Business Idea

[jkapl001]

Give me some feedback on the following business idea. I am thinking about starting a business with my father in law. He is a welder by trade and I'm an engineer. I have hunted and fished all my life. I am thinking about starting a business where we can build custom ladder stands, dog boxes, duck blinds, and any other alum. or steel items. Duck blinds would be out of mostly treated wood and the deer stands could be steel or alum. Dog boxes would be all alum. He already has all of the equipment required to do welding of both steel and alum. I have a CAD background so I could draw up everything for the customer to see prior to us building it. I have built plenty of all of these for my self and buddies, so we know what we are doing. Also could go as far as installing the duck blinds, after all that's half the work. Any way give me your thoughts. If I went forward with the idea I would do some advertising with Brandon and offer some sort of tidal fish discount.

[Finfever21]

Sounds like a great idea, I would even be interested in a couple of ladder stands for the property depending on price. The only downside is the economy and the price of materials and getting people to buy them. Brandon

[jkapl001]

I am thinking that my prices would be really good. The reason I feel that I can say that is I will have basically no overhead. Already have the garage to build in. Already have basically all of the tools that will be needed.

[Bug Guy]

... I will have basically no overhead...

I'm pretty sure that you'll need some pretty good insurance. Someone falls out of a stand, whether it's your fault or not, I'm guessing you'd be at least the target of a suit. If a weld fails or the design is bad, and you are liable, you'd be in trouble without some coverage. Sounds like a great idea overall though - I'd just think about the liability aspect more.

[crabby and son]

It is a tough time to start a business. I would definitely seek an attorney's advice for liability reasons. Most tree stands commercially sold meet the TMA standards. Not real sure what it is but probably stands for tree stand manufacturer association. If you have a good plan, working for yourself can be rewarding and profitable. Good luck...........Gary

[jkapl001]

Thanks, you all make good points. I will probably discuss this business idea with an attorney to get their take on it. Keep the advice coming. I have some P.E. friends that may be able to help with this.

[shaddart2004]

Ambition is an admirable thing,I jumped into three businesses in the last 10 years,one of which is selling high end deer and duck blinds.To get in the market you speak of and be successful your going to need a well thought out business plan with realistic expectations including time lines.Your goals have to be specific and measurable.Take your time do your research with learning about material costs,labor time,consider what you will be giving up in your life.Think about just how enrolled your in law is.You will need a partnership agreement so legal costs are a factor.Liability Insurance is a must so get some quotes.And if your trying to do it right you need CAPITAL for shows and marketing for you to be profitable in the market place you intend to play you have to be competitive or else it will all be for not.Be careful with making your hobby/sport work cause it can really turn out the wrong way.Good luck

[bigring]

I wish you the best of luck. Ditto previous comments; commercial insurance, business plan, contract w/ the inlaw, marketing at trade and outdoor shows, sponsor hunting shows, sponsor events. Also, check out the Small Business Admin...tons of good information.

[Pappis]

Frankly, I'm not sure how you, or anyone, could make a metal deerstand that is any cheaper than the dozens and dozens of versions that are on the market today. It seems that Bass Pro, Cabelas, Dicks etc all have metal stands from 12' to 22', for one or two people that start as low as $150.00. I've used all different brands and all different heights and sizes and I gotta say, I like almost all of 'em. They're convenient, safe and easy to move.

With all the competition in these kinds of stands, I just find it kinda hard to believe that an individual making them one at a time will be able to do it cheaper than the big boys.

That being said....if you do it, I'll take 5 fifteen foot two person stands!! Need some more stand options to hunt with my kids!

[jkapl001]

Pappis, thanks for the advice and I am not going to say I disagree with what you are saying. I am more thinking about trying to cater to people what want something a little different and a little better built. All welded connections, and I can even install them. My goal is just to make good stuff, as custom or as simple as people want them. I will contact you if I move forward with doing this. Right now I am just putting some feelers out there to see what peoples thoughts are.

[uncljohn]

Well if the economy is looking up, then 'custom' stands and blinds might work, but I can find a hang-on for $30 and a single ladder stand for $50 , all welded, with harness included. If I can buy 3 of those for the price of 1 'custom' stand, well that's a no-brainer.

That being said, enough people want things customized and are willing to pay for it.

[h2oboss]

I wish you luck, but I would have to assume your market will be rather limited and exclusive. Furthermore, I find it hard to believe you would be able to compare with materials pricing relative to the big boy manufacturers...they buy it such bulk so your unit cost would be much higher.

