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| How do you go about starting a small manufacturing business? |
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| S. Heslop:
--- Quote from: vtsteam on July 02, 2014, 08:49:41 PM ---Well information takes many forms, plans, instructional videos, books. And just because a person doesn't (yet) own a spindle shaper or lathe, doesn't mean they won't buy plans or other info. Many people like to dream about what they would eventually like to be able to do. If that dream is strong enough, they will in fact, some day. Meanwhile, plans, books or videos are affordable, and a fine thing to look at, if well done. --- End quote --- A few of the people i'm subscribed to on youtube do sell plans. Matthias Wandel was able to quit his job and live off of his videos and plans. I do like Matthias's format though. He more or less shows you all the 'secrets' of how its built in videos, and the plans just get you the exact dimensions and a more step-by-step construction. It comes across as very honest, especially after seeing more than enough videos and websites where you can tell right from the start that these people are just trying to sell their product or plans and aren't going to show you anything for free. I'm not so keen on giving people like that any money. That said, i'm not sure how many people would want to buy plans for banjos when there's already a fair few available free online. I've got some ideas for some slightly more unusual banjos though, so who knows. It might be worth a try on top of selling the things themselves. Yeah though, I do worry about presenting myself 'right' in terms of selling banjos though. I was looking at banjo videos last night and alot of guys were talking about stuff like TOP SECRET ALLOYS they developed for making the ideal tone rings, and other nonsense like that. But it's the kind of thing that someone willing to spend up to £3000 on a banjo would probably like to believe. Although maybe a more down to earth attitude could be a selling point! |
| BaronJ:
--- Quote from: S. Heslop on July 02, 2014, 03:11:42 PM --- --- Quote from: Baron on July 01, 2014, 02:37:12 PM ---Reading this, you aren't looking to start a business, you're looking to start a hobby ! --- End quote --- I prefer to think of it as a 'project'! Hobby or not though, I don't want to get caught out by some technicalities of the law when I start manufacturing items commercially. --- End quote --- The point is, a business provides a living income, a hobby is something you do, first because you enjoy it, second because it may help towards the cost of doing something you enjoy. Running a business is hard work, a hobby is pleasurable ! As far as the "technicalities of the law" are concerned, this is part of basic research. Start with consumer rights ! |
| vtsteam:
Mathias Wandel is a very good example. If you let the idea "it's been done before" take hold, you'll never do anything. Many things he has done have been done before, or since. But it is the person and the style of design as much as the finished object that is important. People like him and want to buy his plans. There is integrity and a positive attitude that comes through. That also helps him to maintain his business instead of get fed up with it, and tired. It is very possible to get burnt out if you don't maintain interest in even a successful business. We tend to focus on the product when imagining a business. But the real product is the business. And it has a personality. What will that be? |
| S. Heslop:
--- Quote from: Baron on July 03, 2014, 09:04:43 AM ---The point is, a business provides a living income, a hobby is something you do, first because you enjoy it, second because it may help towards the cost of doing something you enjoy. Running a business is hard work, a hobby is pleasurable ! As far as the "technicalities of the law" are concerned, this is part of basic research. Start with consumer rights ! --- End quote --- A few years ago I got into trouble volunteering at a place when I told the Boss Man that I was there to 'have fun'. The guy just couldn't comprehend the idea of having fun while also working (even if it was volunteer work!). His interpretation of me saying I was having fun while working must've been something like 'i'm mucking about and doing things I shouldn't!', and he thought I was trying to be cheeky. Weird fella. I don't think it's too unusual to get satisfaction and enjoyment out of hard work though. Plus a hobby that doesn't challenge you is going to be a boring one! |
| bp:
At the risk of sounding cynical...... Q How do you get to run a small manufacturing business A Start with a big manufacturing business best of luck!! cheers Bill |
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