[arthurs]

Thanks Jeff....Ken you can buy me lunch there!

All good advice on starting a business, and IMO I would pay extra attention to people that have lived it and done well.....there's a lot to be learned from Dan's approach, read and then reread his guidance....

[RichE]

Hi Guys -

I would add that to be in the audio business, I would very much hope you have an exceptional ear. I want to buy my gear from those guys. Heck - I'd like to become a pro golfer but no amount of hard work will ever make that happen. Isn't audio a bit like that, or doesn't a talented ear matter?

Rich

[BobM]

Maybe its the cynic in me but I say find a job that you can make a comfortable living at and enjoy and then join the DIY community to make audio your hobby not a business (where you have to lie to live).

Wise words from a wise man Josh-san

Haoleb, come join us in the financial services industry. We're back again making money the old fashioned way - taking it from the uneducated.  

Hey, that sounds just like the audio industry too, doesn't it.  

Then again, perhaps you could design a few new happy face emphasis picturettes and see them to sites like this one where they get overused all the time.  That's a niche for sure.

But whatever you decide to do, have fun at it. Life is too short to work at something that you're not enjoying, wheter it is a true profession or a hobby/profession.  Just remember, you do hobbies for fun, but once you go into business to make money at it is turns into a job like any other.

Enjoy,
Bob

[Doublej]

True but some jobs pay a lot better than others. And financial services is at the top of the it pays a lot better spectrum.

Unfortunately I am not one in one of those jobs.

[ZooDog]

True but some jobs pay a lot better than others. And financial services is at the top of the it pays a lot better spectrum.

And people think the high-end audio industry is crooked!! 

[Bill Baker]

Hi Haoleb,
 First I want to say hi. It's been a while since we talked and when I first read this post, I didn't realize who it was.

 I think Dan from ModWright had many good points. One of the key aspects to consider is developing a reputation with your customer base. No matter how good or affordable your products are, your business ethics will be the more important than anything else. If you treat your customers well, stand behind your products and have some knowledge of the products you represent, you should be able make it through the ranks.

 There will be good times and bad times but any business will go through this. I have been lucky enough to have supporting wife for those long hour days.

 Borrow as little money as possible. When I started, I had a full time job so I did not have to rely on Response Audio to support my family of 6. My wife also has a decent job. I was able to get to the point of being able to quit my full time job of 17 years and haven't looked back since.

 Some have mentioned that no matter what you do, it will become "just a job" in time. Luckily for myself, this has not yet happened. I truly enjoy what I do (most days anyway).

 Good luck on your venture. Be smart and take your time.

[Haoleb]

Hi Bill, Defnetly what response audio has grown into over the years has been somewhat of an example for me, Going from mostly retail to mods to now you own line of products. One of the other things that I would really enjoy is just having a nice stereo shop where I would also sell a good selection of music and even do repairs and my own line of stuff. Sort of a one stop shop for anyone who really enjoys the hobby.  Unfortunatly It seems like most of the brick and mortal stores are either shutting down, moving online, or moving towards custom installs like the place I work at now.

I figure that If i can do enough buisness to simply make a decent living than thats all I really need. I pride myself on being able to provide the best service possible because thats the one factor that REALLY seperates different organizations. Luckly we have quite a few of the best right here on this board  And above all its just feels good to know that people who you do buisness with walk away just saying Wow. What a great place.

[Duke]

As both a home dealer and manufacturer, I'd like to reply to JoshK's post.

JoshK wrote:  "I have noticed a trend... that is everyone and their dog is a home dealer or manufacturer these days."  Josh goes on to say that audio is a business "where you have to lie to live".   

JoshK, you sir have thrown down the gauntlet.  I now take it up.  Prepare yourself for the unbridled wrath of my keyboard:

I will have you know, sir, that my dog is NOT a dealer, NOR is he a manufacturer - no matter what his business card says.  And of course he lies - he's a dog, for crying out loud!! 

There.  I said it, and I'm not sorry.

Duke

[Wayner]

Many engineering types have started a business on their own, only to fail in short order. There are so many laws, and taxes and for God sake if you have to hire someone....well that isn't good either. Not to mention if you make anything that runs on AC you should have it U.L. approved. Marketing is also an area where many fail. Work for the man for awhile. Maybe you will find a business savy guy that likes audio and each of  you can bring your strengths to the new small company.

Good luck, I hope you can do it!