SusanofO
Posts: 5672
Joined: 12/19/2005 Status: offline
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domiguy: EwwwwOhh!  Oh No. Nono. Just NO, that' all - but (as Sinergy says) thanks for playing... I did think of A name this afternoon though - what about: EAT ME. Or maybe: JUST EAT ME...hehe. I think I like Oscar's Delectables - but am taking a few days to think it over, because I had lots of wonderful suggestions today from ya'll - thank you very much (and am still up for more, if anyone has more). Thanks for the replies, folks. Lady Ellen: I have been thinking of ways to differentiate myself - and right now, sorry to say it (although it may still work well), what it is adding up to are lots of "little things" that could, collectively, make a difference that gives me an edge (at least locally). Prices slightly lower. Packaging a bit classier. Service that is cooperative, on-time, and "willing to bend" (if feasible). Snappy little short-term promotions might help a bit in specific markets, or for first-time customers, or at particular times of the year (a gift or a big discount included on a particular size) - and quantity discounts for any over 5 or 10 boxes (haven't dediced which, yet) will always be in play, year 'round. Lots of ways corporate local clients in particular, could use the party trays - and I will list them in my brochure to them. And I plan to be flexiuble with whoesalers, as far as them using my packaging or their own, and will include wholesale prices for both options. I also intend to treat everyone the best I can, and certainly any corporrate accounts or Bakery retailers I wholesale for I will treat like gold. None of this is particularly new as an idea, but it does denote my heart and intentions arein the right place, hopefully, to a customer. Thank you for being willing to talk to me about cash-flow aspects. Yes, this may well come up (and IMO, sooner, rather than later). I do have An Amex Business credit card with a substantial (for me) credit limit, and money in the bank. But still - I do know what you mean (correct me if I am mis-understanding you here)... There come certain times when one is poised to make a decision about sort of "diving off the cliff" and taking some big chance or other, which means investing a more than usual - or a substantial amount of cash, in things like (for example): Targeting a specific group of potential customers not yet contacted, with no idea (excpet hope and good intuition it might pay off). Or maybe investing in new product testing with groups of people and then giving it a go with them as poientials and a new idea , not knowing how it will work. Or, getting my own large pieces of kitchen equipment. Basically - investing a larger than usual amount iof cash in the business in order to "grow" - than I normally have laying around to work with in everyday operations....that comes in from doing business - when I might be counting on monthly sales to pay that month's "regular" bills, and almost every month. And I might not have lots of extra around to plop down on something I had not previously thought of as something considered "necessary for potential growth", but still want to do it, even if it's out of the ordinary" as an expense. Is that what you mean? Yes, I appreciate you being willing to talk to me about cash flow aspects. I feel more confident knowing I can e-mail you when I need to discuss this (because I know it is going to come up soon. I may be studying the probablility of it happening in depth as early as the next 2 weeks, too. Thank you, Lady Ellen. - Susan
< Message edited by SusanofO -- 10/3/2007 6:52:54 PM >
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"Hope is the thing with feathers, That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all". - Emily Dickinson
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