German
Version Martina WEHMEYER • Service for Professional Imaging
Imaging-Computers • Peripherals • Consumables • Software • Networks • Data Recovery
On-Location-Service • Pro Photolab Supplier • Training • Rental Service • Service Provider
This
introduction should be a first overview about the company for customers, suppliers,
competitors and otherwise interested parties, supporting their decision, whether
they turn away (due to irritation) or turn to (pretty attracted). Depending
on the reason of their attraction we are certainly either available for further
questions – or not...
Services
and Target Groups
The customers are exclusively professional users of digital and photochemical imaging, approaching freelance photographers as well as professionals of industry, advertising, artists, publishers, Federal administrations, journalists and other users, either from the technical and scientific or from the educational field. These customers can enjoy an extraordinary wide range of more than 10.000 products within the particular area of the professional image processing, ranging from the very latest EIP-systems up to classic fotochemistry, all available ex warehouse, by overnight service throughout whole Germany.
But „Bildservice WEHMEYER“ activities are not limited to specialised
trade. A further segment is the outstanding deep service-programme, which offers
digital services as well as on-location installation throughout whole Germany,
networking, maintenance and training, enabling customers the optimised utilisation
of all articles supplied. Deep knowledge of the practical handling of all traded
items assures a competence, which renders an economical benefit to the professional
group of customers approached.
The whole range of products is presented by the regularly published catalogue.
Instead of „cash-and-carry“ business, the customers can enjoy individual
presentations of high-quality-configurated EIP-systems in our showrooms. The
rental-service offers the possibility to test many units before final purchasing.
As professional image processing requires remarkable investments, WEHMEYER regards
an intensive support before and after sales as inevitable.
How
could it happen?
All began in 1980, with a license for a professional photolab, covering the „two-sqm-bathroom“ of a student’s small apartment, furthermore with a start-up capital of DM 400 and the courage of those, being innocent and free from any knowlegde about economics.... The turnover of the first business year achieved almost todays turnover per hour and the lacking of capital sources created a strategy, which is until today the secret of the company’s success… “10% spirit and 90% sweat – and this 100% faster than foreseen“
A grafic arts department was established parallel to the expansion of the photolab,
using the classical typesetting as well as the early Apple computers. The first
steps into „digital imaging“ appeared like a kind of binary meditation
due to the slow speed of these early equipments, but were the foundation stone
for todays know-how.
At that time, the limited purchasing sources were a serious problem –
in particular for highly specialised products, we were often faced to comments
like “Forget about it...“ or „What the hell is that?!..“
as response to specific questions.
The pure simple anger about this stubborn incompetence finally leaded to the built-up of our special trade segment, achieving a share of several million Euro of our turnover. Extraordinary efficiency of business organisation enables a coverage of this business volume by a team of only 10, but highly motivated people. Extensive support from manufacturers is granted as we remain consequently to authorised trade.
"One
more thing..."
Basing on the strict philosophy, that all economical expansion should be only one of our well-balanced company targets, conservation of specific values is regarded as highly important. Beside of turnover and profit growth, the satisfaction of employees and utmost freedom of the entrepreneur are of equal means. Related to this particular aspect, the absolute independence from third party’s capital is a remarkable characteristic which will be also strictly kept in the future.
Bildservice WEHMEYER is one of the very few companies enjoying a turnover in
the range of millions, but financing itself only by self-achieved financial
power. This comfortable situation enables economical projects, requiring a longer
run until turning into profitable business, independent from any anonymious
shareholders, who give priority to the short-term profit rather than to the
long-term developement of the company.
The principle of financial independence ruled also when the WEHMEYER-houses
were established for product presentation, training and company site. The careful
restauration of some historical buildings in „Kyllburger Waldeifel“,
combined with extensive installation of very latest digital technology created
an institution, which can be easily reached from all central areas despite of
it’s beautiful landscape. The surrounding buildings include shipping-warehouses,
service repair shops, offices and apartments for the employees. The quite small
rooms of the former Düsseldorf-site remain for some time as sales office
point.
The steady self-achieved economical growth is accompanied by continuous quality
expansion, carrying foward the WEHMEYER philosophy permanent innovation
into the future.
Ever
heard of John Ruskin?
This famous man was an important English critic, essayist and reformer (1819 - 1900) and the WEHMEYER-Team holds some of his opinions in deep respect. Thats the reason why we quote him on this site:
"There is scarcely anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse, and sell a little more cheaply. The person who buys on price alone is this man's lawful prey."