Welding/Motorcycle Shop

[Welder1986]

I'd also recommend giving Facebook or Instagram a go - especially with with your custom bike projects (they look great BTW). Pics like those are the ones that people will share with their friends, so you'll get at least some free/viral views.

Even if you go down the paid advertising route with social media, your money will go much further than it will with a magazine ad. I've seen better results from social media advertising on a cost per view basis.

Another thing you could try is getting one of your projects featured in a magazine - editors are often looking for new features.

The original ad I had on FB had a short description and a pic of a handrail I did. I will set one up with a nice bike shot and a hook. Thanks for the compliment.

I also shot a bike the other day I am going to send in to some mags to see if I can get a spread. Thanks!!

 

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[B V Marlon]

No problem. Something else I thought of this morning - if you built something that would fit a particular model, or a range of bikes, you may be able to get free publicity in the new products section of magazines. Most magazines have them.

I launched a couple of products a few months ago, and had a fair bit of success in getting featured in the new products section of several magazines. About 7 in all from memory, out of 20 or so emails to magazine editors with a brief press release.

 

[Welder1986]

Hey guys, wanted to post an update. Hope everyone is well.

I met with my SCORE mentor the other night, we discussed a bunch of different topics and it went well. I will be keeping in touch with him frequently after completing some small tasks each time.

I also listed some bikes online for sale and they have been getting quick bids on the auctions. Some friends got a whiff that I was selling a few and for some reason can't fathom it. I was asked why about 6 times. I just said it is part of a plan. Do I want to sell? No, but I wan't to be a builder and then someday I can be a collector. Can't keep them all. In order to take the steps away from a 40 hour job this cash will give me the salary to live off while I build and learn more. Not that I am quitting right off the bat either.

Which leads to my next possible path. I have a local welding shop which is not really a direct competitor per say, they do structural and big MIG jobs where I do not do any of that, that is looking for help. At the moment it is just the boss and a friend of mine working there. He is very flexible on hours, I could work 20-25 hours all on the books and work the rest at home, also could do 50-55 every single week if I had to. I debated for a while but I feel like this is the next step. If I work p/t for him then I could very well up the cycle production. If I stay on top of the style and these bikes are moving quick I may not need to be there for a long period of time. I know the grass is not always greener but my full time job was bought out and is rapidly declining fast and has lost over 50 people the last few months.

I will post back with the verdict!

 

[Welder1986]

I also would like to start delegating some of the cycle operations out. Now from my view it could go 2 ways. Say sandblasting for example. I can either send all my parts out to get blasted at $75 an hour or I can have a friend blast the parts using my sandblaster for $15 an hour. Now that one is obvious but then there's an operation like powder coating. I can send parts out for whatever the shops hourly rate is or invest in a small setup for my shop and have another friend (with powder coating knowledge) to come in and coat parts for me. I believe from an entrepreneurs stand point it would be to have the guys working for you instead of forking out bigger bucks to outsource. I am getting to the point with multiple projects that it isn't efficient for me to be doing every single step.

 

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[Runum]

I also would like to start delegating some of the cycle operations out. Now from my view it could go 2 ways. Say sandblasting for example. I can either send all my parts out to get blasted at $75 an hour or I can have a friend blast the parts using my sandblaster for $15 an hour. Now that one is obvious but then there's an operation like powder coating. I can send parts out for whatever the shops hourly rate is or invest in a small setup for my shop and have another friend (with powder coating knowledge) to come in and coat parts for me. I believe from an entrepreneurs stand point it would be to have the guys working for you instead of forking out bigger bucks to outsource. I am getting to the point with multiple projects that it isn't efficient for me to be doing every single step.

Good progress.

Concerning which services to offer and which to vend out, there are a lot of things to consider. Given that you will have to make several of these choices and do each choice many times it may help if you start recording the choices and the variables and create a spreadsheet to help you make a decision and justify those choices ongoing.

