business idea

chewie · #1 08/09/12, 12:05 PM

my current job at the lodge is running thin. now the guide's family is there setting up house which makes cleaning for the next group near impossible. the work is ok, but I am finding it increasingly difficult to deal with the way they treat me. which is like a stray dog! last year this new guide started, and my tips went down by 3/4. there's just a lot of small things that are adding up to my needing to find something else.

in this small town, those choices are limited. I've always wanted to work in a frame shop, but there isn't one around here. but wait! I have a large studio, and some equip already since I frame my own work and a small amt of outside work. I have a gallery that is taking orders for me already. if I do some rearranging, invest in some better equip and inventory, I could set up fairly nice small frame shop in my house. I'm already halfway there! I figure 1-5 jobs per month would gain me what I am earning now. actually, the lodge hired a helper so my wages won't add up to as much anyhow.

am I losing it??! I'm scared but yet cannot see a reason not to at least try. if worst case, I dont' get enough business, I'd still get some and the equip would be used and pay for itself. I already have the space, no overhead. the space is in the back of my house, would be pretty simple to set it up more 'official'. if it fails to provide enough, I would go look for a job again, about where I'm at right now. I seldom have trouble getting a part time job, ppl know I work hard and well. but doing it for myself would be better.

Sawmill Jim · #2 08/09/12, 12:31 PM

Lot of good equipment on CL . Might hit them for a big raise and straighten them out .If it works great if it don't you were quitting anyway .Remember the worst help is most times treated the best

Tom in TN · #3 08/09/12, 01:35 PM

Chewie,

I haven't seen one for many years since I live out in the boonies in Tennessee now, but I used to live in the suburbs near Atlanta. At that time, there was a thriving industry of "do-it-yourself" frame shops. I used them many times, and many of my friends did too. The one that I used most would also do framing for you for a price. I had them do some big, difficult frames for me.

If there's a market for that kind of stuff in your area, you might be able to make it. Good luck.

Tom in TN

Pheasant283 · #4 08/09/12, 03:58 PM

Chewie,

What part of SD are you located at? I am near Winner. Anyway go for it and give it a try, you will never know if its going to work until you try it. Maybe stay working at the lodge until your bussines at the frame shop picks up a bit? Or maybe with pheasant season just around the corner things will turn around for you at the lodge and go better..??? Good Luck

PD-Riverman · #5 08/09/12, 08:34 PM

I am a small business owner and have opened several different business in my adult life and they made some money. If I wanted to open another business tomorrow I would do like I always have done---I would never quit my job/Bus. I am doing now until I had the new one making enough money to live on. Which meant the new Bus. would have to be worked in my spare time. I would at least knock on some doors and get some orders coming in before I quit my now paying job. This question has already been asked ---Is their a Market in your town for this type Bus.? If you opened it in my Town you would starve because things are to tight for most people to be spending big money to frame something. Just My Opinion.

chewie · #6 08/09/12, 08:56 PM

this is not what I'll be living on, my hubs earns our living. this would be part time work. and after posting an email to current employer about the latest situation, he fixed it asap, so I also think keeping what I have for now, is best.

the set up I'd need is stuff I'd use anyway for my own art work. just upgrading the set up I have now. doing some re-organizing of my home studio, tidy up the areas that would be seen, that sort of thing. I do think there is a small market here, as I have been asked to do framing on several occasions already.

and I appreciate your opinion!

homefire2007 · #7 08/09/12, 09:06 PM

Glad your current employer saw the light, chewie. I would keep my current job and work like the dickens to get my own business up and running. Sock away some money into savings, living fund until you feel confident you can rely on your framing income. My husband had a couple of small business's but I always continued to work for back up. Good Luck! I'm guessing you work in the hospitality business? I worked the last year at a ski resort and promised myself never again

Didn't mind the hard work but navigating the politics was not enjoyable.

Maura · #8 08/09/12, 10:41 PM

Since you have been doing this on your own work, I think you know if you would like to do it for others. That is a good first step. Tidy up what needs to be tidied up. You are worth a good working space. Then, even if you change your mind, you'll be happy with the time you invested.

Leg one: product, that's you

Leg two: finance, you want to first talk to an accountant, and when business gets going, talk to someone who knows about finance, which is different from bookkeeping

Leg three: marketing, this is probably also you. You already have a client, you just need to create a good kit that shows the frames you use, and some high quality photos that show the different ways you can frame stuff. Contact local photographers, particularly those who do weddings. If you create a brochure you can hand it out to art students and others who might need frame work.

Don't be afraid to hire someone who can do a better job than you can. If you go to your local newspaper for an ad, for instance, they can guide you towards an ad that is suitable to your business. Perhaps the local printer can create a good professional quality brochure and business cards for you. You don't have to do everything yourself.

