Harlan- Ill throw my 2 cents in the pot as well.
After having worked in the auto industry doing repairs for the last 15 years, in March of 05 my wife and I bought a parts store. It was small and locally owned. I had been doing business with the owner for years and trusted him. Long story short, we had to close the doors in Feb of this year (07.) In order to buy it we had refinanced our house, and took out additional loans. We lost our asses. I went back to wrenching in Aug of 06 just to put food on the table. The wife continued to run the store for another 6 months until we found a buyer for our inventory. Even then, they only bought about 80% of our inventory and paid us 60% of our cost on it. That was the best deal we could find. On the flip side, since then, because it was needed, Ive taken on side jobs at home. I have more work lined up than I ever have time to do it. I have to tell people in the beginning it takes me longer than a shop down the street, but when it leaves its done right, and I work at about ½ the local hourly rate. This business has cost me nearly nothing to run, since I already have a set of tools at home, in addition to the better ones at work. Basically, if you can do this with little or no start-up money, and absolutely no loans, go for it. Youre taking on a big risk to go into business for yourself, but you have a chance to make much better money than working for somebody else. Devin _____ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, December 15, 2007 3:14 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Chevelle-list] O/T business Since its slow, I thought I would ask, I have been out of work since 3-07 and have applied at over 190 places, (and the electric company and others are ruthless-wanting to shut me off) I used to work at car dealers mainly doing warranty claims, I am desperately trying to get out of this,(kind of cut throat) and was wondering if anyone had any tips about starting your own business? I kind of have a side line but its mostly friends who want stuff done for cheap. I want to do restoration work (which I am familiar) but would also like to do street rods, fabrication, suspension, engine installs. And was thinking of hiring someone for this-- my main worries are how to get that first customer? advertise? where?? (a friend of mine has his own business and his advertising rarely brings in new customers, its mostly word of mouth) and I am in need of some equipment-do I take out a loan?? any opinions would be appreciated. Harlan HYPERLINK "http://hometown.aol.com/harkem123/HarlanKemperAssociatesindex.html"http://h ometown.aol.com/harkem123/HarlanKemperAssociatesindex.html ************************************** See AOL's top rated recipes (http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop00030000000004) No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.17.2/1185 - Release Date: 12/15/2007 12:00 PM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.17.2/1185 - Release Date: 12/15/2007 12:00 PM