Variables may be but not limited to:

cost of shop square footage for each operation since square footage is limited
sales benefit of product for each square foot
missing opportunity for a different product or service in the same space
equipment cost to provide the specified product
cost of equipment when not being used
repair cost of equipment and consumable equipment cost

TOTAL cost of labor
taxes
insurance
sick days
salary
perks
repairing defects

vs TOTAL cost of vending out
transportation or shipping
hour cost
defects

Every decision has a number associated with it. Capturing and refining those numbers will help you make more informed decisions.

Good luck.

 

[KLaw]

As far as the website goes it is a way to show past work etc. I personally would go to one place over another if I can see work before hand. I plan to treat customers better then the competitors anyway I

For now working out of my home shop I am limited with having a nice looking secretary and an office but I see your point.

I like the idea of being small but acting big.

Thanks!

Have you looked at using a call center. I used a service once. it was like $60 / month.

 

[biophase]

I read this thread totally different, probably because of my background. I see someone with a set of skills to create product. However, I see those skills going to mass production of a simpler product. There are many steel products that are just inefficient to make and ship from China these days due to the price and weight.

I look at your skills and I see an easier fastlane journey making things like shelves, iron gates, doors, types of small decoration pieces, targets, stands, etc.

I feel like it would be much easier for you to create and then teach someone to make these simple things and then leverage Amazon and ecommerce to sell whatever you make. The business becomes less about you and your creative side.

You can then build bikes on the side for fun.

 

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[jon.a]

I read this thread totally different, probably because of my background. I see someone with a set of skills to create product. However, I see those skills going to mass production of a simpler product. There are many steel products that are just inefficient to make and ship from China these days due to the price and weight.

I look at your skills and I see an easier fastlane journey making things like shelves, iron gates, doors, types of small decoration pieces, targets, stands, etc.

I feel like it would be much easier for you to create and then teach someone to make these simple things and then leverage Amazon and ecommerce to sell whatever you make. The business becomes less about you and your creative side.

You can then build bikes on the side for fun.

Scale

 

[Runum]

I read this thread totally different, probably because of my background. I see someone with a set of skills to create product. However, I see those skills going to mass production of a simpler product. There are many steel products that are just inefficient to make and ship from China these days due to the price and weight.

I look at your skills and I see an easier fastlane journey making things like shelves, iron gates, doors, types of small decoration pieces, targets, stands, etc.

I feel like it would be much easier for you to create and then teach someone to make these simple things and then leverage Amazon and ecommerce to sell whatever you make. The business becomes less about you and your creative side.

You can then build bikes on the side for fun.

100% agree on making simple, repeatable unique products for sale. Look at other guys that have gone before you, Jesse James, Boyd Coddington, Chip Foose, Don Hardy, etc. They are creative and have amazing ideas. They also found products they could produce en mass that grow their brand and keep the doors open.

Door hinges, mirror brackets, gas tanks, fenders, seat brackets, foot pegs, wheels, hinges, struts, forks, gates, doors, lawn ornaments, traction bars, seat belt brackets, gauge brackets, etc.

I also agree with possible sourcing from China. It won't hurt to spec to a standard frame and negotiate with an overseas supplier to check cost. It would free you up to work on other ideas.

Great insight @biophase

 

[Welder1986]

I read this thread totally different, probably because of my background. I see someone with a set of skills to create product. However, I see those skills going to mass production of a simpler product. There are many steel products that are just inefficient to make and ship from China these days due to the price and weight.

I look at your skills and I see an easier fastlane journey making things like shelves, iron gates, doors, types of small decoration pieces, targets, stands, etc.

I feel like it would be much easier for you to create and then teach someone to make these simple things and then leverage Amazon and ecommerce to sell whatever you make. The business becomes less about you and your creative side.

You can then build bikes on the side for fun.

I had setup an Etsy account with the intent of making steel furniture, coffee tables, stands etc.. other than that or craigslist I was not positive on how to find customers. Earlier in this thread social media marketing was mentioned. I could advertise the service or advertise pieces that are for sale.

While building bikes makes me think, basic furniture is very straightforward and for me I go on autopilot which is nice for a change.

Can't thank you guys enough for your help and suggestions.

