HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: weinstoc@sei.cmu.edu (Chuck Weinstock)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Software Packaging
Date: 13 Apr 92 18:39:35 GMT
Organization: The Software Engineering Institute


I've been selling my program, Blackjack Trainer, for the Macintosh for
a while now.  My distribution has been limited to a couple of retail
stores in Las Vegas specializing in gambling stuff, and a couple of
special interest magazines aimed at the gambling marketplace.

I'm trying to expand my distribution channels to include mail order
houses and more traditional retail channels.  I have a good, solid,
product, that has received excellent reviews in the market it has been
serving.  The manual looks good.  Everything is wonderful except for
one thing: the packaging.

I currently package the program in a 9x6 vinyl folder with a clear
plastic cover into which I insert a cover card.  Inside is a verticle
pocket and a horizontal pocket.  The manual fits nicely into one
pocket, and the diskette, licensing agreement, etc. into the other.
It works well for a drop shipped product, and even for one on display
in the special interest stores mentioned above.

But it won't work for more traditional retailers.  If you walk into an
Egghead or a Babbages or... all you see are shrink wrapped boxes with
fancy graphics.  In order to enter this market I believe my product
has to have a similar look.

The problem I'm finding is a chicken and egg one.  I can't afford to
order packaging in the quantities that suppliers are willing to supply
it until I've established that sales are going to be high enough to
make it worthwhile.  But I can't establish that until I have the
packaging!

So far the quotes I've been able to obtain have run in the area of
$2,000 for 1,000 boxes, printed 2 color on white.  This includes a
"copy change" after 500 boxes (I'm able to split the run with another
product).  Still $1,000 is an awful lot for me to put out, and I'm
wondering if there are other sources of packaging that might be less
expensive.  If you know of companies that are in the business of
supplying packaging, I'd like to hear about it.

Thanks.





Chuck Weinstock				weinstock@sei.cmu.edu
Software Engineering Institute		(412) 268-7719
Carnegie Mellon University		(412) 268-5758 (Fax)
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
From: cliff@allen.com (Cliff Allen)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Re: commission scale, example contract forms
Date: 13 Apr 92 03:20:07 GMT
Organization: Allen Marketing - Raleigh, NC

miller%jensen.cs.utah.edu@cs.utah.edu (Cliff Miller) writes:

> I'm going to be selling CASE software for a US company in Japan.
> Their software retails for about $600/copy here, and they have been
> selling to distributors for about $300.  I will be selling their
> software for them to distributors in Japan (probably for around $300)
> and will be getting a commission and money for phone calls and FAXes.

There are several questions about the distributors in Japan that you 
didn't mention, such as whether those distributors are already signed up 
or if you have to find them.  There's also the question of volume; how 
many units per month does the average U.S. distributor sell and how many 
will your distributors sell per month?  This will impact your revenue per 
hour spent on them.

> The following is their proposal:
> 
> 	1-50 copies:	20% commission
> 	50 + copies:	12% commission
> 
> 	fax/phone:	up to $300/month reimbursement
> 
> Four questions:
> 
> 1. Does this pay scale seem reasonable?

Although these percentages are probably okay, you might ask how much they 
are budgeting for your commissions each month/quarter for the first 1-2 
years.  Also, does the 50+ rate apply to each distributor or all of your 
distributors, and is it per sale, per month, etc?

> 2. Does the commission normally go down with more copies??

As the number of units sold to a distributor increases, it probably 
doesn't take a similar increase in time because of site license sales, 
etc.  This lower rate for higher volume places emphasis on building a 
broad base of customers and not just a few large sales.

Another thing the software developer needs to have done is to check with 
the Commerce Department on proper licensing for export.  It's no big 
problem, just a nit.


