When Jesse James and his West Coast Choppers first appeared on the Discovery channel the world got a small taste of what custom motorcycles were all about. The economy was good and many men started to dream about having their own custom motorcycle. Of course many of them being upper middle class soccer dads thought the biker lifestyle as portrayed by the great Jesse was a little too scary for them.

Then the Teutels came along. American Chopper struck a chord with men that Jesse failed to do. It made them spend money. Suddenly every man in American over thirty wanted a custom motorcycle. And those that had the money bought them up in droves. Custom bike shops sprang up in almost every small town in the country and many a custom motorcycle builder thought they had hit pay dirt.

Even people who really didn’t plan on buying a custom motorcycle ended up buying a bike because we got caught up in the phenomenon that was American Chopper. Five motorcycles later and two custom motorcycle builds under my belt, I can honestly say that if custom bikes had not been all over the TV I probably wouldn’t have a garage full of them now. The country just went nuts over custom motorcycles.

Doctors and lawyers gladly shelled out for $30,000 bikes so they could join the custom motorcycle fad. Along the way a few production custom motorcycle companies went into business and made their fortunes in a very quick time. If you had the money and wanted a cool bike without the worries about getting parts and such, the production chopper fit the bill. Many of these fad riders actually turned into true motorcyclists, myself included, but that’s where the trouble began.

If you’ve ever ridden a custom motorcycle you’re well aware that these things are great for bar hopping and to parade around at your local bike night but as a full time rides they just don’t work. Trust me I know; after a 400 mile ride to Niagara falls I quickly realized that have a low long custom bike wasn’t what I wanted to ride on long trips. And many other new riders learned the same lesson. As sales of touring models soared the custom motorcycle industry started to hear the death knell that was around the corner. Then tragedy struck the motorcycle industry in general.

As the US economy fell demand for custom bikes fell with it. Many newcomers to the bike building business whom had lucked into a full time carreer out of a hobby soon discovered that when only real bike riders wanted custom bikes built, only hardcore established custom motorcycle shops got the business. Even the well know OCC felt the pinch as their once coveted theme bikes became a low priority for corporations who were now on a budget.

Watchers of the show watched as Paul Teutel Sr had to lay off a bunch of workers and fans could only wonder if their new building was ill timed. The custom motorcycle fad was over.

So what does all this mean for the custom motocycle business in general. Is it dead? Hardly. It’s way bigger than before than fad started. A lot of upstart companies have managed to survive because they created a good product. Some production chopper companies have fallen by the wayside. But the most importan thing, to me is that motorcycling in general has finally become main stream. In spite of a tumbling economy and HD in financial trouble more people are riding motorcycles now then ever before. And that means more people will be customizing them also.

It’s a rare sight to see a motorcycle that hasn’t been customized in one form or another and I confidently predict that after this economy bounces back the custom motorcycle industry and custom motorcycle parts industries will flourish. How do I know all this? Because in spite of lagging sales and the passing of the custom motorcycle fad , websites about Custom Motorcycles are busier than ever. People may not be spending money right now but they’re doing something almost as important. They’re making their bike parts wish lists and in some case determining who they are going to get to build their custom dream bike when things turn around. Which they will.

Take heart my friends, the custom motorcycle industry is not dead, just taking a much needed siesta.

In 2005, China’s exports of the entire national economy as a major bright spot, with a total value to achieve 762 billion U.S. dollars, up 28.4 percent. And watches the situation but it falls short of exports, over the years by curbing growth in a row, table clocks and have different levels of export decline. According to customs statistics, in 2005 bell and bell parts exports 629.6 million U.S. dollars, up 0.51 percent decline, in which the mechanical clock export volume fell 25.14 percent and exports fell 14.17 percent. Tables and Table parts exports 1,289,900,000 U.S. dollars, fell 5,29%, with the number of mechanical watch exports fell 39.58 percent and exports dropped 12.18 percent year-on-year; electronic watches export volume fell 14.28 percent and exports fell 4.68 percent. There are not counted replica watches market.

