Successful side hustles?

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Not sure what opportunities may await me once I finish welding school.   At my age, I’m not sure I want to try to follow the ordinary course of finding a career, because until I retire, I’m committed to my current full time work.   I have toyed with the idea of trying to do some repair and light fabrication work, maybe even building myself a welding rig trailer, which I could be mobile with.  What types of work could be reasonably available to a guy who might want to do welding as a side hustle, part time…15-20 hours per week?   I’m looking for ideas on what/where to pursue work that might be available.   Guys experienced in this field would have a good idea regarding things I might not even know exist.Thanks in advance for your input on this!  

Miller Multimatic 215Spoolmatic 150 spool gunPrimeweld Cut 60 Plasma CutterVevor Pipe StandsBauer Portaband/Swag tableGrinders-Milwaukee, Porter Cable, DewaltArcUnion M-20 portable rod oven
Reply:So you already have a career? At what age?We have no clue what your capabilities or skill level are, so for a side hustle........who knows.Lincoln 330MPXLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln LN-25X Wire FeederMagnum PRO 250LX GT Spool GunLincoln AC/DC 225¼ Ton of Torches OFC-A OFG-AAir Carbon Arc Gouging CAC-AEverlast 62i Plasma CutterIngersoll Rand T-30 14hpInstagram: #Freebird Welds
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Originally Posted by Freebirdwelds

So you already have a career? At what age?We have no clue what your capabilities or skill level are, so for a side hustle........who knows.
Reply:Why wouldn’t you stick with what you know as a side hustle? Seems like you have skills with wood already. What do you want to do with welding? From Structural Repairs to glue metal to compliment wood working. Pretty difficult for somebody to narrow possibilities for you.
Reply:I have been welding for about 15 years, retired from a major corporation in data management about 7 years ago. So I am a few years ahead of you, career-wise. I usually have 2-4 custom projects all the time and seldom go a week without something to do. I only take interesting projects and make enough $ to be worthwhile. I work with 3 designers and they have one-off projects involving welding and furniture skills.The other area I seem to get a lot of business is residential handrails. Friends and people our age realize they need handrails and insurance companies are threatening to cancel policies when homes don’t have rails where required by code. I do not want big jobs requiring lots of space or complex jobs beyond my skill level. Most of these are 3-12’ and I can build in my shop. Over the years I’ve gotten better, quicker, and offer some upgrade options. I have a good guy to powder coat because I don’t like to paint. I rarely do new construction. I expect my prices are competitive with local shops but I don’t worry too much about price. My customers are not shopping price. They want someone to do a good job, be trustworthy, clean up the job site, communicate, and do what you say you will do. That probably is how you work too, but lots of contractors do not.Hopefully this gives you some ideas and encouragement. I started small and get referrals from past customers. I’m not depending on this for my income but enjoy the extra money!Last edited by wb4rt; 5 Days Ago at 09:28 PM.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 120www.10FtDrillBit.comwww.MyWelds.com - pictures of my work
Reply:I’ve certaily thought about combining my woodworking with metal work and fabrication.   I have a full compliment of woodworking machinery, and will continue to work with them.   I still want to do some repair work and light fabrication as well.Miller Multimatic 215Spoolmatic 150 spool gunPrimeweld Cut 60 Plasma CutterVevor Pipe StandsBauer Portaband/Swag tableGrinders-Milwaukee, Porter Cable, DewaltArcUnion M-20 portable rod oven
Reply:I’ve certaily thought about combining my woodworking with metal work and fabrication.   I have a full compliment of woodworking machinery, and will continue to work with them.   I still want to do some repair work and light fabrication as well.Miller Multimatic 215Spoolmatic 150 spool gunPrimeweld Cut 60 Plasma CutterVevor Pipe StandsBauer Portaband/Swag tableGrinders-Milwaukee, Porter Cable, DewaltArcUnion M-20 portable rod oven
Reply:Well you have mechanical ability across the board and it is all pertinent.I also am in my 60's but have been building repairing pretty much my whole life. Even built my own house. Your going to have to find a knitch and go for it. Maybe combine wood and steel. Kick *** bed frames and headboards with canopies.I prefer heavy steel myself, big equipment. The heavier the better. it's easier for me so I stick with it.You should know if find a part of it you enjoy doing and then you'll have fun doing it. As far as all processes. Hey if you have the cash to throw at it.Lincoln 330MPXLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln LN-25X Wire FeederMagnum PRO 250LX GT Spool GunLincoln AC/DC 225¼ Ton of Torches OFC-A OFG-AAir Carbon Arc Gouging CAC-AEverlast 62i Plasma CutterIngersoll Rand T-30 14hpInstagram: #Freebird Welds
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Originally Posted by wb4rt

