Hi All
I am beginning to have some serious thoughts about the future for Electra, particularly with energy prices going crazy. The costs of running the printer, website, accountants, etc is becoming a real burden. Also, working for Dapol full-time is using up all my creative oomph and I would like to have some time back for actual modelling :)
Just putting feelers out if there is anyone who would be interested in taking on Electra (with or without the printer), or if I should call it a day later in the year (after the NGS Show in York).
Hi Adam
I agree that it is difficult to decide when to close a business, because the background costs are of course continuous whether you are getting much work in or not.
In lockdown, when I did an "Elton" and announced to my client base I was going to stop work, so much work came out of the ether, my last two years have been the best two of all my 7 years trading. Now Elton is more popular than I am [look out for comments from Mick, Mike and Michael, the 3Ms @Newportnobby (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=264) @emjaybee (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5604) @Nbodger (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=8543) ] and Elton can say he's doing his last tour several times over before he stops for good. I don't think I will get away with doing that.
So my advice is to set a date when you think you want to stop. Keep reminding folk on here that is is a fixed date. And then wait for the messages from people who missed the boat!
Because that will happen too, and how you deal with them is your problem.
If you are encouraged to keep going, you can keep going. If there is no uptake, you know you made the right decision. But certainly front loading the work will save some costs from the accountants.
What are your "best sellers" these days? Is it transition or ultra modern era? (I think I can guess the answer)
Good luck
Bob
Hi Adam,
I think it would be a great shame if Electra Rail were to go away, but I do understand your position.
I think on balance it's better to have someone at Dapol who can get liveries right, than to be able to use vinyls after the fact :D
Looks like I'll have to get my painting and decalating skills up to snuff :goggleeyes:
John P
Oh no, I thought that this may happen. :( It would be a sad day to see you close the business. My modelling time is also none existent, but I always love the Electra models that I made some years back. Without them, my EMU fleet wouldn't have begun!
I hope you do continue Electra yourself, but ultimately, you need to do what's best for yourself.
Noooooooooo! :*(
My layout would only have CEPs if it wasn't for your vinyls.
I can understand your position though. Hopefully you will give us notice so I can save up for some spares?
Better still, could you persuade Dapol to produce 415's/416's etc?
I did wonder when you didn't reply to my comment on Rmweb about the same.
Have you consulted whether Dapol fancy a sideline in printed sides, it would seem a shame to lose all the investment in the company if no-one else is able to take it on.
this is a real shame, I have a number of your creations, and without them I wouldn't have a Royal train, EWS management train, flying banana ..........
Understand there comes a time with a lot of small businesses where you have to look and ask the question, is this a business or a hobby?
This would be a real shame Adam, but totally understandable.
I still want those 2 Scotrail sleepers you know :confused1: 8)
Many thanks for all the support and kind words
As a compromise, I have decided to close Electra for any new orders until April 1st 2023.
Once again, I am having issues with the printer, where waste ink is contaminating the print head, affecting all prints. I shall be using the downtime to fix the print issues, catch up with all outstanding orders and get back on top of the business.
If you are awaiting an order, please do not contact me to chase. it will be processed as soon as possible or will be refunded in full.
I apologise for any inconvenience this will cause.
Excellent!
I will be placing a couple of orders when you reopen.
Adam, I hope this works for you, it certainly works for me so probably have a selfish streak here.
I would much rather you did things this way, however they work out, and keep us informed than just have you vanish and not know what is going on.
I wish you luck and will start adding new stuff to my waiting list and await your future announcements and hope for the best for you and yours and the future, however it turns out.
Regards
Graham