Cliff
From: billy@anasaz (Bill Moore)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Trademark / Company Name
Keywords: trademark name database
Date: 8 Apr 92 15:24:22 GMT
Organization: Anasazi, Inc. Phoenix, AZ, USA

Does anyone know of a database or service where I can run a quick check to
see if a potential trademark name is in use? I'm not talking about a 
comprehensive legal search - just a quick and dirty.
-- 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
     Bill Moore     billy%anasaz.UUCP@asuvax.eas.asu.edu    (602) 395-1732
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
From: deej@gorilla.nbn.com (Donna Corner Holmes)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Re: Obtaining a Competent Lawyer/CPA
Date: Wed, 08 Apr 92 08:16:03 PDT
Organization: Summary Insight

bb@generali.harvard.edu (Brent Byer) writes:

> In article <1992Apr04.205539.16104@highlite.uucp> burgoyne@highlite.uucp (J. 
> >I would try to get references from people you know who have already
> >made a bunch of money. My experiences with people who provide
> >professional services is that the ones who are available to rich
> >people are frequently better than average.
> 
> Granted, but these high-end providers will also have high fees.  I do not
> begrudge paying for (actual) competence and experience, but it might
> be overkill relative to your needs.  It might be more appropriate
> (and more economical) for you to find a "star-in-the-making".

Yes. There are definitely some extremely competent lawyers who do not have
rich clients.  In fact, there are also many relatively incompetent lawyers
who DO have rich clients.  This is no way to judge.  As long as the lawyer
has a successful and professional-appearing practice -- you wouldn't want
one who didn't.  This may or may not apply to CPAs.


> You should interview a number of potential service providers, finding
> 3 or 4 who seem capable, and with whom you feel comfortable (personality
> fit).  *Then*, buy an hour of the high-end person's time and ask him/her
> to do a short telephone interview with each of your candidates, "testing"
> them, making notes and giving you a summarization.
> 
> ( I have done this for a few small businesses who were looking for a
>   "computer consultant".  Their problem, of course, was that they had
>   no way to distinguish between true capability and a snow job. )

Unfortunately, this is often true in interviewing a lawyer, too. I still
think a referral from someone you trust is the best way to go. Then inter-
view the lawyer and make sure he's right for you.



***********************************************************************
Donna Corner Holmes (deej@gorilla.nbn.com)
Summary Insight (Deposition Summaries) - San Rafael, CA  (415) 488-1659
***********************************************************************
From: 70253.2621@CompuServe.COM (Chris Colvin)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Amway Experience
Date: 15 Apr 92 05:48:09 GMT

I don't know if the alt.business.multi-level still exists because my
reader won't pick it up any longer, so I'm posting this through
Compuserve.  Any replies to my e-mail would be greatly appreciated.  
This post has been cross posted to misc.entrepreneur in the event
alt.business.multi-level no longer exists.

My wife and I need a second income.  We have tried real estate sales, 
and mail order, and the return for time and money invested has not been
really acceptable.  Our mail goal is to have her stay home with the
kids.  So far we've been successful (4 years) but financially, it is a
real burden.

We have been investigating AMWAY as a vehicle towards financial
independence.  Some folks we've just met have been in the business for
about 10 years and are "triple diamonds" which I think translates to an
income in excess of $150,000 per year.

It all seems inviting but Amway really has a bit of a tarnished
reputation, although they seem to guarantee their products or money
back.  This post is for those who are actively participating in the
business or have left the business no more than 2 years ago.  All the
Amway bashers who got snoockered into a meeting, please hold your
comments.  I'm a skeptic like you, but I'm still open minded and am
seeking some answers.

To those of you in the business:

What was your profession before you got into the business?

When did you get into the business?

According to your Schedule C of your 1991 tax return, what was your
gross profit (I'm not from the IRS)?

What did you have to do to achieve this level of income, ie. how many
contacts did you make per week and/or how many hours did you devout to
the business during the week?

Would you be willing to share some of your war stories?

If you are married, did you find it took you away from your family, and
in the long run was it worth it, or did it foster a togetherness
because you had a common goal to work towards together?

Would you recommend the business to a friend even knowing they would
not sign up with you?

Any other comments or suggestions would be helpful in assisting us in
making a decision on whether or not to give it a whirl.  Thanks in
advance for your help.

Since I cannot read alt.business.multi-level, any public posts copied
to one of my addresses below would be greatly appreciated.

