Outsourcing

    Joey Trevino

Should I take on outsourcing work?

An outsource lab calls me up and wants to send me some work...Do I...

A) Bring it. Cant say no to money coming in.

B) Do it, i'm flattered they thought about using my work and this can help pay some supply costs.

C) Do it for a bit and only take the units I want.

D) No, My business is built upon quality not price, and my reputation is known for it.This is why my doctors us me and not them. They are my competition and this is only helping them out. They would be selling my art & product and calling it their own. Would Van Gogh let you sell one of his paintings with your name on it and call it his own.

E) No, Outsource labs are hurting our industry for the businessman that is trying to make a quality buck on a quality product. By helping them, I am only helping a business that hurts us in the end.

Posted Jan 12, 2012 at 12:08pm
  • Toan Nguyen
    Toan Nguyen · Dentist · Austin, TX

    Depends - if you are busy, then say no. If you have the time and can take on the work without compromising your commitments, then i'd say yes!

  • Joey Trevino
    Joey Trevino · Owner/Creator at Cascade Dental Services · Las Vegas, NV

    I chose 'D' with a little 'C' mixed in.

  • Jennifer Duguid
    Jennifer Duguid · Jacksonville, FL

    I'm curious how outsource labs are hurting our industry. They have a business model built around service instead of manufacturing and focus on those core competencies rather than product development. If they are able to pay full price for your product and then upcharge it to doctors then that means...[More]

  • Paul Karolidis
    Paul Karolidis · North Port, FL

    Justify it as helping the world. Artists have traditionally starved!

  • Andy Woods
    Andy Woods · VP · Pearl, MS

    Business is business Joey. We can't change basic economics and to turn down sales for any reason other than profit and loss is not sound logic.

  • Joshua Fitzgerald
    Joshua Fitzgerald · Owner · Matthews, NC

    I say "E". Just think of what the economy would be like if all of those offshore jobs we are creating (auto, clothing, furniture, and pretty much 90% of what you buy at Walmart) would stay right here in America?

  • Scott Larson
    Scott Larson · Owner · Baxter, MN

    I'll buck the trend and say "D". If you truly are quality, and have a known reputation, I say build upon that and set yourself apart from others. Gain even more education , i.e.Lab Day :-) hands on courses, and most of all become indispensable to your nearby accounts, as in custom shades, evaluating...[More]

  • Jim Thacker
    Jim Thacker · CEO--Partner · Lindon, UT

    That's an easy one...do you have excess capacity? Will you still be able to produce work on time for your own technicians while you're busy meeting deadlines for the other lab? What is your profit margin? Is this the best use of your production resources? Can you make more money elsewhere? Will this...[More]

  • Aaron Hoffman
    Aaron Hoffman · Partner and Artist Series Ceramist · Topeka, KS

    If you don't..........send them my way;) Does that answer your question? Dude, 10 years ago my answer may be different, but in today's economy, I NEVER turn down work unless it's not profitable. Look at the latest LMT cover/chart. Do you want to be the 31% or the 41%? HOWEVER, all of our situations are...[More]

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