RE: [rp-ml] Coments please...

From: Doug Johnson - ProtoCall, LLC <parts_at_protocallonline.com>
Date: Thu Aug 12 2004 - 00:17:27 EEST

Networking is exactly what I do for my customers.
 
I also wind up doing work for my suppliers when they need things done.
 
My customers know that I outsource everything, but they like the "one call
does it all" aspect of my company.
 
Doug Johnson
ProtoCall, LLC
www.protocallonline.com
www.mousetape.com
262.446.3104

________________________________

From: owner-rp-ml@rapid.lpt.fi [mailto:owner-rp-ml@rapid.lpt.fi] On Behalf
Of Bob Olsen
Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 2:21 PM
To: 'David K. Leigh'; proto; rp-ml@rapid.lpt.fi
Subject: RE: [rp-ml] Coments please...

Our experience with trying to link with suppliers of other services lead us
to the same conclusion David. Unless you have financial interests in each
other, it is really difficult to give up customer contacts to fellow
suppliers in the same industry, and outsourcing except occasionally seems
like a lot more trouble than it's worth.
 
We do refer customers to folks all the time that don't do exactly what we
do, but other than that.... Bob Olsen, Protogenic
 

        -----Original Message-----
        From: David K. Leigh [mailto:dkleigh@harvest-tech.com]
        Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 12:37 PM
        To: proto; rp-ml@rapid.lpt.fi
        Subject: RE: [rp-ml] Coments please...
        
        
        In order to service customers, if you specialize in one particular
aspect of what a customer wants, you will either force your customer to go
look for other types of work, or you can network. I would say that
specialty service providers already network, even within a specialty. Say
SP #1 runs a specialty SLA resin and the job queue is full but one of his
customers wants the part now. . . . He will then outsource the work to SP#2
that he/she trusts can do the job.
         
        As far as a specialty network, I think industries are skeptical of
SuperServiceProvider's Network. Call 800-GetAPart and we'll take care of
your needs by providing you with the best solution. . . yada yada. Network
Marketing schemes have used this type of thing in the past by grouping soap,
vacations, and automobiles. . . but it is typically not the best for the
customer. There is a perception that you are either getting an inferior
product, are limited in your choices, or that you are paying too much for
the "network." The customer thinks "Why can't I just call them directly?"
         
        So, as service providers continue to consolidate and specialize, we
will see the networking model used. But my guess it will be a reciprocal -
unofficial network.

        *********************************************
        David K. Leigh (254)933-1000
        Harvest Technologies fax(254)298-0125
        Rapid Prototyping Services dkleigh@harvest-tech.com

                -----Original Message-----
                From: proto [mailto:proto@centimfe.com]
                Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 10:48 AM
                To: rp-ml@rapid.lpt.fi
                Subject: [rp-ml] Coments please...
                
                
                Hello everybody,

                 

                I was reading an article by Todd Grimm and Terry Wohlers
regarding the future of service providers (SP). There, one of the solutions
mentioned for the surviving of the RP services providers would be
specialisation! I agree with that, but what about networking?

                 

                Don't you think that specialisation combined with
networking, would be even a better solution???....each SP, with a high
knowledge in each specific area, working as a network, produced a complete
service were each SP would incorporate his specialized "Know How"...and each
SP would contribute with it's selling/marketing efforts to the Network's
well being.

                 

                Any comments on this subject? Does anyone know a success
case that would like to report?

                 

                Thank you in advance.

                 

                                Best regards,

                Bruno Araújo
                
                
                DT - Laboratório de Prototipagem Rápida
                
                Centimfe
                Zona Industrial
                Rua da Espanha, Lote 8
                Apartado 313
                2431-904 Marinha Grande
                Portugal
                
                Phone +351 244 545 600
                Fax +351 244 545 601
                proto@centimfe.com
                www.centimfe.com
                
Received on Wed Aug 11 23:48:25 2004

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