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Post by decalman on Nov 10, 2013 12:37:40 GMT -8
Guys, I'm at a crossroads right now with the decal business. both printers are back in Japan for repairs and the latest one I just got is now needing repair. If there is any debris in the paper it will screw up the head. That's where I'm at right now with several orders to fill. It is getting too costly to send these in for repairs--total cost for shipping and repairs runs me about $650 each printer. I've already shelled that out about 2 months ago and fixing to shell out again for both printers. I am looking at a new printer (different altogether) but it's not a cheap investment. (mainly because I don't have the money right now). Not to mention the fact that ALPS ceased printer manufacturing in 2010 and supposed to cease cartridge production in 2015.
this leaves me with 2 options--drop the money for the new printer or close the store.
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Post by jimb on Nov 10, 2013 13:30:11 GMT -8
This is distressing news!
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Post by gatorincebu on Nov 10, 2013 14:38:59 GMT -8
Dayum Jerry, That really sucks! I hope you can work it out. I was just getting ready to talk to you about an order. But keep the faith. What ever is meant to be will be!
Be Well Gator
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Post by ap40rocktruck on Nov 10, 2013 23:16:07 GMT -8
Jerry, I sincerely hope you decide to keep going, I will do what ever i can to keep your great products available. Any price increase is fine with me to have still in the game.
Ap40
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Post by decalman on Nov 14, 2013 20:03:10 GMT -8
Still waiting to hear back on the status of my printers...they were delivered in Japan on 10/22.
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Post by Muleskinner on Nov 15, 2013 13:15:05 GMT -8
Have faith Jerry things will surely work out for you.
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Post by decalman on Nov 16, 2013 15:52:37 GMT -8
I was talking with someone earlier and he made a suggestion and the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. I'm just not sure about how to go about it. The plan would be to get several "investors" to contribute to the purchase of said printer. I'm not sure how to work out the rest of the details, but I might try to go that route. If this printer will do what I think it will, it would allow me to get into other markets (or scales) and my overall expense costs would drop significantly compared with the ALPS. If you guys have thoughts or comments, drop me a pm or email. I don't want to get into too much business discussion on an open forum.
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Post by gatorincebu on Nov 16, 2013 19:38:07 GMT -8
Interesting idea! i might be interested. PM me please when you get things organized!
Be Well Gator
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Post by decalman on Nov 17, 2013 19:18:50 GMT -8
I'm going to take a serious look at $20k printer as well as a SBA loan. If it does indeed meet my needs and SBA will approve, look for the decal line to increase to add 1/64 and 1/87 scales and maybe others.
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Post by gatorincebu on Nov 18, 2013 1:52:56 GMT -8
Wow go for it!I will be in line for your decals !
Be Well Gator
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Post by decalman on Nov 18, 2013 18:37:15 GMT -8
Today has been a very "fun" day. I have the specs on the printer, Paulie is going over them for me, the distributor is working on the price, and to top it off, I'm in "negotiations" with someone who will be acquiring more artwork. It'll blow ya'lls minds away, as it did mine. And after doing a search on replacement toners for the new printer, I was astounded at the page yield--in a very good way. Stay tuned as the excitement grows. This is a lot better than the daytime soaps!!!!!! p.s. Thank you everyone for your support as I continue on.
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Post by jimb on Nov 18, 2013 19:22:10 GMT -8
Sounds like you're making good progress. Hope to be able to place an order with you soon.
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heavyweights
CHASER ON LANDING
Two cornbinders on the roll !
Posts: 30
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Post by heavyweights on Dec 12, 2013 20:41:50 GMT -8
Hey Jerry, hope all is going well with the printer situation, like Gator, I have a list of a few decal sets to buy from you... keep us info'd on your progress, don't want to lose your talents my friend, god speed, JIMMY.
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Post by decalman on Dec 12, 2013 21:02:27 GMT -8
Thanks for the support guys. These past few weeks have been "less than encouraging" but after talking with a good friend, I may have the solution in the next few days. It will still take me a bit to get caught up on orders, but once up & running, "it's on dude" I should have samples back shortly and I will see first hand how the new printer works for decals. As far as my ALPS printers go, STILL no word. ARRGH!!!!!! Do they have parts? a\Are they overloaded? On vacation? Using my printers as doorstops? At least let me know SOMETHING!!!! But there is a blessing to be found, and I'm still looking, but I might have already found it. Details later as I find out more.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2013 5:50:40 GMT -8
Jerry I'm really hoping you will find a light at the end of this long tunnel.
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