Who uses mfg quote? Is this site legit? Is it hard to bid up jobs on this site?

Who has used it?

-garrett

There was a thread on this recently (within the last week).

I'll do some digging to find it....and here it is:

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5979&highlight=mfg+quote

As I recall, the reaction was not very good. If I was in the position, after reading the said thread - I would NOT use it.

Scott

damn I was all planning on getting a lathe and running a business out of my garage (low overhead) and plan on starting my business by getting quotes from MFGquote.com


but now that I read this I dont know what i'm going to do

Do you have any experience yet with machining? There is so much more to it than just "buying a lathe", and opening a business. If you are going to quote, you also will often need milling capability, maybe even for one operation on the lathe turned part.

Do you have any pet projects in mind? Can you afford the investment in the machine if it takes two or three years to drum up enough work for it?

You need real, local connections with people who need parts that they cannot buy at Walmart. MFGquote is like the Walmart of the machining world, and it sucks a$$ for the same reason: the threat to buy from elsewhere if you don't lower your prices.

Do you have any experience yet with machining? There is so much more to it than just "buying a lathe", and opening a business. If you are going to quote, you also will often need milling capability, maybe even for one operation on the lathe turned part.

Do you have any pet projects in mind? Can you afford the investment in the machine if it takes two or three years to drum up enough work for it?

You need real, local connections with people who need parts that they cannot buy at Walmart. MFGquote is like the Walmart of the machining world, and it sucks a$$ for the same reason: the threat to buy from elsewhere if you don't lower your prices.


I have 2 years experience. Yes I can afford two or three years without pay. The only problem I have is getting jobs.

word of mouth is how I got all of my business.

To get the referals you have to #1. make good parts #2 make them in the time you said you would,and if you cant, inform the customer BEFORE the part is due! (you would be suprised how many customers will come back becuase you were honest about not making a dead line) #3 good price.

To get the initial work is the hard part. but If you can afoard to not make money in the initial year you can way underbid (cover your cost!) to get them to look at you. Alot of people will try you because your too cheap on the outside chance the part is good quality.

Then after you get them at the "street walker" rate, AND they are realy impressed by your work and the fact that you DID get it to them in the time YOU SET. You can start raising your quotes.

you WILL loose customers because you raise your prices but if they leave don't feel to broken up about it. You do need to make money, it ain't a charity! If you meet #1, and #2 above you will keep the good customers that pay because its more important to have good parts on time than cheap junk thats late!

good luck man!

I have to agree 100% with miljnor

quality,price and delivery

I'm in the same boat as you, delivery should not be a problem
your turnaround should be good right now (just starting, little work)

Starting out, your quality must be #1, price to get the job

BUT as miljnor said IF you can't deliver, tell your customer
this means so much more than giving them excuses, they'll respect you
for your honesty

as you get known, I like the no bull**** approuch
pick one --> quality, price or delivery

if price is an issue, you sacrifice quality and delivery
if quality, more $$ and takes longer and so on...


Dan

wow, thanks for the info. i was thinking of registering....

For about $7000 you can register on MFG quote!!! Well I should say registration is free but to bid jobs you gots to pay.

I thought all the exchange models went the way of the dodo. seems like a completely messed up business model - is it remotely possible they are making money, or is Thomas just writing cheques??