Chris Colvin

INTERNET:  J024330@LMSC5.IS.LMSC.LOCKHEED.COM

INTERNET via Compuserve -->  70253.2621@COMPUSERVE.COM

Thanks again!   :-)


Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
From: geeslin@vms.ocom.okstate.edu
Subject: Re: pennies (stamps & gold coin)
Organization: College of Osteopathic Medicine, O.S.U.
Distribution: na
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1992 03:22:52 GMT

In article <1992Apr9.151310.15600@venice.sedd.trw.com>, tjio@venice.sedd.trw.com (Lee Tjio) writes:
> In article <3329@equinox.unr.edu> lsmith@unssun.UUCP (Larry Smith) writes:
>>
>>o
>> 	For all you people wondering what to do with pennies, I have
>>a solution. My daughter's school is having a penny drive to buy new
>>library books. Their goal is one million pennies. The student who
>>collects the most pennies will be taken out for ice cream by the
>>principal. If you would like to help, please send your pennies
>>(NOTE: pennies only please, nothing larger) to my daughter. Her 
>>address is:
>>
>>	Keeley Smith
>>        bx 20278
>>        Reno, Nv. 89515
>>
>>Thank you on behalf of my daughter and Jerry Whitehead Elememtary.
>>
>>                                     Rush Limbaugh
> 
> What a great idea.  I wish they would do it right where I live because
> it will cost me 2 pennies to mail 1 penny to your daughter ....:)
> Do you think the Salvation Army want pennies?
> 
> Lee
> 
	Better yet, I collect both coins and stamps.  What you need
	to do is trade your pennies in for gold pandas in the 1/2 oz
	size, pack 5 of them inside a coil of stamps and ship them
	UPS (so as not to burn up any of that precious postage) to
	me.  I will gladly collect all you care to send, for the
	worthwhile purpose of having a _great_ collection for all
	to admire.  There is a 20% commission to _you_ for all the
	coin/stamp packages you get _others_ to send in!!
Cordially,
R*

-- 
Robert H. Geeslin, Ed.D.                    | Voice (918) |  Department
Geeslin@VMS.OCOM.OKSTATE.EDU                | 582-2681 day|      of
doing EDucational Programming for 20 years  | 224-0065 eve|  P. and B.S.
Xref: sparky misc.entrepreneurs:1531 alt.slack:1422
From: rubel0455@iscsvax.uni.edu
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs,alt.slack
Subject: Re: THINK AND GROW RICH
Date: 14 Apr 92 02:21:48 -0500
Distribution: usa
Organization: University of Northern Iowa

> )
> )For your information, my qualifications are:
> )
> )	1. Degree in computer science at UC Berkeley.
> )	2. I had a date in December, 1992.
> 			   ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> 		And he's a master of time travel as well...
> 
> )	3. I repeatly score high on the Rhine ESP test.
> )	4. I am the walrus (koo-koo-ka-choo).
> )     5. I flick my boogers with blinding accuracy.

> )If you are seriously interested in world domination, please contact me
> )at the address above.  Thanks for your time and attention.
> )
> )Scott Drellishak
> )The Stark Fist of Proctology
> 
> 
*Tracking Anti pink stealth bomb locked on target*
FIRE!!!!
Your death is on its way pink boy:)
Or kill me

XENO

Xref: sparky misc.entrepreneurs:1526 ucb.general:249 ucb.wanted:281 ba.general:1721 alt.slack:1416
From: sfd@bezier.berkeley.edu (Scott Drellishak)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs,ucb.general,ucb.wanted,ba.general,alt.slack
Subject: Re: THINK AND GROW RICH
Date: 13 Apr 92 23:43:39 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: First Church of "Bob", Proctologist
NNTP-Posting-Host: bezier.berkeley.edu
In-reply-to: c162-av@danube.Berkeley.EDU's message of Tue, 14 Apr 1992 00:36:05 GMT

In article <1992Apr14.003605.18417@pasteur.Berkeley.EDU> c162-av@danube.Berkeley.EDU (Neeraj Chaudhary) writes:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   I have just finished reading the above book, by Napoleon Hill, and
I am interested in finding individuals who have done the same, and
would like to form a "Master Mind" alliance.  If you have not read the
book, an explanation:

      A "Master Mind" alliance is a group of highly ambitious,
like-minded people who form a "support group" and help each other in
their quest for success.

	[stuff deleted]

My area of interest is three-fold:
	   1.  I would like to make a major dent in the automobile
		industry in the area of $100M.
	   2.  I would like to foster the rebirth of the consumer 
		electronics industry in the U.S.A.
	   3.  I would like to leave future generations a decent
		country in which to live.  This would mean some kind
		of influence in politics, either as a congressperson,
		or as an outside organization.

