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A day in the life,,,,

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6/15/2003 7:21 AM

A day in the life,,,,

To get this discussion jumpstarted again, I was wondering if some of our resident boutique business guys(zvex etc) could give us a rundown on a typical day(or week)at work. I mean stuff like inventory time, development, cleanup, phone time etc. All the mundane stuff too just so the average person reading could get an idea what goes on in a successful business.
I think that this may clear some air about costs etc, and also give some ideas to people entertaining the idea of a business.
I think it may help out in other areas too. Maybe somebody will have a problem with inventory management or bookkeeping, another may have worked out a solution that may help the first person.
Waiting to see what comes out of this

6/16/2003 6:14 AM
Regan	hmmmmmm, I was hoping this would be an interesting thread. darn Regan

6/16/2003 6:20 PM
Analogmike	Hi, If I posted my "average" day it would not be too interesting... way too little time available in a 12 hour day to actually do much with the effects (!) mike

6/17/2003 7:27 AM

Exactly Mike!
Thats the thing, there is so many people who figure its just build a bit, sell for a lot and make lots of money- I kind of want people to post just how dreary there day is and how much of it doesn't relate to build time and parts cost. Even a breakdown like, 2 hours labor, 2 pedals built, 1 hour travel time for supplies, 1 hour warranty, 1 hour books, 2 hours talking to customers, dealers.
1 hour lunch etc.
None of this takes into cosideration cost of the supplies, finish etc, and this was only 2 pedals.
Even at 4 times parts cost this isn't a gold mine.
I realize i'm exagerating things a bit because I would be interested to see the real breakdowns

Obviously I'm way off because your doing 12 hour days

6/20/2003 1:13 PM

Hey Regan-
Don't forget that most builders have a day job/business that eats up most of the energy and time; plus some folks also dig a sporting activity to relieve stress (racquetball for me) which ultimately leaves little time for building or designing or even yer wife or other. Since I own my own business (or it owns me, really) I had no illusions about how time consuming allthe mundane crap becomes ie. billing, paying bills utilities and all the taxes, mortgages etc. Basically, to keep both businesses working at all it ends up taking about 16 hours a day, with the 'fun' business being last in line for time & $$$. You better lose any romantic notions about being paid to tinker if you have any- the reality of building developing and selling amps is quite different.

HTH,
Alexander
http://www.retrodyne-amps.com

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