Re: Seeking advice, on starting a 'sundial business'
In a message dated 5/13/2006 10:54:23 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I have been involved in a "sundial business" for about a year and a half. The best way to make a small fortune in a sundial business is to start with a large one. Good luck!! Paul Amen to that. -Bill Gottesman --- https://lists.uni-koeln.de/mailman/listinfo/sundial
Re: Seeking advice, on starting a 'sundial business'
I have been involved in a "sundial business" for about a year and a half. The best way to make a small fortune in a sundial business is to start with a large one. Good luck!! Paul - Original Message - From: "Keith Christian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Tuesday, May 09, 2006 11:10 AM Subject: Seeking advice, on starting a 'sundial business' I joined this mailing-list a couple of months ago - after taking early retirement (from Teaching), and hope to start a sundial- related business of some kind, which can supplement my 'pension'. After much consideration, I think that I have finally decided on "Human Sundials" (mainly because I know how popular these are in the educational sector) - but also since they are easy to create, 'interactive', self-advertising and relatively 'vandal-proof'. I was surprised to see just how many (well over a million) entries for 'Human Sundials' are shown by a "Google" search - which is obviously encouraging, but I thought that I would ask here on this group just to see if anyone can give me some comments or advice. It is my intention (at least to begin with), to simply paint these on to School playgrounds - although I also have a friend who could make colourful 'mosaic' layouts as well, if there is any demand. I already have orders from 4 local Schools, who are wanting this feature painted for them - but can anyone give me suggestions as to other customers I could approach, to have a 'Human Sundial' ? Douglas Hunt at "Modern Sunclocks" ( www.sunclocks.com ) has given me some guidance and encouragement, by telephone - and he seems to have run a successful 'Human Sundial' business for about 20 years. However, I would prefer to have some 'independent' views from more people in the general "sundial arena" - hence this message, here. So are there any points that I should be aware of (or indeed even to 'beware' of), in relation to starting a business like this ? With my grateful thanks in advance, for any and all your comments. Sincerely, Keith Christian. -- --- https://lists.uni-koeln.de/mailman/listinfo/sundial --- https://lists.uni-koeln.de/mailman/listinfo/sundial
Re: Seeking advice, on starting a 'sundial business'
My little piece of advise is to have a good order taking process. It avoids problems with the customer later on. Once a customers wants to commit to a project I send them an Order Confirmation form. Here is the basic form I give to my customers for sundials. (I use a different form for just design work). Order Confirmation for Sundial (Template) 04/29/06 TERMS This order confirmation confirms the clients intent to place this work order with Sundial Sculptures. It becomes effective when Sundial Sculptures receives your deposit and a signed copy of the order confirmation form. Please read this carefully and advise us of any errors you find or changes youd like to make and we will revise it. If you agree to the terms and specifications listed here, please print out a copy, sign it, and mail it back to Sundial Sculptures along with your deposit check if we dont have it already. Before construction begins, Sundial Sculptures will supply the client with precise scale drawings of the sundial that will show the gnomon design and the essential markings and their positions on the sundial face. We will send these to the client in PDF file format by email attachment, no later than two weeks after the clients check has been cashed. Often we make several drawing revisions until everybody is happy with the design. The first two major drawing revisions are free, but an additional fee of $500.00 will be charged for each additional major drawing revision. Construction will not begin until the client approves the design. We will also provide written User Instructions on how to position and operate the sundial. The client is responsible for accuracy while positioning the sundial. We will provide a digital PDF version of The Sundial Owners Manual that covers installation and operation of the sundial and free consulting by phone or email to help you with any problems or questions that might come up. Installation and delivery is free for sundials in Tucson AZ. On-site consulting for, if requested, will be charged separately at $75. /hr + expenses. LIMITS OF LIABILITY Sundial Sculptures is responsible for the accuracy of the sundial drawings and the sundial itself and for complying with the terms listed above. The client is responsible for shipping and installation costs and full payment upon completion. We are not responsible for any problems resulting from the following: naturally occurring internal flaws in stone sundials that might lead to cracking, normal wear and tear, vandalism or theft, damage during shipment, or inaccuracy due to improper sundial placement. Payment will be refunded only in the unlikely event that we are unable to complete your order. BILLING INFORMATION Client's Name: Contact's name: Street: City: State: Postal code: Country: Telephone: Contacts Email: SHIPPING INFORMATION No Shipping. Sundial will be built on-site. SUNDIAL DESIGN LOCATIONStreet: City: State: Postal code: Country: Latitude: Longitude: Wall Declination: SUNDIAL DESCRIPTIONType of Sundial: Time intervals: Type of Time: Additional markings: Shape: rectangular Size: to be determined Type of Gnomon: to be determined. Possibly a perpendicular brass rod with a spherical nodus Material: hand painted on stucco wall Artwork: to be determined Numeral font: to be determined PAYMENT Sundial: Deposit Paid: Amount due upon completion: Payment covers the design work, drawings, the finished sundial, and the Sundial Owners Manual. The balance is due upon completion. ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE Your sundial will be finished before __/__/__. We will notify you when your sundial is finished. *Signature Client: __ Date: // *Your signature confirms that you have reviewed this document and agree with the sundial specifications and the terms. - Original Message - From: "Keith Christian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <sundial@uni-koeln.de> Sent: Tuesday, May 09, 2006 10:10 AM Subject: Seeking advice, on starting a 'sundial business' > > > I joined this mailing-list a couple of months ago - after taking > early retirement (from Teaching), and hope to start a sundial-> related business of some kind, which can supplement my 'pension'.> > After much consideration, I think that I have finally decided on> "Human Sundials" (mainly because I know how popular these are in> the educational sector) - but also since they are easy to create,> 'interactive', self-advertising and relatively 'vandal-proof'.> > > I was surprised to see just how many (well over a million) entries> for 'Human Sundials' are shown by a "Google" search - which is> obviously encouraging, but I thought that I would ask here on this>
