| PM | Quote | Reply | Full Topic |
Seasoned...
Joined: Sat Oct 21st, 2017
Location: Near The Pointy End , USA
Posts: 1299
Status:
Offline
Reputation: 
Reputation Points: $user_rep
1. I ran a small company building MG sports car engines - the parts cost me more than big commercial engine builders could get them for but I sold the engines for less than they were charging. Each engine was built with care because it carried my name and reputation - the big companies don't care about their product in the same way, nor do they give the same customer service. I have friends all over the world as a result - cash is NOT the only driver, unless you have shareholders wanting a quick buck.
2. There are good and usable bits of software available for FREE - that is why I use Linux, not Windows; libre office not MS Office; GIMP not Photoshop and so on. See here - Adobe alternatives
In the same way, I don't pay people to do what I can do myself - from cooking our food to building our house - and at the end of the day I can say "I did that". Value beyond cash!
The scamsters and extortionists of society can only prosper because we let them - don't use Facebook, don't eat in McDonalds, don't buy MS software - if everyone avoided them they would go under pretty fast and we would be healthier for it!
slightly off topic:
Chris, you and a fair share of people I've seen on here already as well as other communities and broad spectrum of sites are of a rare and dying breed of man. We come from an era where we rebuilt or repaired things because they were designed with servicing in mind for long term use not in years but decades in forethought. Few yet more take the time to do everything possible in a sense of pride or ability. We now live in a throw it away society; everything from Tv's to relationships and back again. Cost levels in 90% of items now with exception to what real value is found to be replaceable in all aspects.
Can we blame societal mindset? Technology moving to fast? What about just the insatiable drive of over consumerism? Can we include the byproduct of just plain ole' stupidity in numbers, otherwise known as the herd mentality? The young call it being viral and progressive. lol
In the sense of Software, I had a death grip on Windows Xp up until last summer. I lost a lot of programs like CS6, MS Office, among a few other programs dedicated for calculations in solar and LED lighting aspects. Thankfully I have a mechanical drawing and fine art background to put thought to paper and because of the lil woman's line of work, she can take it further within Adobe illustrator or other programs as needed. I reluctantly use Google .docs, .xps, and its drive for non personal things. Otherwise I make use of good penmanship and write things down of importance.
As far as the small business, relevance of success as you know in today's world is based upon how expansive your reach is and how much YOU are worth, because lets face it. Self worth is so far less than what everyone else believes.. or is it? ( I know that made you chuckle some). Ive been in the near very same situation even in the same industry just different vehicle makes and platforms. Sadly I made the mistake of jumping into a partnership that had some really big pants that caused a slow growth due to financial overheads because.. Ego, I think mixed with some immature business sense. It was much dressed like a 12 yr old with the intent to grow into its clothes if you will.
I think many of us can admit to doing or making dumb decisions in our 20's. I at least seem to find myself often looking back on things with a today's mindset and asking myself what if anything could have made that outcome better or different. Maybe that's just me second guessing myself.
I made a lot of friends in that business because I too felt relationships abroad had more value than "cash".. I, like you have probably done a comparable amount of pro-bono work for the benefit of others. I'm sure you are privy to knowing that I am in round II and again, long term relationships are still more important but this once handsome face [toot-toot] no longer can afford to purchase or move items with my good looks anymore. Something about over extenuated credit or something was the issue. So often work-for-work is a driver too.
Only a few things I don't do myself and its a real short list but as long as I have access to information, proper tooling, and the motivation to knock it out ASAP. I can do anything and everything from tighten a screw in a dashboard to digging a defensive fallout bunker. Just don't ask for it to be automatic transmission and have a perfect gold-flake paint job with no orange peel.
Back on topic: to the OP, what is your definition of a quality product and do you feel is a fair and just price for that product in the sense of your LED light? Further, have you taken to task other options outside of sticking to what you've had maybe for the last 15 years to achieve workable favor to your needs? I guess what I am asking is why a 30" bar and where were you looking to install it, roof line?
Criteria being Wattage or Lumens? Warranty? Sizing or dimensional constraints? Product origin? Ability to survive being abused? Application of use? Solely on reviews or your own judgements? Whether or not the item shipped for free or had a fee attached? What was the budget you had in mind, NO more than?
I'm trying to grasp out of the 50+ or so lighting options from a multitude of company offerings not a one left you with even a slight desire to try something out and see if it worked for you. Even if that company would or could be willing to lose money on the deal just to earn your trust at a "discount" from you.
;)
____________________
"Be never first, never last and never noticed." - Unknown
"The slave is held most securely when he is held by the chains of his own will and of his own fears, and when he is locked down by his own slavish desires for a comfortable life." - Michael Bunker
"Mundus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur" - ~ attributed to Petronius (Gaius Petronius Arbiter (ca. 27–66 AD))
Roman courtier during the reign of Nero.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." - Thomas Paine
~ Undrstm8ed Truckumentry Write Up Pg.
~ Undrstm8ed Trailermentry Write Up Pg.
.