E-Dr.com Cont. on internet subject

[Loomy]

I just wanted to open a new thread on the subject that Steve started, but more specific.
I wanted to know if you guys in the States are usin E-dr.com website and it's services. Because I'm thinking of doing the same thing here in Saudi.
I spoke to H-net.com guys, and they offered a joint venture thing. They do all the tech work, I do all all the optics work.
:idea: What do you think?:shiner:

[LaurieC]

Essentially, you're looking at an web based buying group. This application's value varies with geographic location. My understanding is that in your country you're dealing with a significant amount of distributors rather than direct manufacturers reps. ( An error in judgement on the vendors part in my opinion) For this reason, having your own online buying group perhaps enables you to retain the "middle man profit". Furthermore, the general speed of ordering, abiltiy to easily generate buying histories and convenience are benefits we will use more and more in this industry. Indeed, at this time, I feel the optical industry is behind on supplying this service to the front line. However, there is certainly a sacrifice to the convenience and that is lack of added value services. I.E. vendor assisted promotions, marketing, training, etc. This referres me back to geography though . In non-metropolitan areas this is often an issue anyhow in that the direct rep doesn't turn up to provide the services. Another issue for you to concerd is the compete issue. Many of your potential customers will not want to utilize this buying service because you operate your own dispensing locations. They will consider it sleeping with the enemy. See any number of comments in this forum regarding LensCrafters, Luxottica, Sunglass Hut and EyeMed. Yes you will form a seperate corporation but it the afiliations will be known. I still think it's viable. I also urge you, if you're going to explore a technology partnership and expanding your business in this way, that you maximize the effort by creating a consumer based web sight with ordering capability as well. You'll get more bang for your bucks and properly executed increase your profitability in the most efficient manner. As of yet, there are not highly successful histories of this in North America, but this is largely due to early development and lack of decent marketing. Of course we could call LensExpress and 1-800-contacts successful but they've not done well at parlaying this into the eyeglass segment. By the same token, I will state there's no online substitute for a good optician. We should take a lesson from, for one, the travel industry. An example: In spite of the fact that my own mother is an excellent travel agent, I make 75% of my routine air, car and hotel reservations online. Why? Convenience.

[Alan W]

Damn yer smart!

[sam hamadani]

E-Dr.com Cont. on internet subject

By the way H-net is down.
Your doing the same thing there in Saudia is a great idea. But joint venture thing is a bad idea.

It seems like you are a very enthusiastic person and want to do some thing incredibly creative. This is a great attitude, however, be extremely careful. On size doesn’t always fit all. The idea that worked here in USA may not work in KSA. I am not trying to discourage you. You are in a different market place. Different environments different needs. E-dr.com is a fine company I have to say nothing against it, but it is a convenience store. It may work wonders here for Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians etc. who are just starting and aren’t able to go directly to the manufacturer. You, on the other hand have no such limitations. You don’t need to share your profits with a middleman.

Hope you take it as a brotherly advice.
Sam Hamadani

[LaurieC]

Exactly, Sam, and I hope you didn't mistake what I said about retaining middle man profit. ( I really need to spend the time on the new format to figure out spell and grammer check) When I said retain I mean as in Helmi should not be paying it but if he would venture into wholesale he would receive that profit from customers subscribing to his service and eliminate it for his own chain. And perhaps you are right on the joint venture issue. But.... if one does not have the IT expertise then it must be contracted out. A very expensive proposition... if one does not have or desire to use this capital..then doesn't a joint venture make sense? AKA win,win ....Gosh I hate that phrase....I can't believe I used it.

[sam hamadani]

Originally posted by LaurieC
Exactly, Sam, a joint venture make sense? AKA win,win ....Gosh I hate that phrase....I can't believe I used it.

Dear LaurieC:
You are a typical American, honest, blunt, helpful and you think like an American too.
IT expertise! Then it must be contracted out, Hunm, A very expensive proposition.
Joint venture makes sense? AKA win-win.