FYI:
	   1. ior in computer science at UC Berkeley.
	   2. duate in Dec92.
	   3. I am very serious, and I am looking for like-minded individuals.
	   4. I am a libertarian (NOT A LIBERAL! :-) ).

	[and much, much more!]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This reminds me.  I've been meaning to get organized on this, so here
is the announcement.  I intend to form a Global Mind Control
Conspiracy, and am looking for ambitious, amoral people to join as
co-conspirators.

A Global Mind Control Conspiracy (hereafter, GMCC) is defined by
the Rev. "Bob" Pfile as "A bunch of guys with nothing better to
do, who, by raw strength of personality, bend the masses to their
collective will."  This is not "networking".  If you like, you can
think of a GMCC as an ***ETHICAL*** version of the United States
Congress, only cooler and less public.  All you need to join is:

	40 acres and a mule.
	A surrey with a fringe on top.
	A copy of the Gideon Bible, which MUST BE STOLEN!
	An interest in the symbollic dismemberment of women in advertising.

Like Neeraj, above, I have three major areas of interest:

	1.  Getting laid.
	2.  The extermination of "free will" as a determining force in
	    human history, and it's replacement with "my will".
	3.  The seduction of the innocent.

For your information, my qualifications are:

	1. Degree in computer science at UC Berkeley.
	2. I had a date in December, 1992.
	3. I repeatly score high on the Rhine ESP test.
	4. I am the walrus (koo-koo-ka-choo).

If you are seriously interested in world domination, please contact me
at the address above.  Thanks for your time and attention.

Scott Drellishak
The Stark Fist of Proctology
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
From: noring@netcom.com (Jon Noring)
Subject: Re: Nu Skin, is it good business?
Date: Sat, 11 Apr 92 15:08:34 GMT
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services  (408 241-9760 guest) 

In article oconnell@zeus.unomaha.edu writes:
>
>One of the distributor of Nu Skin products just talked to me about the line
>of business.  I am not sure whether I should get in to it?  Is it safe, how
>is the potential for success in this business?  
>
>If anyone knows, please drop me a line will you?
>
>Mike Nguyen

You might want to try to post your request also to alt.business.multi-level
for the business aspects, and possibly misc.consumers for feedback on the
product line.

Jon Noring

-- 
=============================================================================
| Jon Noring          | noring@netcom.netcom.com | "The dogs bark, but the  |
| JKN International   | IP    : 192.100.81.100   |  caravan moves on."      |
| 1312 Carlton Place  | Phone : (510) 294-8153   | "Pack your lunch, sit in |
| Livermore, CA 94550 | V-Mail: (510) 862-1101   |  the bushes, and watch." |
=============================================================================
"If your annual income today is $50,000, you have the same buying power as
the average coal miner did in 1949, adjusted for taxes and inflation," John
Sestina, nationally recognized Certified Financial Planner;  quoted in 1987.
From: dao4@ns1.cc.lehigh.edu (DONALD A. O'SHALL)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Re: Not-for-profit
Date: 10 Apr 92 13:27:56 GMT
Organization: Lehigh University

In article <1992Apr8
Gary M. Hite writes:
>Although inaccurate, the consensus of many entrepreneurs is that non-profit
>organizations are too connected with social-do-gooders and not an excellent
>source of income, opportunities or growth.  Truthfully, I'm rather glad many
>think that way <g>!
>
Actually, I have a quote in my files relative to this..." I'm going into
non-profit. That's where all the money is!"
From: shapiro@trade.enet.dec.com (Steve Shapiro)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Re: National Association of Computer Consultant Businesses
Date: 7 Apr 92 16:09:26 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation - Marlboro, MA
Organisation: SKS Computer Consulting, Inc.


>	What benefits one can get personally or for a company or an agency
>	will have to be verified.  They have New England chapter in 
>	Newburyport, MASS.  But their phone number cannot be found through
>	the operator.  You need to contact them through US mail.

I have attempted to do this. I have sent them a letter plus a followup letter
(back this past December/January). I have YET to hear anything from anyone from
that organization.

The types of companies which I see as members of the NACCB are the big job
shops rather than little guys like me. I am apprehensive about any organization
which has fancy brochures but which has no phone number or listing via Ma Bell.
Maybe one day I will drive up to Newburyport and check out the street address,
but for now they appear to be a smokescreen (ie: an organization which
presupposes to provide legitimacy to companies but which itself is of no
substance).

