How many on here are Home based? Were you ever a store front with Employees and then went back to being home based? Did you keep any employees? I know this has been discussed before but it still makes for good debate especially in these trying times. Is your home based shop big enough and is it professional looking?
Thanks
Posted by Preston McCall (Member # 351) on :
I ran a large Chevy store and had 56 employees. One day, I wanted to get the showroom windows painted with some ad message and could not find anyone who knew anything about how to do it, so I came in, wearing jeans and broke out some paint myself. We had an immediate and dramatic increase in lot traffic!
Well, after five more attempts and still more business, I pondered how it would be to quit my high pressure job and go be a window painter. Drove to LA and saw windows everywhere out there painted, Duh. That was 21 years ago and I have never looked back. Still no employees and still work out of my truck and home. Low overhead and no business location to pay for...and yes, I still paint the windows of my old dealership! ...and no, I do not own a vinyl cutter. I sug it out whenever I have to do some hours for a door.
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
42 years out of my house and van...had an employee once...was glad when he d to move back home (East Coast.
Posted by William DeBekker (Member # 3848) on :
Started at the House,, Got a Wild Hair that I wanted to become a Big Shop.. Expanded to a large shop with all the fixins. Bucket Truck, 110' Skyhook, Paintbooth, 13 employees and so on... I had never been so miserable in my life.(Except for my first marriage.) I found out the hard way that I am one of those guys that's good at signs not at the Business of Signs.. I am a horrible businessman.
I have moved back to the house and I'm much happier now.. Not freaking out so much on stuff. I have one helper, My Son and he wants to learn signs also so we will see where the future leads for the 2 of us. (I will never leave the Garage again)
As for space.. Yes I wish I had the 25,000 sqft again but I make do with my 1000. Might build another building on the back lot. But that will be for the car hobby.
Careful what you ask for.. You might just get it.
Posted by John Arnott (Member # 215) on :
Neil, I've been in a commercial zoned house, mixed in with residential homes, for going on 32 years. Had employees too. No more! EVERY customer loves what we have! 8-5 period.m-f My wife has a secretarial business in our home (9-5) Everyone loves it! I wouldn't have it any other way. I did buy a commercial zoned house (1990-2000)on a much busier street. Nobody cares if it's on a busy street or a quieter street. Sold it 9 years ago and moved back to my old place that I rented since 1980. Cheap rent- great big old house with a big circular driveway. I just love it. The landlord loves me here too. I can pull in 40'-50' trailers and paint away. about 1200-1400 sf shop space. I've got lots of walk in customer! If you intend on making the move, make sure you keep to yellow page adds and other advertising. Good Luck John www.signgraphics1.com
[ October 13, 2009, 05:28 PM: Message edited by: John Arnott ]
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
We are home based on an acre and a half. Our property is 400 feet long an he shop is way out back. Although we have had up to 21 employees in the past we've never had a storefront. Now it's just me with my daughter Bec part time. Janis does the books from an office (one room) in the house. If we have large projects we ramp up our staff for that and then ramp back down again after.
As far as having a professional looking business... well, ours is the shop of my dreams and looks better than anything I could ever own in a commercial district. Our shop is approximately 3200 square feet. I wouldn't want it to be much smaller with all the equipment we have and the projects we take on.
I LOVE stepping off the porch each morning and making the 200 foot commute to work!
-grampa dan
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
Great responses so far, I'd love to see some photos of your shops as well...as I'm sure most everybody.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Here's a picture of our shop. Since then we've done the concrete driveway. Living the dream in Yarrow...
-grampa dan
[ October 13, 2009, 07:31 PM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
Posted by William DeBekker (Member # 3848) on :
Photo courtesy of Google.. I do now have a door on the left of the building. Not as Pretty as Dans,,But one Day.. But my Commute is less I only have 15ft. Posted by PatRaap (Member # 4290) on :
We have been a home based business for 31 years. The first 20 or so were for our Excavating Business, which was great, a lot of time is spent running a business, so with the business being home...our kids were able to be with Dennis more and I never had to hire a babysitter. As for our Sign Business...we closed our Excavating in 2003, and the Sign Shop took over the 60' x 80' shop and office. I wouldn't have it any other way. We have shop hours 8:30 - 5:30 and even get to walk to work!
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Dan..If I had not actually visited you I would think that was just a Photoshopped vision of what you wished for!!!
