Well... you are in the big time now. Outside of just wrenching, it may be time to put some thought and processes/procedures in place to protect your intellectual property. That's your core asset and, unfortunately, if you don't protect it other's will be happy to capitalize on it. NDA agreements, credits, contracts for consultation, etc. etc. Maybe not so pretty, and maybe not so fun, but you're not in Mayberry any more cupcake.
I saw that too and called Wiseco on Monday and asked about it...it was an oversite on their part. I had the original set made after Andy told me to contact so-and-so at Wiseco...which I did. The first invoice had his PWR stuff on it but was paid to Wiseco, by me. When I called again after the meltdown and had the 4 pistons reproduced, the invoice had me and my address listed as well as a cust # for me. All the discussions I had recently with Wiseco, after Cam's teardown, they somehow reused the original invoice information with PWR info and not mine. I called Wiseco about that on Monday as I am sure Andy doesn't want stray invoices floating around, as well as I don't want any confusion regarding piston designs as Cam and I work with Wiseco to improve what I am running. I was told it was no big deal and it couldn't be changed as I had already paid in full. I think I'll call again tomorrow.
Odd that you mention that Dave. Just the night before last I was very unhappy over spending 10 hours on measuring some new roller rockers. Something that should have taken 2 as a favor to both myself and the manufacture so I could finish building these heads and order a custom camshaft for this build. But the values weren't what were to be expected, so I detailed them out incrementally for everyone involved to see. And for what, I get nothing from it. Something needs to change very soon and I just can't figure out how to handle it properly. Problem being is that I get stuff all the time for testing. Should be a simple task. But when I find something skewed, I dig into it until I know everything there is to know about it before I make any type of recommendation and the next thing you know, I lose a day or two over it. I'm open for suggestions guys, I'm frustrated beyond belief right now. Between the freebi's ^^ and the delays on orders for builds that are piling up and a very intense deadline for several things. Not including the endless questions this has gotten to the point I can't keep up with any of it, my patience level is at a .5. Hell there isn't even anytime to BS with my buds, I just don't have a 20 minutes to waste. Hey sorry for the rant. I'm gonna crawl back in my hole now and after Spring Fest I will put together a thread about Jon's engine. You'll find it interesting how so many small missed details by people/companies who call themself an engine builder/ parts manufacture can cost a guy a fortune. Jons car will be done before Spring Fest as will Hals. That muther Fr will have a great big red bow on it and sitting at the enterance to the hotel if I have my way.
Thanks Jon, sorry I'm so touchy about it. But I've got waaaaaaaaaaaay to much sand in my vagina right now. :moon: << see!. :tooth:
My 2 cents? 2 different problems. 1 is a pretty obvious time management problem. You'll have to work that one out yourself. Oh look, a bunny (or some interesting car part as the case may be)! Freebies? Unofficial (translates to "unpaid") advice? Business first, freebies second. Can't always be everybody's best friend.. heh, probably still be able to find *someone* to buy you a beer. As for companies, maybe more selective with who you work with. Maybe establish some working relationships. "Look, I end up doing a lot of QA and some design work for you guys on these builds. I like your products and I'd like to use them in my builds but I can't afford the overhead and donating my expertise. Maybe we can work something out in trade or discounts or whatever". 2 is intellectual property. You obviously have some unique/innovative ideas. Not just products either. You might think about buying an hour or two of consultation with an intellectual property lawyer. Might take some time to hunt around for the right one who deals with stuff in or related to the car/shop industry.. Somebody who wouldn't take much or any time to understand what you do and what you're trying to protect. At least you'd get some idea of where that's at in the business and how it works and maybe what it's worth. I'm guessing you may not even know what you give away. Them's my suggestions (haha, from someone who has never had a business and never made anything that sold).
Lol Cam...you know me better than that..."sorry" to me not necessary nor even warranted. Krista wants to know how you got sand in your...area...ROFL Things will work out as they work out bro...you know what you are doing and I'll let you do just that. No worries here.
I think he was just apologizing about crapping in your thread Jon. If I were you I'd jump on it and leverage it for as much free work as possible. I mean, he won't be worth crap after the breakdown and they get him medicated. :beerchug::rofl:
Cam, when I do field consultation, It's an hourly rate...When we estimate a job, we factory in parts, shop supplies, freight, equipment used, mileage (if applicable) and hourly rate. We vaguely itemize this...Customer is made to understand that this is an estimate only, and is subject to change. It may go up, or it may go down (yea right) After the job, I then sit down and take inventory of all my cost, add in the usual mark up to the parts, adjust here and there and come up with a number...this way, i KNOW i'm making money and not giving anything away.
