RE: (ET) Bill Gunn

["Elie, Larry (L.D.)" <lelie ford com>]

I'm injecting my ideas with a bit of hesitation... I really 
think this is like trying to tell someone how to run their 
own business-- it isn't easy!

-----Original Message-----
From: Steven Naugler [mailto:snaugler earthlink net]
Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 9:31 PM
To: elec-trak cosmos5 phy tufts edu; Barry Woods
Subject: RE: (ET) Bill Gunn


;On how to help keep Bill Gunn in the business, I think several ideas ;have
;merit.

;1.  Bill could refer questions to this discussion group, and handle ;only
;those we can't help on.

It's hard to tell a paying customer you don't have time for him.

;2.  Bill could have a designated time once or twice a week for the ET
;business, but the other times would be off limits.

This is sort of how Bill handles this now.  After noon he isn't there.

;3.  The 900 number is a good idea if when you call Bill is there.  A ;900
;number with one or two designated times a week that it would be ;answered
;could work.

I'm not sure, but I think 900 numbers actually COST you unless the 
number of calls is significant. 

;4.  A web site with the schematics and drawings posted would reduce 
;Bill's
;time on the phone.  If there were drawings with part numbers ;customers
;could e mail requests for parts quotations, further reducing time on ;the
;phone.  Someone would have to donate time to help set up the web ;site, 
and
;that couldn't be me for lack of expertise and time.

I think Bill has rejected schematics online.  I agree, exploded 
parts breakdowns, with PRICES would be great, and probably increase 
his sales, but he hasn't thought it worth the effort, and it IS 
effort.

;5.  If Bill took MasterCard or VISA, transactions could be processed 
;right
;away eliminating call backs and extra communication via mail.  I'd ;pay 2
to
;4 % more to be able to order immediately vs. a few days later via ;mail.

He did at one time.  It cost him too much to do so.  If the parts 
business were a PART OF ANOTHER BUSINESS (HINT!) this could work, 
but probably not as a stand-alone.

;Steve Naugler

Steve, my vision is more akin this being picked up by some other 
business dealing in mail-order, at least in part.  I buy tractor 
parts, and places like Central Tractor can deal in used parts 
because they handle so many other things to pay the bills.  Bill's 
operation is not large, but I think the value in terms of 
inventory, customer lists and prints is very high-- it would take 
several if not many years of sales at present levels to ever pay 
off the inventory.  Either that or it would have to become the 
hobby of some well heeled individual.  We may not like the outcome.

Larry Elie



> [Original Message]
> From: Barry Woods <barry woods wright edu>
> To: <elec-trak cosmos5 phy tufts edu>
> Date: 11/6/00 3:58:03 PM
> Subject: (ET) Bill Gunn
>
> Hey Gang,
> 
> Recently we've been talking about how to keep the Elec-Trak
> repair/supply business functioning once Bill Gunn absolves himself from
> it.  Our group has many capable, talented individuals but unfortunatley
> I don't know of anyone who has the expertise and experience in
> fabricating ElecTrak part like Bill does.
> 
> My point is maybe we should approach the issue from the aspect of what
> can we do to convince Bill to stay in the  Elec-Trak business.  From
> talking to him, and others, the problem he seems to have with it is are
> low volume, individuals who are not willing or able to pay what his
> commercial clients pay, and most of all are the many phone calls asking
> for free advice, and tying up his time.  I am guilty myself on this
> one.  You can't pick up the phone and expect a doctor or lawyer to give
> you free advice, so we really shouldn't be expecting Bill to do this.
> 
> Any ideas on what we can do as a group for Bill to possibly entice him
> to stay?  Maybe we can't do anything, but it's probably worth a shot.
> If any of you are friends with Bill you might want to talk to him on our
> behalf.
> 
> Barry Woods
> Dayton, OH
> E-15
> 
> 



--- Steven Naugler
--- snaugler earthlink net