Let’s see!
A watermelon in Japan costs about $80.
A gallon of gas in KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) costs lot less than a gallon of water here in USA (United States of America). Meaning; different markets different demands.
We also know that prescription before diagnoses is a killer.
When I said no joint venture. I wasn’t trying to prescribe, before diagnosing. I know first hand the needs of a middle-eastern businessperson as well as I know Helmi’s background. The gentleman is already a successful entrepreneur. IT expertise are six to eight times cheaper than here. All he needs is to hire quality help. How ever if he wants to start a new buiz over here I am in favor of a joint venture.
Thanks talk to you soon.
Sam Hamadani

[LaurieC]

Sam, I wasn't aware you had first hand knowledge of business inKSA, please elaborate just cause I'd love to learn more. Yes, I am a big mouth but truly don't think I know it all. Would love to get more opinions from you, particularly on this subject. Let's hang out online our do more in INternational. Thanks!

[sam hamadani]

Laurie:
Let's hang out online
Sam Hamadani

[Alan W]

This I want to see.
Where's my damned notepad . . . .(papers rustling)
C'mmon for crying out load . . . where is it (more papers rustlng)
Ahha . . . found it!
Now, where's m' damned pencil?
OK got it!
You two can start now.
Shhh . . . quiet everybody . . . I wanna hear this!

(I luv this stuff!)

Hello . . .

[sam hamadani]

Shhh . . . quiet everybody . . . I wanna hear this!

(I luv this stuff!)

Hello . . . [/B][/QUOTE]


Alan:
You wanna see this?
Its gonna happen on "OptiBoard (The Optical Napster)"

[Alan W]

Cool, Dude

I have an intense interest in IT and international possibilities. So, I'm listening closely.
Not many people know much about Laurie . .. but you are in excellent company. Known her since 84 . . . seasoned in management, Master in Optics . . . and a lot more.

This is an unpaid endorsement!

(Quiet, Laurie . . . I'm older than you are!)

[sam hamadani]

Alan:

For your edification to Laurie, my respect for her and you both has increased. Any person who can say positive things about one person can do the same for others as well. She sounds very cool talked to her last night. Do you know Al he is from Texas also.
Thanks
Sam Hamadani

[kjw1231]

Hello,

I used to work at H-NET, it is a total shambles. They cannot deliver what is promised, and their lead technical guy has left the company along with myself. Even thought I will never get credit in the annals of optical History, I created the Optical web portal idea some 4 years ago. With no money and cut backs to R&D, the "crew has left the ship". I had set up a number of deals only to see the CEO over promise and under deliver. After failure uopn failure, it was time for me to move on.

E-mail me with any questions.

[Alan W]

Sam
Thank you for those kind words.
And, no I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Al.
Perhaps, soon.
Come to think of it, I'd love to eyeball with you, too, soon.
We all need to meet at some hotel room, put ourt feet up on the coffee table, and as Judy Canty says . . .
Scotch and cigars.
5 minutes about the old days . . . . 55 about the future, and we, too, will have the highest quality . . . in about an hour!

[Alan W]

Kevin
You have no idea how much I wanted to talk with you over the years. We share a common experience.
How one of the most brilliant programmers around and undoubtedly one of the best products could be produced under such poor management, and with such poor delivery, I'll never know.
But. you are in a better place.
Geez, that sounds terrible!
You know what I mean.
I'd love to speak with you and will.
Need a few days to get some things together.
Glad to hear from you. Stick around. Optiboard is the place to be.
You've got some skills that could make the Opticians Council very powerful on the net.
In fact, along with Steve (and, you guys should meet), the International Opticians Council could be on the monitors of everyone who wears glasses . . pretty quick, I'd say.
Peace, Bro!

[JRS]

Hello KJW,

Isn't H-net the newer name for the AlphaBytes software group? Seems I recall some relationship there...

[sam hamadani]

Originally posted by Alan W
Sam
We all need to meet at some hotel room, put ourt feet up on the coffee table, and as Judy Canty says . . .
Scotch and cigars.
5 minutes about the old days . . . . 55 about the future, and we, too, will have the highest quality . . . in about an hour!

Alan:
Please send me your address because I am gonna visit the Republic soon I might come and say hello
Thanks
Sam Hamadani