07/05/2026
A different kind of Filter...
Good points from Courtney. .. "You don't want everybody in your business." .. "key word of today is "filter out" certain people." .. certain ways like "gotta put down a deposit.".. "when we create our price points - our business models - we are filtering out people no matter if we realize it or not. Because you don't want everybody using your business." .. "Raymond filters out a lot of people but he still books enough people to be profitable, pay his bills and enjoy his life."
This principle applies to suppliers too.
As a supplier, I just wanted to bring stuff to market, based on my experiences as a cleaner... helpful gadgets and chems that were more functional, versatile, customizable and durable.
Mainstream suppliers wanted my stuff. I resisted at first because I knew where it would lead but eventually I took the bait. That didn't last. One sold out to a general supply company and their reputation went into the dirt. Another recently went bankrupt; couldn't compete with Value suppliers like myself. So "other suppliers" was my first "filter out".
Other versions of my Cool Cuffs and Yardsticks came out and that was good for variety.
Plus, we have thieves stealing my Top Sellers, Joe Valve, Gator crimps, etc. These people with no creative ability of their own - God knows them. At least they're helping me further my goals of bringing better products to cleaners. I did have to put a stop to one whose son actually tried to steal my Rat Nasty name.
Courtney says: "our model filters out people whether we like it or not."
My customer base rose as I dumped suppliers and at 15 years in, I needed more ways to "filter out" people I didn't want to work for.
I look at whether they are givers or takers.
Givers have contributions. Is he sharing knowledge, explaining things, even asking lots of questions if he's new?
Takers expect others to solve their problems, brag excessively, lie, mislead, spread bad information.
The most effective "filter out" for me has been reviews.
Whether or not a guy will write reviews is by far the best way I have found of finding the right people to focus on. These are the guys I want to work for. Takes me awhile to evaluate each guy but eventually I know.
The guys attacking me here and elsewhere are a special blend of despicable human: Liar, Thief, Taker and Ungrateful. I know pretty much right away to dump them but I wait til they show themselves - by not writing reviews.
From then on we see the "Hater" they really are.
They should be excluded from any respectable forum. Hint, Hint.
I've got over a hundred more products to bring to market. "filter out" baby.