On Tue, Jan 27, 2009 at 11:10 PM, SIP <s...@arcdiv.com> wrote: > Steve Totaro wrote: >> Hello everyone, >> >> I am going to throw out an idea and see if it sticks. I have had this >> idea for quite a while now and I think the moons have aligned to get >> it done.. >> >> I will be creating a consortium for all things VoIP as well as any >> other specialties a shop or individual can bring to the table, such as >> custom programming and dev work. >> >> The idea is that people and companies in the consortium operate under >> the name of the consortium. >> >> Some will be rejected or be kicked out of the consortium for doing >> anything that breaks the rules, such as stealing a customer, or >> regular complaints from customers. There will be a whole binding >> contract in this regard. >> >> Consortium members will be picked by geographical location, skill set, >> proficiency, and some other factors. >> >> Nobody in the consortium will directly compete with other members, and >> prices for services will be standardized. >> >> The the whole idea is for you to keep your business, yet operate to >> some degree in the consortium (no leaching). >> >> We all help each other out, either by sending leads, or even going on >> a sales calls for another person in the consortium (obviously, this >> would be a paid gig). Let's face it, some people can sell much better >> than others. For a big deal, I would potentially fly someone in who >> is great sales person and pay them well for their time. >> >> We can sub out work to each other that are in the inner circle of trust. >> >> One other HUGE and the main benefit when coming up with the idea, is >> that we will all act as one company on the surface, so there is great >> credibility there rather than a one, two, or even ten man shop. We >> will also act as one company to some degree behind the scenes. I have >> turned away plenty of business because I was booked solid or did not >> have the skillset nor time to learn it. >> >> I would gladly turn over that business to someone else in the >> consortium providing a get a kickback for the sale and the job get's >> done correctly. >> >> To the outside world, we appear to be a single World Wide company, >> with offices and technicians that could be onsite anywhere in the US >> and other countries. >> >> If you have any interest, questions, or any kind of feedback, please >> post to the list or email directly if it is not list material. >> >> > Be aware that what you're suggesting borders on breaking the law (see > Price Fixing) in most states. It might be a very good idea to consult an > attorney prior to such a venture, as it is not without its risks. > > N. >
Yes, I know about price fixing, I also know that many hardware vendors will not allow you to post a price below a certain point. I have legal council on retainer but I think it is non-issue. The consortium rules would be more or less, try to get at least X amount in payment, If you can get Y (a higher price) then go for it, and if you need to discount to get a deal, there would be nothing to stop you. Think MSRP not price fixing. No borderline price fixing. Think maximizing profits and putting one face to a wild west atmosphere. -- Thanks, Steve Totaro +18887771888 (Toll Free) +12409381212 (Cell) +12024369784 (Skype) _______________________________________________ --Bandwidth and Colocation Provided by http://www.api-digital.com-- asterisk-biz mailing list To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-biz
