H
Hot Rod Shop
I know all the old timers have gotten this question a million times! But I'm gonna ask for any suggestions for getting more work in a young but growing and talented restoration and custom shop!
Chad.S
Oldtimer
The best method is to build something for yourself that is to the highest quality you can build and then go to car shows, and lots of them, hand out cards, go around talking to people at the show. If you get into a niche market, you need to go to those specific shows. Mustang show, vette fest, etc etc, we kind of got into bagged trucks and we went to those shows. And we usually have a few bagged trucks we are working on at just about any given time.
If you want to get into high end work you need to show high end work. Seems to be about the only method that worked for me.
If you want to get into high end work you need to show high end work. Seems to be about the only method that worked for me.
Chris_Hamilton
Trying to be the best me, I can be
Listen to Chad, he's exactly right. Networking with people i.e. car shows, friends, handing out cards etc. will help especially in the beginning, but to get really high end work you'll need to build and show something really nice. It'll help if you can win some regional/national shows with it. Do that and the work will come pouring in. Bobby Alloway was managing a Ford Dealership service department when he built his 33 Victoria that won the Ridler Award. He said that he needed to win in order to have the money to get back home! Alloway now has all the work he can handle and he can name his price (for the most part) and do what he wants creatively. That's how Boyd Coddington got his start as well. He was a Machinist at DisneyLand and built cars in his spare time. One thing led to another and the rest is history.
H
Hot Rod Shop
Thanks for the advice....the main problem I am having is that it seems that nobody understands what kind of money or time and work it takes to build a quality car!!...
When I'm working on a vehicle I stress to the customer the door is always open and they can see first hand what is and how things are being done and after a couple visits they quickly realize just how involved it really is and they seem to like the fact that I have nothing to hide and am doing everything I said I would do.
shine
Member
nothing beats communication. documented work with pics every friday . don't waste time try to tell them what you did show them each step. as for building a customer base it takes time. NEVER cut a deal to get work. the busiest shop is the cheapest and also the first to go under .
most important ..... " the #1 reason for failure in small business is treating the money like it is yours "
most important ..... " the #1 reason for failure in small business is treating the money like it is yours "
It takes a lot of time building a reputation. Shaft one guy and it's over.
The examples here are solid. I pretty much did it by going to the shows and joining clubs specific to what I wanted to work on. Be active in the clubs and invite the driving tours into your shop. This way you might not need to build a specific car to show if you don't have the funds. I work on early cars and we drive our 30's cars to the shows. Makes a difference when you drive 250+ miles to a show in an old car. Shows you know what your doing and people take notice. Even if it isn't a 100point car you get credit in the business.
I personally don't believe a new 1ton diesel and 40' gooseneck trailer whored up with decals is gonna do it. Selling yourself through personallity and quality will deliver work.
The examples here are solid. I pretty much did it by going to the shows and joining clubs specific to what I wanted to work on. Be active in the clubs and invite the driving tours into your shop. This way you might not need to build a specific car to show if you don't have the funds. I work on early cars and we drive our 30's cars to the shows. Makes a difference when you drive 250+ miles to a show in an old car. Shows you know what your doing and people take notice. Even if it isn't a 100point car you get credit in the business.
I personally don't believe a new 1ton diesel and 40' gooseneck trailer whored up with decals is gonna do it. Selling yourself through personallity and quality will deliver work.