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Author
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Topic: thinking about opening a shop
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blown95svt
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Member # 8893
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posted
 
 
my father in law keeps nagging at me to open a small shop, what do you guys think? if i were to, it would be in carmicheal. would do genral repairs and of course performance when it comes through. just dunno! suppose to start emt and fire academy soon if i choose not to get a shop. he is willing to help pay for the shop not the schooling for becoming a firefighter. im lost right now, love working on cars but hate my current job! ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
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95 cobra blown 331 gr40 suspension
***NEED QUALITY WORK FOR HALF THE PRICE? I DO SIDE JOBS! PM FOR DETAILS***
www.norcalmotorcompany.com
Posts: 1434 | From: roseville | Registered: Jan 2009
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N8
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Member # 6048
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by blown95svt:
my father in law keeps nagging at me to open a small shop, what do you guys think? if i were to, it would be in carmicheal. would do genral repairs and of course performance when it comes through. just dunno! suppose to start emt and fire academy soon if i choose not to get a shop. he is willing to help pay for the shop not the schooling for becoming a firefighter. im lost right now, love working on cars but hate my current job!
Your father sounds like he is holding your future and dreams hostage. I say go to fire/emt school and get your career together.
Posts: 11638 | Registered: Sep 2005
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blown95svt
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Member # 8893
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by N8:
quote:
Originally posted by blown95svt:
my father in law keeps nagging at me to open a small shop, what do you guys think? if i were to, it would be in carmicheal. would do genral repairs and of course performance when it comes through. just dunno! suppose to start emt and fire academy soon if i choose not to get a shop. he is willing to help pay for the shop not the schooling for becoming a firefighter. im lost right now, love working on cars but hate my current job!
Your father sounds like he is holding your future and dreams hostage. I say go to fire/emt school and get your career together.
thats what i think im leaning towards, but love working on cars! been a mechanic for 6 years and have learned alot! have all the tools i need to open a shop minus some machines i will need. he offered to pay 3 months rent at the shop and help with the leasing of the equipment. he just wants me to try it out for 3 months and if i dont like it go with the firefighting career. im not sure if im just setting myself up for failure. i can DO the work just unsure on how to get the work in the shop. ![[Confused]](confused.gif)
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95 cobra blown 331 gr40 suspension
***NEED QUALITY WORK FOR HALF THE PRICE? I DO SIDE JOBS! PM FOR DETAILS***
www.norcalmotorcompany.com
Posts: 1434 | From: roseville | Registered: Jan 2009
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70mach351
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Member # 7528
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posted
id go with the firefighting then with all the days off start a shop.
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70 Mach 1 gettin a make over
2001 Ford F250 Crew Cab 7.3
Posts: 1762 | From: EDH | Registered: Mar 2007
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blown95svt
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Member # 8893
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posted
and its hard to find someone who will pay ya what they are worth these days. im sure all the work i have done on fellow board members cars is top notch work. dont think i have had any compliants on my work.
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95 cobra blown 331 gr40 suspension
***NEED QUALITY WORK FOR HALF THE PRICE? I DO SIDE JOBS! PM FOR DETAILS***
www.norcalmotorcompany.com
Posts: 1434 | From: roseville | Registered: Jan 2009
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blown95svt
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Member # 8893
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by 70mach351:
id go with the firefighting then with all the days off start a shop.
i never thought about that, if i were to get hired on with a city, i would have alot of down time to do work.
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95 cobra blown 331 gr40 suspension
***NEED QUALITY WORK FOR HALF THE PRICE? I DO SIDE JOBS! PM FOR DETAILS***
www.norcalmotorcompany.com
Posts: 1434 | From: roseville | Registered: Jan 2009
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SydeWaySix
CAFords OG
Member # 3596
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posted
I say do the firefighting thing too. If you havent started taking all the classes yet, you can do all that and have a shop on the side. PLUS, if you do move forward with firefighting, I heard that you'll need to be a volunteer for months/years before actually getting hired as a firefighter, so you can also run your shop during this time.
But definitely, if you dont already have a large following of potential customers, persue your career before hobby ![[patriot]](graemlins/patriot.gif)
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2013 Boss 302 #356. Performance White. Stock.
1965 Fastback GT Restored to stock spec.
Posts: 9882 | From: Bay Area | Registered: Dec 2002
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blown95svt
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Member # 8893
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by SydeWaySix:
I say do the firefighting thing too. If you havent started taking all the classes yet, you can do all that and have a shop on the side. PLUS, if you do move forward with firefighting, I heard that you'll need to be a volunteer for months/years before actually getting hired as a firefighter, so you can also run your shop during this time.
But definitely, if you dont already have a large following of potential customers, persue your career before hobby
i know 2 people that attended the fire academy i am going to be attending and have gotten hire on with folsom fire and oroville fire with in 3 months of graduation.
