How's Business Guys?

[Jetmekdc-10]

Just curious how the independent guys a doing in this time of bailouts and layoffs? Things made from metal still break in a bad economy don't they? The reason I'm asking is my calls have slowed way down. I advertise in the Yellow pages, newspaper,Craigslist, joined the BBB, Chamber of Comm,dropped cards off everywhere. The first six months of this year I stayed real busy, now I am considering making a change. Maybe figuring out something to produce and sell, Maybe its my area, North Mississippi is not normally regarded as an industrial Mecca. Anyways just venting, Adam

[MMW]

It is slow here. Some weeks I don't even get a full week in.

[nfinch86]

Yea, October was real slow, November has picked big time.
I'm backed up 7-10 days, things still break and I think people are fixing there things- machinery,farm equippment, Ect., Etc. This is the kind of Economic slow down I like !!....... Norm :

[Jetmekdc-10]

Norm,
Glad your staying busy. I have only been in business 11 months so I guess I need to be patient. Last week I bid a pretty big job at a restaurant that is being built in Memphis but I guess I was too high. I have picked up one and two hour jobs here and there but thats not what I'm wanting. I built a hoist on my trailer the other day. It is pretty handy. I was surprised how strong it is. I picked up a 7 foot box blade for a customer and brought it to my shop to fix. Worked like a champ. It rotates 360 deg and has an 8 foot reach.

[Jetmekdc-10]

Dang, forgot to re-size pic, hav'nt posted in a while, sorry for you guys on dial up.

[nfinch86]

Jetmekdc-10, Hi; I'm on dial-up, not a problem ! Thats a nice looking setup, did you say it's made. I've thought about something like that, just to put my mind to it i guess?? I'm just completing my Third Year in business. It takes time to build your reputation and therefore clientell. Keep working hard and it will come, Good Luck !!!...... Norm : PS. Thats hand made ( home made ) in my first sentence Above!! Sorry !!... Norm :

[RAD]

3 months ago I was swamped with work. Almost more work than I could handle. Mostly large jobs with the welding, repairing and refurbishing of heavy equipment.

I had two large mobile jobs (large jobs for me as I also work 50+ hours per week as a welder) lined up that I was supposed to start in November. In preparation for the upcoming work schedule, I purchased a $3000 mobile air compressor and some other odds/ends. My equipment has been sitting mostly as both jobs canceled at about the same time, due to the economic slowdown.

I was also contemplating renting/sharing space at a small shop in my area, leaving my hourly job and going at it on my own, full time. I recently realized this is definitely not the right time for me to attempt this and scrapped the idea for now.

I'm lucky for having a full time job to fall back on as my employer laid off 62 people out of 130. I'm a welder at a construction outfit (heavy equipment) and the company's primary focus's are road-building, neighborhoods clearing and what-not.

Even though I'm not out on my own welding, I can say I love my job.

Even though I spent $3000 on a compressor and have no work for it I won't have to purchase when the time comes. Its also a very nice machine!

Working full time and trying to run a one-man business is hard work. I have some free time now. After working all day with my normal job then I would work at "my business job" after that I would have to do the invoicing, accounting, planning....

Kudos to all the independent welders and small business welders surviving in these terrible economic times. My helmets off to you.

[RAD]

Jetmekdc-10 I built a hoist on my trailer the other day. It is pretty handy. I was surprised how strong it is.

BTW Nice Hoist!!! I might have to steal your idea!!!

[BillC]

Just curious how the independent guys a doing in this time of bailouts and layoffs? Things made from metal still break in a bad economy don't they? The reason I'm asking is my calls have slowed way down. I advertise in the Yellow pages, newspaper,Craigslist, joined the BBB, Chamber of Comm,dropped cards off everywhere. The first six months of this year I stayed real busy, now I am considering making a change. Maybe figuring out something to produce and sell, Maybe its my area, North Mississippi is not normally regarded as an industrial Mecca. Anyways just venting, Adam

Adam,

Out of curiosity how much repeat business have you had? What kind of work did you get the first six months? Has all of that work dried up or is somebody else getting the jobs?

Regards,

[FusionKing]

I was gonna join in and comment but Norm's positive situation bummed me out so bad the other day I signed off and went to work.
The pleasure boat repair biz has taken a dive for sure btw.
I'm making plans to hide my 350P and my Bobcat and Dynasty at my Folks place and they can come have the rest!!