Good luck! Keep us posted.

chewie · #9 08/10/12, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Didn't mind the hard work but navigating the politics was not enjoyable

you said it!! the work is ok, close to home, on my own terms for the most part. but the dealings, OY!! yes, I work at a hunting lodge, where very well off men come to hunt, and I am the chef in the fall, and clean during the summer (make beds, mop,/vac) for large groups like family reunions. no cooking for them, just prep the lodge. I just go there when I want to, do my job, call my hours into the acct. all less than 2 miles from home, I literallly ride a horse or walk there often! so the actual job is a peach, but the politics, blah!!!

but if I can keep that one, whilst I get myself going, the better. it won't take much, I already have most of what's needed. I have a gallery taking orders for me too. (picking one up today) I do not have to live on this income, its extra. no way would I want to have to rely on it, eek! thanks for the support, I am happy to think I can do this, but its scary! the worst of this idea is ppl coming to my house. I hope I can handle that, but I know i'd lose my shirt if I had to pay rent etc.

emdeengee · #10 08/10/12, 11:30 AM

Before investing in new equipment give it a try with just what you have. If you can maintain the number of jobs required to equal or excede your pay for a few months then it would be worthwhile investing in new equipment. If there just isn't enough demand then at least you would not have invested in equipment that you won't really need.

ronbre · #11 08/10/12, 11:32 AM

sounds really good, you might check with some of the universities and starving artists associations around your area and see if there are artists that need frames for their work, besides the galleries, also maybe some photographers..and also begin to advertise, that should bring in some $.

ronbre · #12 08/10/12, 11:33 AM

hey you might also offer custom cut frames kits for people..they give you the dimensions and style they want and you cut and preassemble but don't finish, pack in tubes and mail them out..I might consider buying one for a painting I have that isn't standard size..int he future

cwgrl23 · #13 08/10/12, 03:26 PM

Don't forget any Photography studios in your area! They are all shooting Senior Pics right now! I know that good frames are expensive! So they might be willing to go through you if you can match quality for less.

I am down more towards the SE corner of our lovely state. However, if you want some help, I have some ideas that can help you do some marketing.

Glad the Lodge pulled its head out of it's ......

Carrie in SD

plowjockey · #14 08/10/12, 06:04 PM

Why not?

If it's failing, won't put you in the poor house, you don't have much to lose.

You know best, whether is there is a market for framing, or not.

chewie · #15 08/11/12, 06:23 PM

ready or not, here I go! started re-arranging, and hubs helped build me a good solid work bench. yeah! and this is a good time of year to get this going, only I'm about a month behind, would be great to be ready to work right now, but I must spend some time setting up.

emb.--the reason to upgrade a few equip is that doing it currently is just very time/labor extensive, and a small investment will make it MUCH better, and give a much better result too. I hear you tho., and agree, there are other things that would be nice, but will have to wait. and the upgrades have been on my list for some time, for my own use anyhow.

thanks for all the support, even with so little (nothing!) to loose, its still scary and exciting and making me a nervous nelly!

belladulcinea · #16 08/11/12, 06:37 PM

Good luck! I think you are doing the right thing!

Alice In TX/MO · #17 08/11/12, 08:32 PM

Yes, do it.

My high school German teacher, Frau Jean Garlick, started a small frame shop in her garage in the 1970s. It grew and grew and now it is this company....

Diploma Frames and Certificate Frames by Wordyisms

chewie · #18 09/04/12, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alice In TX/MO

Yes, do it.

My high school German teacher, Frau Jean Garlick, started a small frame shop in her garage in the 1970s. It grew and grew and now it is this company....

Diploma Frames and Certificate Frames by Wordyisms

wow! that's pretty good!

now, some help please in naming MY shop??? I am thinking of a few things but that is tricky. too 'cute' and its not taken seriously. too long, too odd, too....

so, I am coming to a couple ideas, and would like to hear how they sit with you
'CM studio and custom framing'. I am already known as CM, so this is not anything new. ppl would know who this is. but kinda boring. did some research and using initials isn't looked upon as a great name for a business. my last name is long and funky, no way I'm using that. everyone knows it anyhow.

"Journey custom framing and studio" I have a fondness for that word, and what my mind congers up when I hear it. I can tell ppl 'its worth the trip" and think that's kind of a catchy slogan of sorts. since I'm out of town, I think it makes it sound appealing instead of a boring long drive into the sticks.

do either sound like a place you'd look to take your kids' senior portraits to frame up? or frame that nice painting aunt millie gave you?

the online research said find a test group--you're it!

ronbre · #19 09/04/12, 12:27 PM

"I've been framed !"

sugarspinner · #20 09/04/12, 07:01 PM

I vote for "Journey" It sounds like a place I'd like to go!