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95 cobra blown 331 gr40 suspension
***NEED QUALITY WORK FOR HALF THE PRICE? I DO SIDE JOBS! PM FOR DETAILS***
www.norcalmotorcompany.com
Posts: 1434 | From: roseville | Registered: Jan 2009
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N8
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Member # 6048
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posted
One thing I can say is it is completely rewarding having your own business. But it is not for everyone. You basically need to look at yourself and see if you have the metal to do so. Some people need the structure of a 9-5 with a boss and regulations. There is more to running your own business than having the money and know how.
Posts: 11638 | Registered: Sep 2005
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Sydewayz 24/7
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Member # 8725
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posted
i say open a shop
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Stayin Sydeways
Posts: 772 | From: Hayward | Registered: Nov 2008
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darkhorse04
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Member # 8780
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posted
Go to school! The economy sucks right now and in a bigger town you have to much competition to start unknown. I have a shop and it is a lot of work and long hours, but that is what is needed if you want to succeed. But with only 6 years and some tools I don't think your ready we have all tinkered with cars but when you open a shop now you have to be fast, very careful, and follow all laws. Then if you are going to deal with one type of car then your going to close your doors before you open. Also its not a 3 month thing that works or doesn't, most buildings require a 2 year lease with no sub lease so once you sign that contract your in it for the long hall plus you may not see good clientele for months you just have to be willing to take that risk. And don't forget the insurance, your estimating software, state and federal licensing and all the other fees just to start. Then you need all the scanning tools. Trust me its an expensive thing to operate, I have over 200k in tools and equipment and am still buying something every week for some new car that requires another new tool. But if you are heavily considering a shop, but I don't think you are if your that torn between the two, then pm me anytime if you have any questions and good luck in your decision.
Posts: 277 | Registered: Nov 2008
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9cobra7
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Member # 2812
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posted
Go with your passion and money will follow; it's true. If cars are REALLY your passion but you have to be honest with yourself about that. Good luck
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If you can't walk and chew gum at the same time, don't walk.
Posts: 2633 | From: usa | Registered: May 2003
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fr5.0
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Member # 8652
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posted
i vote fire B!
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MAGA
TRUMP TRAIN!!!!
Posts: 2913 | From: sacramento | Registered: Sep 2008
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asskickn88
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Member # 4957
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posted
Man, open the shop, I'll come down and work with you.
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Three 540 Bimmers and a 5.0 Explorer.... got a Ford back in the stable!
It's time for the country to do what Obama's own father did.
Abandon him.
Posts: 6069 | From: Rocklin, Ca | Registered: Oct 2004
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blown95svt
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Member # 8893
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by darkhorse04:
Go to school! The economy sucks right now and in a bigger town you have to much competition to start unknown. I have a shop and it is a lot of work and long hours, but that is what is needed if you want to succeed. But with only 6 years and some tools I don't think your ready we have all tinkered with cars but when you open a shop now you have to be fast, very careful, and follow all laws. Then if you are going to deal with one type of car then your going to close your doors before you open. Also its not a 3 month thing that works or doesn't, most buildings require a 2 year lease with no sub lease so once you sign that contract your in it for the long hall plus you may not see good clientele for months you just have to be willing to take that risk. And don't forget the insurance, your estimating software, state and federal licensing and all the other fees just to start. Then you need all the scanning tools. Trust me its an expensive thing to operate, I have over 200k in tools and equipment and am still buying something every week for some new car that requires another new tool. But if you are heavily considering a shop, but I don't think you are if your that torn between the two, then pm me anytime if you have any questions and good luck in your decision.
i have the tools and scanner, the only stuff i would need is basic machines that can be leased. trust me that whole 6 years i have spent well over 50% of my pay on tools! im just worried about getting the work in the shop.
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95 cobra blown 331 gr40 suspension
***NEED QUALITY WORK FOR HALF THE PRICE? I DO SIDE JOBS! PM FOR DETAILS***
www.norcalmotorcompany.com
Posts: 1434 | From: roseville | Registered: Jan 2009
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blown95svt
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Member # 8893
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by asskickn88:
Man, open the shop, I'll come down and work with you.
and your about the only persons work i could trust! lol! not sure what i am gonna do. if i do the firefighter route i would still rent a shop for personal use and for side work, mostly storage! so i dont have to stare at my poor car anymore.
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95 cobra blown 331 gr40 suspension
***NEED QUALITY WORK FOR HALF THE PRICE? I DO SIDE JOBS! PM FOR DETAILS***
www.norcalmotorcompany.com
Posts: 1434 | From: roseville | Registered: Jan 2009
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50DADDY
CAFords OG
Member # 3076
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by N8:
quote:
Originally posted by blown95svt:
my father in law keeps nagging at me to open a small shop, what do you guys think? if i were to, it would be in carmicheal. would do genral repairs and of course performance when it comes through. just dunno! suppose to start emt and fire academy soon if i choose not to get a shop. he is willing to help pay for the shop not the schooling for becoming a firefighter. im lost right now, love working on cars but hate my current job!
Your father sounds like he is holding your future and dreams hostage. I say go to fire/emt school and get your career together.
+1
A shop is very,very risky.
