Author Topic: dumb question from Alabama  (Read 1022 times)

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Offline dannyupsolate

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Re: dumb question from Alabama
« Reply #20 on: February 21, 2015, 02:36:21 pm »
but i live on the hillbilly side of town if i don't work on low quality saws and antiques i won't get much work at all. I will be hollering at him when one starts whipping me . Giles sounds like he knows way more than I do.

Offline Nathaniel Vansickle

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Re: dumb question from Alabama
« Reply #21 on: February 21, 2015, 03:40:04 pm »
its all a balancing act at this. you must make enough money to survive but your customers dictate how just how well you will survive. charge to much in their eyes and you never see them or their buddies again. charge too little and your not going to make money. being a legitimate shop costs money that most people dont understand or dont realize just how much. When I started my place i thought it would be cake to make a living since i owned the building free and clear. taxes, insurance, electric, water, phone, internet, shop supplies that you dont charge for all add up to be a big chunk of money every month. the insurance alone for a small engine shop will run $100-500 a month depending on how much inventory  you have, tools, value of the building, and the insurance you have to cover customers equipment. add another $50-200 a month to insure your vehicle and trailer for picking up and delivering customer equipment. all that expense can easily add up to a couple thousand dollars you have to make before you see your first dime of profit.

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Offline Giles

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Re: dumb question from Alabama
« Reply #22 on: February 21, 2015, 04:13:54 pm »
I am fortunate that I do this as a hobby. I draw a comfortable retirement and I love to stay busy doing what I enjoy.
I would hate to have to depend on working for the public, again, to pay bills.
Today, I don't work for the public, just buy chainsaws, hedgers, trimmers and blowers, repair them and sell.
In the last three years, I have not been to a dealer for parts. I buy on CL or eBay. Many times, I am able to repair a part or make a new one. Many people can't do that but I am a retired Tool&Die Maker with some good equipment.
 

Offline dannyupsolate

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Re: dumb question from Alabama
« Reply #23 on: February 21, 2015, 07:34:01 pm »
yes i opened the first computer shop in my little hometown in 98 invested to much getting started then sit there a year wishing someone would come in and buy something.  it's tough having a store full of merchandise and wishing you had a few bucks for lunch.  I will operate out here in the country where I own the property and not trust a location in the city for anything. I built up my lawnmower business the last seven years and now I hope i understand two cycles well enough to work on them for the public. Once i learned how to test the check valves in the carburetors my confidence increased a lot.

 

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