Regards,
Steve.

/*********************************************************************
*                               *                                    *
* Steve Shapiro                 * All views and opinions expressed   *
* SKS Computer Consulting, Inc. * are my own and do not neccessarily *
* Specializing in:              * reflect those of my clients,       *
* DEC/VAX/VMS/ULTRIX, Unix & PC * employers or employees             *
*                               *                                    *
**********************************************************************
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* FidoNet 1:101/440 (508) 664-6354                                   *
* The Contract Professional BBS, North Reading, MA                   *
*********************************************************************/
From: mvidov@athena.mit.edu (Mark E Vidov)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Re: pennies
Date: 7 Apr 92 16:53:08 GMT
Organization: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In article <1992Mar26.165814.1@kean.ucs.mun.ca>, bway@kean.ucs.mun.ca writes:
|> Does anybody out there know of any practical uses for pennies.  I have 
|> a ton and a half of them lying around and I hate having to pick them 
|> up all the time and roll them.  They must have some practical use.
|> B. Way, MUN

I think they are worth approx 1 cent each. cash em in man.
From: jack@myamiga.mixcom.com (Jack Decker)
Newsgroups: misc.entrepreneurs
Subject: Re: Xerox Machine leasing...
Date: 8 Apr 92 14:25:00 GMT
Article-I.D.: f8.1992Apr8.d793d
Organization: Northern Bytes BBS - Sault Ste. Marie, MI U.S.A.

[This message comes to you from the Fidonet ENTREPRENEUR echo.  Please send any
mail replies to gary.m.hite@p88.f101.n270.z1.fidonet.org, NOT to the address
shown in the header of this message!]

   From: Gary M. Hite
Subject: Xerox Machine leasing...

In article <1992Mar26.230607.19325@irv_pn!ingr> dated 26 Mar 92 23:06:07 GMT,
morimoto@irv_pn!ingr (Mike Morimoto - ISA Irv) wrote:

 > My roommate puts together a small journal for Japanese Animation fandom and
 > xerox bills are eating him alive.  We would like to investigate the
possibility
 > of leasing/renting a copier.  Any information and/or advice would be
 > appreciated...

Mike ... I've just been through this process and have considered everything
from inexpensive portable copiers up through Xerox brand name copiers from
$900/month to $7000/month.  We've finally settled on the Xerox DocuTech
Production Publisher (135 digital prints per minute) as a standalone publishing
unit (with thermo-glue binding, finishing and shrink wrap capabilities), a
Xerox 4035 35ppm laser printer connected to a Novell network, and a Xerox fax
machine/scanner/copier with 10-bin collator also ported with Ethernet into the
network.

Next to budget, the single factor in determining what copier might be
appropriate for your friend is the actual number of clicks (prints) required
per month; then consider the paper handling features; then consider the
electronic features like reduce/enlarge, etc. ... IN THAT ORDER!

Depending on the volume, you =may= also be well advised to consider a laser
printer. The $1000 variety of laser printers are usually quite slow and average
less than 7ppm.  Panasonic has a great (I know, relative term <g>) two-bin
laser at 11ppm which can be had for about $1600.  Other laser printers with
higher ppm ratings take you into the $3000 range.

If budget is a serious consideration, you might want to suggest to your friend
that he/she visit a commercial copier distributor and inquire about used
(versus abused) copiers which may have been part of a trade-in deal.  Many
times, these used machines are still available with lease terms, although
inherently reflect a reduced number of months.  Afterall, if $10,000 is not
realistic regardless of the monthly print demands, some one, some where has
probably traded in a machine that is two years old just so they could spend
$20,000 ... in these cases, that same $10,000 machine would likely be available
for $4,000.

--- GoldED 2.31p
 * Origin: THE SYNERGY PROJECT (1:270/101.88)

Jack Decker                               | No, I don't own an Amiga; I just
Internet address: jack@myamiga.mixcom.com | get Internet mail via a gateway
Fidonet address:  1:154/8                 | system that runs on an Amiga.
Xref: sparky misc.entrepreneurs:1528 ucb.general:250 ucb.wanted:282 ba.general:1725 alt.slack:1417