Eager to make the jump..so I think.

Brandonrob23 · August 30, 2012

Ok, here's the deal.. Everyone has had their first trial/thought at opening their own shop. Lately I've been seriously contemplating the idea as well. It's nerve racking and scary considering today's economy, along with the fact that I have no idea where to start! I feel like I'm in a real place/situation with no real competition, I live in Central Illinois, Bloomington-Normal to be exact. State Farm National Headquarters are located here with a population around 150k between the two cities. There is ONE shop within 45 miles that does window tint, Ziebarts Superstore. They do not put much effort into their tinting business, it seems like it's just "there" and not to mention they charge a pretty penny for complete cars. So, I feel like it's just there for the taking. I have done a few tractors and farm equipment because of the surrounding farmland areas there's no doubt that there's a market for it if it's done right, I have a passion for cars and a new found passion for window tinting, over 2 years experience and a great mobile mini-business going on now. Soo...

So, after all the above rambling, I'm just curious on what a few of you respected older business owners and tinters think about my situation. Good or bad market? What do I need to consider for making the prospective leap. I understand there's a large investment included in this decision and I'm prepared. What are some little things I'm missing... Besides space, marketing/advertising, insurance, etc. I'm open and eager to learn..I have to drive to make it work because I truly think it's a great opportunity if done right. I've been reading and researching on here since I became interested in tinting a few years back and TD members have really helped me out..

Thanks for reading,

Brandon

gospeed3go · August 30, 2012

theres cars that will make you rethink tinting for a living and it will take hacking only a few to ruin youre reputation. do you think you can tint anything that comes a calling?

Fiveofeen · August 30, 2012

Sounds awesome! Write up a business plan, find a mentor in the area with a small business that is successful. They might not be in window film but their guidance on business related items will be worth it. You can come to us for tint and install related questions.

If you can build it on the side before you take the big leap that can help soften the blow. Build a name for yourself and after say six months go full speed. The timing is right to do that, side work weekends until spring. Find the right location and be ready for business come the start of summer.

GTint · August 30, 2012

After 17 years finally I'm taking the jump.

1st of October I recieve the keys to my factory. Just before the summer hits.

I made sure of one thing. I got myself a factory thats big. 348m2 (3700 odd sqft) with container height roller door.

Basically I'm not limiting myself to space or limited to what I can tint

You think It's nerve racking and scary now? Wait till you actually sign and start handing over the $$, security deposits etc etc etc.... even before you actually open the doors.

But really, whats the worst thing that can happen? Its not like we window tinters need tens of thousands of dollars for specialty equipment!!

Go for it :thumb

I am, and I'm gonna KILL IT!

TintDude · August 30, 2012

All the best man!

Ryker · August 30, 2012

Hey Brandon, I am just a bit south of you in Albion, IL and have done this whole thing for 13 years now as my only business. Smaller towns and spread out, but have made a nice living off of it. My wife has been stay at home mom for 6 years so tinting has been the only income. Would be willing to chat with you sometime or even meet up with you somewhere between.

As for the ziebart charging too much, you might not think so after you get going. If you are slammed with business then you might think that charging less will be good, but if you have any time where you are not working non-stop then you will wish you had been charging more per car. I charge as much for 2 cars as the Evansville, IN market does on 3. I am not losing very many of the vehicles on price. The biggest thing killing me right now is the whole "legal" tint. I have stopped the illegal, but customers are going out of their way to get the tint done illegal.

Call me if you want....618 231 0230

Ryker · August 30, 2012

Just called the Z and they are right where I am for a full 4 door car with a windshield strip. They are $30 higher without the strip. Not too high for sure, IMO.

You could probably make a killing with the "good, better, best" set up though as they only offered the one film.....

Brandonrob23 · August 30, 2012

Just called the Z and they are right where I am for a full 4 door car with a windshield strip. They are $30 higher without the strip. Not too high for sure, IMO.

You could probably make a killing with the "good, better, best" set up though as they only offered the one film.....

Yeah I called around today and even went as far Peoria, which is about 45 minutes away and you're right they aren't too much higher. I think if I can focus my attention on detailing and window tint with some mobile service calls on the weekends only I think I would have a great following. I've been doing it out of my garage for about 2 years and do very well. With a minimum of 5 cars a week, and thats limiting myself to my days off with my other job. At times, my other job gets in the way of really filling up my week with tint and details.

Thanks for the advice and I will for sure keep you in mind for further questions.

Roach · August 30, 2012

.....thats limiting myself to my days off with my other job. At times, my other job gets in the way of really filling up my week with tint and details.

Are you going to continue with your other job or are you going to focus solely on the biz??

Brandonrob23 · August 30, 2012

.....thats limiting myself to my days off with my other job. At times, my other job gets in the way of really filling up my week with tint and details.

Are you going to continue with your other job or are you going to focus solely on the biz??

I'm not too sure yet, eventually I would like to make a transition solely into the business, obviously. Maybe part -time at my other job, just to keep up on the important stuff until the business can support everything and then some! That is probably one of my top concerns, thats a major risk for me. Time away from my family and just the financial risk/upfront money. I'm writing out a business plan as we speak and getting everything in line..looked at a few spaces earlier on today. My mind is just going a million MPH!! Any other advice or thoughts that I might be missing out on, please let me know.