But I know that your shop is REAL!!! Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
I have always been a home based business. But for about 6 months, I did rent a shop near Modesto, CA. That's when I lived in Modesto. It seemd that I spent just as much time away from the shop as when I was working there. So after the lease was up, I didn't renew. But now that i have my shop out in the "Backyard" I love it. It kinda reminds me of the real old days, when people lived in their businesses. Like when you lived on top of your restaurant or store. Although, it would be very hard to do that in most major cities. Zoning wouldn't allow that. I have never had any employees, but I have hired people to work with me on jobs.
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
For a "one person show" home based must be the best way to go?
Who looks after the "storefront" while the main person is out doing the work?
Posted by Dana Blair (Member # 951) on :
Always been home based here too. From my original start in Pennsylvania and then started over here in Ohio after moving here.
Posted by George Perkins (Member # 156) on :
This is our shop.
Ran a one man commercial shop for ten years ago. Moved the operation to the house 17 years ago. The shop here is used for storage of this and that. The car is THE shop. We work almost entirely moblie. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay less headaches. I basically don't do signs anymore. Pinstriping and hand lettered trucks. There is almost NO competition Posted by Gregg Parkes (Member # 7710) on :
Been home based for 13 years. One thing I do do (apart from cool drinks, snacks and bathroom breaks), I walk in the office/workshop [which is part of the house], I go to work to work and do not cross that "line" either way. When at "home" I'm home, when at "work" I am at work. Even in quieter times, I still stay in the office and educate myself. Many fail this because they don't stick to the prface that work is work and home is home. Don't take either with you.
Posted by Buren Harrelson (Member # 9381) on :
I started out of an apartment that I lived in. I found a store front on main street with the rent so cheap that I would of been stupid to pass on. It was the best move for me. I wish that I could have a home base shop, but I would go hungry with the lack of traffic. I have a few guys that I call for help on real big jobs. Overall it's my wife and me.
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
Yes I want to hear all the pros and cons once again... for those did move back to home based did you find that your customers followed you?
One thing I'd worry about though is the lack of a professional look. Now Dan's takes the cake, we all know that, but then again his market is unique... Like he is.
I believe that if you can still have a store front but your house seperate, so people won't be so tempted to knock on your private residence door... good signage is the answer to that.
[ October 14, 2009, 06:48 AM: Message edited by: Neil D. Butler ]
Posted by bruce ward (Member # 1289) on :
out of home for 20 years. offcie is still here. I do split rent with body shot guy in warehouse bout 8 miles from home. no employees except for the occasional help on install. wanted a storefront in earlier years but I wouldnt have 1 to save my life now, ESSPECIALLY right now.
i have stayed small and I like it that way. less responsibility, no stress, for the most part, and its has been awesome.
Posted by William DeBekker (Member # 3848) on :
As for Customers Following.. Yes.. All my clients followed me, And for the most of them are saying it is great and they noticed I don't seemed so stress and they can actually talk to me again and not the office personnel.
They really appreciate the one on one service. I am slowly weeding out the work I don't want to do as I re-invent myself.
With the big shop I would say yes to any any type work just to keep everything/one busy and keep cash flow.. Now I can actually pass on a job and not worry. (Not passing on too many right now as it still kinda slow.) Just busy enough that I am having a hard time getting samples done along with some marketing.(Especially the web site.)
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
When I grow up, I wanna be a big shop
Seriously though, I'm home based and glad I took this rout first because I would only be working for my landlord right now. Although I'm still working for the landlord, that landlord is me
As it has been discussed before, being home based does have its pros and cons. While the pros are many, starting off as a home based has presented me with more challenges than I anticipated.
The big issues of being home based that immediately come to mind are as follows:
"Shoppers" expect a lower price because I work from home.
There's a lot more "running around" when you're home based and you shouldn't expect much, if any, walk-in business. Also, this running around time directly impacts your billable hours.
I'm extremely limited with the facility I have and can't (or won't) do some projects in-house. I can't spray much of anything and screen printing is out of the question. Also, trying to get anything much larger than a minivan in the garage is next to impossible. Although I have a few locations I can rent, I've lost more than a few jobs because I couldn't quickly accommodate the vehicles/trailers that needed to be decorated.
The appearance of a home based business can give the impression that we're only hobbyists and will give it up in a few months.
Looking back, I've made several mistakes too. However, I wouldn't change much if I started over again.
If someone asked for suggestions in starting a home based sign business, the best advise I could give is to have: 1)A good business plan, 2) A good team of business advisers - CPA, banker, insurance agent and attorney, 3) Plenty of cash in reserve, and 4) Make sure you know your market. ]
Although I knew a lot about this market and had a fair amount connections, this community is a lot little more conservative than I anticipated. Although I can run circles around a lot of the competition in this market, many business owners are not willing to move their business to another shop just because you present a good sales pitch or product.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
Posted by Len Mort (Member # 7030) on :
I have worked out of my home and truck for many years and have had several shops on main roads.