I have been welding for about 15 years, retired from a major corporation in data management about 7 years ago. So I am a few years ahead of you, career-wise. I usually have 2-4 custom projects all the time and seldom go a week without something to do. I only take interesting projects and make enough $ to be worthwhile. I work with 3 designers and they have one-off projects involving welding and furniture skills.The other area I seem to get a lot of business is residential handrails. Friends and people our age realize they need handrails and insurance companies are threatening to cancel policies when homes don’t have rails where required by code. I do not want big jobs requiring lots of space or complex jobs beyond my skill level. Most of these are 3-12’ and I can build in my shop. Over the years I’ve gotten better, quicker, and offer some upgrade options. I have a good guy to powder coat because I don’t like to paint. I rarely do new construction. I expect my prices are competitive with local shops but I don’t worry too much about price. My customers are not shopping price. They want someone to do a good job, be trustworthy, clean up the job site, communicate, and do what you say you will do. That probably is how you work too, but lots of contractors do not.Hopefully this gives you some ideas and encouragement. I started small and get referrals from past customers. I’m not depending on this for my income but enjoy the extra money!
Reply:Most of the welding is not all that big a deal until it is. The real professional isnt always a perfect welder especially on old repairs but he is good in hard places where it has to be. Seal weld, structural weld, pressure weld in some upside down butthole with oil running and rust popping. If it was easy,,, the last guy tried and he might have been ok flat and new but overhead with the buzzer filling a crack has to hold a timber jack he aint.  Customer says, just cobble it up to get it home so the last guy fix it can try again.  I tell him, not going to do that and for another couple hrs we gonna have it repaired when we leave, I cant have someone asking,,, wtf cause I try to weld over some ill fit goobers.   So,,, whats the point, its babble except that this kind of guy doesnt need to start from scratch so to speak, we had some smarty pants on the Miller forum start a small shop and he is at the top of his game and makes it look like he invented tig, in his market area he is great.   Like the artists, they aint gotta be the worlds greatest welders. Lots of fabrication is that way. Guys fair welders but great fabricators and designers, way over my head.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:To the OP, I have a side business making metal art. I do not combine wood and metal but that is just me. I can work with wood, but limit it due to potential fire hazards in my shop. The easy answer is to look on Pinterest or Etsy for projects you like or are within your skill set. The hard part is figuring out how much to charge and/or where to sell. Bert gave a great answer above and is fortunate to have developed a relationship with designers. Do you have the extra storage space to accommodate items you make but haven't sold?  Do you have a way to transport and install the items? A while ago we had someone asking the same questions but he was not able to drive so that is why I ask.One thought might be to work on some of the items you like to develop a portfolio to show to designers, galleries, art shows, etc. Sent from my SM-G996U using TapatalkMillermatic 252 MIGMiller Dynasty 200DX TIGMiller Spectrum 625 PlasmaAltas 12x36 Metal LatheBridgeport Milling Machinewww.psacustomcreations.com
Reply:I always enjoy and appreciate psa’s threads. He shows you another side for side hustles but he is very artistic and creative. Also I believe he makes things to go to market. I tried a few things like that but I prefer building for Customers. The handrails are a good fit because big shops generally do bigger jobs, new construction, or commercial. A homeowner wanting a simple 6’ rail doesn’t fit their business and in fact a couple of “real” shops send me business they don’t really want. And psa pointed out developing relationships with designers is very profitable. They want unique projects and especially if you are working in their client’s home, they want a neat appearance and a trustworthy person to represent them.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 120www.10FtDrillBit.comwww.MyWelds.com - pictures of my work
Reply:More things for the OP to think about. How do you want to set up this side business? As an sole proprietor,  LLC, etc? How good are you at the business side of the house? Do you track every penny? How do you want to do your taxes for this? Do you just want to use this to write off your welding hobby? In this day of electronic payments, it is potentially easy for the Govt to track money. Be wary of establishing your business relationships and whether you need to 1099. Sent from my SM-G996U using TapatalkMillermatic 252 MIGMiller Dynasty 200DX TIGMiller Spectrum 625 PlasmaAltas 12x36 Metal LatheBridgeport Milling Machinewww.psacustomcreations.com
Reply:also....over and above your welding gear "investment", are you DEPENDING on having to make money or thinking the extra cash would be nice?perhaps these are personal issues you would not rather disclose but nonetheless you will need to have this clear in your mind before you know how to proceed.:
Reply:The OP isnt a beginner so that is a huge difference and different than a 20 something in the construction biz.  From the sounds of it the equipment isnt a deal breaker and he is not on thin ice. If I was headed in this and I even made a post about it would become a salvage expert and recover materials, design from appliance sheet and shapes and maybe get a finger brake.  That stuff is well  painted, scuff and color, free, free and free or cheap and with a little practice can get 4 nice panels from washer and dryer in a few minutes.  I think I would design, build shelves and furniture.  Some wood would be great along with this.  Along with the welding would set up some kind of paint booth, color to your work sells.  My jobs look different than a coup[le welding competitors, their work is all rusty and peoiple rave over mine cause,,, its glossy and really as much a restorer so to speak as a welder.  The other guy welds fine but doesnt buy a couple cans spray company colors.Last edited by Sberry; 4 Days Ago at 06:20 PM.www.urkafarms.com
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Originally Posted by psacustomcreations