 

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[Welder1986]

100% agree on making simple, repeatable unique products for sale. Look at other guys that have gone before you, Jesse James, Boyd Coddington, Chip Foose, Don Hardy, etc. They are creative and have amazing ideas. They also found products they could produce en mass that grow their brand and keep the doors open.

Door hinges, mirror brackets, gas tanks, fenders, seat brackets, foot pegs, wheels, hinges, struts, forks, gates, doors, lawn ornaments, traction bars, seat belt brackets, gauge brackets, etc.

I also agree with possible sourcing from China. It won't hurt to spec to a standard frame and negotiate with an overseas supplier to check cost. It would free you up to work on other ideas.

Great insight @biophase

Absolutely agree..

 

[Welder1986]

This afternoon I decided it was time for an office setup if I want to get serious about the marketing/advertising side that my business is lacking. I cleaned my office which was a catch all for everything so now I have somewhere I can sit and concentrate away from tv etc..

I caught some videos of a guy on you tube doing pretty much the same thing with motorcycles that I am doing. He gets them, customizes, and sells. I am bringing this up because his views are pretty up there anywhere from 25k to 100k. These are no special videos either just a walk around of the bike and a startup. I have a few videos and am lucky if all the views ad up to 100. Since that is free advertising I am going to look in to boosting my videos. Are any of you guys you tube stars?? Until I seen this I never really put much thought in to it. But I plan to!

 

[kkompoti]

don't get carried away from the first flashy thing you see and like and want to have. concetrate on your business first. the videos and how to approach more viewers is Step 78 down your road.

READ THIS: https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/threads/you-dont-need-a-website-you-need-sales.68575/
AND THIS: https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/co...rrari-should-i-buy-i-have-twenty-bucks.52834/

i don't call you a wantrepreuner but i tell you to get your ... together and decide your steps. write them all down and execute step by step.
if you see something you like write it down and wait after you complete your first steps, and then if you get stuck go for the views and the viewers and whatever else you find helpful.

an example of steps.
1.- find person for that
2.- find person for the other
3.- find logo creator from fiverr
4.- create brand
5.- form llc etc
6.- find costumers
7,8,9,10,..... , 78.- attract viewers to Youtube channel , 79,80 ,....... , 1234.- Retire and go a trip to North Pole.


nice to have an office. i made mine in my basement(next to some empty beehives) and i feel great.

p.s. i will pm you an idea of what you could get you hands into and make some very good money.

 

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[Welder1986]

don't get carried away from the first flashy thing you see and like and want to have. concetrate on your business first. the videos and how to approach more viewers is Step 78 down your road.

READ THIS: https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/threads/you-dont-need-a-website-you-need-sales.68575/
AND THIS: https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/co...rrari-should-i-buy-i-have-twenty-bucks.52834/

i don't call you a wantrepreuner but i tell you to get your ... together and decide your steps. write them all down and execute step by step.
if you see something you like write it down and wait after you complete your first steps, and then if you get stuck go for the views and the viewers and whatever else you find helpful.

an example of steps.
1.- find person for that
2.- find person for the other
3.- find logo creator from fiverr
4.- create brand
5.- form llc etc
6.- find costumers
7,8,9,10,..... , 78.- attract viewers to Youtube channel , 79,80 ,....... , 1234.- Retire and go a trip to North Pole.


nice to have an office. i made mine in my basement(next to some empty beehives) and i feel great.

p.s. i will pm you an idea of what you could get you hands into and make some very good money.

A lot of my steps I have accomplished (fill my shop with welding/fab equipment, get the llc, quickbooks and taxes all setup, build a few bikes) and still have a long way to go. So I have 2 bikes for sale now and the reason for my you tube inquiry was for the potential to reach more possible customers or buyers past the local craigslist or ebay which they are both listed on.

 

[AFMKelvin]

Hey everyone,

I am still very new here but wanted to start a progress thread for my Welding business (llc). After reading TMF my eyes have been opened and my mind spun 180 degrees and could not be more thankful for it. Also coming across @IceCreamKid and his thread on carpet cleaning and the blue collar possibilities of the fastlane.