I built a home shop in 1983, short walk to work each day, can work as late as I wish without bothering any one. Love it this way.
Customers will follow you wherever you go. Go for it! [/IMG] [/IMG]
Posted by Len Mort (Member # 7030) on :
Try posting photos again Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
I don't have the slightest inclination to have a "storefront". Had a decent sized shop years ago up in Ohio, 6 employees, my brother and I. Plenty of work; plenty of headaches.
Now, and for the last 8 years, I'm home-based, and that's how I'm staying. I like the idea of old and new customers coming into the shop and seeing me "in" their project. Whether I'm clean of filthy, they know I give them my full attention, and they have a measure of condidence in me that they wouldn't maybe have with some "suit" in an office.
I've got about 1200 square feet, and most any tool I might need. No printer; no router...I do what I do with my hands, including lettering most of the time. That's why I still love what I do. Each day's a new adventure. My only regret is that my ceiling's aren't higher. But I work around it.
Posted by KARYN BUSH (Member # 1948) on :
homebased here too. i wouldn't even want commercial space...not for a sign business anyway.
you can see my messy shop thru my website. i have the whole garage...upstairs too. i personally think its the only way to go if you are a one person gig. unless you are lucky enough to buy a commercial property for a steal...and rent out a portion to further advance yourself. otherwise, why pay someone else mortgage. i love being 10 steps from my bed too.
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
'Farm based' here. We're 25 miles from four different towns, and 45 miles from three bigger ones. Almost no drop-in customers, unless it's to collect a finished job, or locals. We do deliveries of signs- tied in with a trip to collect materials, or go grocery shopping etc.
Edited to add- most work comes in via email or phone, so the location of our office & workshop are unimportant in that respect, as long as the work gets done.
I've had up to 2 employees, plus me. We got a lot done in those days, but we didn't make a lot of money. Perhaps that's the less-than-ideal businessman I was back then.
Trying to work smarter these days!
[ October 14, 2009, 11:48 PM: Message edited by: Ian Stewart-Koster ]
Posted by Jon Butterworth (Member # 227) on :
Home based here too ... always have been.
I am lucky to own a half acre 10 minutes from the centre of town.
It takes me 30 seconds from bed to studio, another minute walking to the workshop, or the van I mainly work out of.
Work my own hours ... 2 or 12 a day ... depends.
No problem with customers finding me.
Best thing is I can write off most things to Business Tax !!
[ October 14, 2009, 11:50 PM: Message edited by: Jon Butterworth ]
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
A few "heads" know my story, but I feel I can share it now.
We started off home based, then purchased commercial property in town. It was intended as my retirement/investment. We did well there for years. We had 3 employees, provided insurance, and full time wages. Well, 2006 took care of that idea We sold that property and basically broke even. When we filed 2006 taxes, because we sold it before the IRS 39 year depreciation period, we had to reclaim all the depreciation write offs as income.
So much for breaking even.
Today, we are back where we started. On the upside, we own our equipment and our truck. We are business to business only. The retail client is, by and large, a waste of time. My clients appreciate the personal service I can offer because I am not obsessed with cracking that $3000 nut every month
Our life is less complicated and more fun. And, we are doing our best not to obsess over things we cannot control. By following the council in the oldest book to keep our eye simple, we have benefited. Life is not perfect, but greatly improved.
Who'da thunk it?
Posted by George Perkins (Member # 156) on :
NICE SHOP LEN!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
I agree, that's real nice...What's the sq ft?
Posted by Len Mort (Member # 7030) on :
Thanks George, it's only about 40' from my home.
Neil, the square footage is 1,344 including the second floor where my studio is, vinyl table and t-shirt silk screen printing is done. Overhead door is 12'w x 11' h I can fit a ten wheeler in side also have an overhead chain fall for lifting heavy objects.
Posted by Darcy Baker (Member # 8262) on :
I agree.. beautiful set-up. so you're swapping engines with the chain lift???
Posted by Len Mort (Member # 7030) on :
Darcy Do you mean like this one? Posted by Tony Vickio (Member # 2265) on :
I am Home Based also!
Len, what is that bad boy going in??
Posted by Len Mort (Member # 7030) on :
Tony 1940 Chevy, sedan delivery. If I don't sell it first. Posted by J & N Signs (Member # 901) on :
55 feet to work for the past 14 years and no regrets!