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"Im not stupid,i just act that way so i dont make you dummies uncomfortable."
"Old age and treachery shall overcome youth and skill."
Posts: 4827 | From: Suckramento | Registered: Jul 2003
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kennebellgt
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Member # 8395
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by blown95svt:
quote:
Originally posted by asskickn88:
Man, open the shop, I'll come down and work with you.
and your about the only persons work i could trust! lol! not sure what i am gonna do. if i do the firefighter route i would still rent a shop for personal use and for side work, mostly storage! so i dont have to stare at my poor car anymore.
ill work with you
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just trying to fight the SN-95 demons
PS3 NAME- kennebellgt
Posts: 830 | From: Sacramento | Registered: May 2008
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blown95svt
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Member # 8893
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by 50DADDY:
quote:
Originally posted by N8:
quote:
Originally posted by blown95svt:
my father in law keeps nagging at me to open a small shop, what do you guys think? if i were to, it would be in carmicheal. would do genral repairs and of course performance when it comes through. just dunno! suppose to start emt and fire academy soon if i choose not to get a shop. he is willing to help pay for the shop not the schooling for becoming a firefighter. im lost right now, love working on cars but hate my current job!
Your father sounds like he is holding your future and dreams hostage. I say go to fire/emt school and get your career together.
+1
A shop is very,very risky.
ya i think i will just follow through with my emt/fire career and then do a little side busieness.
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95 cobra blown 331 gr40 suspension
***NEED QUALITY WORK FOR HALF THE PRICE? I DO SIDE JOBS! PM FOR DETAILS***
www.norcalmotorcompany.com
Posts: 1434 | From: roseville | Registered: Jan 2009
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gray03gt
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Member # 6427
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posted
For your shop to succeed and outearn a fireman job, you would have to invest a ton of money and have a large client base. This is a horrible time to take such a big risk unless you have a lot of money or you know you will be very busy. A one man shop probably will not be as busy and would be very hard to start. You want security and something like EMT/Fireman should provide that. You also have to think that most people into this hobby don't have tons of money to spend, especially at a time like this.
[ September 24, 2009, 11:50 PM: Message edited by: gray03gt ]
Posts: 646 | From: oakland | Registered: Jan 2006
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phil a
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Member # 6951
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posted
I think alot can be said for either choice. Going to school while the economy is down is not a bad idea, but don't expect to get picked up right away, especially if you don't have EMT/medic/fire experience, considering the economic climate right now.
If a fire department is even hiring nowadays, expect the competition to be extremely tough, and keep that in mind as you stack up your resume against others trying for the same job. For example, SF FD is testing 320 candidates per day, five days per week, which began this Monday, and runs through mid-November. There are that many people out there looking for the same job you are, and without EMT or medic cert/license, your chances aren't as good.
I think starting a shop would be a great thing to do, and I don't know your situation, but something probably best to do before you have too many other financial responsibilities in life, as the risk factor just isn't as large. But, once again, do you necessarily want your hobby to become your occupation? Seems like it has the potential to take some of the fun out of it, unless you absolutely love what you do.
Good luck either way. PM me if you want any fire/medic info.
Posts: 1261 | From: toledo oh | Registered: Jul 2006
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5OHS5OH
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Member # 4665
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posted
I'll have your answer right here,.....
What do you want to be?
There is your answer. Really, that's it.
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89 Convertable GT
BBK Headers, cai
Posts: 1044 | From: San Bruno | Registered: Jul 2004
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asskickn88
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Member # 4957
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posted
Honesty is the best way to get a good client base. I do side work and get a lot of skeptical people who have been ripped off in the past. I have 6 or 7 regular people I do work for all the time and that's just off craigslist working out of my garage. I also have access to a huge client base from my wifes work, I can get enough work to keep a couple people going. I just don't have the cash to get it started right now
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Three 540 Bimmers and a 5.0 Explorer.... got a Ford back in the stable!
It's time for the country to do what Obama's own father did.
Abandon him.
Posts: 6069 | From: Rocklin, Ca | Registered: Oct 2004
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JohnB
Tech Moderator
Member # 969
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posted
Go to school. Make a career out of it. I ran a MoPar resto shop for 5 years and it beat me to death. It's not enjoyable anymore when you do it to make ends meet. When your hobby becomes your career...you have no hobby.
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1965 Shelby Cobra
1993 Cobra
2012 F150 Raptor
2020 GT500
Posts: 6523 | From: Orlando FL/Redding CA | Registered: Mar 2002
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Eddie510-
CAFords OG
Member # 2354
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by JohnB:
Go to school. Make a career out of it. I ran a MoPar resto shop for 5 years and it beat me to death. It's not enjoyable anymore when you do it to make ends meet. When your hobby becomes your career...you have no hobby.
+1 "When your hobby becomes your career...you have no hobby."
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"I like to be more politicaly correct than what I really believe so I can get more frinds here on CaFords"-Cummings "TIPICKLE"
Posts: 6556 | Registered: Jan 2003
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