Hi,
As a lab owner over time I am seeing glazing fall off and new work I pick up seems to be uncuts or special stuff like rimless.
Obviously with edging machinery being the way it is today more and more stores are glazing in house. Is this pretty much the way I should expect things to go?
Rick
yep, so you know what you need to do?
You need to specialize.
Yes but my glazers are quiet and aren't mega keen to get involved more in surfacing. I guess I just need to get them to see things more realistically.Originally Posted by For-Life
Like you say, machinery these days is so good and so easy to use that there is no reason to send work out. Also, no disrepect, but some of the quality i see is of poor quality and takes ages to come through. In my experience labs start well and then become complacent. I am not having a go at anyone but it is just an observation.
Perhaps Rick you will be able to prove me wrong!
Regards,
Lewy
Do you do your own glazing at your outfit?
I feel our glazing is as good as it gets, the guys I have are competent and have many years of experience and we work on the best equipment. It seems however that some of our clients are hell bent on saving a couple of quid per job by doing it themselves.
If you want us to prove you wrong feel free to give us a try. PM or email me if you would like to discuss this further.
Best regards,
Rick
Will give you a ring tommorrow.
Lewy
20 years ago I worked for a boss who complained opticians only sent specialist work for glazing. Today Mr Norville is still making the same complaint in the optical press. To be honest, if you are still getting uncut jobs in this multiple dominated world, then you are doing OK. Reliable rimless glazing is the only untapped market.
Well I do feel sorry that there is less work for the labs, but really, should I go a more inefficient route to keep my lab busy?
I have saved a lot of money doing my own edging.
It's a a fair point.
Just out of interest, how do you feel about labs which move into retail?
Rick
It would be better tapped if it was easier to find people who can do it well.
And some of the frames I see these days are barely glazable, especially the designer stuff, and then the dispensers etc etc (risk of going off on one!)
I dont mind the uncut work to be honest, but with the lens companies closing things up (Shamir seem to be following suit) it's getter harder to make money in that area too.
Rick
If lens companies are closing up on you...........look at the new markets. Many chinese companies are now offering competitive products at much lower prices.
And you are back making money.
This is so true, the retail side has been dealing with this for years (independant vs. big box). Have a look at Billy Brock's website, here is guy who bleeds creativity. There is plenty of room on the lab side to specialize, just find a niche you enjoy and run with it. When you find your niche, promote , promote, promote.
It is their choice. That is why we live in a market economy.
It is my job to protect and differentiate myself.
Heh heh. We could discuss that for hours.:)
Some have done well by supplying consumables and tools to independent labs.
The thing is if you are a small independent who has invested a large amount in a lab, you have to make it pay by doing as much glazing as possible. Leaving the difficult stuff for you.
Another possible opportunity is small labs need holiday cover. Either by glazing for a couple of weeks, or even by supplying locum cover from your own staff?
Can't see it getting any easier with so many big boys still expanding.
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