What Would Be...........

[baz]

Originally Posted by mpierich

Words of wisdom...it's a tough row to hoe, which is why I have no illusions of making a living at it right now. However, when I retire it'll be a dynamite source of extra money.

I have found that integrity and honesty go a long way toward getting repeat customers. If I can't get something perfect, I tell them so and I knock off a few dollars. I have almost no complaints handling it that way.

you are right , getting repeat customers is the key to a solid and smooth operation . but i got caught in my own game many years ago , the hobby became a part time job then it took all my nights and weekends i even had to take vacation from my daytime job to do jobs , so i ended up quitting my job to do this as a full time business .
if you have a good retirement plan at your full time job , STICK WITH IT

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by baz

you are right , getting repeat customers is the key to a solid and smooth operation . but i got caught in my own game many years ago , the hobby became a part time job then it took all my nights and weekends i even had to take vacation from my daytime job to do jobs , so i ended up quitting my job to do this as a full time business .
if you have a good retirement plan at your full time job , STICK WITH IT

Amen. If I were 30 years younger I'd try it, but like I say this will be a good retirement plan in 8-10 years. Right now, in years I show a decent profit it goes toward my motorcyles.

Funny you say that about days off...I'm happy when I get snowed in, lets me catch up on the polishing.

[baz]

Originally Posted by mpierich

Amen. If I were 30 years younger I'd try it, but like I say this will be a good retirement plan in 8-10 years. Right now, in years I show a decent profit it goes toward my motorcyles.

Funny you say that about days off...I'm happy when I get snowed in, lets me catch up on the polishing.

difference is , we just got 2 feet of snow so i clean my driveway then i still have to go and clean my shop s driveway then i have to open shop to catch up on work.
good side of snowstorms is i can work without being disturbed by customers

[grommit]

hey guys
sometimes i wish i had your experience and i can have the confidence to do a lot more polishing etc.
i am just about to add my comments on the oven section after todays activities.the lengths we go just to make an oven to PC and hopefully make a few £'s, seems 2 steps forward and 4 back just recently, but the one thing i have learnt from you all is to crawl before i can walk, so upwards and onwards.
my goal is for to have the experience to start my own business when i leave the forces, using my lump sum and savings and if it doesn't work still have back up plans.
catchya all soon
Brian
UK

[baz]

Originally Posted by grommit

hey guys
sometimes i wish i had your experience and i can have the confidence to do a lot more polishing etc.
i am just about to add my comments on the oven section after todays activities.the lengths we go just to make an oven to PC and hopefully make a few £'s, seems 2 steps forward and 4 back just recently, but the one thing i have learnt from you all is to crawl before i can walk, so upwards and onwards.
my goal is for to have the experience to start my own business when i leave the forces, using my lump sum and savings and if it doesn't work still have back up plans.
catchya all soon
Brian
UK

hey grommit you have access to something i didn t have when i started ,
internet and these forums . these tools will save you lots and lots of time .
and i dont see why it wouldn t work but good thing you have backup plans just in case

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by baz

difference is , we just got 2 feet of snow so i clean my driveway then i still have to go and clean my shop s driveway then i have to open shop to catch up on work.
good side of snowstorms is i can work without being disturbed by customers

Hah...well, my shop's at my house, and if the neighbor don't plow it I got a 4X4 so I don't care how much it snows. Just me and a pot of coffee and my tools.

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by grommit

hey guys
sometimes i wish i had your experience and i can have the confidence to do a lot more polishing etc.
i am just about to add my comments on the oven section after todays activities.the lengths we go just to make an oven to PC and hopefully make a few £'s, seems 2 steps forward and 4 back just recently, but the one thing i have learnt from you all is to crawl before i can walk, so upwards and onwards.
my goal is for to have the experience to start my own business when i leave the forces, using my lump sum and savings and if it doesn't work still have back up plans.
catchya all soon
Brian
UK

The key is to go slowly but never give up.

[Tng21]

right, in the new year, with the help of a newly aquired loan, ill be buying a new compressor to help me along with things.

Is there anywhere out there that does plans for a blast cabinet? With the parts i do ill need a fairly big one and from the likes of CLARKE their £300 blast cabinet is still to small, plus i think its a tad on the expensive side.

SO was just wondering if im gonna be able to make one cheaper but ill need plans and a list of what im gonna need.

Can anyone help?