Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | May 16, 2000 12:50am | #1

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   I considered this very same enterprise a few years back. In fact, I still think about giving it a go from time to time. What stops me is the knowledge it would be a one-off customer who would be my primary target. Basically, a parttime income for fulltime sales. Oh, it could grow into something, but I already have too many irons in the fire.

   First thing you should consider though, is it viable in your region? Unless you plan on carrying the overhead of major shipping costs right off the bat, you need to be thinking smallish at first. So, within your region, you have identified a market which could stand some better customer service. Are you going business to business, full retail, or a combination of both? Just how many units could you move before a slowdown? Also, what kind of inventory control is best for you? You don't plan on keeping a large inventory, do you? Mouldings! You gotta' be kidding!

   Don't be fooled into thinking what you see at the 14 storefront building center is an accurate guage of the market you wish to enter. That the store is slow to deliver a specific product don't mean squat. The main reason that is is because you see a custom market and they may be servicing the DIY with a little custom on the side. You don't want to try to penetrate that market, do you? A start-up would be finished before lunchtime.

   You need to narrow your focus and identify EXACTLY the market you wish to enter. Of course, there may be spin offs, but for now, focus, focus, focus. So, just how many need your service? The product can be gotten anyplace, you're really offering a service--faster shipment, broader range of products, custom milling, etc.

   You may be on to something, you may be able to dig deep into an untapped market segment, but who you gonna' sell it to?

   I suggest you begin by doing two things simultaneously. One, make up a sample board of the products you plan on offering. Put together a fabulous brochure highlighting the superior services you are in position to offer. Two, identify your customers and tailor your operation to meet their needs. You may be in a better position than you think. If you are a frontline guy for the store you work for now, you easily can establish the contacts you'll need.

   Now, hit the streets and go sell your company. A fine line is to be big and bold to your future customers but discreet about your marketing plans, you don't want to tip off your established competition. The same goes when talking with mfg reps; you can reasonably expect them to clue in your comp about what you are doing. Maybe, maybe not a big deal, but you are going up against the big boys. Your advantage here is you can slide in under them into their market and pick the choice morsels of which they are too big to care about. Big business tends to get sloppy in their market. But you, you are a cottage offering better service.

1. 
   Guest_ | May 16, 2000 01:53am | #2

   *Hello Jason, Out here in Abilene Texas there is a small operation that does just what you are describing and they do quite well.I always have a need for hardwood mouldings to trim out my cabinets and have even had them make me up some crown from pecan to go with some pecan cabinets that I built.Don't know how we'd get along without em.

1. 
   Guest_ | May 16, 2000 05:26am | #3

   *I'd think that people that need custom mouldings are not looking in a franchise type store. You're dealing with the Home Depot types. If you want to set up custom moulders and cut your own knives, then you might get a share of the market. But I doubt it. I'm sure there is a custom mill in your area that provides that service to the custom builders. Don't over-reach your market.Ed. Williams

1. 
   Guest_ | May 16, 2000 05:53am | #4

   *I tend to agree with Ed. I can think of five or six places that stock a lot of hardwood moulding in common profiles and species, though none are big name retailers. They offer several custom profiles for a set up fee of fifty bucks or so and a minimum of a couple hundred feet. They will also grind knives for a custom profile for a reasonable price if they dont already have what you want.Check the yellow pages under wholesale millwork/moldings or cabinet supply. I dont mean to sound negative, but I live in the middle of nowhere [NE OK] and find it pretty easy to get any moldings I need, delievered to my door.Chuck

1. 
   Guest_ | May 17, 2000 01:54am | #6

   *My lumber yard can set up their molding cutter to make almost anything I need and if they can't, they'll get the knives made for about $100.00. I've taken in samples of old moldings and picked up my matching molding the next day.

2. 
   Jason_Wright | May 17, 2000 01:54am | #5

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   I work for a building center that has fourteen stores throughout Pennsylvania. The one thing I see through working there is that it is difficult to get good quality moldings in various woods at a reasonable price and time. We have our stock pine moldings that come only in the industry standard profiles but that is it. Is this a problem in other areas as well? Is there a need for a business that can provide custom moldings and other mill work with short lead times? Here in North central PA we have local access to the best hard woods in the world with woods such as oak, cherry, walnut, maple, ash, beech, hickory, and even many soft woods. I would like to know if there is a need for a business that can provide custom mill work as well as industry standard moldings in any variety of wood. I would be interested in any comments you may have about this issue. You can email me at [email protected] if you would like to contact me.

   Jason