Advice: Starting a kit building business...

[SuperDave]

	Quote: Originally Posted by gareth.ky
	I was going to write a whole thing about this but I have a better idea: Ask Walt

Walt?

[3-d flyer]

http://www.builtbywalt.com/


Has some unreal threads on his builds here on the Giants......

[gareth.ky]

Thats the one! Ask someone who already does it, send him a PM. I'm sure that there is no shortage of customers and he wouldn't mind giving you his suggestions.

[IMACmike]

A few years back I was doing custom building in the So Cal area. It was cool at first and I got a good rep and repeat customers. I also got to build stuff like a couple of turbines and a scale project. The problem is that you won't have too much time to do stuff for yourself, especially if you have a family. I saw your thread on your Dalton and you seem to do top-notch work. Probably anyone who doesn't build and is tired of ARFs would contract with you, if finances are agreed upon. Most of the people I built for are not going to want to wait 3 months for a turn-key airplane. I don't want to discourage you, but you seem like a pretty good builder and like the saying goes, " if you build them, they will come". If anyone know where Scott Anderson of Dynamic Aircraft is, call him. If you're going to the TAS, talk to Brian Huffmier. The casual builder, like I have become, has lots of time to build, regardless of who its for...

JMTCW

[Matchless]

	Quote:
	Any hobby you make a business out of will quickly kill the enjoyment out of it.

This comment was/is the first thing that came to mind for me. However, many of the suggestions in this thread so far have been very good and aimed at beating the comment above.

I would suggest building into your plan plenty breaks for yourself.... Those breaks are great times to get the honey-do's done, do some fishin' etc. If you don't, you will burn yourself out. I've experienced it myself several times and watched many other builders do it over the past few years....

Other Pros/Cons

Pro- I never seem to feel ok buying newer/better tools for myself, but if I need them to do a job, I feel fine with it.....

Cons- Be careful how much your wife knows about it..... True story- I finished a job and my wife found out how much I made on the job. She instantly expected it to be deposited into the general checking account instead of my 'hobby fund'. After she purchased some new furniture with that money, she promptly asked when I was going to take on the next job and if I could make the same kind of money again...........

[3ddd]

i heard that brian was not going to build anymore

[66stang]

I would just buy a bunch of Dalton kits and sand away.. then sell the dust!

[VooDoo Child]

	Quote: Originally Posted by sweetpea
	I think you'll be fine as long as you don't sell before its done. Get em to the ARC point. Then cover to the customer likes or sell it ARC. Keep it simple and it will remain fun

My vote is in(not that it matters),This is a great starting point.........You have the skills,sharing them is a good thing..........Oh and i will need mine done by the atlanta huckfest,If not i will go on the internet and post made up stuff about you..Thanks and GOOD LUCK

[rc4flying]

I have been asked numerous times to build for people. At times I have been tempted, but I have always come to my senses. It takes time. lots of time as you would know from building your own planes. To do building for a way to get $$$ for your own hobby use turns into work. No matter whether you are building on a time deadline or open ended date. I know you say you will build it then sell it, but that is still an effort involving your time, which can be better spent with family and flying yourself.

I would rather build my own planes on a relaxed basis and sell them when I want to move on to another project. As far as earning extra cash, I say work over time on your regular job and enjoy your free time enjoying this great hobby yourself.

I say, go out and fly.

[gareth.ky]

Some of us don't get Overtime we still have to work it anyway.

I like the idea of doing maybe 1 a year for sale. Perhaps you could build two of the same kit at the same time and sell one of them and keep the other for yourself.

Oh and Matchless, that is some messed up !

[SuperDave]

	Quote: Originally Posted by voodoo2
	My vote is in(not that it matters),If not i will go on the internet and post made up stuff about you..

You already called me a "snitch"...dang

[VooDoo Child]

Just a taste of things to come when you do your own thing( internet bashing).Me i am very easy to deal with.I dont expect much,Everything i order comes in damaged or just plane wrong(seriously),I.E part of the reason i was given the nick name voodoo