Addtionally, Why would any regular guy buy a custom ladder stand, or blind when they can by one for less $....now if you had some competative advatage such as your's are taller than what's avaliable or you got into custom made stands for taller/larger guys then you might have something. I am 5'10" and I know some of my lockon stands a a bit tight. Therefore, I'd have to imagine there are plenty of taller and larger guys that find them downright uncomfortable, especially with the seat height/size.

As for duck blinds, unless you own land or have a long term lease it's hard to justify spending the $$ on a custom setup when you may loose the blind site next year, or loose the lease. Most pits are poured concrete or concrete block and the the nicest ones are precast....they just get topped with wood and brushed up. However, you probably have a market for welding frames on duck boats......removable too....weld brackets on, fit/weld framing attach to bracket:)

Another option may be ladder racks, T-tops, truck bed storage, cooler racks for surf trucks, dog ladders for duck boats...ect!

Lastly, as others have noted LIABILITY!!! Definately consult someone about liabilty issues, also it's a tought time to start a bussiness that is soley based upon someone buying your product based on their disposable income.....Lets face it, duck blinds can me made with scrap wood or a small investment at a lumber yard...as can dog boxes. Ladder stands can be purchased cheap, same as lockons. So I'd think that unless you focus on poeple that need your product as a neccesaty...ie Big and Tall...you may find it difficult to compete in an already full market place.....find a niche! Good LUCK!

[v20fishnboy]

I think it could work out for you and best of luck to you, but i would have to agree with most on here, why would someone spend more money on a "custom" ladderstand or duck blind in todays market? Cause i would defenitly buy a $75 stand from bass pro or dicks before i spend $100+ on a custom stand that will serve the same purpose. Who cares if its lighter or is a different color, or if you have a few more inches of platform room, at the beginning & end of the day its gonna be hanging on a tree. But then again you have people who have the money that would buy them. So its a questionable situation. I think you would have best luck in ladder rack's, dog box's, custom tool box's, maybe gang box's and if your a good welder possibly get into railing's(marine, commerical building or residential homes). I always see them racks on the back of campers and suv's that holds deer or any extra luggage and even grill's, thats another possibility. I know there is plenty of people welding t-tops, towers, bow rails, and rocket launchers but there is always something. But there is always going to be a demand for welding, so just cause you cant make one item, defenitly dont give up. good luck and if you do get into this keep us updated and post pics & prices. I am about to get a new truck soon and will need a custom dog box so maybe i can send ya a pm if your local.

[smellslikefish]

You have already gottn good advice...... I have built my own stands before, and although it is rewarding, the materials alone cost as much as buying one from the box stores....... Tuff to compete with big stand companies that are having their stands built overseas where the worker is making $.17 a day, or something crazy like that.

[joshfkntaylor]

hey, yall can do a trial one for me, build me one and ill pay a little more money just to support a local business.. thats always a good things, and i wont sue :) get in touch with me asap if your serious. :)

[v20fishnboy]

good idea josh,advertisement! i defenitly wouldnt have a problem putting one of your custom dog box's in the truck and show it off and try to help sell a few

[bayhead]

Your first step should be a well thought-out business plan followed closely by advice from an attorney about liabilty and which way to set up your business. Make sure you are properly financed - don't be afraid to spend $$$, don't be afraid to charge $$$.

If you are serious and are looking for other ideas/products to make, simple things like re-bar for crab potters, trotline arms for boats (custom made), Stainless Steel side board and bow protectors for workboats, s/s crab tongs, etc. could be money makers as well. Also consider marketing your products through REPUTABLE retail outfits will help.

Good luck - plan carefully before you take the plunge - but remember where we live provides this opportunity - just seek advice like you are doing and listen to those who have been there and are successful.

Chuck Housman
Chesapeake Crabbing Supplies
2202 Conowingo Road
Bel Air, Maryland 21014

[RoryGoggin]

Zoning, licenses, permits, taxes. Check state and local.

Also: add sand spikes, beach carts and rod and rod/cooler vehicle mounts for the surf fishermen, and maybe hard/soft tops and towers for the boat anglers to your possible product line.

[jkapl001]

Thanks a bunch for all the feedback/ comments. I am taking it all it. We will see where it goes.

Thanks

[crow]

I'd say go for it, get yourself out there to some of the outdoor expos and show off your stuff. Keep it reasonably priced and you'll do well. Definitely look into legal/insurance issues. You may want to consider making boat blinds as well, sound like you got the resources to get things going. You could always take some to auction, a lot of farm auctions I go to deerstands are usually a big hit.