Im not trying to bash on anyone here but a piece of advise I would like to offer for you younger guys trying to get a start. I wouldnt in too big of a hurry to start on your own, go out work in the field in the area. There is alot of things you can learn from an expierneced professional, even if you have gone to school for this. Work for different shops, paying close attention to how the do things, how they deal with customers, ask alot of questions, show a real interest, most small business people are glad to share their experiences with others (good and bad). By working for different shops you get to see different ways to achieve the same thing, chose what works for you, you put your own twist on it. Dont be afraid to do the grunt labor too, theres alot to learn in all stages of a build, learning to do the grunt work more efficiently helps the bottom line, you have to be honest with yourself, your gonna be the grunt starting out. Your gonna be the guy selling the job (need great personal skills), You have to sell a design or look (need good eye for whats hot and whats not), you need to learn how to size up a job, forsee potential problems that you may uncover once you get into a project, Your the one that needs to do the time line (time management skills) no one hates waiting on a project past its deadline, you need to be able to do the best work possible in a timely manner, and charge apropriatly for it (knowing your abilities), know how your going to deal with problems after the work is done (it happens to the best of us) 1 bad referral does more damage than 20 good referrals (people love to talk bad, few chose to compliment). Referrals will be your best advertizement (cheapest too).
I know you want to get started on your dreams, but lack of planning will kill those dreams faster than anything. Look into a local SBC Small Business Center, they have alot of great info and alot of it is free.
Sorry if I have ran off on a tangent, I could say so much, but Im gonna leave you with a few other words of advice, ask any question, I would gladly share my expierences in self employment.
1. Do do anything for free, or even at a real cut rate price, everyone will want it for the same (saves hard feelins amongst customers)
2. Have a written contract on all work to be performed (written in detail) you may have no intention on screwing the customer, but alot of customers want something for nothing. Contract will keep everything clear, if owner wants to change something from original contract rewrite contract or do a change work order form (suppliment to original).
3. Keep track of expences, they tend to add up fast as well as all income. If you dont k now how much is coming in and how much is going out you will not last long.
4. Never do a partnership, two minds never think alike, no matter how much you think they do. (Speaking from expierence here) SBC will help you with how to setup your business Sole proprietor, LLC or others, which very from state to state.
Sorry these are just a few, I have to go for now, if I get time I will add to it later.
and the cars
keep on uploading photos...
