Gone very quiet
Discussion
clockworks said:
Apart from a minor dip for 3 weeks in April, and putting my prices up a bit closer to the trade average, I just keep getting busier and busier. The price increase was partially an attempt to get some refusals. Didn't work.
The 3 week dip was actually welcome, as I've been able to clear some of the backlog. Turnaround time was getting close to 3 months, back down to 8 weeks now. Pre-covid, it was 4 weeks.
My problem now is that I'm getting over-run with longcase (grandfather) clocks, and I can only have 5 on test at any time. Got plenty of space for mantel and wall clocks, but only room for 5 longcase test stands. 3 years ago, I only needed 2 test stands.
Good to hear. Decades ago, I visited a cottage formerly lived in by one of the important painters of faces on (now) Cumbrian long-case clocks. His 17th century cottage had a special dug-out section of floor, so that he could assemble and test each clock - otherwise the ceilings were too low!The 3 week dip was actually welcome, as I've been able to clear some of the backlog. Turnaround time was getting close to 3 months, back down to 8 weeks now. Pre-covid, it was 4 weeks.
My problem now is that I'm getting over-run with longcase (grandfather) clocks, and I can only have 5 on test at any time. Got plenty of space for mantel and wall clocks, but only room for 5 longcase test stands. 3 years ago, I only needed 2 test stands.
President Merkin said:
Despite being at it for an entire career, I have no idea what any of that means. Sorry.
If you want to send little boxes/bags/parcles up to 25kgs, you have a fair choice.If you want to shift pallets 80kgs and up, you also have a decent selection who actually do the job.
If you want to move stuff of in-between size and weight - roughly 25kg to 80kgs - there is merely Hobson's choice. An effective cartel.
Digga said:
President Merkin said:
Despite being at it for an entire career, I have no idea what any of that means. Sorry.
If you want to send little boxes/bags/parcles up to 25kgs, you have a fair choice.If you want to shift pallets 80kgs and up, you also have a decent selection who actually do the job.
If you want to move stuff of in-between size and weight - roughly 25kg to 80kgs - there is merely Hobson's choice. An effective cartel.
skwdenyer said:
Good to hear. Decades ago, I visited a cottage formerly lived in by one of the important painters of faces on (now) Cumbrian long-case clocks. His 17th century cottage had a special dug-out section of floor, so that he could assemble and test each clock - otherwise the ceilings were too low!
A novel solution!clockworks said:
skwdenyer said:
Good to hear. Decades ago, I visited a cottage formerly lived in by one of the important painters of faces on (now) Cumbrian long-case clocks. His 17th century cottage had a special dug-out section of floor, so that he could assemble and test each clock - otherwise the ceilings were too low!
A novel solution!clockworks said:
Apart from a minor dip for 3 weeks in April, and putting my prices up a bit closer to the trade average, I just keep getting busier and busier. The price increase was partially an attempt to get some refusals. Didn't work.
The 3 week dip was actually welcome, as I've been able to clear some of the backlog. Turnaround time was getting close to 3 months, back down to 8 weeks now. Pre-covid, it was 4 weeks.
My problem now is that I'm getting over-run with longcase (grandfather) clocks, and I can only have 5 on test at any time. Got plenty of space for mantel and wall clocks, but only room for 5 longcase test stands. 3 years ago, I only needed 2 test stands.
Sounds like another price rise is due! And perhaps a supplement for long case clocks...The 3 week dip was actually welcome, as I've been able to clear some of the backlog. Turnaround time was getting close to 3 months, back down to 8 weeks now. Pre-covid, it was 4 weeks.
My problem now is that I'm getting over-run with longcase (grandfather) clocks, and I can only have 5 on test at any time. Got plenty of space for mantel and wall clocks, but only room for 5 longcase test stands. 3 years ago, I only needed 2 test stands.
It doesn't seem to me that you have found the upper limit yet.
Louis Balfour said:
O/T - how accurate are long case clocks typically? I ask because I have a Scottish one (1812 ish) that is running at a daily rate of 0. Had it 15 years or so and the only time I change the time is spring and autumn. Is this unsual?
I aim to get them running to within 30 seconds a week while they are on test. With patience, a few seconds a week is possible if the clock is in good condition, and in a stable environment. Getting one that keeps perfect time for several months is very good going. Steel pendulum rods expand and contract with temperature, affecting the rate. The clock will also stop ticking while it's being wound, and will often actually run backwards (unless it's fitted with maintaining power - unusual in a longcase).
