business idea

bugstabber · #21 09/04/12, 08:14 PM

Good luck! It sounds like things are falling into place.

SFM in KY · #22 09/04/12, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewie

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.

I think it would be worthwhile to explore the options if you're already doing your own framing. When I was working as a professional artist, doing custom portraits (which the clients often requested be framed) and getting artwork ready for the summer and fall art/livestock shows ... with all of the originals framed and ready to hang ... I found that framing, which I did not do, was my biggest expense.

Minelson · #23 09/04/12, 09:22 PM

Oh I say do it!! It sounds like a perfect situation to start something like this off. Keep us posted!

katy · #24 09/04/12, 09:57 PM

FWIW,

Journey on over to, I've been Framed .

and good luck to you.

Maura · #25 09/05/12, 10:14 AM

I prefer "I've Been Framed", or something similar. "Get Framed". You could use "I've been framed" with a logo of a portrait in a frame, and your name in large letters above it.

I've been framed by CJ! Get Framed, custom framing for your artwork, photos, and diplomas.

Big Dave · #26 09/05/12, 10:22 AM

Word of mouth is good. You ought to think web site. Numbers are if you have (hypothetical) 100 folks and they nedd a frame this year but not next you can't make it. You must broaden your customer base. Website. Hope all goes well and by the way I need several frames What are you rprices and shipping? pm me

nadja · #27 09/05/12, 10:26 AM

Take some of your scraps, and make up a few 6" x 6" sample frames. Then try and find a couple of stores within 50 or so miles to display and sell them for you in the size and style needed. Most frames are way to expensive to ship so, it needs to be in driving range. Also, never quit you reg job until you have enough customers and money coming in to make it worth it.

tarbe · #28 09/05/12, 10:45 AM

You've gotten lots of good advice and encouragement.

I will re-iterate one piece of advice...keep your overhead low!

Most new businesses fail at least in part due to under-capitalization....ie the owner does not have enough money to keep the business afloat in the early stages.

Given this is not a business you will be counting on for strong positive cash flow early on, you should be able to reduce risk by building slowly.

Best of luck, we are all excited for you!

Tim

Nimrod · #29 09/05/12, 11:00 AM

Don't tell the lodge what you are doing. If they hear about it, tell them you are making a few frames for friends. If they percieve that you are unhappy working there, and are going off on your own, they may fire you.