Quitting the Biz

Jeffrey Spoor · Quitting the Biz

I'M HANGING IT UP, FOLKS

Yep, it's true. I have had several unpleasant visits with the accountant over the past couple of weeks. To be true to my faith (Matt 22:15), I took this little gasket molding thing from a hobby to a legit business in 2007. Uncle Sam's portion was around 40%. That means I am essentially giving the gaskets away for free. And while I've always tried to provide a good service at a fair price, I certainly did expect to put a few bucks in my pocket. So instead of going up on the price, I'm just going to throw in the towel. I have a healthy stock of gaskets on hand right now, but they won't last long and when they're gone, that's it. I will also sell off my molds as well. If you're interested, just let me know. I'd love to see somebody step up and carry the torch. There is still a need, and as far as I know, nobody else is making gaskets for harmonica mics.

It has been a very interesting four years. I have become friends with many folks, from all fifty states and countries across the world. I have enjoyed it very much. But my kids are getting older, my commitments at church are growing, and my wife would like to see me once in a while, I'm sure. So that's it. Again, get 'em while they're hot. I'm betting they won't last long.

The forum will stay. It's free, and it's serving a need. And I'll still be hanging around, too. But if you mic addicts out there need some gaskets, now is the time to stock up!

Cumberland

Tim,

I'm sorry to hear you're hanging it up......."but thine own self be true"....you must follow you own path. I will be checking out what you've got in you stock and ordering a couple (yea, right) I had an element go bad that's gonna need changed and I'm sure that somewhere down the road I'm gonna loose another.

Thanks for providing a place for gearheads to vent........if there is ever ANYTHING I can do........please feel free to let me know.......

Thanks again,

Jeff

jlemko

Personally, I would prefer it if you stayed in business and increased your prices.

vibrolux56

I too would rather see Tim raise his price, but maybe it isn't just the money, huh?

Jeffrey Spoor

Really? You'd accept a higher price? Hmm. Actually, I was already scheduling the time I was going to get back. I'm interested to see what others have to say.

One thing that very well may happen is that somebody else would take over the biz. I'm talking to one guy right now. The world needs rubber!

1bluzboy

Tim, I can hear harp players all over the world letting out a disappointed groan!! I'm very sorry to hear about your decision, but "you gotta do what you gotta do". I've wondered how you can supply such a great product at such a low price, and can assure you that most, if not all, of us would definitely pay more than what you currently charge. That, however, wouldn't allow you any more time for your kids, church and wife....just more $$$ in your pocket. I certainly respect you for determining your priorities and making changes in your life to live by them, but I'm still sorry to know that the unique and valuable service that you've been providing for all of us will no longer be available.

I wish you nothing but the very best in whatever your future holds, and look forward to your continued input on the forums. Thanks for everything...

Steve.

Cumberland

Tim,

I've never been much on trying to talk anyone into doing things that they don't want to do......I figured that by the time you'd posted it you'd long ago made up your mind, but if it still moves you and is important to you.....STAY. If they money is the driving issue, you just need to raise your prices......

Your knowledge and commiment in you field and your products is INVALUABLE. I've only purchased one gasket from you but I will have a need for a few more as my mics age and my ability to be careful with my mic. Nobody cares as much about the direction of your business as you do. I would be thrilled to get your product at twice the price. Where else can you get a custom made gasket for mics.......nowhere.....if I could, would they answer my silly questions about fit, etc. on weekends and all hours of the day or night on a 8.00 product............not a chance. Your product, honesty, and customer service have no equal.

If a large part of your decision is the demands on your time from family and commitments to your chruch and your faith, I'm sorry I can't help you with that one..........got the same problem here. The cases have me feeling like I'm shoveling coal on the Titanic and I'm quite certain the the monkeys are in charge of this zoo........ I am lucky, I moved my shop home in 1997 due to the large amount of time I was spending away from my kids.......that commute down the stairs can be rough......... Laughing

I still stuggle with business time and family time. I have a strong family, they are very tolerant and supportive. In fact, you couldn't ruffle my wife's feathers if you hit her with a brick......she's tougher than me.......been married to her for coming up on 20 years soon and she's the corner stone.

So there's my vote, stay and raise your prices......I'm with you, not going anywhere.........

Jeff

gheumann

As someone who has bought many dozens of gaskets from Tim - I'm saddened that it has come to this for you buddy. If raising your prices is the solution, do it. I am SO out of room in my shop I hesitate to even consider the business over from you - so if there is someone else you trust, go for it. If all else fails, lemme know.....

/Greg

fishfeathersmacteeth