Antique Radio Repair

3/11/2012 8:53:59 PMLou

Gentlemen:

I am currently in the process of looking for work in engineering. If the current job market does not become more favorable, I may be ( temporarily ) setting up shop here at home.

I would be repairing radio equipment dating from the 1920s thru the 1960s ( approximately ). The guarantee I would give is that if a customer gave me a radio etc. that I could not successfully repair, there would be no charge and the equipment would be returned.

Any thoughts all? A good idea? I am just polling the site because I value all of your thoughts ( as I have in the past ).

Thanks
Lou

3/11/2012 11:12:45 PMWarren

When a radio is not reparable or the cost prohibits the worth of the radio. The customer is informed of the situation. The set is then retuned in, as was condition at no charge. This practice is only for the specialty of antique radio repair. Normally an electronic repair service would take a deposit and an estimate is given. The deposit is forfeited if the repair should exceed the estimate. You will have customer’s word of mouth in radio repair. This is worth more than any advertisement. A 90-day warranty should be given with any repairs.

3/11/2012 11:18:20 PMLou

Warren:

Thank you for the feedback. I needed that! An excellent short summary of how business should be done.

I consider this a challenge and I believe I am up to it!!

Thanks
Lou

:When a radio is not reparable or the cost prohibits the worth of the radio. The customer is informed of the situation. The set is then retuned in, as was condition at no charge. This practice is only for the specialty of antique radio repair. Normally an electronic repair service would take a deposit and an estimate is given. The deposit is forfeited if the repair should exceed the estimate. You will have customer’s word of mouth in radio repair. This is worth more than any advertisement. A 90-day warranty should be given with any repairs.
:

3/12/2012 12:12:43 AMLou

Warren:

I think I know the answer to this but I would like to hear it from someone who has done it. What are the steps, in a nutshell to creating a small home business with me as the proprietor? I understand that I need a tax id #, and I may need to file est taxes 4x a year. Anything else - have a short summary?

Not exactly appropriate for an old radio website but I have to ask
Lou

3/12/2012 8:51:49 AMEdM

:Warren:
:
:I think I know the answer to this but I would like to hear it from someone who has done it. What are the steps, in a nutshell to creating a small home business with me as the proprietor? I understand that I need a tax id #, and I may need to file est taxes 4x a year. Anything else - have a short summary?

Usually when someone opens a business, it is in response to a need for goods and services (demand). Is there demand for 'antique' radio repair in your area? It is pretty hard to create demand in this area. And then there is a limit to what most people are willing to pay. Can you charge enough, and get enough business to meet expenses, not to mention making a living? Might could make some money as a side business, but $ per hour over expenses is minimal; most folks I know in the 'business' do it 'for the love of radio'. Might could fix up items, and sell on the internet, but that brings it's own set of problems. If you are willing to train yourself, you might look into doing other electronic repairs as well as radio. For example, MANY churches have aging light dimming systems installed decades ago before the advent of microprocessors; they are hard wired, and relatively easy to work on. Most of the problems are blown SCRs (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) and Triacs, dried out electrolytic capacitors, worn out pots, and bad connections. There is usually a lot of reduncancy, so bad units / sections gan be compared to good. Churches also use sound systems. So if you are willing to learn about these systems, and market your business to churches and schools (High School auditoriums and theater.) Be aware that it takes several years to get almost any business off the ground. Good luck. EdM

:
:Not exactly appropriate for an old radio website but I have to ask
:Lou
:
::When a radio is not reparable or the cost prohibits the worth of the radio. The customer is informed of the situation. The set is then retuned in, as was condition at no charge. This practice is only for the specialty of antique radio repair. Normally an electronic repair service would take a deposit and an estimate is given. The deposit is forfeited if the repair should exceed the estimate. You will have customer’s word of mouth in radio repair. This is worth more than any advertisement. A 90-day warranty should be given with any repairs.
::
:
:

3/12/2012 11:35:15 AMJohn Kogel

Good answers and suggestions from Ed and Warren. Find the demand, then fill that gap. Radio collectors either fix their own or don't care if they don't play good, as long as they look good :>)
Unfortunately, the demand for repairs of any kind of consumer product has fallen off to a trickle. You might check with local music stores. Customers will bring amps and keyboards in for repairs. (But if there's warranty work to do, it goes back to the dealer.) Guitar amps and Hammond organs can keep a small established shop in a large city kind of busy, I think. Find that shop and offer to help.