Looking ahead and predict the future development prospects of our watches, we make judgments and conclusions are “not optimistic.”
Therefore, in order to enhance the future development of the watch industry to enhance its competitiveness in the industry bigger and stronger nation watches, mainly on the following aspects: to enlarge and strengthen China’s national brands of watches and clocks, watches brands to build China’s “aircraft carrier.”

First, economic globalization in the world market today, watches from the industry’s competitiveness in export of products, export of capital to enter the output stage of the brand. China clocks to watches in the world market leader, not a group or several internationally well-known brand ring David Card does not work. In recent years, Guangdong and Shenzhen as the representative of the nation watches the rapid development of industrial brands, made remarkable achievements. Especially Rossini, according to Bo, Fiyta, kings and other well-known brand’s rise led the South, and China as a whole watch industry as a whole grade level and has greatly improved with the world watches to shorten the gap between developed countries . Shandong Yantai Polaris watches and clocks industry groups around the “play resource advantages, and promote brand strategy, and strive to enhance the overall image of Shandong watches and strength” goals, such as watches Polaris Group attached great importance to establish a sound trademark management system, to form an effective operational mechanism brand and to bring the trademark management gradually moving towards standardization, “Polaris” brand advantages in play. Don’t let the replica Rolex,replica IWC,replica TAG,Omega Watches,Chanel Watch Franck Muller Watch ,Gucci Watch Cartier, Breitling Watches , Omega, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe,Fake Swiss Watches be more part on market.eg. www(.)beyeshop(.)com

To enable the export of watches and clocks are no longer controlled by others, in recent years, many enterprises began to watch the establishment of the domestic marketing network system pay attention to, for example, Polaris watches exports through integrated production and sales channels as well as all aspects of personnel resources, to rationalize the system of foreign trade and exports to give full play to the “North Star” brand export advantages, with international brands to create conditions for competition.

Secondly, as China’s foreign trade and exports for many years one of the major drawbacks, no rules, vicious competition, playing the “price war” the issue of cumulative, it is necessary to solve the problem, not an easy task. But the price system is not straightened out, the Chinese watch industry it is difficult to healthy and stable development. Shandong is China’s wooden bell main production and export base, the annual production and export of wooden bell accounted for more than half of the world, but exports of playing the “price war” issue is also very serious, damaging the wooden bell all the interests of producers to make low-profit enterprises , non-profits or even losses. In this regard, “North Star” decision when a “leader”, starting this year to take the lead in the domestic and foreign trade of wood products mechanical clock full price.

Of course, we want to promote exports, enterprises have much work to be done. For example, to accelerate the pace of technological innovation, the development company’s core technologies; strive to improve product quality, to create products made watches; do a good job of adjusting the product mix to adapt to market changes; do a good job staff building, the introduction and cultivation of talents and so on.

