May be running my own shop...

[bumpweLL.nYc 10+ year member]

best of luck, i did a few glass boxes on the side and heres what I had trouble with-

Almost everyone is tight and doesnt understand how many hours go into a good design.

I did not install ANY equipment since day 1 because most of todays cars have stock audio that is so integrated into everything, it could lead to headaches even if you have an installers CD. Imagine having $50k car that wont start after you put a new radio in. Another pain is having to go to the dealership when you break a clip.

I looked at it this way, if youre going to do jobs it has to be for customers with the right money, so they probably drive higher end cars maybe with premium audio/nav. Its sad but that part of car audio i think is dying. But fabrication and box building will always be around, and putting in a LoC is cake, just make sure its not getting a cut signal.

Also if they dont set up a booth or tent for the bodywork dont keep any cars in there or custies will be coming back with a clay bar for you

 

[ngsm13 5,000+ posts]

ok, I will re-phrase everything ng is trying to get across in a nicer way....
People, in general are malicious and pricks. You may not have broken that trim panel in their brand new Mustang, but youre going to be blamed for it.

Ever put a head unit and speakers in a 2008 Mini? What about a 68 Camaro?

Do you realize 99% of the people that walk into a "shop" only want alarms, starters and head units? Your high end dreams with glass enclosures will happen only seldom...

You will be going against stores and installers in your area that have certs (weather it means something or not)

You will not have much buying power to begin with, so profit margins will be down.....

Its all good you take your time, but why do you think people have cell phones, lap tops with broadband cards, high speed internet? NOBODY WANTS TO WAIT!

And hiring friends is usually a bad idea for a friendship in the long run. Limits will be tested almost immediatley!

All that said..... GOOD LUCK!

INdeed.

So, I'm an *******. Get over it.

I'm just telling you, it's A LOT harder than you think... and the amount of overheard is ridic... especially for a quality shop.

Like said above, have you ever installed a alarm/remotestart/keyless? A deck and 4 quick? That's how shops survive, some shops barely make money on custom installs, even ones that go up into the $20-25K range... they make money on every day slam&jams and labor. Also, people are going to come on looking for familiar stuff... not sundown... Audioque. Yeah they're good stuff, but you gonna mark them up? Or make absolutely no money on them?

Just plan right, and you'll be okay. Take your time, and get a business plan, and most importantly advertising plan. Take risks, don't be afraid to fail. And be money smart.

nG

 

[dcole18 5,000+ posts]

INdeed.
nG

your a big meanie //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fyi.gif.9f1f679348da7204ce960cfc74bca8e0.gif

 

[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

Maybe someday you'll have a shop like this http://www.uniqueautosport.com/ those guys do some of the best custom work in the country...//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fyi.gif.9f1f679348da7204ce960cfc74bca8e0.gif

 

[GAM3OVR 5,000+ posts]

ok, I will re-phrase everything ng is trying to get across in a nicer way....
People, in general are malicious and pricks. You may not have broken that trim panel in their brand new Mustang, but youre going to be blamed for it.

Ever put a head unit and speakers in a 2008 Mini? What about a 68 Camaro?

Do you realize 99% of the people that walk into a "shop" only want alarms, starters and head units? Your high end dreams with glass enclosures will happen only seldom...

You will be going against stores and installers in your area that have certs (weather it means something or not)

You will not have much buying power to begin with, so profit margins will be down.....

Its all good you take your time, but why do you think people have cell phones, lap tops with broadband cards, high speed internet? NOBODY WANTS TO WAIT!

And hiring friends is usually a bad idea for a friendship in the long run. Limits will be tested almost immediatley!

All that said..... GOOD LUCK!

This post say everything 100% accuratly

This guy knows what he's talking about.

big ups to you mate

 

[craigzter 10+ year member]

Im not taking anything ng is saying personal...i believe him...and if he is offering advice, thats great I appreciate it.

I do understand that unplanned things happen(life/death situations for example). I do have enough experience to where I feel comfortable installing systems for people. I am by no means a complete expert but I know how to do what I plan on doing, and thats what I shall do.

