Some might think I'm tooting my own horn, performing a publicity stunt, blowing smoke, etc, etc, if so, your entitled to think that way.  I'm coming right out and saying it; with the prices the way they are, some item climbing out of control, talks of getting taxed to death and all that, I'm not playing.  I'm not raising prices on anything I make.  I'm not going to be part of the problem.  My answer is do things more cost effective, optimize my resources, set the heat lower in my shop and put on a coat and hat (I'm the only one out there working so I don't have to hear employees whine about the cold.) I'll use more hand tools and less power tools.  Open some doors and turn off some lights, or even work outside.  Chop my own feathers.... eat less (if that's possible), all while keeping the quality at the best of my capability. It all sounds like more work on my end, and it is, but at least the customers won't deal with it.  After all it's customers that pay my salary.  

Sound like I'm blowing smoke?  Remember I'm not a used car salesman, I can't leave at the end of the day and forget "the job".  It's here day and night and it's a big part of me, and if I don't give the customers the best deal I can it's all gone.  

So during these times, when everything seems to be a huge economic avalanche, just know I'm swimming upstream.

never heard a bad report about your bows yet. you must be doing something right. when the wife and i have kids i'll be getting them one of your bows for sure. keep up the good work. speak to you in a few years.

we should all be thankfull that we can still afford to enjoy our passions. at least it's not the great depression again...yet.  hope you find some flippers to make going upstream easier.

Good on ya, Mike.

   

 i will be getting a pup in about a year for my son. and i have another bun in the oven but not sure if it is a son or daughter so maybe two bows.

Keep up the good work Mike!!!!!!!  

I don't think you are blowing your horn. I am sorry I overstepped my bounds didn't mean for that to happen. Just got all wound up an just trying to help.

I see it all the time. the litle guy trying to get ahead, working hard and getting to be the bailout guy for the big corps...bull.

I feel for you and I think it is great what you are doing. If the gov gave you guys (everone working not at home watching Springer or Oprah) each 50 grand instead of bailing out all the big corps you would have ppl spending money though wouldn't you. Wouldn't that help...an influx of cash for the economy. If they were really doing their jobs they wouldn't be in this mess.

Boy if we do that they take our house our home our kids...what about them.

Instead it will go to those who need it least and should be going to jail instead.


Jer Bear

Allright Mike!!!
I didnt raise my prices,with my buisness lately either.Guess what?Im stayin Busy,while others in the buisness are goin under.

I think it would be foolish to raise prices at this time. The trick however, is to stay in business long enough to ride out the bad economy.

We didn't raise prices this year either. We need to, just to keep up with the higher price of materials, propane, food, taxes, you name it! We already keep our house at 55 degrees, and I don't heat the shop at all, except to glue or spray bows. I do have an electric heated floor mat though(:

Mike, I admimre your grit, your toughness, your belief and detirmination. I bet you will stay busy.

The Boston Tea Party, 1773

Victory in the French and Indian War was costly for the British. At the war's conclusion in 1763, King George III and his government looked to taxing the American colonies as a way of recouping their war costs. They were also looking for ways to reestablish control over the colonial governments that had become increasingly independent while the Crown was distracted by the war. Royal ineptitude compounded the problem. A series of actions including the Stamp Act (1765), the Townsend Acts (1767) and the Boston Massacre (1770) agitated the colonists, straining relations with the mother country. But it was the Crown's attempt to tax tea that spurred the colonists to action and laid the groundwork for the American Revolution.
TIME FOR A TRADGANG TEA PARTY   :mad:

In kalifornastan the fuhrer has told us we will get a I.O.U from the state this year, instead of a refund on taxes paid.

i wish it was the same for me in my business framing houses. illegal immagrants have cut everyones throat so bad, that im darn near about forced to take a job at their prices or not get the job at all. im a framer who will not compremise on quality.so i end up losing moneyin the long run.im now in search of another line of work .contractors also say"it doesnt make any sence to pay you anymore than the others" if ya know what i mean"

oh kudo's to you if you are able to cut overhead costs in these financially bad times i tip my hat to you sir

Good for you Mike. I believe you will be blessed more than you already are!      

In "I Remember Papa Bear" Dick Lattimer tells how Fred overcame obstacles, always keeping product quality and customer satisfaction at the top of the list.  You are following in a great man's footsteps.

keep at it Mike
Tip of my hat to you