I am considering starting my own repair business. Not sure when, but if anyone is interested, let me know.

T.

Thomas

It would be an interesting and fun business but you won't get rich. We know radio collectors because of the forums but there isn't a real high demand for repair. Most newer items can be replaced for less than repair costs.

Norm

:I am considering starting my own repair business. Not sure when, but if anyone is interested, let me know.
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:T.
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Not looking to get rich. Just looking to make a living with my own talent, instead of using my talent to make someone else rich.

T.

Thomas

That's a good idea. More satisfaction that way. There are fun jobs and then there are ways to make a lot of money. No matter what can't take it with you...

Norm

:Not looking to get rich. Just looking to make a living with my own talent, instead of using my talent to make someone else rich.
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:T.
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Here in San Diego there is really only one antique radio store. I know Jeff has a lot of work, as people from miles away bring there radios to him. He always has a back log of radios for repair. He also sells parts, and can come up with just about anything you need. Always willing to help another radio person. I deal with him a lot, and even swap parts for parts ect. If you can start something like this, you may be surprised of how work you will get.

http://www.oldradiosrus.com/

What I have seen others do is this... They first buy radios cheap through clubs...I know the club I belong to the radios at our auction(s) go for pennies on the dollar because most people know what they are worth..Anyway...people who own antique stores and are repairmen restore the electronics but in regards to large consoles they have a professional restore the cabinet and then turn around and sell radio to those who want a nice piece of furnature in their house and the fact that the radio works is a bonus. I am finding that many young couples that buy an older style house want to have a old radio console for decore. I don't own a store but rather this is just a hobby for me on the side..I have been buying old consoles with record players ..restoring the electronics and putting them on craigs list...I don't make a fortune but I do make a littel extra cash because I can do the electronics myself...Instead of ebay where you have to pay fees I am learning that the younger tech savy generation watches craiglist closely...especially in these hard economic times...

:I am considering starting my own repair business. Not sure when, but if anyone is interested, let me know.
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:T.
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Great Thom good luck!
Find any spot to work that has no overhead.. as work will come in very sporadically early on.

There are a lot of folks out there I have discovered who are anxious to pay any reasonable price and often willing to pay more just to bring back an old beauty.

Somehow my name gets out via internet or whatever from my small web listing
and people find me.

I charge $40/hr + parts and I have found that most folks pay it very willing. Most simple repairs are less than 3 hours and that's a fair amount for people to get a great old radio working.

Sometimes on an AA5 that just needs to get playing I may set a 1hr or 2hr minimum.

Cabinet restoration prices are a different thing however.

That's good info Peter,thanks,
A friend of mine who is also a photographer who freelanced equated his work this way; My work should be at least equal to a good plumber! :O) That was in the early 90's but even then I thought that was too cheap. But being the gross amateur that I am at radio repair there are some things I could do. I never knew what I should charge. The downside for my customers is that it takes probably ten-fold the time it takes you to revive an old beauty...and I would have to give a cut to the person here who helped me. Buyer beware :O)

Well, right now I build and calibrate meters, and repair test equipment. The market is shrinking for antiquated meters, and I don't see people getting sentimental over them quite like a radio, unless the meter is from the 40s, perhaps.

These are all good ideas. Here I charge 60/hour, most of which goes to the boss. I think that 30 or 40/hour is a fair price that many would be willing to pay.

One fascinating thing about the meter business, though, is that Simpson still makes their 1930s style panel meters, and one really prominent factory in my area ordered 10 elapsed time meters from them in the 1930s style (I for got the model number). It was really kinda cool seeing brand new meters in this style going out the door. They even had 60cy instead of 60Hz stamped on them.

T.

:Well, right now I build and calibrate meters, and repair test equipment. The market is shrinking for antiquated meters, and I don't see people getting sentimental over them quite like a radio, unless the meter is from the 40s, perhaps.
:
:These are all good ideas. Here I charge 60/hour, most of which goes to the boss. I think that 30 or 40/hour is a fair price that many would be willing to pay.
:
:One fascinating thing about the meter business, though, is that Simpson still makes their 1930s style panel meters, and one really prominent factory in my area ordered 10 elapsed time meters from them in the 1930s style (I for got the model number). It was really kinda cool seeing brand new meters in this style going out the door. They even had 60cy instead of 60Hz stamped on them.
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:T.
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Good luck and
HAVE FUN!
Terry

Hi Tom,

There can be side effects, not all good, when you turn your passion and hobby into a means for survival. The passion transforms into urgency and your hobby becomes work.

This email is not meant to discourage you. I just wanted to share my own experience.

Gary

:I am considering starting my own repair business. Not sure when, but if anyone is interested, let me know.
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:T.
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Yeah. I don't like that. ....But I also don't like it when employers ask me for all of the ideas and effort, and they collect all of the money. I've spent my life studying this, not them, and I don't feel that others should benefit from my talent.

At very least I'd like it as something to fall back on.

T.

T,
I mirror your thoughts, having spent over 40 yrs in the aerospace community of working stiffs. In reference to bosses/managers/politicians, its best explained as follows: "Those who got, get" or "Bastards and Cream Rise to the Top, Which are you" The same bureaucratic BS perpetuates itself throughout municipal, county, city, state and Federal gov't across America. I have a lot more to say on that subject, but best left to a different forum.

marv

:Yeah. I don't like that. ....But I also don't like it when employers ask me for all of the ideas and effort, and they collect all of the money. I've spent my life studying this, not them, and I don't feel that others should benefit from my talent.
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:At very least I'd like it as something to fall back on.
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:T.
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