::Warren:
::
::I think I know the answer to this but I would like to hear it from someone who has done it. What are the steps, in a nutshell to creating a small home business with me as the proprietor? I understand that I need a tax id #, and I may need to file est taxes 4x a year. Anything else - have a short summary?
:
:Usually when someone opens a business, it is in response to a need for goods and services (demand). Is there demand for 'antique' radio repair in your area? It is pretty hard to create demand in this area. And then there is a limit to what most people are willing to pay. Can you charge enough, and get enough business to meet expenses, not to mention making a living? Might could make some money as a side business, but $ per hour over expenses is minimal; most folks I know in the 'business' do it 'for the love of radio'. Might could fix up items, and sell on the internet, but that brings it's own set of problems. If you are willing to train yourself, you might look into doing other electronic repairs as well as radio. For example, MANY churches have aging light dimming systems installed decades ago before the advent of microprocessors; they are hard wired, and relatively easy to work on. Most of the problems are blown SCRs (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) and Triacs, dried out electrolytic capacitors, worn out pots, and bad connections. There is usually a lot of reduncancy, so bad units / sections gan be compared to good. Churches also use sound systems. So if you are willing to learn about these systems, and market your business to churches and schools (High School auditoriums and theater.) Be aware that it takes several years to get almost any business off the ground. Good luck. EdM
:
:
::
::Not exactly appropriate for an old radio website but I have to ask
::Lou
::
:::When a radio is not reparable or the cost prohibits the worth of the radio. The customer is informed of the situation. The set is then retuned in, as was condition at no charge. This practice is only for the specialty of antique radio repair. Normally an electronic repair service would take a deposit and an estimate is given. The deposit is forfeited if the repair should exceed the estimate. You will have customer’s word of mouth in radio repair. This is worth more than any advertisement. A 90-day warranty should be given with any repairs.
:::
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::
:
:

3/12/2012 11:35:37 PMLou

Thanks All for your suggestions.

It has also been suggested to me that there is a good market in repairing old Ham Radio tube equipment - something that I am very familiar with. Well we will see how it all works out!!!

Thanks Again Guys
Lou

:Good answers and suggestions from Ed and Warren. Find the demand, then fill that gap. Radio collectors either fix their own or don't care if they don't play good, as long as they look good :>)
:Unfortunately, the demand for repairs of any kind of consumer product has fallen off to a trickle. You might check with local music stores. Customers will bring amps and keyboards in for repairs. (But if there's warranty work to do, it goes back to the dealer.) Guitar amps and Hammond organs can keep a small established shop in a large city kind of busy, I think. Find that shop and offer to help.
:
:
:::Warren:
:::
:::I think I know the answer to this but I would like to hear it from someone who has done it. What are the steps, in a nutshell to creating a small home business with me as the proprietor? I understand that I need a tax id #, and I may need to file est taxes 4x a year. Anything else - have a short summary?
::
::Usually when someone opens a business, it is in response to a need for goods and services (demand). Is there demand for 'antique' radio repair in your area? It is pretty hard to create demand in this area. And then there is a limit to what most people are willing to pay. Can you charge enough, and get enough business to meet expenses, not to mention making a living? Might could make some money as a side business, but $ per hour over expenses is minimal; most folks I know in the 'business' do it 'for the love of radio'. Might could fix up items, and sell on the internet, but that brings it's own set of problems. If you are willing to train yourself, you might look into doing other electronic repairs as well as radio. For example, MANY churches have aging light dimming systems installed decades ago before the advent of microprocessors; they are hard wired, and relatively easy to work on. Most of the problems are blown SCRs (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) and Triacs, dried out electrolytic capacitors, worn out pots, and bad connections. There is usually a lot of reduncancy, so bad units / sections gan be compared to good. Churches also use sound systems. So if you are willing to learn about these systems, and market your business to churches and schools (High School auditoriums and theater.) Be aware that it takes several years to get almost any business off the ground. Good luck. EdM
::
::
:::
:::Not exactly appropriate for an old radio website but I have to ask
:::Lou
:::
::::When a radio is not reparable or the cost prohibits the worth of the radio. The customer is informed of the situation. The set is then retuned in, as was condition at no charge. This practice is only for the specialty of antique radio repair. Normally an electronic repair service would take a deposit and an estimate is given. The deposit is forfeited if the repair should exceed the estimate. You will have customer’s word of mouth in radio repair. This is worth more than any advertisement. A 90-day warranty should be given with any repairs.
::::
:::
:::
::
::
:
:

3/15/2012 5:40:00 PMRobin in Kansas

Check with your local college, too. Sometimes they have seminars on how to set up a small businesses.

3/13/2012 9:17:02 PMBrianC

I've been trying radio repair in my area since I retired 2 years ago. The main driver is if you can spread the word in your area, by business cards, maybe free ads in local shopper mags, etc. After 2 years, I find when you get some work, it's usually in small spurts. I branched out into also repairing older stereo receivers, phonos, electric clocks etc...that helped some...but I'm glad I have a pension and S.S., or things would be pretty lean. Hook up with antiques stores and dealers, and put your business cards in antique stores. I've got some response that way...Don't count on it to make a living. If you set up a business on the 'net, usually just the shipping costs alone discourages people from doing having repairs done taht way...