Hardware industry is a traditional and new and modern industries. Hardware products widely used in the past, people call it hardware, such as nails, scissors, wrench, tool what is, and we need time to shop can be bought several smoothly, no one how much these things as objects. But Do not look at these small metal products, and now has developed into a world influence of the largest industry.
1, hardware development in various categories
With the development of the times, hardware toward personal wealth is that people can feel. Only a small lock, for example, before the family is just general household locks locks, bicycle locks, but with the motorcycle, automobile industry, high-end residential development, a number of companies to develop modern means of transport suitable for all kinds of motor lock, car lock, anti-theft security lock. Not only lock varieties has increased, and the integration of traditional products showed the trend of high-tech, electronic locks, fingerprint lock, and so one after another; traditional tools hardware, but also changed: garden tool to in-depth extension of a simple pruning twig of the scissors, step by step for the new development of family-and community-building manual, power tools, weeding machine, etc. replaced.
According to statistics, China’s hardware products from the early 80s of last century, 40 kinds of products, less than 500 varieties, surge to the present more than 10,000 varieties, an increase of 20 times; product categories have also been the traditional daily-use hardware from the past, Architectural Hardware, tools, door hardware three categories increased, including shower rooms, gas appliances, range hood, kitchen equipment, cooking utensils and other 10 products.
2, hardware, enterprise economies of scale
The number of enterprises in China hardware from the early 80’s to 50000 more than 2,000. Ultra-billion-scale enterprises from the ring in 1988 when the statistics, Zhang Koizumi, solid edge, the Great Wall Seiko, Wen Deng Wei Li, 14 enterprises, the rapid rise to the present more than 100. Today, the hardware scale enterprises are mostly owned by a modern factory. For example, 10000 and the company’s production workshop, the tall plant to natural light, modern style, both conducive to the production, but also environmentally friendly and completely get rid of the hardware business in the past in people’s minds, “small, poor, chaotic,” the backward image.
In the coastal areas of Zhejiang, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Shandong and other places, has formed a number of characteristics of the economic industrial base, metal industry has become the backbone of local industry or focus on the development industry and hardware industry in the country have played an important role, such as Guangdong Xiaolan Town, Yuhuan County, Zhejiang Province has become China’s leading hardware production and export base; Yangjiang, Guangdong has become China’s largest production base of knives, scissors; Wenzhou, Zhejiang, was awarded the “Chinese locks are” title; Hebei Anping wire mesh industry base built , Asia 80% of the mesh from Anping.
China’s hardware industry to an annual growth rate of 20% of steady development, the annual output value of 4,000 billion yuan, higher than the household appliances industry. Data show that exports of metal products in 2005 amounted to 30.512 billion U.S. dollars, year on year increase of 26.44%. China’s exports of light industry as a whole accounts for about 25% of the country’s total exports, hardware industry, light industry exports ranked the top three.
Three, metal industry, highlights the international competitive edge
In recent years, China’s hardware industry’s international competitiveness has been increasing. Our hardware products, trade specialization index (TSC Index) remained at between 0.78-0.85, and increased year by year, which shows that our hardware products, import and export trade status has been greatly improved, and the whole still in a relatively advantageous position . On the other hand, China’s comparative advantage index of metal manufactures (RCA index) is basically maintained at 0.8 to about 0.9, indicating that China’s hardware products with a moderate international competitiveness. But it should be noted that in recent years, China’s hardware products, RCA index showing a declining trend, mainly because of China’s hardware products are labor-intensive products, due to capital, technology and content is not high, in the international market more susceptible to the developed countries barriers to trade restrictions. Die 100-hui Luo, CEO pointed out that the view from the products and the enterprises themselves, and many hardware companies approach is a form of processing trade, technological innovation capability is not strong, which makes China’s hardware industry has insufficient capacity for competition in the international market gradually lost their advantage , in the future course of development, for the major comparative advantage of labor costs on hardware industry, at the same time weakening the comparative advantage will increasingly need to rely on and enhance their competitive edge to maintain and enhance the international competitiveness of the industry. According to Die 100-hui Luo, CEO survey said that at present China has formed the Pearl River Delta, Yangtze Delta and the Shandong Peninsula three hardware industry zone, Yongkang, Zhejiang appeared, Zhongshan Xiaolan, and Jiangsu Qidong other metal industry cluster.
The development of China’s hardware industry cluster reveals eight major advantages:
One is beneficial to the depth of the division of labor between enterprises and technological innovation. Every enterprise will be fully funding, focus on the most advantageous to do their part, that the enterprise’s core competencies, other related outsourcing to professional company to complete, each product is a summary of a number of core competence.
Second, it helps to save transaction costs. Enterprises are faced with the nearest, a large number of raw materials suppliers and equipment suppliers can lower costs, higher demands, faster speed to purchase a variety of inputs, including raw materials, spare parts, machinery and equipment, the kinds of services and human resources.
Thirdly, it is beneficial to industry and the professional market, pushing each other forward. Industrial cluster is conducive to the formation of the professional market, but also has a greater impact at home and abroad the professional market, both pro-business product sales, but also conducive to the information, and timely adjustment of product structure.
Fourth, it helps to stimulate the sense of competition. The same kinds of products from a large number of production among enterprises will naturally compete, so as to continuously improve product quality and grade.
5 is conducive to Investment. Supporting industries within the industrial cluster system and perfect service system, starting a business with low entry costs and exit costs, not only conducive to attracting foreign direct investment, but also conducive to the cluster of enterprises within the domestic and international capital markets.
6 is conducive to governance “credit deficit disorder.” As the regional industry concentration, among many enterprises to know the root Zhidi, once late payments, forgery, and avoiding the debt and other dishonest acts, it will immediately at the local spread, promises difficult for enterprises to locally based, so the phenomenon of corporate dishonesty between low probability.
7, it helps to promote business innovation. A variety of the latest market, product and technical information gathered, coupled with frequent exchanges between a variety of information within the cluster to promote a greater chance of collision of innovative ideas. LAW 100-hui said the competition within the cluster, as well as personnel exchanges also makes businesses more intense desire to learn, easy to drive innovation in the whole industry.
8 is conducive to the creation of regional brands. Regional industrial advantages and product features are conducive to the formation of regional brand, brand high-impact areas to attract more outlets, suppliers, investors, and various talents. Thus further contributing to the prosperity of the upstream and downstream industries, the development of regional economy as a whole are very favorable.