More things for the OP to think about. How do you want to set up this side business? As an sole proprietor,  LLC, etc? How good are you at the business side of the house? Do you track every penny? How do you want to do your taxes for this? Do you just want to use this to write off your welding hobby? In this day of electronic payments, it is potentially easy for the Govt to track money. Be wary of establishing your business relationships and whether you need to 1099. Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk
Reply:That is a thing about repairs, often not much in material tied up.  Bad news, it broke, good, 3 hrs and 10$ in materials and we are running again.  So even when contracting often the worst case scenerio is you dont make as much money as you wanted but are not holding their materials either.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:I am 31 and have been a fabricator and welder for 10 years. I myself have started a small side hustle along with co-owning a supply business for the oil and gas industry. I fabricate tool chest/workbench on casters, trailer modifications or repairs, firewood racks, and soon much more. I have always been an industrial fitter/welder and mostly for vessel shops or tank cars for the railroad. I have never really built anything smaller than sand trap vessels until now. Your niche will be what you enjoy and make money with I have learned. I have under bid most my jobs because of not knowing how to rate a job and know how long it would take me. it was a bit frustrating but I made a tad over the what I put into consumables. I currently use a Hobart Handler 140 FMAW and MIG welding. If I am welding in my garage I will buy the 0.035" dual shielded flux core for strength and appearance depending on the work piece thickness and usage. I am not very good at wood working but I am slowly working at it. You having that much knowledge on said tools and running your own business, you shouldn't have a problem finding work. Some of your clients you already have may need something fabricated out of both wood and metal. I you don't mind me asking, what equipment are you using and buying for welding?
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Originally Posted by RCWelds

