I have decided that I have out grown my area to build surfboards,and > concidering finding a industrial building to open up a surfboard > shaping/painting factory. As for glassing I will probably go to out > production …I don’t know about that yet…anyway,I have an > appointment with the S.B.A. to arrange some dialog on starting a > business(again!),but no retail for me this time.It’s to much to keep track > of both manufacture/retail business.I know times are a little rough right > now…so what do you people think? YOUR INPUT WILL BE VALUED > HERE!Herb. The most cost effective route would be to “lease” a space in an established factory like Brad’s. Your cost would be minimal until your volume and cash flow would be sufficient to warrant a dedicated space. This is the way that Midget, Ellis, Dev, etc. do it.
As a self employed woodworker, and a surfer who rents a shop from a surfboard builder. I can tell you from my standpoint that southern California shop rents are expensive. Spaces in our town are at $1.00 to $1.50 / sq. ft. . I rent 2000 sq. feet of space, plus utilities. Fortunately for me, our sizzling real-estate market keeps the carpenters very busy. On the other hand, it seems that the surfboard industry is another story. I here many stories of sluggish sales all through the summer. If it were me, I would support my family in other ways , and shape boards for the pure enjoyment of it, on a limited basis. The profit margins are sooo low for surfboards. Please don’t get me wrong. I love the whole deal that your talking about. So, If you go for it, keep it small and simple. Low overhead and diversity are key. Follow your gut and good luck.
How is the cabinet business? Is there a good size profit margin or not? I have been thinking about building my own. Looking into it has made me think that there might be money in that business…$5000 dollars for an averagely small kitchen cabinet set…cheap labor and mass production techniques…what is the scoop/ PS> I do agree that profits are small in the surfboard business.
How is the cabinet business? Is there a good size profit margin or not? I > have been thinking about building my own. Looking into it has made me > think that there might be money in that business…$5000 dollars for an > averagely small kitchen cabinet set…cheap labor and mass production > techniques…what is the scoop/>>> PS> I do agree that profits are small in the surfboard business. Steve, Don’t play games with my head. I’ll see you at work. Say hi to Jack for me. There’s no money in it. --Skip