Indian Art and Craft Industry- An Overview

India is a land where every corner is evident with the greatness of art and craft. The traditional quintessence of Indian art and craft can be seen even in the daily used objects like earthen pot, mugs, bed-sheets or any such things. The objects are created with a great creativity that portrays magnificent work of art. That is what Indian art and craft industry is!

Indian art and craft is an old saga. Although, the present state of the industry is flourishing with a touch of contemporary designs and patterns but it is deeply entrenched with the rich craft customs from the past. The uniqueness in the Industry lies in its own way.

India”s richness in art and craft can be seen in every product whether garments, Jewelleries or household furnishings. These products are a perfect mix of traditional designs and modern techniques. Due to their diversity in designs and their being utilitarian in nature, they are high in demand. This has given many Indian traders to invest in the industry and flaunt India”s custom across the world. Products such as table mats, napkins, bed sheets, lamp shades etc are made out astoundingly with the use of natural material, textile printing, block printing, tie and die, hand printing etc, and are much in demand. Gems and jewelries are other obsession of India. The rising demands in gems and jewelries have transformed Indian craft traditions into a full-grown organized industry. Garments such as woolen shawls and phirens from Himachal, traditional sarees ranging from Banarsi Amru, Tanchoi, Paithani, Patola, and Kancheevaram are the most popular export garments. Indias zardozi and brocade work are highly recognized these days. Other utilitarian craft products like cushions, curtains, bedcovers, sheets, metal furniture, wood furniture, boxes, cabinets, terracotta items, utensils, garden pots, papier-mch products, brass and silverware, carpets, rugs and durries from Kashmir, jute and coir items, wood and stone sculptures, traditional paintings, decorative pieces, embellished wooden sculptures, stone and wood carvings, and many more are on the rise in India as well as in abroad.

Here is the Swot Analysis of the Indian art and craft industry that gives you more information on the present status of the industry;

Strengths

“The industry has potential in domestic as well as international markets.

“It provides wide variety in each product and exhibit diversified culture of India.

“Industry caters to the different market sectors covering handicrafts, textiles and jewelries.

“Gives potential source of employment

“It requires low capital investment

“It is a great source of foreign revenue as it is a huge export industry.