I work a full time welding job during the day and run my business from my home shop at night and on weekends which ranges from repairing broken farm equipment to parts on motorcycles, to complete motorcycle builds ground up, machining and everything in between. I can not stand the thought of working for a company (slowlane) anymore and just being a number, so I have committed to start making changes to allow my adventure to the fastlane to begin!

Firstly I am eliminating some parasitic debt I have to allow me in this next year to walk away from my day gig. I can build budget custom motorcycles monthly to continue my current income at the very least, while most likely I will bring in more cash then that. (I hope) Ebay seems to get the most exposure and allows me to see what is selling and popular in the market.

Second I am reading and learning as much as possible about marketing because I really don't have a ton of customers. It goes from jamming to dead for weeks at a time. I now understand not to chase money but to solve problems and help peoples needs. I struggle to relate this to my job shop welding biz where I do a bunch of different fabrication and repair work rather then a simple niche that I could direct marketing efforts to.

My thought was I always wanted to build bikes for a living and have the welding shop to fund it. Which goes along with the "do what you love" thought that does not necessarily mean you will succeed.

There are no real custom bike shops in my area that do what I do (rake and stretch frames, fabricate hardtail conversions, machine wheel spacers and axles, hand make oil and and gas tanks etc.) That being said there are 4 welding/repair shops in my surrounding area. 1 is staying afloat, 1 is steady and 2 are slammed with work. 2 have no online presence while the other 2 do. These shops don't advertise other then the phone book and maybe a place mat at the local diner. It is by word of mouth and years and years of being around I assume.

One owner works at his shop 2 days a week while the other days his guys run it. I now see he has more than just wealth$ but wealth as in time to do what he wants the other part of his week. That is my goal to eventually have a group of hardworking employees I can trust to take care of my shop.

I have been browsing this website picking up on tips and nuggets here and there. It is a bit overwhelming for me to take it all in but I will continue to grow my knowledge and hopefully my business will benefit from it as well.

I hope this wasn't too long! Thanks for reading. I hope to contribute and help others when and where I can on here. I would be all ears to any suggestions or guidance, good or bad. Thanks in advance!

Eric

I'm building a business around the same niche as you. I want to be around motorcycles for life and I'm positive the industry will explode in the upcoming years. Do to the third world countries demanding motorcycles.

To scale your business you'll have sell a few custom motorcycles at a higher cost. Just like a Lamborghini. There's not many of them but the few that are around, are in high demand.

Now the question is, how do you get your custom motorcycles to be in high demand?

The answer to that is social media.

Create your brand through social media.

Get people to make a big deal about your custom motorcycle. Hire a professional photographer and post pictures of your bike on Instagram, facebook, tumblr and your home page. Let it spread for a while.

Give the motorcycle a personality and reflect that personality in the pictures. Give a name if you have to. Then hire some professional models and take pictures of them with the bike.

Of course it doesn't have to stop there. Hire a camera crew and shoot a commercial with the motorcycle. For example you riding it around town to a bikers night meetup. Get a go pro and give the viewers a glimpse of what's it like to be on the riders seat. Then upload it to YouTube for your followers to see.

Once you have enough buzz around the bike put it up on sale on ebay and let your audience know. Who knows one of your followers might be a millionaire from Russia or Brazil that might want your bike.

Once your brand takes off through social media. Sell motorcycles parts with your brand on it. Just like Harley Davidson does with their parts. Even the wire connectors have a Harley logo stamped on them.

 

[Welder1986]

I'm building a business around the same niche as you. I want to be around motorcycles for life and I'm positive the industry will explode in the upcoming years. Do to the third world countries demanding motorcycles.

To scale your business you'll have sell a few custom motorcycles at a higher cost. Just like a Lamborghini. There's not many of them but the few that are around, are in high demand.

Now the question is, how do you get your custom motorcycles to be in high demand?

The answer to that is social media.

Create your brand through social media.

Get people to make a big deal about your custom motorcycle. Hire a professional photographer and post pictures of your bike on Instagram, facebook, tumblr and your home page. Let it spread for a while.

Give the motorcycle a personality and reflect that personality in the pictures. Give a name if you have to. Then hire some professional models and take pictures of them with the bike.