Re: Seeking advice, on starting a 'sundial business'
In a message dated 5/9/2006 7:37:22 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: My view? No problem having it as a side line but don't rely on it as the basis for a specific income supplement! Patrick Amen. Bill Gottesman --- https://lists.uni-koeln.de/mailman/listinfo/sundial
Seeking advice, on starting a 'sundial business'
Message text written by INTERNET:sundial@uni-koeln.de >So are there any points that I should be aware of (or indeed even to 'beware' of), in relation to starting a business like this ?< My view? No problem having it as a side line but don't rely on it as the basis for a specific income supplement! Patrick --- https://lists.uni-koeln.de/mailman/listinfo/sundial
Re: Seeking advice, on starting a 'sundial business'
Keith I mass produce walk on dials for local schools. I determine geographic north by meridian transit. I use jigs for the analemma and vector bars for setting out the dial. All the points are fixed on black top by high tensile nails blown in with a Remington 0.22 powder nailer. For concrete I use steel bushes and a masonry drill. Oil paints on black top last about 6 years in this climate, the nails make it easy to repaint. For my own driveway I have bronze tablets for the month marks. I use the "8" analemma with Jan on the right hand side, with the longitude correction included mean time can be read directly within about +-3 minutes (most of the time a good deal better) during school hours for most of the year. I can send photos if you wish. I haven't a clue about doing it as a business, it is my retirement contribution to the community. Brian Albinson 49.33 123.06 Keith Christian wrote: I joined this mailing-list a couple of months ago - after taking early retirement (from Teaching), and hope to start a sundial- related business of some kind, which can supplement my 'pension'. After much consideration, I think that I have finally decided on "Human Sundials" (mainly because I know how popular these are in the educational sector) - but also since they are easy to create, 'interactive', self-advertising and relatively 'vandal-proof'. I was surprised to see just how many (well over a million) entries for 'Human Sundials' are shown by a "Google" search - which is obviously encouraging, but I thought that I would ask here on this group just to see if anyone can give me some comments or advice. It is my intention (at least to begin with), to simply paint these on to School playgrounds - although I also have a friend who could make colourful 'mosaic' layouts as well, if there is any demand. I already have orders from 4 local Schools, who are wanting this feature painted for them - but can anyone give me suggestions as to other customers I could approach, to have a 'Human Sundial' ? Douglas Hunt at "Modern Sunclocks" ( www.sunclocks.com ) has given me some guidance and encouragement, by telephone - and he seems to have run a successful 'Human Sundial' business for about 20 years. However, I would prefer to have some 'independent' views from more people in the general "sundial arena" - hence this message, here. So are there any points that I should be aware of (or indeed even to 'beware' of), in relation to starting a business like this ? With my grateful thanks in advance, for any and all your comments. Sincerely, Keith Christian. --- https://lists.uni-koeln.de/mailman/listinfo/sundial
Re: Seeking advice, on starting a 'sundial business'
Dear Keith, Just a few tips.. Painted sundials on playgrounds are quick and easy, but they need to have the markings repainted at fairly frequent intervals. You'll need to have studs hammered into the playground to give you the reference points for each repainting. Dials set into grass are great provided that you have someone who is prepared to trim round the components. I did one some time ago wityh the hour points as numerals cut into bricks of reconstituted stone. The worms were pretty good at getting the bricks to sink in about 2 years well below their original levels. Have fun. David Brown Somerton, Somerset, UK --- https://lists.uni-koeln.de/mailman/listinfo/sundial
Seeking advice, on starting a 'sundial business'
I joined this mailing-list a couple of months ago - after taking early retirement (from Teaching), and hope to start a sundial- related business of some kind, which can supplement my 'pension'. After much consideration, I think that I have finally decided on "Human Sundials" (mainly because I know how popular these are in the educational sector) - but also since they are easy to create, 'interactive', self-advertising and relatively 'vandal-proof'. I was surprised to see just how many (well over a million) entries for 'Human Sundials' are shown by a "Google" search - which is obviously encouraging, but I thought that I would ask here on this group just to see if anyone can give me some comments or advice. It is my intention (at least to begin with), to simply paint these on to School playgrounds - although I also have a friend who could make colourful 'mosaic' layouts as well, if there is any demand. I already have orders from 4 local Schools, who are wanting this feature painted for them - but can anyone give me suggestions as to other customers I could approach, to have a 'Human Sundial' ? Douglas Hunt at "Modern Sunclocks" ( www.sunclocks.com ) has given me some guidance and encouragement, by telephone - and he seems to have run a successful 'Human Sundial' business for about 20 years. However, I would prefer to have some 'independent' views from more people in the general "sundial arena" - hence this message, here. So are there any points that I should be aware of (or indeed even to 'beware' of), in relation to starting a business like this ? With my grateful thanks in advance, for any and all your comments. Sincerely, Keith Christian. -- --- https://lists.uni-koeln.de/mailman/listinfo/sundial
