I have a business opportunity but not sure what to think about it.

[mmcmdl]

@alloy My neighbor is big into the NHRA circuit . Along with a Powder Coating Business he has multiple niche companies dealing with oil , safety harness certifications , Ford head machining , motorcycle shops etc etc etc . Small time hobby that went big time . They are now competing in Top Fuel Nitro Class across the country . I feel that if you found your niche market , carry on . These business oriented offers are most likely because someone wants your knowledge and have their bottom line in interest only . Everything is for sale at the right price . If this company is a PHS , sell it , become rich and enjoy your retirement . ( then start up another hobby and come up with an improvement on what you sold ) . That's how DOD works .

 

[coolidge]

Looking at their website, it looks like most of what they do is niche parts.

Then I would GHOST them.

 

[mattthemuppet2]

No harm in giving them a call to find out what kind of volume and what sort of price point they're looking at. If you can make the same money for less hassle with individual ebay sales, then why not?

 

[coolidge]

My brothers manufacturing business was cutthroat. Everyone copied then engaged in a race to the bottom undercutting each other on price. He sold the business.

 

[coolidge]

@alloy is only 45 miles north of me. There's a bunch of us in WA we should start a club.

 

[mmcmdl]

When working in an R&D environment for a PHS company , you signed an agreement that all ideas , improvements , etc were propriotory to the company . They would hold any necessary patents to YOUR info . Back when you were a youngster in the trade they would give you a small bonus , a plack of some kind , a free dinner out for your family , a You Done Good certificate etc . Bottom line , you saved or made the company millions over the years over the production runs . Any monetary awards were minimal but were needed when learning the trade . I think back now and find that the actual physical things that were awarded mean so much more . I can't remember where I spent $500 bucks , but I can remember what I made for the Balto County Bomb Squad over the years , and have my souvineers .

I'm sure it's a tough decision as to alloy's decision . Sell out or continue on ? The machines are paid for , if this place wanted to buy his product for a nice price , go for it . There's no looking back as it's water under the damn . Either way alloy , wish you the best in your decision !

 

[4WHLDRFTN]

They’re up to something. I would tell them to kick rocks.

 

[higgite]

Red flags to me:

1. Joe doesn’t have a last name.
2. A credit card for “collateral” is easy to cancel or suspend if you “lose” it.
3. Seems like a slick way to get a freebie.

ymmv

Tom

 

[extropic]

My first impression is it smells like a scam. I don't know what the scam is, but the email reads completely unprofessional to me.
If they are such big shots, why don't they just buy examples of your work?
They could buy them surreptitiously if they wanted to.
What would be the advantage to you if you became a supplier to them? Do you want more work?
Maybe they could add your products (under your name) to the products they sell. You could drop ship to their customers.
If they sell complete transmissions and want your products to complete them, they can simply buy them from you.
Protect yourself. If they wan one of your tail shaft housings to "inspect" and they don't want to just buy it, they are too low ball for my liking.
IMO, they're going to send it to China or Vietnam and say "this is what we want".

 

[borges1]

Wait a bit. See what happens. If they actually need you they will be back. If this is real they will get back to you in a serious way. And even then it might be a scam. I agree it seems fishy, no last name, a bit odd, and obviously fishing for freebees or worse. Or it may be real and they pick up the phone and call you to say they are serious and you can go from there.

Call them as a customer. Find out what 'Joes' role is and ask for him 'cause you need his special genius. Might be fun.