Setting the bar too low?

[Vikki]

Jim,
Your ideas for matching up with a similar trade are a great idea. I work with a local camera shop (the only one in our area), and the marriage is a nice arrangement. I know from experience that the web is not all it's cracked up to be, especially in this business. I do however, think it's a great way to display a portfolio of one's work. I think our wires got crossed, as I totally agree with you about the internet vs retail shops. (I thought we were discussing the properties of a website, not the pros and cons vs retail.)

I also find that most of my customers are older, and not computer or internet savy. My younger customers have looked at my web portfolio though, and that has been the convincing factor for them.

Your critique of potential restore's is perfect, and in my opinion, the most important nugget of advice for restorers. (we had a similar discussion in one of the other threads here).

I just want to mention that, although I may argue a point, I appreciate the opportunity to do so. It's been great having this discussion with you. Thanks for taking the time and interest.
Vikki

[Jim Conway]

Thanks Vikkie ...I wanted to know how you all are doing ...and have it make sense to me! In sharing some insights as to how a restoration business can succeed with a traditional lab product mix, it's good to get some info in here on the pure digital businesses.

At $30 and hour and under, it seems to me that it would take an awful lot of jobs to make a decent living. Do you get your work from numerous people or just a few accounts (like wholesale) - do you offer any product mix or just restoring + color prints?

And, if that's all there is to it, how do you bring in enough volume to survive with everyone doing the same thing and all pushing for the lowest price advantage? It appears to me that each of you would have to have some unique advantages that you are offering clients, it was just hard for me to believe that an extensive web site and low prices alone would do much for growing your businesses. ????

Jim Conway

[Vikki]

Jim,
I'm only guessing, but I don't think the majority of people here are earning their living from restoration work. That wouuld be an interesting poll though.....

I don't make a living at this, but then I'm not trying. I don't advertise and I don't pursue customers. But don't get me wrong, I have a plan.

As for the low pricing - I'm constantly steering you off, but there is a thread /debate about that as well. Although many people charge around $30 for minor work, I'd have to say that most of the work I receive is in the medium to extensive range. Possibly a higher margin there. Call me cheap, but if it takes me a half hour, or less, to do a $30 minor job, I don't think that's too shabby. The hitch, of course, is to get enough work.

It seems that you have quite a bit of competition in your area. From the minimal amount of research I've done in my area, I've found that there is very little local competition. Of the local people I've polled, the majority don't know where to go for the service, other than Walmart, or a camera shop. So, for me, the advantage I offer is a local service, quality work, at an affordable price.
I should mention that this is a rather depressed area, and the larger segment of the population are just not able to afford high prices.

Currently, my customers come from either the camera shop, or by word of mouth. It is not a large volume of work. About the time I finish one, another comes in. A perfect pace for me at this time.

I wouldn't think my laid back style of doing business is what you have in mind for yourself, but I thought I'd make an attempt to answer anyway.
Vikki

[Jill]

Vikki, I hope you don't mind me jumping in here...I love your "layed back style of doing business" that is me to a T. I am strickly part time and this is just xtra income and a great learning experience for now.
I can sure use Jim's selling points later when I do want to get going in a full time career. This is a very informative thread!
Thanks,