Of course it doesn't have to stop there. Hire a camera crew and shoot a commercial with the motorcycle. For example you riding it around town to a bikers night meetup. Get a go pro and give the viewers a glimpse of what's it like to be on the riders seat. Then upload it to YouTube for your followers to see.

Once you have enough buzz around the bike put it up on sale on ebay and let your audience know. Who knows one of your followers might be a millionaire from Russia or Brazil that might want your bike.

Once your brand takes off through social media. Sell motorcycles parts with your brand on it. Just like Harley Davidson does with their parts. Even the wire connectors have a Harley logo stamped on them.

That is some good stuff right there, thank you

 

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[Welder1986]

I'm building a business around the same niche as you. I want to be around motorcycles for life and I'm positive the industry will explode in the upcoming years. Do to the third world countries demanding motorcycles.

To scale your business you'll have sell a few custom motorcycles at a higher cost. Just like a Lamborghini. There's not many of them but the few that are around, are in high demand.

Now the question is, how do you get your custom motorcycles to be in high demand?

The answer to that is social media.

Create your brand through social media.

Get people to make a big deal about your custom motorcycle. Hire a professional photographer and post pictures of your bike on Instagram, facebook, tumblr and your home page. Let it spread for a while.

Give the motorcycle a personality and reflect that personality in the pictures. Give a name if you have to. Then hire some professional models and take pictures of them with the bike.

Of course it doesn't have to stop there. Hire a camera crew and shoot a commercial with the motorcycle. For example you riding it around town to a bikers night meetup. Get a go pro and give the viewers a glimpse of what's it like to be on the riders seat. Then upload it to YouTube for your followers to see.

Once you have enough buzz around the bike put it up on sale on ebay and let your audience know. Who knows one of your followers might be a millionaire from Russia or Brazil that might want your bike.

Once your brand takes off through social media. Sell motorcycles parts with your brand on it. Just like Harley Davidson does with their parts. Even the wire connectors have a Harley logo stamped on them.

Have you been successful with this method?

 

[AFMKelvin]

Have you been successful with this method?

Not yet but that's the method I plan to follow. I just started working on this business a few months ago. And than I had to take a break because I wrecked my bike out on the highway.

But it's something I plan to pursue for the long run.

I know it works because there's already people using this method. If you research online you will find people that make a living taking pictures of themselves on instagram. The ones that have a lot of followers get contacted by companies to promote their products. Others just sell their own brand of t shirts to their followers.

At the end of the day all that matters is to get the attention of people. Once you have their attention that's when you go for the sale.

The same applies to brick and mortar stores. The store that's located in the corner of intersecting streets gets more attention/sales than the one who is only on one side of the road. In this case social media is your corner in the street. As opposed to been only on one side of the road like your competitors that don't promote their business on social media.

 

[timmy]

Scale

Bingo........In general...The Fastlane midset is deeply rooted in scalability. It can quickly becomes a reincarnation of the 9-5 herd mentality. This may be necessary initially in the start up state....Remember most wealth is generated from the shoulders up. This advice was hard learned personally at great expence.

 

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[Welder1986]

Bingo........In general...The Fastlane midset is deeply rooted in scalability. It can quickly becomes a reincarnation of the 9-5 herd mentality. This may be necessary initially in the start up state....Remember most wealth is generated from the shoulders up. This advice was hard learned personally at great expence.

I feel like I was headed to the 9-5 grind except for myself. I understand scale. It's a slow process going from working with my hands to working more shoulders up.

 

[Welder1986]

Hey guys hope all is well.

Have been busy with jobs lately and trying to educate myself but wanted to check in and say hello.

In the last few weeks I have tried some direct mail post cards and have had a few bites. On the postcard I described my services, offered a discount, and sent them off. I just sent about 50 more out today. It seems like a great way of getting at least a few seconds or possibly more of a potential customers time.

Have any of you had luck with similar advertising?

 

[Runum]

Hey guys hope all is well.

Have been busy with jobs lately and trying to educate myself but wanted to check in and say hello.