Basically, a longcase clock is one step down from chronometer accuracy as standard, but there are always exceptions.
clockworks said:
skwdenyer said:
Good to hear. Decades ago, I visited a cottage formerly lived in by one of the important painters of faces on (now) Cumbrian long-case clocks. His 17th century cottage had a special dug-out section of floor, so that he could assemble and test each clock - otherwise the ceilings were too low!
A novel solution!DX Tuffnells, TNT…
clockworks said:
Louis Balfour said:
O/T - how accurate are long case clocks typically? I ask because I have a Scottish one (1812 ish) that is running at a daily rate of 0. Had it 15 years or so and the only time I change the time is spring and autumn. Is this unsual?
I aim to get them running to within 30 seconds a week while they are on test. With patience, a few seconds a week is possible if the clock is in good condition, and in a stable environment. Getting one that keeps perfect time for several months is very good going. Steel pendulum rods expand and contract with temperature, affecting the rate. The clock will also stop ticking while it's being wound, and will often actually run backwards (unless it's fitted with maintaining power - unusual in a longcase).
Basically, a longcase clock is one step down from chronometer accuracy as standard, but there are always exceptions.
clockworks said:
Apart from a minor dip for 3 weeks in April, and putting my prices up a bit closer to the trade average, I just keep getting busier and busier. The price increase was partially an attempt to get some refusals. Didn't work.
A nice problem to have
Longcases eh?
I bought a book on Longcases upon your recommendation. I can’t remember what it was called now, but I think you described it as almost being the Bible on Longcases. Written by some called Eric I think?
I’m still window shopping at them btw, and would love one once we’ve got a few other jobs done and paid for around the house.
In that regard, please, keep in touch
105.4 said:
clockworks said:
Apart from a minor dip for 3 weeks in April, and putting my prices up a bit closer to the trade average, I just keep getting busier and busier. The price increase was partially an attempt to get some refusals. Didn't work.
A nice problem to have
Longcases eh?
I bought a book on Longcases upon your recommendation. I can’t remember what it was called now, but I think you described it as almost being the Bible on Longcases. Written by some called Eric I think?
I’m still window shopping at them btw, and would love one once we’ve got a few other jobs done and paid for around the house.
In that regard, please, keep in touch
Some of the clock shops we visited in london and germany of many family holidays were quite incredible, germany especially as i think it was a clock makers nirvana?
Happy memories actually..
clockworks said:
Apart from a minor dip for 3 weeks in April, and putting my prices up a bit closer to the trade average, I just keep getting busier and busier. The price increase was partially an attempt to get some refusals. Didn't work.
The 3 week dip was actually welcome, as I've been able to clear some of the backlog. Turnaround time was getting close to 3 months, back down to 8 weeks now. Pre-covid, it was 4 weeks.
My problem now is that I'm getting over-run with longcase (grandfather) clocks, and I can only have 5 on test at any time. Got plenty of space for mantel and wall clocks, but only room for 5 longcase test stands. 3 years ago, I only needed 2 test stands.
I see from your profile you are in Cornwall. Are you in/near Truro? (long case clock owner).The 3 week dip was actually welcome, as I've been able to clear some of the backlog. Turnaround time was getting close to 3 months, back down to 8 weeks now. Pre-covid, it was 4 weeks.
My problem now is that I'm getting over-run with longcase (grandfather) clocks, and I can only have 5 on test at any time. Got plenty of space for mantel and wall clocks, but only room for 5 longcase test stands. 3 years ago, I only needed 2 test stands.
Edited by C4ME on Thursday 11th May 18:05
From another thread, but important to remember in consumer spending that volume doesn’t necessarily imply anything positive about the market:
https://www.nespresso.com/uk/en/order/machines/ver...
+
Catch is must be purchased instore
V 02 said:
ConnectionError said:
https://www.nespresso.com/uk/en/order/machines/ver...
+
Catch is must be purchased instore
Edited by V 02 on Wednesday 3rd May 16:31
Here’s another example. Thought clothing, a big player in the ethical & sustainable apparel space.