3/14/2012 1:57:21 AMLou

Thanks for the input Brian

Well I was thinking of the repair business as an interim thing while I got another job in the electronics industry. Right now, the job market is very lean. I have put resumes into MANY MANY companies without a response. So while I wait, I might as well make my home lab pay for SOMETHING!!

Thanks Again
Lou

:I've been trying radio repair in my area since I retired 2 years ago. The main driver is if you can spread the word in your area, by business cards, maybe free ads in local shopper mags, etc. After 2 years, I find when you get some work, it's usually in small spurts. I branched out into also repairing older stereo receivers, phonos, electric clocks etc...that helped some...but I'm glad I have a pension and S.S., or things would be pretty lean. Hook up with antiques stores and dealers, and put your business cards in antique stores. I've got some response that way...Don't count on it to make a living. If you set up a business on the 'net, usually just the shipping costs alone discourages people from doing having repairs done taht way...
:

3/14/2012 8:57:13 AMEdM

:Thanks for the input Brian
:
:Well I was thinking of the repair business as an interim thing while I got another job in the electronics industry. Right now, the job market is very lean. I have put resumes into MANY MANY companies without a response. So while I wait, I might as well make my home lab pay for SOMETHING!!
:
:Thanks Again
:Lou
:
:From an old-timer EE, who has weathered economic downturns and poor job markets: Don't just plaster the internet with resume's; knock on doors without making yourself obnoxious. Resume' in a plain manila envelope marked 'to engineering management'. In the cover letter, offer to come in for an interview at their convenience, or to meet informally over coffee. Don't forget smaller companies, and know something about the company. Think about how your skills are a good match, and how you could benefit the company; be prepared to comment or interject an an appropriate time - well into the interview. Consider that part time work can and often does lead to full time, if you are punctual, honest (but never critical), dependable, and productive, and you hustle your bustle. Does your state have an Employment Commission with an office in your area? They can be helpful; if one office isn't, go to another. Check out temporary employment agencies; offer to do most anything. I once went with four other people from a temporary agency to do residential interior painting, was the only one asked to come back, and ended up with a referral and an engineering job from the guy who owned the house. On another note, sadly the days of someone sitting down at a home lab or workshop, and coming up with a product than leads to a profitable business are just about over. Now, if you can come up with a better battery technology . . . Good Luck. EdM
:
::I've been trying radio repair in my area since I retired 2 years ago. The main driver is if you can spread the word in your area, by business cards, maybe free ads in local shopper mags, etc. After 2 years, I find when you get some work, it's usually in small spurts. I branched out into also repairing older stereo receivers, phonos, electric clocks etc...that helped some...but I'm glad I have a pension and S.S., or things would be pretty lean. Hook up with antiques stores and dealers, and put your business cards in antique stores. I've got some response that way...Don't count on it to make a living. If you set up a business on the 'net, usually just the shipping costs alone discourages people from doing having repairs done taht way...
::
:
:

3/14/2012 9:09:51 AMSteveJB

::Thanks for the input Brian
::
::Well I was thinking of the repair business as an interim thing while I got another job in the electronics industry. Right now, the job market is very lean. I have put resumes into MANY MANY companies without a response. So while I wait, I might as well make my home lab pay for SOMETHING!!
::
::Thanks Again
::Lou
::
::From an old-timer EE, who has weathered economic downturns and poor job markets: Don't just plaster the internet with resume's; knock on doors without making yourself obnoxious. Resume' in a plain manila envelope marked 'to engineering management'. In the cover letter, offer to come in for an interview at their convenience, or to meet informally over coffee. Don't forget smaller companies, and know something about the company. Think about how your skills are a good match, and how you could benefit the company; be prepared to comment or interject an an appropriate time - well into the interview. Consider that part time work can and often does lead to full time, if you are punctual, honest (but never critical), dependable, and productive, and you hustle your bustle. Does your state have an Employment Commission with an office in your area? They can be helpful; if one office isn't, go to another. Check out temporary employment agencies; offer to do most anything. I once went with four other people from a temporary agency to do residential interior painting, was the only one asked to come back, and ended up with a referral and an engineering job from the guy who owned the house. On another note, sadly the days of someone sitting down at a home lab or workshop, and coming up with a product than leads to a profitable business are just about over. Now, if you can come up with a better battery technology . . . Good Luck. EdM
::
:::I've been trying radio repair in my area since I retired 2 years ago. The main driver is if you can spread the word in your area, by business cards, maybe free ads in local shopper mags, etc. After 2 years, I find when you get some work, it's usually in small spurts. I branched out into also repairing older stereo receivers, phonos, electric clocks etc...that helped some...but I'm glad I have a pension and S.S., or things would be pretty lean. Hook up with antiques stores and dealers, and put your business cards in antique stores. I've got some response that way...Don't count on it to make a living. If you set up a business on the 'net, usually just the shipping costs alone discourages people from doing having repairs done taht way...
:::
::
::
:
:
With regard to the business entity, make sure you set the business up as an LLC. That way it will protect you from liability if someone gets hurt. They are usually cheap in every state to set up and the most important thing is to get a separate checking account in the LLC name and don't comingle that money with your personal accounts.

