The next 3 things you want to add to your business

[bobbin]

Mojo's great question inspired this one.  What 3 things would you like to add to your business in the coming year?

[bobbin]

I will continue to add:
1.)  Small tools,  things like punches and grommet setting dies, a common sense punch, etc..  These are things I don't have because my focus was basically tailoring and alterations for many years. 
2.)  A laptop computer (I need a a new 'puter) and Quickbooks.  This will also permit a website for my work.  You guys have recommended them over and over and I see plainly that without a 'puter I will remain in the stone age, wasting tons of time.  Duplication of effort is not very lucrative. 
3.)  A cell phone; probably a Trac Fone so I don't get bogged down in all that "contract" malarky.

[Mojo]

Great post Bobbin. I never thought of the " wants " side of things.

1.) I want to do some more strategic marketing and target certain markets and demographics. I am going to have to come up with a plan to stimulate sales during off months so I can get out of this cycle of feast or fathom.

2.) I need to pick up a few extra hand tools for the shop. I am sick and tired of running between my woodshop and my upholstery shop looking for my T-square, straight edge and other small tools that are common between the two.

3.) I want to finish off and put the final touches on the shop and finish decorating it. ( Yes I am decorating by building shelves for my collection of antique things ).

4.) I want to learn more pattern and sewing skills for 2011.

Chris

[Mike8560]

Chris after seeing your boat I'd have ro say to a say you could look into boat upholstry there is always boats intown. Maybe more in the winter  but there stll around all summer.

[crammage]

1. A web site
2. A shop redesign.  I currently work out of my basement and have limited space.  I plan on adding more cabinets and counter top space.  My cutting table is also my work counter so I spend a lot of time cleaning and rearranging in the middle of projects.
3. Tools, tools, tools.

Clay

[Grebo]

1# Someone to get me organised  ::)
2# Possibly a website.
3# Change of location.

Suzi

[fragged8]

i'm always looking for the next piece of kit to add to the shop :-)

I did just get an EZ cutter for LTD's man that was expensive ..

1. a portable sewing machine to keep in the van
2. a pneumatic grommet press
3. a bigger workshop :-)

Rich

[regalman190]

1. Bigger shop
2. Bigger work tables
3. Trailer for working at some marinas.

Hey...Christmas is coming. You never know.

[sofadoc]

I'm pretty well set on all the upholstery tools and gadgets. Now, I think I need to acquire some nicer woodworking tools. I moved into a huge building back in '98, so I have the room for stuff like a nice table saw, drill press, etc.
Then, some nice framing guns for building small stuff like ottomans and benches.
I have the cheapo Harbor Freight versions of all that stuff now. Ready to upgrade.
And thirdly, either I'm getting blind in my old age, or I need better lighting.

[BigJohn]

A good used Hartco (spelling ?) clip tool to attach paper wrapped stake wire to zig-zag springs, or a sub. that works well at a reasonable price.

A new work table with expandable wings

a second sewing machine

                                                 Big John

[Mike8560]

I'm looking at a building I'd lime to put up and have more room and not pay rent.

[Cheryl]

retirement with full medical and well funded pension..

oh wait.. thats only for politicians who serve 4  years..   >:(

[bobbin]

Wow, Cheryl, I hear you on that one.  I think my blood pressure increases at the very thought of the price of even a high deductible insurance plan.  To be honest, I'm not sure what I'll do when my husband qualifies for medi-care and we have buy a policy to cover me.  I don't see how we'll be able to afford even a really "catastrophic" one. 

And I know I'm not alone on that one!

[sofadoc]

A good used Hartco (spelling ?) clip tool to attach paper wrapped stake wire to zig-zag springs, or a sub. that works well at a reasonable price.                                   

I just won this item on E-bay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rt=nc&nma=true&item=230559547570&si=1nDXm5eiKoe8GvUrV60nyQiU3us%253D&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT
I already have the clips.
Now, I need a good source for the paper wrapped stake wire. I have it in 16 ga., but that's too flimsy. I think I need 8-10 ga. Anybody got any ideas?

[bobbin]

What will you use that tool for, Sofa.?  I have never worked in the upholstery field and it's not familiar to me.  I do believe contratulations are in order, though!