Requests for kit components


Have you ever heard that old adage ... "I wish I had a buck for every time ...".

Well, I thought I'd take a moment to share one of those ... "I wish I had a buck for every time someone asked me if he/she could buy one of those parts from that kit?"

I take those requests as compliments actually, as someone recognizes the uniqueness and value of our kit contents.

However, I need to explain a few things about handling those types of requests, while trying to run an efficient and viable laser kit manufacturing business.

We design and layout our kit components on material carrier sheets, in patterns which will process through our lasers with the most efficiency.

So one main misconception among customers, is that they think we must manufacture each kit sub-components separately ... you know, "Don't you just make 100 of this, and 100 of that ... so just sell me one".

Well, with our kits containing 15 to 500 parts, this would become a daunting task and we'd have been out of business about a week after we opened up years ago.

If you look at the example of our carrier sheets below, you'll see what I mean. 

Parts are laid out onto multiple material sheets and layers for both engraving and cutting efficiency.

The second misconception of customers is that "...it's gotta be easy for you to just make me one part off that sheet, right?"

Well, unfortunately not.  In order for me to take the time to open up the design file, break apart the carrier sheet(s), select only the part(s) you are asking for, generate a new laser cutting file, set up the laser, specific materials and run your custom part request ... well, I hope you get the idea. 

Oh ya, and how do I put a price on that? 

I know...it becomes priceless!! Then we still have to pay for shipping.

So unfortunately, for reasons of personal and business life balance, please don't ask me to buy "one of those parts from that kit".

Thank you for your understanding and continued support of ITLA !!

Yours in model railroading,

Nick

 

 


Please leave a comment


Please note, comments must be approved before they are published