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Looking over my notebook, noting all the major concerns and glitches i had during my trial it almost feels like I’m starting again. Though this is far, far from the truth, 80% of this idea is set in stone and ready to rock, I just need to make these few bits watertight and I’ll be well on my way.

I personally think this will be hardest part, thinking and constructing new ways to make things work, simply and effectively, with the only way of testing them is actually being on the front lines testing it on real customers. You can do tests at home, but it’s never, ever the same.

Major Concerns

1) Shoot to Print to Payment (SPP as of now and forever)

Probably THE most important aspect of the company, my SPP needs to be perfect, better then perfect, this will make or break my company.

The problem: Customer selection time and print time far to long, most customers wasn’t getting receipts due to running out of time. The selection time could be double the shoot time, then the print time on top, after 3-4 customers in a row there was a huge backlog.

Fixing it: There are many things I could do to fix this, I’ll need to test and find the best one for me. From software & printer changes to giving myself more breathing space, most customers would be happy with a next day service, though this would be my last resort … the tech is there to offer instant printing.

2) Receipts

The problem: Most customers wasn’t getting receipts. Mainly due to the work flow, sharing the receipt printer with the photo printer, there was just not enough time to get them out.

Fixing it: A step backward for a step forward. I think I’ll use written receipts for now, a dream fix would be getting a epos setup with receipt printer, maybe I’ll research and make my own machine.

3) Display boards and getting customers attention

The Problem: Though the setup was good, common sense must’ve been with the pool guy while I was designing it. Neigh all the customers i served didn’t know i offered an instance service, nor really understood how it worked.

Fixing it: Easy one to fix, I just need to show the method on how the service works, big, bright and easy to understand.

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Phase 1.9.9 – Getting ready for the next booking, further tests

I’m putting off registering myself as Private Limited company, until I’m a little more happy with the setup. I’m going to book another four weeks, two sets of two at Waltham Cross.

The major concerns I’ve listed are the things are the things that have my current attention, but I also I need to think seriously about Home Call service.

And I need to find someone to work with me!

Things to do:
Book shopping centre space
Research and find a way to offer a faster print service
Look at Epos tech and make a paper receipt
Design new displays for the studio

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I’m awaiting on quite a few things to arrive, I hate it when I run into roadblocks like this, there isn’t much more I can do until my backdrop is in front of me so I can do a test run.

My walls are nearly sorted, I’ve decided to go for 6x MDF 12-15mm panels @ 1.5×1.8M, pushing them next to each other to create 3mx3m box with one side open. Quite a handy setup, some shopping centres only allow certain space size so I can remove one section from each side to bring the size down.

However, to walk into a normal store and buy or get wood cut to 1.5×1.8 is very hard it seems! I am awaiting on a few quotes back from timber yards and such.

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Phase 1.5 – Method Preparation

Things to do:
Build my walls.
Get ready for a test run.
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Other Stuff:

I’ve been playing a lot more sports recently, kinda tied into my new years resolution to give up/cut back on video games. It’s very refreshing to wake up and go to the local sports centre and play badminton then squash followed by a nice meal.

Though, I’d rather be in a shopping centre taking photographs.

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Alrighty then. I have my shopping list, I still need to do a little research on the backdrop. I know what I want, but I need a backdrop with some display area behind it and around it.

Kinda like these eight panel display stands, as I’m still not 100% sure how I’ll get it all to fit around this will now be my top priority, designing the studio layout!

I went to a few stores today to try and pick some Epson ink for my R1800 to test it out and make sure it was working OK, but could I find anywhere with some in stock? Now I have to wait a few days for the ink to come, very annoying.

Shopping List:
- Canon LBP5050 Laser – £132.25
- FotoSpeed Ink Flow System – £97.85 (If the printer is still working ok – she’s a few years old now)
- Various Frames from Kenro – about £50 worth
- A few custom made shirts – about £40 worth

Things I still need to look at:
- Back drop and display system
- Table and chair
-  Something to sit small children on

I’ve decided to ‘borrow’ some carrier bags and photo holders from my last job to save some money.

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Phase 1.5 – Method Preparation

I just need purchase remaining parts I need, then I really need to get a test run going!

Things to do:
Make a studio layout / floor plan.
Get ready for a test run.
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Other Stuff:

Feels like an unproductive day as I wasted far to long hunting down ink, but I did get my hands on a Kenro catalogue + trade price list, some really nice frames in there!

Also I started scribbling down floor plan ideas.

Trying to make myself feel better, when really I should just be working harder. I hate wasting time on poor planning, I should’ve phoned a few stores before heading out instead of assuming they have things instock.

Grrrrrr!