[Zeke]

I'll take a little different view of Jeff's point: Service is a must, but all too often taken for granted or not appreciated. I'm sure Wayne can concur. No, you need a bit more nowadays, like the value added Wayne speaks of. The world is a very selfish place anymore and the more you cater to another's greed, the more you will gain.

Don't expect much gratification from being in business by yourself. That having been said, the further you are from direct involvement with your customer, the better. An Internet business is one way. Another way is to have a fast paced business that caters to one time purchases only. Oh yes, you have to please and get referrals to other customers, but you don't have to maintain each and every customer. Personal success can and will be your only gratification and remuneration. Get out there at the sales counter every day and you'll get worn down at some point. People just do that to you.

In Wayne's case, Pelican can sell 10 orders to one customer and screw up the 11th. You know what the customer will likely do then. Jump ship. Not fair for all the hard work and integrity, but people are so fickle sometimes they're not worth chasing. Yet, to stay in business, Pelican must do that.

In contrast, a friend of mine had a roofing business that was very successful. Folks don't buy too many roofs in a lifetime. If they do, either it lasts for the rest of their residency or they avoid buying a house that needs a roof next time they move. They are THAT expensive. So the roofer moves quickly through the population not having to get too involved with any one client. Quick, neat, clean and it doesn't leak (or if it does he's right there on the spot) and he gets a recommendation. No customer maintenance here.

One more thing about the roofer, he's up there where few tend to meddle. Almost the perfect business.