In the last few weeks I have tried some direct mail post cards and have had a few bites. On the postcard I described my services, offered a discount, and sent them off. I just sent about 50 more out today. It seems like a great way of getting at least a few seconds or possibly more of a potential customers time.

Have any of you had luck with similar advertising?

Where are you getting the mailing addresses?

What about advertising through motorcycle retailers? Maybe an ad printed on their sales receipts? Wouldn't these be your target clients? They would already be vetted and warmed up.

 

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[Welder1986]

Where are you getting the mailing addresses?

What about advertising through motorcycle retailers? Maybe an ad printed on their sales receipts? Wouldn't these be your target clients? They would already be vetted and warmed up.

Good idea. The list I have is from looking up any possible customers that could need my services such as excavation, landscape, architects etc. Then I will send another in a few weeks as well.

 

[Runum]

Good idea. The list I have is from looking up any possible customers that could need my services such as excavation, landscape, architects etc. Then I will send another in a few weeks as well.

Truck guys are always looking for unique brush guards, push bumpers, winch mounts, step bars,, nerf bars, light bars, hunting stands, etc.

Many customers want their stuff powder coated in certain matching colors. Maybe another complimentary service to offer with another provider or in house?

 

[KLaw]

Have you considered joining a BNI Chapter? If you find the right group, I think it could be a great networking tool for your business. Google BNI and your state. Then click on find a chapter. What's nice about this is once you find a chapter in your desired location, click on that group. You can see each businesses that is currently in that group. For example...
http://www.bnicentralohio.com/chapt...633d3f32625&name=BNI Northstar Chapter of BNI

 

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[Welder1986]

Have you considered joining a BNI Chapter? If you find the right group, I think it could be a great networking tool for your business. Google BNI and your state. Then click on find a chapter. What's nice about this is once you find a chapter in your desired location, click on that group. You can see each businesses that is currently in that group. For example...
http://www.bnicentralohio.com/chapterdetails.php?chapterId=9583&t=335220dba9c46c59b4b6aaa3b28513da54da92997b42a7c1951d8633d3f32625&name=BNI Northstar Chapter of BNI

Never heard of BNI before. I looked up my local chapter and am looking at joining. Great info!

 

[KLaw]

Never heard of BNI before. I looked up my local chapter and am looking at joining. Great info!

Just a heads up. It's a commitment. You or a rep have to attend the weekly meetings. Or they kick your a$$ out. It's really about establishing connections. Btw, I'm not affiliated with them at all. Just think it is a good fit with what you are trying to accomplish.

 

[Welder1986]

Just a heads up. It's a commitment. You or a rep have to attend the weekly meetings. Or they kick your a$$ out. It's really about establishing connections. Btw, I'm not affiliated with them at all. Just think it is a good fit with what you are trying to accomplish.

Yeah I see that. They only want people who are serious. I am curious what the fees are. They say that there is a lot of opportunity to network with the other local businesses. I will post back when I get a reply.

 

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[Welder1986]

Had a brief talk with the BNI president of my local chapter which happens to be the mother of someone I know. Small world. But it is a very dedicated commitment you need to make with weekly meetings, dues etc.. Once I get my schedule set I will decide if it is right for me.

In the meantime I have put my 2 week notice in and will be helping out another local welding shop with a very flexible work week which helps my situation with customers and what not. I am excited for change and a bit more freedom.

I also received a call out of the blue the other day from a local newspaper editor who does motorcycle articles. He wants to photograph one of my latest bikes and do an interview. I am pretty excited about it and getting some local exposure. I have never had the opportunity to do something like that yet.

I feel like the hard work is paying off, the jobs have been getting more steady and the phone rings more frequently then ever before. I also like the fact of having a forum with a bunch of like minded folks to document my journey!

 

[miked_d]

I also received a call out of the blue the other day from a local newspaper editor who does motorcycle articles. He wants to photograph one of my latest bikes and do an interview. I am pretty excited about it and getting some local exposure. I have never had the opportunity to do something like that yet.

Awesome!

Reminded me of Help A Reporter Out (Help A Reporter).

HARO provides journalists with a robust database of sources for upcoming stories and daily opportunities for sources to secure valuable media coverage.