I already have a business and pay taxes, have a CPA, and such, related to my wood working.   I also have many years experience running a nonprofit organization.   I’m not concerned about the business side, but want to understand where in the welding universe is the ability to make money, and not go in a hole financially.  I’m a pretty good money manager, no debt, and pay for what I get when purchasing tools, and only buy when it makes real sense…I only purchase what makes me money.
Reply:I do walk ins so to speak but they are really from other business.  I dont encourage the mower deck crowd, I do them  or will do them if there is a break and for people I know but wood stoves and such always come with,,,,,,, but,,,, it was free,,, but I only paid 10 or 50$ and I dont wanna put much in, etc.    I do something risky and it comes with a disclaimer,,,, I often do "extra work" and simply add it with good explanation and even say,,, you can pay if,,, and they do but leave it for thanks later,,,,  I do this on equipment and I know I see a couple of those guys on TV eat some estimates but,,,, I rather fight that than leave it half azzed and its aleways better than what they expected when I do that.  I often fix the "real" problem as much as the symptom and it will work.     I am not the low price guy in this, I am the expensive,,,, but good guy.    I should have took a pic,,, but the other day something come in unexpected,,, it was done on time, after the repair it came for was done I fixed some blades he told me he couldnt find and were expensive then I clean the rust and put some paint on it,,, one of the things he said when he brought it was he wanted it to last, was a littls shocked with the price but impressed with the repair and isnt going to have to try to source some expensive obsolete blades and its painted for what its for.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:When I do that,,, I make sure the value is there, I make sure it shows and often off set it with parts cost as in the blades.   In other words,,,, he was headed to the store for parts after he was done with me,,, a trip he doesnt need to make now.   I quoted the repair,,, I did it for that but I added and the added made all the difference in the finished work.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:You also need to think about lining up some other shops to help you. I have a good powder coating guy and a good shop that does water jet cutting and stainless steel fabrication. Too expensive for me to get set up and learn stainless welding. I use another shop for bending pieces bigger than my equipment. Do what you are good at and leverage other shops’ abilities. Also play nice with other shops where you can pick up drops of odd pieces or dumpster dive. I try not to buy full lengths if it is something I don’t routinely use. I have a steel supplier that sells half sticks at almost same price/ft as full sticks. That helps on one-offs.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 120www.10FtDrillBit.comwww.MyWelds.com - pictures of my work
Reply:I was going to mention stock and one off also.  Steel can be a problem at times and I agree about the drops.  There is a house or 2 charged full for the drops but the upside is you dont have to buy the full piece.   I have went to auctions, I saw a neighbor.  When he build new shop 40 yrs ago one of the things was a new big steel rack for new steel.  He bought stock,,, when he died some of the same pieces it seemed like a good idea to have were still on the bottom of the shelf and few longs and shorts everywhere.  I was a little over that last time I built and I can stack some 20 if I have to but usually use new when I get it and stock I chop in 1/2 mostly simple strip and small angle.    Part of my thing is I have big scrap/drop shelves and I collect it so I dont have to go to get a piece of small plate for every job and seem to be able to find a fit.  Lots of bills dont even think to add materials if not looking to extend line items,,, same for paint.  If I am looking fort items a grinding wheel, some steel or paint added but its all stuff laying around and some we collect, the secretary scored some equipment enamel from the liq store for 10$ a gallon, jeeze, I bet I added 10$ for paint to a dozen bills with that gallon, its not a lot to real active biz but covers a little tape and thinner.www.urkafarms.com
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Originally Posted by Sberry

I was going to mention stock and one off also.  Steel can be a problem at times and I agree about the drops.  There is a house or 2 charged full for the drops but the upside is you dont have to buy the full piece.   I have went to auctions, I saw a neighbor.  When he build new shop 40 yrs ago one of the things was a new big steel rack for new steel.  He bought stock,,, when he died some of the same pieces it seemed like a good idea to have were still on the bottom of the shelf and few longs and shorts everywhere.  I was a little over that last time I built and I can stack some 20 if I have to but usually use new when I get it and stock I chop in 1/2 mostly simple strip and small angle.    Part of my thing is I have big scrap/drop shelves and I collect it so I dont have to go to get a piece of small plate for every job and seem to be able to find a fit.  Lots of bills dont even think to add materials if not looking to extend line items,,, same for paint.  If I am looking fort items a grinding wheel, some steel or paint added but its all stuff laying around and some we collect, the secretary scored some equipment enamel from the liq store for 10$ a gallon, jeeze, I bet I added 10$ for paint to a dozen bills with that gallon, its not a lot to real active biz but covers a little tape and thinner.
Reply:SBerry makes a good point. When I price a job, I add all materials (even if I keep drops), outside shops like powder coating, what I want/need for my time and any helpers, sometimes mileage, AND a shop fee to cover utilities, blades, wire, gas, paint, tape, screws/bolts, sandpaper, etc. That stuff will rob all your profit if you ignore it. Most jobs I add $40-80 just for that. I think it would be interesting to track this shop income against purchases that are not allocated to a specific job. I probably am not charging enough.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 120www.10FtDrillBit.comwww.MyWelds.com - pictures of my workHere is a good example that I finished this morning- a little dog gate 55”x 26”. I will make $225 above materials and shop cost. Probably spent 5-6 hours total so around $40/hr.

Last edited by wb4rt; 3 Days Ago at 11:45 AM.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 120www.10FtDrillBit.comwww.MyWelds.com - pictures of my work
Reply:

Originally Posted by wb4rt

Here is a good example that I finished this morning- a little dog gate 55”x 26”. I will make $225 above materials and shop cost. Probably spent 5-6 hours total so around $40/hr.


Reply:Looks great 👍 Dave

Originally Posted by wb4rt

Here is a good example that I finished this morning- a little dog gate 55”x 26”. I will make $225 above materials and shop cost. Probably spent 5-6 hours total so around $40/hr.