Car audio is my hobby, car audio is what keeps me away from the negative things in life(drugs and stupid shit). Car audio is like my second job.

BTW, Im located in smithville arkansas but my shop will be in Black Rock, AR.

=========

and Ken, I agree with everything you said. Im not expecting to start making thousands of dollars right off the bat, it does take time just like everything else. But im nearly 21 years old. I want to do something that I like and enjoy doing, car audio.

nG, like I said bro, I agree with you, not taking anything personal whatsoever. I have been talking to my uncle who is a specialist in the advertising/marketing field. He has volunteered to help me out with whatever I need. A majority of my family own their own business's and can give me pointers on waht I SHOULD do to get the best results. Like I said I dont expect to make thousands of dollars right off hand.

And as far as the equipment im going to be offering, some of it WILL be new, and some of it will be refurbished. As soon as I get everything started up, Im going to try and get to be an authorized dealer for memphis and JL. I got a buddy who used to work and car audio plus in jonesboro and he told me it wasnt very difficult to get started with either company. I will find out when that time comes.

BUT for the time being, everything is being carefully thought out and planned.

also, if any of yall have anymore advice/pointers to offer, let me know...

if you are going to be a douche and talk negative bullshit, get out of my thread.

Aaron

edIT: I got books ontop of books about car audio. I read them nightly as well lol...

 

[05fronty 5,000+ posts]

is that north of walnut ridge?

 

[craigzter 10+ year member]

is that north of walnut ridge?

yup..

and a majority of my jobs prolly wont be anything but a simple hu install, subs, amp and stuff like that...

ppl around here are to poor....and a majority of the rich ppl already have the good stuff lol.

 

[hoxie08 5,000+ posts]

INdeed.
So, I'm an *******. Get over it.

I'm just telling you, it's A LOT harder than you think... and the amount of overheard is ridic... especially for a quality shop.

Like said above, have you ever installed a alarm/remotestart/keyless? A deck and 4 quick? That's how shops survive, some shops barely make money on custom installs, even ones that go up into the $20-25K range... they make money on every day slam&jams and labor. Also, people are going to come on looking for familiar stuff... not sundown... Audioque. Yeah they're good stuff, but you gonna mark them up? Or make absolutely no money on them?

Just plan right, and you'll be okay. Take your time, and get a business plan, and most importantly advertising plan. Take risks, don't be afraid to fail. And be money smart.

nG

now that is some quality advice there. i have to agree with him there.

 

[hoxie08 5,000+ posts]

YOU'RE IN CRACKROCK OMG LOL i used to live in walnut ridge before i moved down here.... glad i got away from there that place was dying as far as i could see. how's shit over your way?

 

[craigzter 10+ year member]

YOU'RE IN CRACKROCK OMG LOL i used to live in walnut ridge before i moved down here.... glad i got away from there that place was dying as far as i could see. how's shit over your way?

lol...steadily going down hill....lol...had a guy bring in a black pouch lastnight had a gram of meth in it lmao...dumbshits....

other than that its good i guess? haha...and believe me security cameras will be every where

 

[cycloneman 10+ year member]

Maybe someday you'll have a shop like this http://www.uniqueautosport.com/ those guys do some of the best custom work in the country...//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fyi.gif.9f1f679348da7204ce960cfc74bca8e0.gif

I sure hope this was a joke ?

Most of their systems are pretty basic, and almost all of their auto upgrades are bolt-ons.

 

[craigzter 10+ year member]

I sure hope this was a joke ?
Most of their systems are pretty basic, and almost all of their auto upgrades are bolt-ons.

thats true...wasnt there a thread here a while back ago about a guy who went and had a system put in by them and everything was like taped back together and ***** wires showing all over the place?

 

[Trey803 5,000+ posts]

its a hard business to make lots of money. Most of the big ballers are known for their installs not what they sell

 

[craigzter 10+ year member]

its a hard business to make lots of money. Most of the big ballers are known for their installs not what they sell

i agree....like the old saying, its not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog...