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DIY Articles
Building Systems,       General Philosophy


Sign example
We are going to look at two different approaches to self manufacturing.  We will use signs as an
example to show you to different styles.  We will use the "typical" small view example as someone
who does not thing "big" and then the "System approach".  The system approach is used after you
determine some designs that are popular and will sell.  You do not have to get hung up on the fact
that some might not sell, if you do your marketing properly, you will sell them or you can easily move
them by using some Ebay auctions.
Typical Approach
This approach shows a small scale mentality.  Although it seems good, its not a wise use of time
Cut Material
Pick Sign Design
Engrave
Clean & Finish
Pick Box & Packaging
Take Pictures
Market
Ship
Now lets look at an advanced system approach which is where you want to go next.  Note:  You
have determined 10 designs that you like and you either tested or feel good about according to
research.

Plan 250 pieces of inventory (10 designs x 25 units each)
10 Designs
Cut all material (250)
Engrave all
Clean and Finish
Box and Label All
Write Master Ad for
each unit
Insert each Ad in
Website, Ebay Store
and Ebay auction
Promote all 10
Designs  with good
solid Search Engine
optimization
techniques.
Ship as ordered
So what's the difference?  The systematic approach does not have the "will it sell" approach.  We
know from research and demand that the product will move, price determines how fast.  Also note
that we take time to cut all the material at one time and engrave all the material at one time.  This is
a tremendous time savings since you can move more efficiently when you do one task at a time.  
The automobile industry is a great example of this.  The assembly line concept has one man (or
robot) doing one job with repetition.  That repetition insures quality and speed.  This is a good
lesson.  When your are done with the whole task you move on to the next.  You will also notice that
you box and label all the items at the same time which means you have to pre-order your boxes and
labels before you start the process.  

Writing the master ads is where you can really excel in your marketing effort.  Make them templates
and follow a set style for each.  Come up with some good text that is not duplicate content from the
others.  Think outside the box and be creative.

The best and most neglected part of the process is to manage the ads in a systematic approach.  
Put those ads on your website so they have a "home".  The insert them into your Ebay store, so
that they are always available as well. (another home)  Then use your auctions to promote your
store offerings and keep a buzz going. Its important to have constant presence in order to move
inventory.  If you use website only approach the concept is the same, its constant promotion.
Outsource

Last but not least you need to consider the fact that there are some shortcuts you can take when
you develop a good demand for a particular design or product.  That would be to have the items
made for you so you can increase inventory faster than you can keep up with yourself.  

In this example you would find a local cnc engraver that is willing to take on your design in larger
quantities.  Again this is in consideration to time and gives you more inventory faster.
10 Designs
Receive and Inspect
Order through
another company per
your design
Order Boxes and
Labels
Promote
As you can see there are less steps allowing you to shift your attention to more important
matters yet you still are the manufacture.

At some point in time you would next consider importing the item to cut costs.
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