Guys,
Thanks for your kind words and help!
As I said, we're OK for now, but I've learned the hard way that orders or lack thereof in any given month means where you're going to be a couple of months down the road.
Actually, we're getting the throughput up a little better lately because we're now only working on orders that are based on the new hardwood design. We basically "gave away" a lot of stuff last spring that we then had to finish building towards the end of last year and the first of this year. Since we really didn't make any money from that stuff beyond our own payroll to do the labor, that left almost nothing to buy materials with. Between that and the low initial price for the Minis, we've really had to struggle to make much headway. Although, if we can make it until fall, I believe that "investment" to get product out there will have big payoffs. We now have quite a few more owners out there. I guess that's why I'm asking for your help now...trying to get "tank filled" now so we don't run out of gas before the finish line.
I know we have a number of orders to finish yet and I apologize for the delay, but things are finally speeding up. As most anybody knows... it takes forever to get anything much accomplished when you're only buying just enough materials to build the next set of speakers at any given time. The only way to make any real and efficient progress is to buy in quantity and then do batches. You know... like a REAL company with a REAL assembly line. We *thought* we had jumped that hurdle last fall with the first batch of Minis, but then that first batch (as usual
) had dimensional "bugs" that had to be worked out for every enclosure. We should have waited to outsource the making of the Mini parts until we had the programs running smooth on our own CNC. Live and learn.
But... now we do have everything programmed on our CNC and not only the Minis but also pretty much the rest of the products. Still a few things to do here and there, but we've made good progress - and most of that in the last 2 months. At the same time we were able to purchase enough wood as well such that we can finally run at least 3 or 4 pair of parts at a time. In fact, more $$$ means more materials and the possibility of hiring a guy or two to do the less critical tasks.
Now... all we need are the orders. It looks like everything will be built back in-house for the near to mid future, but at least we have a stable (meaning... it AIN"T CHANGING!!!... Mr. K.E. or anybody else) design and the semblance of a real system in place. So... we're geared up and ready to go, just need them orders. Hey... perfect timing! Just in time for when the economy takes a crap.
So...thanks again for your help guys.
Now if those folks on AA, Audioholics, AVS, the pro forums and the rest start finding out about SP Tech, we'll probably be fine until fall hits. After that... I think the biggest hurdles will be over. I sure hope so cause I'm about toast.
Chris,
Which brings to mind....Bob, I don't see you listed at RMAF '08 yet ?
Yep... that's right... and you most likely won't either. I don't suppose I have to tell you why, do I?
-Bob
