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I don't expect a lot of business in this area where I live but I think this is the slowest time I have had since I started powder coating. I have actually had a break from coating parts. It's usually feast or famine. Has anyone else noticed it in their area of the country? I may work on some used parts to sell on Ebay just to keep things going. I had several customers who have said they are tearing down their motorcycles but nothing has been dropped off. Just wondering who else has had a break??
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Re: Business is Slow
I have actually gotten busier. But I dont know how long it will last, im hoping it last long enough to get my new gun and oven built. -
Re: Business is Slow
Like you I have promises but not many parts yet. I figure to close to Christmas.Comment
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On the positive side, I'm getting caught up on some of the maintance on my equipment. I changed the oil and filter on my compressor, changed the filters in the wall of my walk in spray booth and actually finished building a pressure blaster. It's hard to do these things and get other peoples stuff done. Hah!
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It's been steadily picking up here... couple of parts a week here and there. Can't really complain as it allows for enough time to finish building everything needed to really function as a business and not just a hobby.Comment
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Originally posted by [SM
This is what im gearing myself towards also !!Comment
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I'm wondering - how many of us here are part-timers and how many run a full-time shop?
Is it possible to run a full-time shop doing valve covers, cycle frames, wheels, etc? Seems like you would need a very steady flow of parts - day-in and day-out.
Do most of the full-timers have customers that provide small-production jobs vs. doing only parts off the street or Internet?
From what I have heard, most shoot for a shop rate of $50 per hour = that's $2000 per week, and just over $100,000 per year gross. That would be great if you could actually BILL that much time, but with time spent chatting with the customer, choosing a color, ordering the powder, unpacking and repacking parts it seems impossible to get even close. Subtract overhead from that as well.
Someone clue me in - is it possible to make a living doing the stuff we all like to do here?
I aspire to make this a full-time thing, but it seems a long, long, way off sometimes...
JayComment
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I'm on the same boat as you Jay, so that's why I'm providing some of my thoughts on the subject even though I'm still fairly new to the industry as a small business owner.Originally posted by Jay VI'm wondering - how many of us here are part-timers and how many run a full-time shop?
This is the reason why I've asked for polls countless number of times. Data like this would even come in handy for PBTP when it comes down to targeting certain customers or just getting a better idea of their audience.
I'm curious to find out the answer as well.
Is it possible to run a full-time shop doing valve covers, cycle frames, wheels, etc? Seems like you would need a very steady flow of parts - day-in and day-out.
I honestly can't see how a shop could survive in one of a kind parts from various sources. I'm not saying it can't be done, but I know I can't do it or feel like its' the responsible thing to do.
Do most of the full-timers have customers that provide small-production jobs vs. doing only parts off the street or Internet?
This kinda ties into my comment on your previous question. I think getting production jobs is would be critical to running a shop full-time.
From what I have heard, most shoot for a shop rate of $50 per hour = that's $2000 per week, and just over $100,000 per year gross. That would be great if you could actually BILL that much time, but with time spent chatting with the customer, choosing a color, ordering the powder, unpacking and repacking parts it seems impossible to get even close. Subtract overhead from that as well.
Someone clue me in - is it possible to make a living doing the stuff we all like to do here?
I aspire to make this a full-time thing, but it seems a long, long, way off sometimes...
Jay
Now lets get some full-timer input in here!Comment
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I'll have to admit I have been doing this as a 2nd job for about 6 years now. Most of the time I keep busy. I'm just trying to get my shop set up to have when I decide to retire someday. I thought it might give me more options down the road. In the rural area I'm located at it would be hard to make a living do this. The only way to do it full time around here would be to have a website and really advertise. I get most of my business word of mouth and I enjoy meeting people who have similar interests. I've messed with cars for years so it gives me a chance to connect with that crowd. I don't every expect to make lots of money doing this but it's worthwhile to me.
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Yes, it is possible. Prior to Sept. of this year when I started getting legitimate, regular production work, I was living off of the foot traffic, word-of-mouth and the hand full of bike or car shows I'd have a booth at. Patio furniture kept me swamped most of the summer. Other than that, it was mostly car & bike stuff. Seems like as soon as I got a couple of good commercial accounts, the rest of the work increased also. I don't know what to attribute it too. Fuel was nearly $4/gallon at the time, the economy every where else was in the toilet. For some reason, Oklahoma never seems to get hit as hard when the rest of the country does????? I'm actually ready for a break. My biggest customer is closed for 2 weeks for the Holidays - I really need the break, and it'll let me get 100% caught up on the "little" guys stuff.
