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[binki]

When we moved into our retail location we had a 3 year plan to become profitable. Now we are struggling to keep up. The number of orders per day has gone from 1 a day to 5 a day (july/aug this year. sept is well over that so far) and the size has grown from a few dollars each to several hundred each with many orders well over $1000.

We hired our first person last week and I don't think that is enough but time will tell. Our sqft. is barely enough to hold everything and each day brings more business.

We thought we could handle up to $40,000/mo in gross sales before needed to hire but that was just overly optimistic. Now I think we need 4 full timers working to make that number.

Several of our larger competitors are sending work they wont touch to us. They have high minimums and we don't so we pick up some nice orders that way.

So I have to ask, are you ready for success?

[EnMartian]

That's such a good question.  It's amazing how fast it can happen, and the plan you made,  which seemed so well thought out,  isn't even close to being right. 

There's so much that goes into a business that you have to have a plan,  but you also have to be able to adapt with the situation. 

[MonkeyMeMe]

The biggest thing i find and question is, How large do I want to be?

Do i want to go larger and possible loose quality control, in work, which is what I have built my reputation on as well as Service and education that goes with the Sales.

When is enough work, enough.

With this question I kinda know where I am headed, (I say kinda cuz I let my business tell me what to change and when to change it)

At this point I could easily expand rapidly, as well, but taking slow steps to make sure I cover my butt the whole way and still provide the service and products my customers are happy with.

MMM

[EnMartian]

How big do you want to be is a really good question.   I think everyone thinks bigger is better,  but it isn't always,  and being large brings an entirely different set of headaches. 

There are pluses and minuses in each stage of the business cycle.  I think the only thing you can do is have a plan and then let your gut and the business tell you where things need ot go.