Boudica
Back to "educational purposes"
I'm excited for you. I can't imagine having to share facilities with a neighbor! Lame. You really are making a good move.
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One man shop growing pains
- Thread starter gnubler
- Start date
Scotchbrite
No comment
I'm always surprised customers don't make a point to come by our shop just to get a feel for what kind of operation they're dealing with. I feel like you could tell a lot by what you see in a shop setup.
Boudica
Back to "educational purposes"
We have a lot of customers come visit for this very reason - to see the equipment, the set up, look at materials and options etc.. they are always impressed. It helps to have the huge Agfa Annapurna front and center in the studio when you walk in. It's a very impressive looking machine, especially when it's printing. We also don't look like the average print shop, we are a large format print "studio" so it's very nice in here. I clean up regularly, but the mess can make me look really busy
Gino
Premium Subscriber
Sounds like my job. When I used to go to conventions and meetings, my name tag always had my position as "janitor".
All paper and cardboard stuff, I take home and burn it once a week. The other stuff, we have 3 huge about 50 gallon baskets on wheels and that stuff goes in the dumpster about once a week.
All paper and cardboard stuff, I take home and burn it once a week. The other stuff, we have 3 huge about 50 gallon baskets on wheels and that stuff goes in the dumpster about once a week.
Stacey K
I like making signs
LOL! My Dad always told me not to keep the shop TOO clean or it looks like you aren't busy. I've never really had to worry about it being too clean LOLWe have a lot of customers come visit for this very reason - to see the equipment, the set up, look at materials and options etc.. they are always impressed. It helps to have the huge Agfa Annapurna front and center in the studio when you walk in. It's a very impressive looking machine, especially when it's printing. We also don't look like the average print shop, we are a large format print "studio" so it's very nice in here. I clean up regularly, but the mess can make me look really busy
Gino
Premium Subscriber
Wha..... do ya put your yoke on and take it out in wind, snow, rain or ice ?? Do you sit on the stool and go through it to make sure it's trash or not ?? Kinda like Santa's naughty or nice list................
We just plop it in either burnable trash cans or just plain throwable trash for the dumpster....... and we don't need stinkin' horse to take our trash out.
Every so often, I even do a dumpster dance, where I go out there and jump around in the dumpster and crush/pack it down. I hate paying to throw away frickin' air.
We just plop it in either burnable trash cans or just plain throwable trash for the dumpster....... and we don't need stinkin' horse to take our trash out.
Every so often, I even do a dumpster dance, where I go out there and jump around in the dumpster and crush/pack it down. I hate paying to throw away frickin' air.
I have done a shop layout in the past but it was the reverse, moving from a massive facility to shoehorning a print shop into a small space. Also had to be concerned about weight as this was on the main floor above an underground parking garage.
I did what you are thinking, took measurements of everything then marked up where power was and starting moving stuff around in Indesign to figure out the best configuration.
gnubler
Active Member
I take it you have also had days of throwing out a can filled with the remains of rage and tears?
Boudica
Back to "educational purposes"
In my earlier days yes - too much to admit. Not so much these days. I've gotten a lot better at my job.
gnubler
Active Member
Here's an update on my new shop, pics comparing move-in day last November and today. It's filling up fast! 1200sf. The red table gets pushed to the left side when I have rigs inside. I can accommodate up to 30ft for vehicles before having to move stuff around...everything is on casters. Considering building out an office in the back as the computer/printer room, maybe with a loft storage area. Dust is an issue, but I think that plagues every shop. This move totally saved my business, things were so bad in the old space I was ready to call it quits. Worth every penny!
Jean Shimp
New Member
Read the lease carefully. Do you have to personally guarantee the lease or is it in your business name? Also, who pays for repairs to the unit - plumbing, HVAC, etc.? Some of the leases around here want the tenant to pay for everything - if the AC unit goes out, the tenant buys a new one. With a new building there shouldn't be many problems, just make sure you understand the terms of the lease. I think you are making a good move.
Johnny Best
Active Member
I always realized that leases were written to protect the owner, not the renter. And you find out the hard way when you want to get out of it. I would have a lawyer read it over before I commit to it.
gnubler
Active Member
I saw it coming...the dumpy building I moved out of eight months ago is up for sale. I got out of there just in time! Based on all the gentrification going on in my city I'm guessing it'll be torn down to make way for some more million dollar condos.
I took a look at the listing photos on a real estate site and nearly spit my drink out. What used to be my shop turned into a massage studio or something, and the crackhead next door is still at it! The pictures of his space look like tweakers went on a meth fueled rampage...junk everywhere, shredded furniture, trash. And the agent took pictures with no attempt at cleaning up, she must have been horrified.
CanuckSigns
Active Member
Realtors don't feel shame like real people, it comes from years of asking for a discount on a $40 sign...