Hi,
18 months ago i came down with Meningitis which left me deaf and no balance. Ive been trying to get a job as im ready to work again, but as soon as they see you are deaf they are not interested. So ive decided to work for myself manufacturing and selling Kit Robots and parts. But to do this im having to borrow money and to do that you have to do a business plan.
Yep, meningitis does that to many who gets it.
Were you asked about getting a Cochlear Implant?
Usually, you have to get it within a short time (best to get it like 1 to 2 month after the meningitis), since the cochlea ossifies (gets like bone instead of a hollow). Even so, you really should consult an audiologist and an MD, to see whether a C.I. could restore some of your hearing.
(If you need further info about it, feel free to drop me a PM).
Q1. Name
Søren (don't see how this will help your business plan).
Q2. Age
Past my teens... (Very past
)
Q3. Sex
Anytime, anyplace - it more or less our duty I think- (I'm European
)
Q4. Location (Just Country and County)
Denmark (county not applicable).
Q5. Annual income.
Too low (although some may disagree)
Q6. Whats your average spend on your robotics in 1 month and 1 year
Hard to say, as it depends on what I am about to make, but I usually buy more than my immediate needs (like eg. 500 microcontrollers when I need 2, to get lower prices and lower shipping per item. During the last year, my robot and electronics related expenses has been perhaps $5000,- (very loose guess, it's probably way more - don't tell my GF
)
Q7. What were the last 4 items you purchased
A load of micros, a new logic analyzer, a mixed lot of stuff (small motors, Ni-Chrome wire, optical gratings etc.) and a USB development system (still unopened, never enough time).
Q8. Do you buy Kits (If so do you prefer RTR or in kit form)
No, the fun (for me) is in doing it all from the ground up.
Q9. Is there any thing that you would like to see available or improved
Common sense in business (often lacking) and true modularity, I guess a lot of people would like to be able to use some bit from kit A when building kit B
Q10. Do you think the prices you pay are OK or to high
It differs, but I usually hunt down the cheapest source - overinflated prices is a sure way to never see my business.
Q11. If you wanted a kit but could not afford it would you be interested in buying it bit by bit but at the end you pay the same as the whole kit instead of more.
I think that would be a hit and personally, I might get some parts from a kit to use in other builds, but don't start a service that you cannot keep up if get success, as that will take your time and a lot of "dead" storage (assuming the rest of the kit is on your shelves).
Q12. Any information you might think usefull
Start small with a couple of items that will give you an idea of the potential market. Do this without loaning (or with the smallest possible loan - family might help?). That way you can hit the bank with some info based on real business - some people might promise large orders until it's time to actually place them - real business is a better pointer.
Good luck with your business empire
