Laminating Machines?

[Narz]

Completely off topic but hey that's the name on the forum. Does anyone know anything about laminating machines. I'd like to buy one but know nothing about them. The prices I've seen range from about $30 to about $30,000. I'd like to spend about $100 or less. Just enough to get a machine that does not break and is realatively easy to use.

I plan to use it to laminate cards (business card sized) on which I will write famous, not-so-famous, and infamous quotes which I will attempt to sell to people in New York for a buck each. I already have about 1300 blank cards and 1300 laminator pouches on the way (eBay ) now all I need is a machine. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

- Narz

 

[MarineCorps]

Your selling cards with qoutes on them?

 

[The Yankee]

It's New York....I'm sure he will find buyers....or at least people to put some change in a styrofoam cup.

 

[Sanaz]

Good idea, I like it, and good luck with it. But I have no idea about laminating machines. Couldn't an iron and some folded waxed paper do the trick?

 

[cgannon64]

Good luck with that Narz.

But no offense, I'd suggest a real job - that's quite a gamble.

But if I see you, I'll buy one.

 

[Narz]

Good idea, I like it, and good luck with it. But I have no idea about laminating machines. Couldn't an iron and some folded waxed paper do the trick?

It could but I want them to look professional.

 

[amadeus]

Coffee table book about coffee tables not go over so well?

 

[SanPellegrino]

Coffee table book about coffee tables not go over so well?

on topic: the cheap laminating machines are totally crap in my experience. maybe it would be a good idea to "outsource" it and let a printhouse or something do it.

 

[Narz]

on topic: the cheap laminating machines are totally crap in my experience. maybe it would be a good idea to "outsource" it and let a printhouse or something do it.

I tried that at first. The best offer I got was a guy who offered to do 1,000 cards for $375

A friend just recommended I try K-Mart which I will, they have a good return policy (especially if you purchase with a credit card) which brings my financial risk basically down to zero. Even if it breaks after 500 cards I will just return it & will have learned a lesson in at least what does not work.

 

[Perfection]

Your selling cards with qoutes on them?

I doubt it, most likely he's selling fake IDs.

 

[Yaniv]

I have 2 laminating machines at work.
The machines cost about $100 each in my country, and they are not very reliable.
They both broke about 5 months after purchace (but were repaired free of charge).
They do however get the job done, and are very easy to use.
The cards themselves cost quite a lot: about 20 cents each.

 

[De Lorimier]

I can't help you about the machine but I want to wish you good luck in your new business.
Some folks can say bad things about it (get a real job you hippy!) but I always prefered to give change to the squeeges (you know, the kids who clean the windshields on cars) and to that guy who sells jokes for a buck near the university I go to.

 

[Archer 007]

Yeah, good luck with this Narz.

 

[amadeus]

I just thought of something: if there is a public school nearby, perhaps you could use their laminating machines. I have (though I was a student at the time...)

 

[The Yankee]

I can't help you about the machine but I want to wish you good luck in your new business.
Some folks can say bad things about it (get a real job you hippy!) but I always prefered to give change to the squeeges (you know, the kids who clean the windshields on cars) and to that guy who sells jokes for a buck near the university I go to.

Whatever happened to those guys? There used to be quite a number of them....I don't see very many anymore. Oh well, maybe that was swept aside along with major crime in this city.

 

[De Lorimier]

Whatever happened to those guys? There used to be quite a number of them....I don't see very many anymore. Oh well, maybe that was swept aside along with major crime in this city.

Some cities made it illegal to stand on corners washing windshields. I think Toronto is one of them and I wouldn't be surprized if New York is one too. There's people from all over Canada (and probably from some US states) spending time doing this in Montréal. I don't mind as long as their water is actually clean and they are polite. It beats just asking for money without anything in return.

 

[The Yankee]

Too many drivers would be annoyed when one just walked up and started spraying the windshield....oh well...I remember one time in Harlem though, about 8 years ago, when my father gladly had the person do it. I don't know how much was paid, but he's fairly generous.

 

[Pirate]

I doubt it, most likely he's selling fake IDs.

Well, that's always a fallback when the quotecard scheme doesn't work.

Here's a problem I see with the scheme anyway. Sure people might be willing to pay a buck for an inspiring quote on a card, but I don't think anyone is willing to take the time browse through some cards some guy just pulled out of his pocket to find one they like. You'll need an eyecatching way to present them and you better be a damn good salesman. Good luck!

 

[SanPellegrino]

yes, good luck and keep us up to date on your success!

 

[Vanadorn]

Ruddy Gulliani got rid of the squeegie men in his 1st year as NYC mayor. It was a big thing (i guess).

My father used to work for NYCTA, he was Superintendant at Jamaica and spent some time at the Ave. X yard. Used to go into the city for Wo-Hop often. One of the things he always told me was, "With most of the hydrants closed and no one with a hose spigot outside their building, how do you think these guys keep their rags and squeegies wet?"

Still makes me shudder to think about it.

My 2 cents