It is difficult to start up a business with a new name. Years ago, it was not as much an issue, but now most want a brand name. Like Nike shoes, somehow, a name has a cult type following like never in the past.
I know that I can build a tube amp better than most famous manufactures as the customers have told me so. But, I doubt I would ever pursue it as a business as no one would believe it.
So, to break into a market, it must be something others do not have or about 30% less expensive than your competitor(s) and that can be difficult. Unfortunately, that 30% may be the entire profit margin.
One may wish to enter the tube audio repair & upgrade business for tube type products. The up-front investment in test equipment & common parts is not expensive. One could recoup their money. Advertise in Stereophile with a full page & do not expect to get the one to two thousands dollars per month back anytime soon or if ever.
Perhaps offer NOS tubes as a break even item to get attention to your internet site. Then, have the repair & equipment upgrade business on the same site. Start to offer some other items and experiment slowly. Perhaps upgraded Chinese amps?
I believe the days of the Cary Audio start from nothing is about impossible now.
I know that I can build a tube amp better than most famous manufactures as the customers have told me so. But, I doubt I would ever pursue it as a business as no one would believe it.
So, to break into a market, it must be something others do not have or about 30% less expensive than your competitor(s) and that can be difficult. Unfortunately, that 30% may be the entire profit margin.
One may wish to enter the tube audio repair & upgrade business for tube type products. The up-front investment in test equipment & common parts is not expensive. One could recoup their money. Advertise in Stereophile with a full page & do not expect to get the one to two thousands dollars per month back anytime soon or if ever.
Perhaps offer NOS tubes as a break even item to get attention to your internet site. Then, have the repair & equipment upgrade business on the same site. Start to offer some other items and experiment slowly. Perhaps upgraded Chinese amps?
I believe the days of the Cary Audio start from nothing is about impossible now.
It is difficult to start up a business with a new name. Years ago, it was not as much an issue, but now most want a brand name. Like Nike shoes, somehow, a name has a cult type following like never in the past.
I know that I can build a tube amp better than most famous manufactures as the customers have told me so. But, I doubt I would ever pursue it as a business as no one would believe it.
So, to break into a market, it must be something others do not have or about 30% less expensive than your competitor(s) and that can be difficult. Unfortunately, that 30% may be the entire profit margin.
One may wish to enter the tube audio repair & upgrade business for tube type products. The up-front investment in test equipment & common parts is not expensive. One could recoup their money. Advertise in Stereophile & do not expect to get the one to two thousands dollars back anytime soon or if ever.
Perhaps offer NOS tubes as a break even item to get attention to your internet site. Then, have the repair & equipment upgrade business on the same site. Start to offer some other items and experiment slowly. Perhaps upgraded Chinese amps?
I believe the days of the Cary Audio start from nothing is about impossible now. Make no mistake about it, Dennis Had was a well seasoned pro when he started Cary Audio. He simply broke no rules & kept off the internet discussion sites for a good reason- personality confilicts.
I know that I can build a tube amp better than most famous manufactures as the customers have told me so. But, I doubt I would ever pursue it as a business as no one would believe it.
So, to break into a market, it must be something others do not have or about 30% less expensive than your competitor(s) and that can be difficult. Unfortunately, that 30% may be the entire profit margin.
One may wish to enter the tube audio repair & upgrade business for tube type products. The up-front investment in test equipment & common parts is not expensive. One could recoup their money. Advertise in Stereophile & do not expect to get the one to two thousands dollars back anytime soon or if ever.
Perhaps offer NOS tubes as a break even item to get attention to your internet site. Then, have the repair & equipment upgrade business on the same site. Start to offer some other items and experiment slowly. Perhaps upgraded Chinese amps?
I believe the days of the Cary Audio start from nothing is about impossible now. Make no mistake about it, Dennis Had was a well seasoned pro when he started Cary Audio. He simply broke no rules & kept off the internet discussion sites for a good reason- personality confilicts.
This custom chassis was gone over at audio asylum a month ago. It was determined a few suppliers are doing this & not likely a brisk business regarding sales. Many DIYers are too cheap to pay $150 to $200 for a chassis.
poobah said:
Well Poobah, I already found a good winder. Reasonable prices, and a great help with some design issues. Good at finding sources of exotic Iron and fast with an NC winder.
Do the market research. Pick your target customer. Pick the bull's eye group that you'll go direct for in class leading performance. Pick which attributes you wish to lead in.
Sound like typical marketing? it is, but it will be just as applicable to tube gear.
It is the opposite of 'if you build it, they will come' but I suggest you do it anyway.
cheers,
Douglas
In the '60s, there were several firms offering chassis and cases in 'off the shelf' or custom sizes. For a reasonable extra fee, they would drill and punch them to your spec., and of course they supplied 'specials' for published designs.
If there's a demand, I don't see why a similar service shouldn't be successful still.
If there's a demand, I don't see why a similar service shouldn't be successful still.
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