Posted by Kevin Gaffney (Member # 4240) on :
Twenty five years home based here in Ireland. Three buildings comprising 2,500 sq. ft. Plenty of space for router printer and laminator. Just my wife and myself. It's been that way for years and it's gonna stay that way. Don't mind putting in extra hours if we get real busy. That way we get to spend all the profits ourselves and nor some ungrateful staff member
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Home based can mean two different things. I was literally in my home, a basement shop with a half flight of stairs to the outside. I couldn't wait to get out of there. The whole house smelled like One Shot half the time. One decent sized project and navigating the shop made you feel like a rat in a maze. Imagine a table saw, jointer, planer, radial arm saw, drill press, stationary sander, 10'x 2'weeding table, storage for paint, a few dozen small power tools, various hand tools, all jammed into a 30' x 15' room. The computer and vinyl cutter were kept upstairs in the den.
Now home based with a separate building for the shop is what I consider ideal. We bought a 20 acre parcel that is currently one mile from my house right on a federal highway. (US2). The shop is barely visible through the trees from the highway and once we sell our house in town we're going to build a new one on the back half of the 20 acres.
Commercial store front? Never had it, seen it, would never want it. You would have to have a full time employee just to handle all the walk ins or you'd never get anything done. Used to visit a few years ago. Most of the walk ins were penny anty stuff.
Posted by Robert Malkamaki (Member # 4817) on :
Enlightening!!!! I've been working out of my back yard for 22 years always thinking about having a shop on some commercial strip where the public would find me.
I could join the ranks of those that have to pay rent and utilities and have a counter cleck and some employees to carry on the work for the multitude of walk in customers.
I thought that was the only way to get ahead, but now I find myself in good company and no longer have any regrets about having a home based business. My wife and I are the only workers. Thanks for this post. Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
See that's what I mean by Home Based... You have to have it completely seperate from the House. A nice shop with signage, on a road, street whatever with easy access. Right now I have probabaly the highest visibily shop in town and after 11 years here in this location, and another 20 years elsewhere, I have a good solid customer base. Honestly I don't know if I could ever just work by myself, if I'm going to be busy, then I'd be working 16 hour days, just to keep up. I have found that 75% and more is repeat business, and a good 50% of my biggest customers have never visited my shop. Yes we do get the occasional tire kicker, but not often. What I don't like is the kids who want 4x4 stickers for the side of their truck. but hey it's still money.
I'd love to see more photos of your shops. anyone else?
[ October 21, 2009, 06:48 AM: Message edited by: Neil D. Butler ]
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
We just expanded our shop and things are still a mess. I still have to finish piping the air throughout the shop (almost done)and some new benches to make for several tools. I'll post pics as soon as I'm done.
Posted by Jack Ambler (Member # 3255) on :
Home based, one man shop in a residential neighbourhood since I started my sign business 10 years ago. I have an office, digital printer, laminator, work table and inventory of supplies in my finished basement. A large work table, tools and other stuff is in the double car sized garage. I decal most vehicles in my driveway and I have not had any problem with neighbours complaining about the visiting trucks; in fact many stop by for a chat while I'm working. Customers seem to find me with no problem and the vast majority of new business is by word of mouth. Everyone phones before dropping in so I have pretty good control over my hours of work allowing me to come and go as I please. I will probably never become wealthy by operating such a small shop but I'm luvin' it and I would never consider increasing my overhead by opening a storefront.
Posted by Len Mort (Member # 7030) on :
How's this for residential? I love it. Neighbors don't object to the ten wheelers coming and going as well as the crane trucks coming and going to pick up or deliver and install large signage. Posted by Buddy Norris (Member # 49) on :
My shop is 25'x35'. about 25 steps from my house. I work alone. wouldn't have it any other way.
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
I for one would'nt want to work alone, If there was work just to keep one person going then that's another thing... I guess I'm just more sociable than most of you..lol Just Kidding... Len your place looks awesome.. just what the doctor ordered.
Posted by Ray Rheaume (Member # 3794) on :
Home based for most of the last 20 years, but I did try the "main drag" location for a short while.
Best part of being home based is having the shop tools handy. Every once in a while I need a router or set of clamps or wrenches etc. for doing little odd jobs around the house. Nice that they are not a fifteen minute drive across town.
Definite downside....deliveries. I live on a fairly sharp turn along a steep hill in a residential neighborhood and anything that ships via freight can be a bit troublesome. Big trucks can't pull onto the property and having them along the road can cause some traffic hazards from time to time.
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We sold that property and basically broke even. When we filed 2006 taxes, because we sold it before the IRS 39 year depreciation period, we had to reclaim all the depreciation write offs as income. ![[Bash]](graemlins/bash.gif)
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