There’s product in their feed at 70% off:
On top of that, get 20% off your first order:
And on top of that, register your email address with the cashback sites and get up to 9.2% back:
That cashback will be costing Thought a few more % for the affiliate network, the cashback site & the agency running it. Perhaps as much as 10% more.
If that lots running all the time, well, I wouldn’t be buying shares in them.
This is what this industry has become. Shoppers “demand” this level of promotion. But it means that (a) the margins have to rise (so the quality of product drops through the floor); and ultimately the whole thing will collapse.
Hence Internet Fusion I mentioned the other day: £110m of sales and no profit. Hence ASOS’ troubles. Hence HoF, and TopShop, and so on.
And hence why 105.4’s volume updates are interesting, but not of themselves a sign of strength or health in the economy. If customers will only buy at, in effect, below cost, then we’re just waiting for the end really
There’s product in their feed at 70% off:
On top of that, get 20% off your first order:
And on top of that, register your email address with the cashback sites and get up to 9.2% back:
That cashback will be costing Thought a few more % for the affiliate network, the cashback site & the agency running it. Perhaps as much as 10% more.
If that lots running all the time, well, I wouldn’t be buying shares in them.
This is what this industry has become. Shoppers “demand” this level of promotion. But it means that (a) the margins have to rise (so the quality of product drops through the floor); and ultimately the whole thing will collapse.
Hence Internet Fusion I mentioned the other day: £110m of sales and no profit. Hence ASOS’ troubles. Hence HoF, and TopShop, and so on.
And hence why 105.4’s volume updates are interesting, but not of themselves a sign of strength or health in the economy. If customers will only buy at, in effect, below cost, then we’re just waiting for the end really
President Merkin said:
Despite being at it for an entire career, I have no idea what any of that means. Sorry.
Doesn’t surprise me. Most logistics firms seem barely capable of finding their own arses with both hands.Last week being a case in point; none seem capable of providing adequate staff cover for services to run undisrupted on a Bank Holiday week. It’s like these dates are a secret to them and the departments that authorise leave. Utter cretins.
These firms would never get away with such flaky service were there a proper, competitive market.
skwdenyer said:
Here’s another example. Thought clothing, a big player in the ethical & sustainable apparel space.
There’s product in their feed at 70% off:
On top of that, get 20% off your first order:
And on top of that, register your email address with the cashback sites and get up to 9.2% back:
That cashback will be costing Thought a few more % for the affiliate network, the cashback site & the agency running it. Perhaps as much as 10% more.
If that lots running all the time, well, I wouldn’t be buying shares in them.
This is what this industry has become. Shoppers “demand” this level of promotion. But it means that (a) the margins have to rise (so the quality of product drops through the floor); and ultimately the whole thing will collapse.
Hence Internet Fusion I mentioned the other day: £110m of sales and no profit. Hence ASOS’ troubles. Hence HoF, and TopShop, and so on.
And hence why 105.4’s volume updates are interesting, but not of themselves a sign of strength or health in the economy. If customers will only buy at, in effect, below cost, then we’re just waiting for the end really
It's likely you'll only be allowed to use one promotional code at a time.There’s product in their feed at 70% off:
On top of that, get 20% off your first order:
And on top of that, register your email address with the cashback sites and get up to 9.2% back:
That cashback will be costing Thought a few more % for the affiliate network, the cashback site & the agency running it. Perhaps as much as 10% more.
If that lots running all the time, well, I wouldn’t be buying shares in them.
This is what this industry has become. Shoppers “demand” this level of promotion. But it means that (a) the margins have to rise (so the quality of product drops through the floor); and ultimately the whole thing will collapse.
Hence Internet Fusion I mentioned the other day: £110m of sales and no profit. Hence ASOS’ troubles. Hence HoF, and TopShop, and so on.
And hence why 105.4’s volume updates are interesting, but not of themselves a sign of strength or health in the economy. If customers will only buy at, in effect, below cost, then we’re just waiting for the end really
Digga said:
President Merkin said:
Despite being at it for an entire career, I have no idea what any of that means. Sorry.
Doesn’t surprise me. Most logistics firms seem barely capable of finding their own arses with both hands.Last week being a case in point; none seem capable of providing adequate staff cover for services to run undisrupted on a Bank Holiday week. It’s like these dates are a secret to them and the departments that authorise leave. Utter cretins.
These firms would never get away with such flaky service were there a proper, competitive market.
And they all seem to be in constant crisis.
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