Advice for the FNG?

[rhpc]

Hello all.

I have looked off and on at PC systems because I have a few things I want to do on my own cars. But lately with all of the job insecurity that is going on I've been thinking of turning it into a side venture. I have space that could be used in my fathers body shop, assuming he lets me. My immediate thoughts are to use my own cars as a showcase. To also advertise within the various car clubs I belong to and even hit up the local cruise scenes for a bit of guerilla marketing.

My question to the experts here is simple. With everything that is going on in the economy, how much is it affecting your business? Are you still seeing orders come in for car work and other items like awards and such?

I've been told that nobody is doing anything with their cars, gokarts, paintball, etc anymore. I find that hard to believe because within my own circle of clubs, people are still spending money on their projects.

Your advice and guidance is appreciated.

[FigureLLC]

according to the most recent SEMA statistics, aftermarket stuff is way down. we've experienced a huge drop in our product sales. I'm just starting to get into real powder coating, so i have no gage there. my best advice is to do as you say, start small and feel it out. it doesn't cost a ton of money to get into initially. the trade-off on an inexpensive startup is that the labor (i'm talking mostly prep here) takes a lot longer. but if you have more time than money, it works.

[rhpc]

Thanks for the info.

I figure that the money I save by doing my own work upfront will more than pay for the equipment. Then, with the potential to turn it into something more later down the road.

[FigureLLC]

yup. get a $100 gun, a few lb of powder, and a free oven off craigslist. you'll quickly learn where your money will be best spent on acquiring new equipment.

[rbroker]

My business has been steadly rising since summer. But i have nothing to compare it too. I have enough work to keep me busy when I want to be busy.

I'm in a city of 2+ million though. There's plenty of people still building hotrods and bikes. It might be a different story if it were a smaller town.

[stevedwnng]

I live in a small town myself. I don't see much of a difference here but I'm sure every area is different. Everyone here is trying to finish up their winter projects and the prices that I charge a pretty affordable compared to having something professionally painted. A lot of people are surprised when they find out the prices, I think they expected it to be a lot more expensive. There is a pretty good size group of people here with drag cars, street cars, trucks, and bikes and it seems like I always have more and more jobs lined up. I do my powder coating on the side, usually nights and weekends when I'm not working and have managed to at least double my normal 40hr a week jobs paycheck a few times. I haven't started advertising yet, everything so far as been word of mouth. I finish one job and the guy shows it to his buddy, then he wants something done. The trick is making enough to cover your expenses, (electric bill) ect, and still make a profit.