Reply:If you were closer I would hire you.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:Customer bought the fence but the matching gate was too narrow. It was all built in my shop and easy installation- 4 Tapcons bolts and drill holes for cane to hold gate in place.She wanted the gate to swing completely open and latch both ways. I had to modify the hinges with spacers to do that.

Last edited by wb4rt; 3 Days Ago at 07:23 PM.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 120www.10FtDrillBit.comwww.MyWelds.com - pictures of my work
Reply:That's cheap! Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

http://www.philswelding.com
Reply:

Originally Posted by wb4rt

Customer bought the fence but the matching gate was too narrow. It was all built in my shop and easy installation- 4 Tapcons bolts and drill holes for cane to hold gate in place.She wanted the gate to swing completely open and latch both ways. I had to modify the hinges with spacers to do that.


Reply:You said 5 hrs but thats a days work.  I run in to that some, if you were hiring what would you do with that person in soime sense?    But,,,, as a side type thing, in the end, when its all done a guy made +200 in his pocket without busting a hump, going to a real job,, ha,,, but thats net and its simple , if a guy could start off in the morning 5 days a week and finish mid afternoon, have the place swept up, not have to dewal with a lot of problems,,,, its not a get rich scheme but you didnt go backwards and to tell the truth have to do so much work and bill 3 times as much,,, overhead or go to work, take payroll out, all the expenses of going to a job, car, traffic time on the road etc that in the end the net is about the same anyway.   Said u figured some shop expense in already.    I donre this, seen it done, watched friends do it, watched them work 80 hrs a week.   One of my Buds finally gets Grandkids so he gonna slow down, fired 2/3 the customers and went from 10 or 12 a day  and some saturday to 4 1/2 or 5 hrs 5 days and doubled the actual net.  Was in his chair by 2.  I dont take busy work. As someone said, its not all bad, I dont turn away a walk in but I dont go after it.  I fix fuel and brake lines for good customers but if you say,,, call me when you wanna fix my fuel lines you gonna be lonely.   I know farmers buy broke stuff and going to have it fixed, never happens. I offer council,,, dont buy it unless you figure to cost twice as much as you think it should to fix it, some more, but I aint looking to do your fixer uppers.  They are great people but cant grasp 40$ isnt too much to go to a field and weld a bracket would have never busted had they tighten a bolt 20 yrs ago.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:I had one the other day,,,, I dont really gouge but I charge a bit to be able to do it NOW.  They even waited and helped.  They appreciate I aint too busy working on a deadbeat car to get to their equipment drive shaft puked in the middle of the job.    I didnt gouge but changed the rate a little on the invoice and as similar to the gate above had 150 for 2 hrs work and 3 time and a couple dollars expense. No drive time, customer went got the part.www.urkafarms.com
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Originally Posted by wb4rt

Here is a good example that I finished this morning- a little dog gate 55”x 26”. I will make $225 above materials and shop cost. Probably spent 5-6 hours total so around $40/hr.


Reply:I have a side gig as well. I still am in the corp world. I do mobile as well. I have a full shop, I do all sorts of fabrication and repairs. I upped the game when I finished my CNC plasma table I built. It has paid for itself in less than a year. It allows me to be more efficient than the other guy and is repeatable. I do cut jobs for other fabricators/welders. Even some on here. To the OP, your rate is too low. My Mobile rate is pretty high but customers are paying it and continue to pay it. I have a mobile minimum just to turn the key in my truck, then a minimum of a 1 hour labor rate when I get there plus the job itself. No advertising: it is by word of mouth. I just have business cards. Yes mower decks suck. However I do have a nice deck cut file for the front part of a 60" scag mower.T.J.Last edited by TJS; 2 Days Ago at 04:17 PM.www.tjsperformance.comDynasty 300 DXHTP 240HTP Microcut 380Hyperthem 85JD2 Hyd Bender and HF Hyd Ring Roller all in one =(Frankenbender)Bpt. Mill/DRO4' x 8' CNC Plasma TableInstagram: tjsperformanceYT: TJS Welding and Fabrication
Reply:as far as  prices being "too low" it is totally irrelevant to the welder doing the work. if he is happy doing the job for the price he charges that is all that matters.   IMHO  of  course ...

