Mixed Week-end

Chime in? Oh oh. I think you're doing great as it is. If you're happy with the sales you have, just enjoy it. If you want a full bore business, well, that's anothe thing entirely. I would consider offering the enlay as an add on. And what about a Polish Eagle family treasure box with the carved eagle OR inlay on the top? Painted versions in red and white with the eagle carved on top?

I do like the idea of making a version with a plaque on the bottom where you carve the family name in some kind of gothic lettering?

I'd go for adding embelishments to existing items. Step up the game a little at a time. I thought your large plaque as a game opener for Polish organizations is a great promotional method. How about having an itsy(?) shop with pictures on it and an easy way to contact you and order. You could use paypal for payment by CC, it turned out to be very easy to set up. The payment gets sent directly to your business bank account.

As a business, your expenses can be written off, including equipment, supplies, operating costs such as electrical, all travel expenses, etc. In my business, I use simple shoe box accounting. Keep it simple and really get to enjoy meeting all those great people at events.

Use the extra money to buy a much faster machine, using the same software so you don't have to relearn it. It will give you a little more free time.

How about a set of pictures and a little story about your Eagle business sent to Polish oriented publications and then posted on facebook in Polish groups, including groups for cities with large polish populations. Easy to research, and all of these are inexpenisve public relations methods that are very easy to execute. The nice part is that you can so a little or a lot, depending on what you're comfortable with.

There, John, remember that you asked for it.

We think somewhat alike Dr T.

I don't want a "full bore" business again. Been there. Done that. Don't miss it.

I make many plaques with the family name carved on them. I clean up the Old English font somewhat and call it Old World. It's the most popular one by far. It relates to the old country.

I have a file for a box. Just have to put the eagle on it some way and tweak a few things. Haven't made the time to do it yet.

We already have an Etsy shop, have a Paypal account, take c cards, etc. The whole thing. Also have a website that needs a lot more (a whole lot more) development.

I'm married to an accountant (Controller).

My new machine carves 4 times faster than the original. I carve with that one now while the other does the smaller stuff and text signs. I also have 2 finishing stations and an account with the Post Office for easier label printing, payments, and shipping.

Next step is to get a company Facebook page, although I hate Facebook and don't want to do it. But it looks like I have to.

Plus I still dabble in the market a little and have to keep an eye on that.

All I wanted to do was have a hobby to keep busy in retirement.