Weakness

“Industry lacks communication and infrastructure

“Lack of co-ordination between Indian manufacturers-exporters and Government

“Inadequate information available on new technology

“Industry is still confined to rural areas of the nation

“No promotional support is given to the sector

Opportunities

“Emerging demands of Indian crafts across overseas

“Development of retail sectors and changing lifestyles offer huge requirements of such products

“Rise in the industry is due to development in tourism

“Internet has emerged as a mean to develop its market network

Threats

“Increasing competition in domestic markets

“Quality products manufacturing by countries like South Africa and China

“Better trade terms are offering by these countries

“Competing countries offer better technological support and R&D development facilities

“Challenge to establish balance between demand and supply of quality products

The reason why Indian art and craft is highly appreciated and constantly flourishing in domestic and foreign markets are due to its utilitarian nature and high acceptance among people of India and people across the whole world.

Golf….You’re thinking Tiger Woods, groomed courses and televised tournaments, the swing of the club, the sound of the ball hitting the bottom of the cup and the sweet smell of freshly mowed greens. However, economists think of something different- they think of 62 billion dollars!

This figure was calculated by GOLF 20/20, a project focusing on the golf-industry and its growth and run by the World Golf Foundation.

Sixty-two billion dollars is not how much it costs these economists to play golf, but is instead the figure representing the total worth of the golf industry (as of 2000). This staggering figure sums up golf facility operations, investments in courses, supplies, media, tournaments and charities as well as hospitality, tourism and real estate.

GOLF 20/20 was conducted by an independent research SRI International and was presented by Peter Ryan at the annual GOLF 20/20 conference, appropriately held in St. Augustine, Florida. The World Golf Foundation sponsors GOLF 20/20 in order to help grow the sport, and 2002 marked the first release of an estimate of the overall value of the industry. This estimate will help predict the growth of the game in years to come.

So far, past estimates have been overtaken by actual growth. In the past fifteen years the golf industry has grown so rapidly that it outran inflation and blew away estimates made in the 1980s. According to this growth, it is estimated that the industry will hold 55 million participants by 2020. Compared to other industries such as sound recording and the amusement, gambling and recreation industry, the golf industry is around $10 billion ahead.

A large amount of the golf industry depending on charitable golf tournaments, of which there were over 140,000 each year in the United States as of 2002. In total, around 15 million golfers participated in these events in 2002 grossing over $2.9 million for charity. Professional golf tournaments alone generate between $75 and $100 million, leading to an estimated total of $3,225,000,000, not including contributions made by corporations within the golf industry.

The 2002 Golf economy report (also generated by GOLF 20/20) suggests about 36 million people participated in the golf industry in that year and over 15,000 regulation courses exist for these millions of participants.

Within the golf industry, two different industries are cited by the 2002 study. First are the “core” industries of golf courses, golf wear, golf equipment, and anything else directly created for the sole use of the golf industry. The second industry includes media while real estate, tourism and travel, making up the “enabled” industry relying on golf for a large amount of business.

The core industries within golf generate the bulk of its value at $38.8 billion, while the enabled industries generate the remaining $23.4 billion.

In 2002 the total expense of golf supplies, equipment, apparel and books or magazine ended at $6 billion with the apparel market alone generation $1 billion. This marks an 11 percent growth in the golf apparel market since 1984.

Major golf tournaments grosses $871 million in 2000, as generated by fees, broadcast rights costs, corporate sponsors and spectator tickets and merchandise sales. Individual golfer endorsement earnings together were worth $225 million, also contributing greatly to the golf economy.
Finally, the real estate industry has generated $264 billion in new home construction on golf courses. The 1.5 million homes constructed in 2002 to make this total increase in value due to their location on or near a golf course.

All in all, the golf industry provides much more than an enjoyable game. This industry significantly contributes to the world economy through direct and indirect means and provides for wonderful entertainment to millions. GOLF 20/20 will continue to track the golf industry and look forward to rapid growth in the coming future.