Starting my own "business"

[beckSHO 10+ year member]

During the summer I installed some stuff in my SHO. A couple kids on the football team saw it and really liked it. When I sold some of my old gear to one of the guys he asked me if I'd install it for a price. So I did. He told some of his friends, and they asked me to do the same.

I just did a deck, amp, subs, and speakers for one of my bro's friends a week or two ago. Since then, I've had several kids tell me how much they liked it. Basically, more and more kids have been asking me to install shit for them.

About 30 minutes ago I just got done installing an amp and sub for another kid at school.

It's pretty cool, they think my prices are good, it's getting my name around school, and I'm making money (which is good considering I just got laid off....).

I think I'll be putting some speakers in one of my buddy's Jetta next week. I'll have to start taking some pictures for you guys.....

Props to this site for getting me started. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/thumbsup.gif.3287b36ca96645a13a43aff531f37f02.gif

Beck

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[05AztecRed 10+ year member]

I'd seriously consider having these "friends" sign waivers or no fault contracts releasing you from ANY liability. One bad install,solder,crimp, etc. could get you in a lot of trouble. When their car won't start after an install, and you can't fix it, they're going to come after you to fixt it when the dealership tells them it's going to cost an arm and a leg to repair...

If you're going to make a business out of this, you need to cover your arse.

 

[theothermike 10+ year member]

definately...... agree ^^^^

I have friend, he he did what guy above mentioned, saved him about 2 times. if there ever is a problem and u have a contract, he still tries to fix it, but doesnt take alot of his time if he cant

Mike

 

[slick rick 10+ year member]

Yep, have them sign a waiver. And if they question you, say you are being a diligent businessman; and you will work just as hard to do a quality install.

 

[jeeper07 5,000+ posts]

i know exactly what you mean... the only problem is that my jobs are gettin harder and harder . check out my mustang build thread and post some pics up of your own!!! good job man

 

[phyphoestilic 5,000+ posts]

make the waivers. If you dont, some kid's car's gonna catch on fire and the first person they gonna come to is u.

 

[bigbangtheory 5,000+ posts]

Agree with everyone else. Also, not to be a prick, but just cause you have done some mild installs dont mean you should open up your own bussiness. I mean start small, if anything to get some more experience of a bussiness, try to work for an audio shop for a while. Then and only then you should consider opening up one for yourself. Good luck.

 

[PSturmer 10+ year member]

I'd seriously consider having these "friends" sign waivers or no fault contracts releasing you from ANY liability. One bad install,solder,crimp, etc. could get you in a lot of trouble. When their car won't start after an install, and you can't fix it, they're going to come after you to fixt it when the dealership tells them it's going to cost an arm and a leg to repair...
If you're going to make a business out of this, you need to cover your arse.

thats why you do good work.

i actually do the same thing this kid does. i install alot of car audio stuff for people at school. if something ever were go to wrong you just tell them its something else thats causing the problem. last summer i did probably 10 installs and i havent had a complaint yet.

 

[PSturmer 10+ year member]

i dont think he means an actual business. he will not be paying taxes or anything like that but he might just get business cards or something on a smaller scale.

 

[jeeper07 5,000+ posts]

Any one have a no liability form already made out? it could be used as a base form

 

[Worlddre 5,000+ posts]

thats why you do good work.
i actually do the same thing this kid does. i install alot of car audio stuff for people at school. if something ever were go to wrong you just tell them its something else thats causing the problem. last summer i did probably 10 installs and i havent had a complaint yet.

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/hitbybrick.gif.68a672fae224041f00769a97c2c1bf2d.gif

 

[CBFryman2 5,000+ posts]

Been there, done that. It gets old. Now I only do special box builds and installations or more advanced stuff than running wires for an amp and hooking the amp up. Unless they are a good friend I charge $15-$20 an hour + materials for what ever I'm doing which is a lot better than the local shops considering they charge over $50 and hour, work slower, and have inflated material fees.

It isnt enough money to support my wants but it is some extra pocket change every now and agian. I'm fixing to start a full install for a friend and I' mexpecting ot get almost $250 for it at friend rate... It will be over 30 hours of work total (the eqivilant of a week and a half of spare time) but it will be very nice if he ever comes up with the cash.

Fi Subs, new Hifonics amps, Kicker Componets, and Alpine Dash unit...possibly a TV in the dash and fale floor.