slice&dice

I'm using an SC machine (with a Dell PC and WinXP) and I would actually suggest you go with the next model up, the TC 34" for $600. It has the high-speed PIC control system, providing higher speed, lower noise.

You need to show us the file.

I had a visit from the local (county) Business Inspector, and he determined that since I'm not "trading" in goods, I have no need for the county Retailer's/Trader's License (Business Licence) For the record, I am listed with the Federal Government on my 1040A tax filings with Principal Business Activity Code #541400 (Specialized Design Services) The State has me on record with a Sales and Use Tax number (I collect 6% on each transaction and transfer it to them quarterly). I use receipts from Staples, just basic sales receipts and I add my rubber-stamped dba name on them.

I produce signs like these daily, and the work brings in plenty of cash. These three jobs were billed at over $600. A-Frame for a storefront church (2' x 3' coroplast) Wedding placard - LOVE - (3' x 4' pvc) Yard signs for restaurant (1.5' x 2' coroplast) By the way, that rose came directly from the Library in SignBlazer. So did the prayer book (I've simply added the cross) and the fancy separator in the church sign. I use reverses often, it's a quick way to make things stand out.

Hmmmmmmm, there's yer problem right there. Just kidding. Try this tutorial --- http://www.craftedge.com/tutorials/#7

Aaaaaarrrrrgggggghhhhh --- my EYES !!!!!!!!!!

Never had my MH871 cutter below top speed, 800. Have always run the unit at full-tilt.

C'mon, xpaperman, you've got it covered BOTH ways!!! (((( Lakeside Graphix and Design )))

I am using the UK version of SBE, and it has RedSail listed. http://www.mystat.com/Signblazer.zip Anyway, the solution should be found within your COM settings on the laptop. Control Panel -- System (Properties) -- Hardware tab -- Device Manager -- PORTS -- [[ right click -- properties ]] and verify that's correctly set to COM3

Designs It's a catch-all, and more accurate than "Graphix"

Yes, the SignBlazer setup shows COM 3, so your computer has to also have Com3 (not Com12) By the way, you aren't using a Creation PCut cutter, you should be using a RedSail driver.

Appears to be hand-drawn. Not particularly attractive, either.

Dr. D Decals or Dr. D Designs. Graphics and/or Graphix is so overused.

If you want to sell an operating business that's in a retail store, is there some kind of formula for calculating what the "goodwill" (established accounts, reputation, etc.) would be worth?

Hmmmmmm, training, now there's an angle. That should be worth a few thousand, right there. Good suggestion.

I don't cut 'decals' unto themselves, that's all I meant by it. I cut decals, yes, because that is the method of making signs. No offense intended. My reply was to boggey090 who asked about my particular business model --- "Slice and Dice, how do you advertise? Starting to cut and getting familiar......retired recently and want to make some change and keep busy. I really enjoy cutting decals." And I merely noted that I'm in the sign business, not the 'decal' (sticker) business, so I can't really relate to how he should best proceed to market and sell decals.

Maybe you have insects living inside of the thing! (who knows where it was stored by the previous owner, could be there's an infestation?)

Change the port to COM 2 or 4.

The name is "SIGNS" --- that's what my main sign says.

I have a retail location and over 40,000 cars pass by daily, they all see my sign that announces I do signs. BTW, I don't cut 'decals' I produce finished signs.

This is very perceptive, and so far the potential buyers I've talked to are approaching the sale that way ---- as a liquidation, not as a transfer of an ongoing enterprise. I find it frustrating, because if someone were to create from scratch what I have already organized as a sign store, they would spend much more than I'm asking. Anyway, I want to get someone to take the store over AS-IS and continue with it, and I don't wish to sell the contents, equipment and inventory separately. I may just have to hold onto this operation, and continue to work, and not go anywhere until I retire. Israel will always be there.

The chevy bowtie is a graphic representation (origins disputed) --- just a design, same as other car company graphic logos such as Infiniti, Toyota, Subaru, Mercedes, etc. Same with the McDonald's arches (they don't reflect an image of burgers & fries). Those scissors are SCISSORS, and not just some random geometric design. They say "seamstress" or "crafter" to me. (or even "Hairstylist", although the scissors would be thinner and sleeker) You wanna build brand recognition as a graphic artist? With scissors? Really?

Liquid assets? I have plenty of those sitting around --

I tend to think that both WHIT and Friedrich have hit the nail on the head here. "In small business its nearly impossible because customers associate the owner with the quality of work or service." and "...who says that the guy who buys the business can operate the business like you do..." In other words, there is not going to be "goodwill" transferred, because the entire operation is no longer being run by the guy who people have come to trust. Anyway, just for the record, I'm contemplating selling out, or just closing, and going overseas to live (Israel).

OK, can you tell us what those scissors are expressing to you, regarding a vinyl-cutting graphics business? We're focused on that aspect, because it stands out and even the guy's wife says "Uh-Uh"