This sale is an example of being flexible and seeing an opportunity when running your own online business. The potential client wanted a vacuum system that I hadn't created. Fortunately I had thought of this type of solution and knew how to create it. Once this opportunity arrived I went into action mode and negotiated the sale knowing I could create the product. It turned an enquiry and a prospect into a sale and a client and made a fantastic hourly rate.
First email contact from prospect - click to read email
This request came through with 4 others. Obviously a tender from an oil company or offshore platform. I sent the same quote to all 5 companies.
My First email response - click to read email
Client Second email request - click to read email
The request for more discount is quite common from overseas buyers. As there is good profit and they want two units I am happy to give a further discount.
My second email response and better offer - click to read email
At this stage I know they are serious. The sale is certain!
Client third email response - click to read email. They want to order.
They still try to beat the price down which I agree to. The parts are in stock and cashflow is always a good thing.
I email back updated quote - click to view quote
As this quote was for a new model that I had been working on it was important to get it into the market so this was a fantastic opportunity to send it into the Middle East.
Client makes 50% payment View Payment
Client send email to confirm final payment View Final Payment
Client makes final payment View Payment
Breakdown of sale and gross profit
Sale AUD$4502.00 (US$3400)
Cost of 2 Reverse Drum Top Vacs;
- Laser cut of metal, weld black lid base x 2 - $440.00
- Laser cut, fold, paint of yellow silencer x 2 - $152.00
- Supply of hose, SS bolts, clamps, camlocks & brass parts x 2 - $240.00
- Wand and floor tool x 2 - $140.00
- Gasket & float balls x 2 - $48.00
- Filter foam x 2 - $16.00
- Venturi's & associated parts x 2 - $90.00
- Suction hose x 3 metres x 2 - $54.00
- Reverse pump out tube x 2 - $28.00
- Filter cartridge x 1 - $98.00
- Packaging boxes, tape, bubble wrap - 26.00
- laminated instruction sheet - $2.00
- Freight charge - Customer using their own freight company
Total cost - $1334.00 Sale price in US dollars $3400. Exchanged to Australian dollars AUD$4502.00
Gross profit - $3168.00
Work Breakdown
- Email correspondence total - 1 hour
- Quote, Invoice and address label preparation - 30 minutes
- Vacuum build - 4 .5 hours (All parts in shed)
- Packing units - 1.5 hours
Total Time - 7 hours 30 minutes