I've read several sad and dis-heartening threads here lately, but I'd really like to get the word out that it's not all doom and gloom for the lurkers to see. There is still a lot of work out there and some markets are saturated while others are dry.
I've had to expand again due to the level of work and took the extra step of adding two 15 needle embroidery machines. I've already taken over a thousand in orders for them and have only had them three days. Customers have stated they are willing to wait for me to get up and running to buy from me - but they need it next week...
My point is that with the right market research and the great location, people are hungry for great deals and close to home providers. I've still got big city (okay Louisville may not be big to some of you guys and gals) buyers coming 25 miles to my store to get it more economically priced. I've got other customers driving over 45 miles to come to buy from me. I'm not really doing anything different than others here, I just lucked into a great location.
Anyway - again - I don't mean to offend anyone going through tough times by gloating. Just want to let those researching to get into this line of business that they might be able to pull it off if the stars are aligned.