Powder coating buisiness

[Rattlehead]

I've been thinking about starting a powder coating business to do quad parts. Do you guys think it would be a money maker or not. I've got all of the equiptment and a place to do it. I've already done my Banshee crank cases and a number of other parts with great success. I would also be polishing parts such as thumb throttle tops and frame guards etc. I have the means to acquire about 30 different colors. I would also be able to sand blast items up to a certain size, for now. I live in PA. If things work out, I'll also be able to get used parts for resale. I am working on that now with a local used parts dealer. What do you guys think? Go for it or not ?

[locogato11283]

is there a lot of people that ride in your area? are there any other powedercoaters? those are some things to consider. powdercoating is a moneymaker tho once you pay off your oven and tools. i say go for it if you think you will have enough business to make it worth while.

[RNBRAD]

I would never specialize in just quad parts. I would offer a wide variety of things to powder coat. Powder coaters in my area pc anything and everything.

[bigboybanshee]

It's funny you mention this...I was talking with a friend of mine about starting to do the same thing, but we were going to do motorcycle parts, quad parts, and car parts as well. I have a bunch of friends who own or know people who own motorcycles and quads, and business could be boomin' as long as I can get the right materials for the job and be able to produce a good quality coating. We'll see though.... I'm with loco and RNBRAD on this one, if you know a lot of people locally that would be interested in having you powdercoat their stuff, go for it. I wouldn't stick to just quads though, that would seriously limit you to what you "could" make in profits.

 

It's a great idea... I know there is only one, maybe two powdercoaters here in Memphis which was what gave me the idea to do the same as you

 

Good luck to ya!!

[dave95.1]

Alot of people pc race car chassis' too, so if you can get an oven big enough I would do that.

[mybadbanshee]

wow i didnt realize so many people were starting PCing shops.i myself am also starting one up.i start construction on my oven next week, im still working out design ideas.like loco said you need to make sure that there is a market for it in your area and you are willing to do internet bussiness.i should have my shop up and running in about 2 months or so.and i know that there arnt any shops within like 100 miles.im trying to set up clients so that there will be money coming in as soon as i open to the public.i have the local chopper shops bussines as soon as i get up and running.so i suggest doing the same thing and finding any local shops and getting to know the owners.well good luck.im out

[blk02banshee]

I don't think I'd do it as a primary job, unless you can get some steady work, like a company that'll pay you to powdercoat X number of parts per week, every week, so you have a steady income. Bikes and quads are'nt going to keep you busy enough to make it worthwhile.

[NYUK]

talk to cb67rs1 he does alot of quad parts.

[cb67rs1]

Hey man , you sound like you have all your ducks lined up and ready to get running, as far as 30 colors you might wanna get more than that for your clients. as far as just doing quads you can make good money off of just quad parts but i would recomend offering stuff to the automotive industry also. i have done LOTS of quad parts. as far as powder also i have found in my experience that you dont wanna use eastwoods powder! its not that bad with some colors but you will experience problems with some of their translucent colors and chrome colors. i was using columbia coatings products but then they really pissed me off when i was tryign to get a guys stuff done and they keep screwing me on getting me my powder. i use tiger drylac now , much better powder and they are in texas and offer hundres of colors. good luck!

[locogato11283]

having PCed pieces in the shop helps a ton when deciding colors.

[Cotton eyed Joe]

having PCed pieces in the shop helps a ton when deciding colors.

346052[/snapback]

I agree....

 

I'd also like to add a thing or two based on my experience with the local jackasses here.

 

Don't fuck up the customers parts, then blame him, Yamaha, the weather, his truck, UPS, 3 of Saturns moons or President Bush. If you fuck up say "I'm sorry" and fix it/pay for the part.

 

Don't be an asshole to your customers.

 

Answer your phone.

 

Don't ask "Why do you want that color...thats gonna be ugly."

 

When a customer shows up when you said his parts were going to be done, don't say "Uh, you dropped some parts off? I can't find them anywhere." because you haven't even sand blasted them yet. Just tell the truth and tell them that you are behind schedule, then get your ass out there and get them done.

 

You'd think the 3-4 shops here would have figured that out by now. If I did more PC'ing I'd set up and do it myself.

[Rattlehead]

Well, to clear things up a bit, it would be a third job. I'd like to start off small and then expand. That's why I say quad parts and not all parts. I would probably just use internet orders and post some things at the l;ocal stores in my area just to get started. The reason I would use Eastwood's powder is because they are in my state. I order colors from them and they arrive the next day at my door. They are about 90 minutes from my house.I did notice that the translucent colors are a bit harder to get a good finish with, specially on thin metal like frame guards. I can get more than 30 colors, but that's what I have here already. I would probably go elswhere for my translucent colors. The other colors I have found to give a really nice finish. If I get enough business I will open a small shop that would also sell aftermarket parts, and used parts.