But yes, it is possible. Takes a lot of hard work, and a ton of time. I think it's been worth it so far. I wish I'd have started this 7 or 8 years ago.Comment
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What kind of companies do you guys hit up to get commercial type work? I make most of my money off small car parts and ATV/Bike parts, but I want to find something that I know is steady.Comment
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Any small manufacturing facilities around there you could do work for? I'm in an agricultural area, so lots of tractor and implement manufacturing, and also a pretty large wind-tower manufactuing facility here. There is a lot of production work to be had from those kind of places, but production work is a whole different ballgame from the custom work most of us do. It's also a very cut-throat market. They'll use you until someone cheaper comes along. I haven't gone after any of that yet just because I don't want to become a production company. I'd rather keep doing the custom stuff. It's a lot more interesting even when the only color you do is black for a whole month!
Dan
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I carry a gun because I'm too young to die, and too old to take an ass-whoopin'!Comment
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This is exactley why I lost my first production job i went after, I quoted a part(360 total) at 4.50 ea and then lost it to a bigger company who can do them for 2.50/eaOriginally posted by wiseguyzAny small manufacturing facilities around there you could do work for? I'm in an agricultural area, so lots of tractor and implement manufacturing, and also a pretty large wind-tower manufactuing facility here. There is a lot of production work to be had from those kind of places, but production work is a whole different ballgame from the custom work most of us do. It's also a very cut-throat market. They'll use you until someone cheaper comes along. I haven't gone after any of that yet just because I don't want to become a production company. I'd rather keep doing the custom stuff. It's a lot more interesting even when the only color you do is black for a whole month!Comment
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I've noticed this topic lately, here is the list I used. So open up your Yellow Book (Grasshopper) and check these listings. You will get duplicates as some businesses may be listed under more than one heading (you'll need to weed them out). I'm sure there's more.
Metal Fabrication
Machine Shops
Machine Tool Repair and Rebuilt
Awnings and Canopies
Automation Systems and Equipment
Automobile Body and Repair and Paint
Automobile Bumpers,Gaurds and Grills
Automobile Clubs
Associations and Clubs
Automobile Customizing
Automobile Detailing
Automobile Painting
Engines, Rebuilt
Automobile Performance,Race and Sports Car Equipment
Automotive Racecars
Automobile Antique,Classic Restoration and Repair
Truck Parts
Trailer Manufacturers
Aircraft Servicing and Maintenance
Aluminum Fabrication
Assembly and Fabrication
Bike Repairs
Boats
Ornamental Iron
Builders
Motorcycles
Building Construction
Castings
Computer Manufacturers
Display,Designers and Products
Engineering Job Shops
Fence Manufacturers
Furniture Manufacturers
Metal Stamping
Office Equipment
Plastic Manufacturers
Plating Shops
Steel
Racing
Landscaping
Garage Doors
Send flyers out to all your targets and follow up with a phone call. The ones your really after visit personally and leave a business card.
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List compiled by Harleydad in another place and time.Comment
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Before i start let me set the scene.... we are located in Jacksonville, with Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, New River, Geiger & Johnson all within 15 miles.. we are also 400 metres from the Harley shop. Jacksonville has not been dramatically influenced by the current economic trend due to the constant pay of the Marines & Corpsman. Eg these warriors buy their bikes tax free while overseas & pick them up at the local dealer... sometimes paid in full
Todd started the shop 5 years ago, going full time 4 years ago. During that time he dumped all his $$ back into the shop... you boys love your tools (toys)!!!!
Also Todd built up the reputation, never let a customer leave unhappy & established a working relationship with bike & car/truck shops. He worked sometimes 7 days a week... unless the sun was shining & the fish biting.... and often 10+ hrs a day... alot of that spent online terrorising everyone He spent 6 odd years prior as a mechanic so also had alot of contacts in the civilian sector. I quit my job Jan 08 & the "C" joined the "T". We have no production jobs. Just walk-ins.
It is possible but i would definetly go into it slowly. I am happy to give stats, more info if anyone wants to PM me. We are literally a "Mum & Pop" shop. I wish anyone who is "taking the plunge" the best of luck.
Merry Christmas.
Cindy
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