3/14/2012 8:53:49 PMGeorge T

:::Thanks for the input Brian
:::
:::Well I was thinking of the repair business as an interim thing while I got another job in the electronics industry. Right now, the job market is very lean. I have put resumes into MANY MANY companies without a response. So while I wait, I might as well make my home lab pay for SOMETHING!!
:::
:::Thanks Again
:::Lou
:::
:::From an old-timer EE, who has weathered economic downturns and poor job markets: Don't just plaster the internet with resume's; knock on doors without making yourself obnoxious. Resume' in a plain manila envelope marked 'to engineering management'. In the cover letter, offer to come in for an interview at their convenience, or to meet informally over coffee. Don't forget smaller companies, and know something about the company. Think about how your skills are a good match, and how you could benefit the company; be prepared to comment or interject an an appropriate time - well into the interview. Consider that part time work can and often does lead to full time, if you are punctual, honest (but never critical), dependable, and productive, and you hustle your bustle. Does your state have an Employment Commission with an office in your area? They can be helpful; if one office isn't, go to another. Check out temporary employment agencies; offer to do most anything. I once went with four other people from a temporary agency to do residential interior painting, was the only one asked to come back, and ended up with a referral and an engineering job from the guy who owned the house. On another note, sadly the days of someone sitting down at a home lab or workshop, and coming up with a product than leads to a profitable business are just about over. Now, if you can come up with a better battery technology . . . Good Luck. EdM
:::
::::I've been trying radio repair in my area since I retired 2 years ago. The main driver is if you can spread the word in your area, by business cards, maybe free ads in local shopper mags, etc. After 2 years, I find when you get some work, it's usually in small spurts. I branched out into also repairing older stereo receivers, phonos, electric clocks etc...that helped some...but I'm glad I have a pension and S.S., or things would be pretty lean. Hook up with antiques stores and dealers, and put your business cards in antique stores. I've got some response that way...Don't count on it to make a living. If you set up a business on the 'net, usually just the shipping costs alone discourages people from doing having repairs done taht way...
::::
:::
:::
::
::
:With regard to the business entity, make sure you set the business up as an LLC. That way it will protect you from liability if someone gets hurt. They are usually cheap in every state to set up and the most important thing is to get a separate checking account in the LLC name and don't comingle that money with your personal accounts.
:

Hi, it would be a great job to do from your home, set your hours and what have you. You could also put cards out at the TV repair shops. I have a full time job fixing gas pumps and do radios on the side after work and it is taking its toll. I currently have at least 10 projects to start and at the moment I'm working on 4 other radios and a 1949 TV. One thing though always charge for your parts and labor even if you can't get a radio working. Let the customer know that there is always a possiblilty that it isn't restorable. But sometimes the customer will say see what you can do with the electronics and if it works fine but make it look nice so it will display well in my home. You just can't believe some of the stuff you will get, its crazy. Your time is important and to do a ground up restoration it cost a pretty penny and eats up a lot of your time. I charge between 250/350 dollars on table models and 500/1000 on floor models and I get it, but sometimes you spend a lot more time than you expect on a project so you have to give yourself a cushion. When it comes down to it on the dead radios you recieve you don't know what is going to happen until it is plugged in after the repairs. So do as little as possible start with the electrolytics, then if there is signs of life recap the whole set for safety issues. I understand the guy Ray I think that does the Philco radios charges 200 dollars just to have a radio sent to him and adds on the extra cost. The only problem I'm having is the wide range of radios I'm recieving compared to my knowledge of them and a lack of hours in the day to work on them. I hooked up with "American Restorations" on the History Channel and we're filming a radio restoration currently and I might have to quit my day job after the show airs some time around April. I have been thinking which way to go if we get slammed with radios, I would like to have my own business. But if it wasn't for them it would be very lean on work most people won't spend the money for the repairs. You could always buy radios from ebay, swapmeets, etc. rebuild them and open up a store on "Radio Attic" that is what I was planning on doing until I started doing the radios for Rick. Good Luck just wanted you to know a bit more about what you will be facing. That LLC is a very good idea. In my case it was a hobby that seems to be really taking off and I'm really not prepared for it. Best Regards, George.