Leap of Faith...

[KapeKopyTek]

Re: Leap of Faith...

Name? Well, who are you and what will you be doing? Neo Independent Services. N. I. S. If you want to be more specific (or limit yourself, depending on your goals), Neo Independent Imaging Services N.I.I.S. or whatever, you get the drift....... Best of luck!

[mikadonovan]

Re: Leap of Faith...

Best of luck to you, Neo. Now go out and make some serious scratch!

[rthonpm]

Re: Leap of Faith...

There's money to be made, but it will be hard at first: if you can get through the first three years you have a shot at being successful.

[NeoMatrix]

Re: Leap of Faith...

I have genuine concerns about which business model I should adopt first up ie. slow paper base accounting (for security purpose )or electronic internet interface direct with customer. I can do most of the database programming for a full customer interface direct into the business thereby reducing a major accounting burden on my part.

I would like to start with an internet base ticket issuing system whereby the customer enters a web page and logs a service call. They are then issused with an electronic ticket for the callout. This would allow me access to customers directly in the field while on the road. It would remove writing everything down while on a call. I would print out the log ticket an have the customer sign the printout after their job is complete. Ticket system would stop queue jumpers and allow the customer to track their call history. But all internet comes with the computer hacker security risks, which is the down side to the information age.

[blackcat4866]

Re: Leap of Faith...

I have genuine concerns about which business model I should adopt first up ie. slow paper base accounting (for security purpose )or electronic internet interface direct with customer. I can do most of the database programming for a full customer interface direct into the business thereby reducing a major accounting burden on my part.

I would like to start with an internet base ticket issuing system whereby the customer enters a web page and logs a service call. They are then issused with an electronic ticket for the callout. This would allow me access to customers directly in the field while on the road. It would remove writing everything down while on a call. I would print out the log ticket an have the customer sign the printout after their job is complete. Ticket system would stop queue jumpers and allow the customer to track their call history. But all internet comes with the computer hacker security risks, which is the down side to the information age.

I worked for a company that did this, but you're relying on the accuracy and thoroughness of your customers. Approximately 1/3 of our customers placing calls could not or would not enter a valid machine ID, did not know the machine model or serial number. If they could have come up with any two of the three the database would have found them. Even getting a valid phone number was unlikely. =^..^=

[Oze]

Re: Leap of Faith...

Hope it all works out mate...
I have a mate who's recently set up a dealership in Rocky...mostly Sharps so I'm guessing the demand must be there in the Rocky area.

[nmfaxman]

Re: Leap of Faith...

Been there for 9 years now. It is getting tough. Dealers are undercutting like a big dog just to get the business. Their pricing is 1/3rd of what I charge and are promising the world.
The problem is people believe them to save some money, then get screwed in the long run.
I visit each account each month to get the meter and check the machines for future problems.
No dealer does that.
My response time with me on site is within 2 hours. Dealers are saying a phone call by a tech is responding.
I cover network problems, but the dealer charges $300 to walk in the door.

My advice is keep it honest and do what you promise to do.
Keep the overhead low. I print out my own service tickets on site and make a copy for the customer.
Almost everything you want to do online will cost something.

KISS (Keep It Simple and Stupid). You will get more respect in the long run.

[draph]

Re: Leap of Faith...

Neo, I had the same fears when I went out on my own in 1983. You'll do great! Remember, "do what you love and the money will follow."

Word of advise...don't over look sales, treat it as the frosting on the cake. Create a good relationship with a couple of great used equipment vendors. Used is where the best money is and a reliable supplier can make you rather than break you. If you need a supplier I would be happy to grease some skids for you sir.

Lastly, I work on most of what's out there and you may feel free to call on me when ever you have a need. I love to see techs blow off the corporate plan and make good for themselves.

[NeoMatrix]

Re: Leap of Faith...

I worked for a company that did this, but you're relying on the accuracy and thoroughness of your customers. Approximately 1/3 of our customers placing calls could not or would not enter a valid machine ID, did not know the machine model or serial number. If they could have come up with any two of the three the database would have found them. Even getting a valid phone number was unlikely. =^..^=

Yeah BC I hear what you are saying.

Some customers and /or their staff have a temperment caviate or suffer convienent Technophobia,
and insist on following their own methods with respect to logging a service call.
For some reason they seem to forget that machines break down an you're the "allied", not the enemy.
Every piece of information the customer can log on the call should be on the job sheet prior to arriving on site.
Some customers prefer going out of their way some how to avoid logging the call the correct way.
Asking office staff over the phone for the dreaded meter reading each month is the one example.

[NeoMatrix]

Re: Leap of Faith...

That Leap-a-faith might require a parachute now that I'm missing my best manual supplier....

[ZOOTECH]

Re: Leap of Faith...

[QUOwTE=NeoMatrix;432261]That Leap-a-faith might require a parachute now that I'm missing my best manual supplier....[/QUOTE]
Yeah, it hurts.

[Jhonjon]

Re: Leap of Faith...

I've finally decided to take a leap-of-faith on go out on my own working for myself as an independant/freelance.
I'm going to advertise in the coming months to see what customer base is in the local area.
I'm only interested with the service and repair side of the business first up.
If business expands I might branch into sales an/or a salesmen at a later stage.

I will be working on any brand of business machine that needs repairs, which leaves me feeling a bit like a fish out of water already. I probably won't have manuals, firmware or steady parts supplier for all Brand-X model machines.
In saying that, I may have to call on the experience of the CTN forum from time to time to help solve any problem machine faults. Though I wouldn't like to be seen as a repetitive an anouying pain to any one else either.

In any case (heeeve deeeeep breath) wish me luck. I feel I'm going to need it for a little while.......

Lookout Paul! ,all those CTN advertisement might have worked. I'm going to need a manual or twenty....

Feeling a tad daunted........

Good luck! Hoping for your success...

[Debs1964]

Re: Leap of Faith...

I'm sure I had already replied to this thread, but it appears to have gone AWOL
So anyway, good luck with your new ventures, I'm sure it will work out just fine and you'll get all the assistance you require on here