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Reply:I am terrible in biz.  The parts that interest me are,,, well,,, interesting but I am not diligent enough and really greedy enough to be really good at it.  I have done it alll my life though.  I had somne habitzs early on really but a damper on it but some of that was educational all its own and really got some of the "journeyman" aspect of it,,,, yes, there is craft which is a bit different.  While some shiney gets the attn cause its pretty,,,, it should in that sense like a snapon tool but the finish and a lot of it not that difficult if a guy works on it long enough should look good.      Particular aspects are interesting and there are so many ways to do the same thing as a small guy.   The neatest I see are a hybrid sort of a deal,,, what a guy might call,,, barely legal. One of my Buds, wife had another shop biz and they file joint. Anything check paid went in to that kept track, paid some to keep head up.  The auto repair didnt have a sign out but busy enough, he got lot more effecient in the end but,,, the parts guys hated it cause he paid in cash every delivery and had a policy of "not marking up parts".  The jobs were estimate so 400 at his or 400 down the road the same except one had less parts and a bit more labor, these were regular customers mostly.  Several benifits to this, did all the book keeping daily, paid the sales tax when he bought the parts, cause they not marked up no further tax due or even tax number so to speak.  Was a "side" thing, cash in and out every day, no paper work to "confuse " it all.  Simple hand invoice to a customer if they wanted it.    I have seen great 1 man shows so disciplined the run a real 9 to 5, got a refined system from long time in related biz.   One thing is,,, they dont try to get all the work they can, they get better work and reliable customers in where there is some trust.  I see the mail man drop his car, come get it, how much do I owe, there was no estimate, nuthin but can I drop the car in the morning?  How much was it when they pick it up.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:Here is another thing.  I know I miss some but,, I will weld a piece of alum for regular  customers or if it comes in but I dont chase it down, I dont flag people down to see if they need fuel and vapor lines changed on old pickups, I dont chase driveability crap, I will fix it as it comes along but I do weld and paint and if ypu dont want it finished nice there is Craigs list 120V flux Joe advertises small jobs,,, he may be fine, I dont know, I should hire him on occasion when they come along and see. Had a kid with attitude come thru the other day a real whiz wrench and welder,,, he ripped the gun right out of my hand, gonna show me,,,, and he did, wish I had him yesterday to do bunch of car repair overhead rust crap, not a job I go after but for someone I know.    Second,,, I dont offer 2 levels of service,,,,, cantcha just,,,,,.  I might fly some paint but I got some tricks, tools, methods that make it look good and appropriate.  There are even places that tolerate some runs, equipment is slow and hard to paint, I god some staff and they are sponge brush touch up queens, I might lay out the sequence and any particulars and they finish, tape or scuff, some sand etc.   Some guys were talking blend the steel and the wood, same thing totally agree.  My neighbor an excellent craftsman and then some simply follow traditional to the letter,, perfect but not creative and looks just like another Amish table 101 etc and he is such an expert metal worker as well as wood, but got to make room to finsh some.     Bills repair on the net with the sa200 is a poster case for good biz, specializes in the most simple welder with just enuf variations over time to confuse a bunch of guys to thinking its some real genius stiff,,,,   well,,,, it is in a way due to good marketing and good biz, the 200 is simply the hamburger to drive a good biz plan.   Even the p[arts are well thought out, source from 100 places for the same thing vs searching a couple places for 100 different models of car like a general auto might.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:There are neat tricks to avoid tying up inventory.  About half the parts for a 200 off the shelf at good auto parts so,,, Joe calls, got a water pump,,, let me look,, peeks at store next door, yup we got it, they gonna be there in an hour, you send the secretary across the street and buy it in a white box or even semi brand, done with bearings all the time.   The parts truck is not only running delivery but also pickups.  In welding or turd herder there might be a minimum charge, Iideally is to have a couple calls close together or customers really understand the cost to being responsive.   Ideally a guy has a little shop and a little install/service, something he can drop to take a call.  You cant be committed to others junk, it needs to be treated like emergency , dealt with schedule, what it takes to secure it and when someone says no hurry it doesnt mean forever, I like to have it done or date first call,,, whatever, on occasion dont call them even though its finished or can say,,, working on it now, when they stop and am on their project, doesnt have a thick layer of dust on it.  That doesnt mean I dont do things at the last minute, but I got a grip this is something they wanna use.   I also splain and debreif if I need to and often got to splain why I tossed another couple 300 at it but make sure its worth it and the end result is BETTER than they expected.   The seat cover guy keeps his work custom and the rates hi and simply wont do half way and if you dont pay wont do it again but its always great, never premium price for a slacker job and dont change price to do it that way.Last edited by Sberry; 1 Day Ago at 11:28 AM.www.urkafarms.com