I edited post #24 to clarify my question.
My business was started with hope and on a shoestring (last of unemployment $$) and it has grown very slowly (and very painfully) over the last 40 some odd years - unfortunately it pretty much has always had to operate on a shoestring - so there's never been enough money to do things properly - proper facility, personnel, equipment sufficient to meet product demand, advertising and promotion. Rather a "cart before (or without) the horse" situation (or catch 22?). Have always had to find the cheapest way to do things. I tried a "kickstarter" deal with dismal results - maybe because I don't understand the process plus am extremely limited in my computer/on-line operations due to lack of knowledge or help in that area - constantly have computer problems!
One man (and old school at that) just cannot do it all!!!!!! I have to turn away people almost daily who want L100 grilles! Thousands of dollars to be made but no one wants to get in on the deal.
Am I making myself clear???
It's a complex situation but I have concluded this: IF you have a viable product that the public does want, then the best way is to get a substantial business loan so you can start up and run the business properly. Trying to make it happen with little $$ just doesn't work too well no matter what else you bring to the table.
I've had more than a few potential investors interested but so far all seem to find one or another "excuse" for not getting involved.
Nothing happens (in business) unless you actually DO something! Talk gets you nowhere. I have made and sold thousands of grilles over the years with minimal advertising & promotion. Imagine what proper support would mean.
Recently have gone out on a limb and leased a larger building to use but it's a gamble.