companies are struggling with there paperwork.

Read the market and his evolutions,

[BillyCarpenter]

Re: How's business?? Any other 1-man copier servicers dying out here??

Interesting thread. In my opinion, if you're a one-man show or hoping to expand beyond, the one thing that you must do is learn to sell. Nothing happens unless a sale is made. Interestingly, most of my conversations with techs that branch out on their own is that they hate to sell and put little time and effort in it. You must devote the same effort in sales as you do repair and being a tech.