Business idea - wooden toys

[okisteve]

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/23/us/23toys.html?th&emc=th

I don't know how to market them in Japan, but I've been in a few shops where really cool handmade wooden toys were sold.

But it looks like an unlimited market in the US now, and shipping can't be all that expensive.

[FDokinawa]

so you want to sell the toys here? not make them?

[okisteve]

Sorry for being unclear. I posted it as a suggestion for a business idea, but not for me..... Maybe 10 years ago, not now!

I meant to make them and sell them wherever. A neat way to combine a woodworking hobby with business. It's basically high value-added, and low overhead.

[Tanimaga]

Here's a wood project..

http://www.backyardartillery.com/machinegun/

[okisteve]

Here's a wood project..

http://www.backyardartillery.com/machinegun/

TOO COOL......:star:

[sainu]

Hi all,
I want to organize my small business so I am looking for an affordable PBX system that I can communicate to each and every employee and save my lots of time and money. Does anyone have any idea that which one is the best and where should I go for purchase? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Muku]

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/23/us/23toys.html?th&emc=th

I don't know how to market them in Japan, but I've been in a few shops where really cool handmade wooden toys were sold.

But it looks like an unlimited market in the US now, and shipping can't be all that expensive.
There was a story last year on Japanese TV about an actor forgot his name, who opened a few high end wood toy shops in Tokyo, he imported his stuff from both Europe and the USA, and the guy ended up going bankrupt because he couldn't compete with places like Toy'R Us.

I agree however that it would be a neat idea, but I wonder if it would be worthwhile for the Okinawa market?

[okisteve]

There was a story last year on Japanese TV about an actor forgot his name, who opened a few high end wood toy shops in Tokyo, he imported his stuff from both Europe and the USA, and the guy ended up going bankrupt because he couldn't compete with places like Toy'R Us.

I agree however that it would be a neat idea, but I wonder if it would be worthwhile for the Okinawa market?

Nop, I wouldn't think so. That's why I was thinking of it as an offshore production thing, with most sales to US high-end toy stores, of which there are many successful ones. That is what that guy in the OP does.

[resumes4success]

Hi all,
I want to organize my small business so I am looking for an affordable PBX system that I can communicate to each and every employee and save my lots of time and money. Does anyone have any idea that which one is the best and where should I go for purchase? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Chek out www.skype.com then download a free follow on program the have called "Tumara PBX for Skype". Hope this helps.

[Carl]

I would definitely go VoIP to save money. I have a VoIP system at my apartment here with an NC number that is local for my mom to call. I only pay $15 a month too (unlimited incoming, 500 minutes free long distance). For a business, you'd definitely want to have an Asterisk box as your VoIP gateway and then you can attach as many phones as you want to it each with a number you choose. You would need either IP phones or if you want to use regular phones, you'd need some special hardware in your Asterisk box or an ATA for each phone. IP phone is the easiest way, but not quite as flexible. I have an ATA box (Zoom 5801) at home so I could use any phone I want (I just picked up a cheap cordless one on on base. The JP ones are pricey.)

[mikersoft]

My grandfather makes some amazing scale wooden "toys". One of them is an 10' semi truck with flat bed trailer hauling an excavator. It's impressive. I need to get some photos.. I've been told he's had offers for several thousands of dollars for some of his work. I don't think he's sold any yet, but may have to because he's running out of space at home.

EDIT: Wow, I just googled and found him on the web!!
http://www.craftsmanshipmuseum.com/Hoggarth.htm

-Mike

http://www.craftsmanshipmuseum.com/images/Hogarth1.jpg