Common and frequently asked questions about
operating a concrete stone and tile manufacturing business facility.
HOW MUCH SPACE DO I NEED TO START MY MANUFACTURING FACILITY?
While you can get by with as little as 600 or so square feet (a two-car garage), we normally recommend about 1000+ square feet if at all possible for an efficient production facility. That size plant will handle normal business growth and production increases for the first year or so. About 1500 square feet is ideal for a commercial sized plant, and will handle typical growth for the first five years.
HOW WILL I KNOW HOW TO DESIGN MY FACILITY?
You'll receive suggested plant layouts and drawings for a number of different sized facilities in your manual. Some Producer Packages also include custom-designed drawings for your particular space.
ARE THERE ANY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS WITH THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS?
NO. With our system, you will even recycle your waste water! There is no negative environmental impact if procedures learned in your manual are adhered to. The additives recommended are non-flammable, and there are no unpleasant odors or noxious fumes associated with our process. You could actually make stone and tile in your basement or garage and not have to worry about stinking up the house or the neighborhood. We strongly recommend checking local zoning rules and laws before manufacturing in your home though. Request our FREE Start-up Business Guide for complete business information.
HOW MUCH PRODUCT CAN BE MADE IN AN AVERAGE WORK DAY?
You are limited only be the number of molds that you have. When using a vibrator table and mortar mixer, two laborers can make approximately 500 square feet of 12"x12" tile, or 300-500 square feet of stone, without too much effort. The variables are the thickness and style of the stone being made.
IS A KILN OR OTHER HEAT SOURCE NEEDED TO MANUFACTURE OLDE WORLD STONE AND TILE?
No. Our tile and stone is cured with a method that you'll learn in your Manufacturing Training Manual. There is no need for any special power source or special heating equipment.
WHERE DO I GET MY SUPPLIES AND RAW MATERIALS TO MAKE MY STONE AND TILE?
Your manual has a number of national supplier contacts where you can purchase whatever you might want or need to acquire. There will probably be local outlets for much of your supplies as well. You are not forced to purchase from any one source, as is the case with franchises. If you can find something locally at a lower cost... by all means use that source. Of course we hope that you will consider using Olde World Stone & Tile Molds as your primary mold and supplies source.
WHAT KIND OF SKILLED LABOR WILL I NEED TO OPERATE MY MANUFACTURING FACILITY?
Unskilled, minimum-wage labor is all you'll need to operate your plant efficiently once you decide that you need help. You will learn how to train people in your manual. Or, if they are in place when your manuals arrive, they can learn along with you. Many Producers use, or at least start out with family members or local teenagers, to help get things up and running. Olde World Stone & Tile is a perfect family business.
HOW QUICKLY CAN I BE MAKING STONE AND TILE?
You can be making stone and tile samples the day you receive your manuals and mold samples. We normally start shipping your training materials within two days of you ordering your Package. Read your Manufacturing Manual upon receipt, and you will be prepared to start making samples immediately. If you purchase some sand and Portland cement the day you place your Package order, you'll be even more prepared. And while your stone and tile samples are curing, you can read your Marketing Manual, prepare your Business Plan using our Business Plan CD, and start building your racking systems, tables, etc. Realistically, you can be up and running in a week if you dedicate yourself and have a little help.
HOW QUICKLY CAN I BE SELLING STONE AND TILE?
As stated above, you can actually be making stone and tile samples the first day you receive your Start-up Training Package. It includes your manuals on CD, your Tile Manufacturing Training Video, Business Plan on Cd, etc., as well as a quantity of different stone and tile molds to start making samples immediately. In that these samples are just for "show", the normal additive package is not necessary. Actual production stone and tile will take the few weeks that it takes to have your vibrating table manufactured and shipped, unless you vibrate by hand. So to answer the question... you can start selling almost immediately!
WHAT IS THE TIME LINE FROM ORDERING MY COMMERCIAL PACKAGE TO RECEIPT OF EVERYTHING?
Normally you will receive your Start-up Training Package a week or less from the time your payment is made and clears our bank, if paid by check. In the meantime, we will order your equipment, and start putting together your mold package. Once you receive your Training Package you can start building your production and curing racks, tables, etc. You will be able to start planning and setting up your facility per our suggestions, (if basic plans were submitted to us). Your equipment normally arrives 4 weeks from the time it was ordered. By then, you should be comfortable in the production techniques. And you should be ready at that time to start your marketing and production functions. Many Producers have orders in house before they are fully functional, giving them a nice head start. Your molds and chemicals will start arriving within two weeks of ordering your Package, providing you are ready to receive them.
Not ready to start a full-time business? Want to try making something on a smaller scale? Shop for one of our Olde World Stone & Tile... Complete Do-It-Yourself Project Kits!
AVAILABLE IN OUR ON-LINE STORES BELOW!
