How hard to get a part time business going?

[rolltideram]

I thought I would ask this here instead of some local boards. I would like to have a part time business selling trailers. From small Utility trailers up to Gooseneck. Maybe even dump trailers and enclosed trailers. I live in North Alabama, and nobody sells good quality trailers around here. There are a few local manufacturers, but their quality and price don't match. I have emailed a few companies but haven't got any replies. I'm not out to get rich, but would like to make enough to pay for me a new trailer.

That is what I want to do, but have no business experience. I work my 40 hours a week in a paint plant, and would like to spend some time doing something I would enjoy. I know there are several people here that have their own business. Is it worth it. Thanks for any advice.

JC Corder

 

[98rammer]

I know there are several people here that have their own business. Is it worth it.

well, it's no walk in the park, but in the end, yes, it's worth it.



If you can sell quality trailers, then good. from what I know, most people want cheap trailers (unfortunately, but true). I didn't go buy the top of the line trailer for my business, though maybe I will in a couple years. Start looking at ebay and how much they sell for (what quanitity that sells, etc. ) from the small dealers on there.



i bought my trailer with rear ramp, side door, 6" extra height, and roof vent for $2900 plus all the taxes, registration, etc. not a lot of money to be made.



Then again, if you can sell 1 or a couple a month, that extra cash would be nice... and that would hopefully lead to you growing it into a full time business.



i would recommend going to a book place and reading up on starting a small business, also the library, and the internet if you can sift through all the bs.



Good Luck,

Tom

 

[DHorton]

What part of North Alabama? I just started a business in Hamilton. Not really what you are doing, but more in the lines of transporting your product (Hotshotting). PM me if you would like some info or I could post it here if others could benefit from it. Basically boils down to name reservation, registration, business license and tax forms. I can send you the webpages for most of it and also the SBA info for AL.

 

[rolltideram]

DHorton, I'm in Hartselle. Not too far from you. Send me some info when you get time. Thanks, JC -- email address removed --

 

[MMeier]

For quality trailers...

... check out Terry's Trailers out of Midwest City, Oklahoma. "we custom build" is our motto. Challenger line in particular. If it is a trailer of any shape or size they will make it or find it. Pretty much what I do, run back and get them and turn them out here. Tell them Mark from Vegas sent ya'! Oh, and I know what you mean by the local stuff back there, saw some stuff in Mississippi when I was back there last, wouldn't put an old Pinto on one of those!!

 

[DHorton]

rolltide, email has been sent.



As for the trailers, definitely understand the issues. I went all the way to NC to get mine. 40' Gooseneck flatbed with 4' dovetail. Business use, so had to have a quality trailer with plenty of available weight. Wish someone made a good quality aluminum gooseneck close to that size. The savings on weight would make it worth a little extra $$$.