SO RIGHT BEFORE THE NEW YEAR I ASKED instagram friends TO SUBMIT some BUSINESS RELATED QUESTIONS. I PICKED THE TOP 10 THAT I THINK might be useful TO OTHERS WHO ARE TRYING TO GET THEIR OWN THING GOING. Drum Roll please…
How do you manage workload in a one man shop?
I break up bigger repairs into a few days, this gives me plenty of time to do the more simple stuff like setups and more simple repair. Honestly, its a balancing act Im still trying to figure out. I try my hardest to get everything out within a week. Some projects do require more time but I always make sure the client understands that.
How do you get started finding clients and getting your name out there?
I got started in 2011 at the School I was attending (Musicians Institute). I named the biz after my old band in Texas, It was called Alphabetter and I did it just so I could keep the logo cause i always dug it. I would make shitty fliers and post them everywhere. People would draw dicks on them and it would piss me off. I would also post it on craigslist, facebook groups etc. I used to charge $20 bucks for a setup. If I moved out of LA and had to ‘start’ all over again I would go straight to rehearsal studios, music venues, studios, jam sessions, music schools, I would even go meet the local luthiers and try and build a good relationship with them. Give me a year or two and I know I’d be killing it. So in other words… GO TO WHERE THE MUSICIANS ARE HANGING OUT and stop being a pussy.
How do you deal with customers that don’t like the work you have done?
Honesty is key here! I always try to get my clients to try out the instrument at the shop once they pickup. But I stress that if they need any type of adjustment or something is not right after they’ve picked up the instrument to inform me and come right come back cause I will fix it. I don’t care if they have to come back 20 times because It has to be right. If its something I didn’t do properly I’ll give em credit towards the next repair just for their time.
What motivates you?
Seeing the brand and biz grow bigger every year has been super motivating. Seeing my skills get better and better is also pretty rad! But also I gotta say Money Money Money! Everyone acts all weird and shit when I say this but the fact that I make a living and then some doing something I really enjoy makes total fucking sense. You know how many times i had people tell me that there was no money in this? I dont know, I lost count but fuck those people and Im glad I did it. I’ve created value and people pay me for it. Feels great.
How do you grow your business
Word of mouth is king! One day at a time and one client at a time. Live within your means, don’t go getting a Biz loan and store front if you have 5 clients. Build your clientele, work from home, do mobile setups and then when you need a bigger place go get bigger place. I used to do setups out of a 1 bedroom apartment in Hollywood I shared with 4 other dudes. Whatever it takes my dudes.
How do you set your pricing to be fair yet able to make a living?
In the beginning I kinda went off what everyone in town was charging. Then as I got busier and my time became more valuable I gradually eased into charging more. Again, in order for your biz to work you have to live within your means.
How do you balance going away and coming back with your customers?
I wish I had a better answer for this one but I don't so here's my best shot! Aside from the obvious of doing great work and hoping they can wait I think the best thing you can do is create value and trust with your clients.There’s no gimmicks involved and it takes years and years to build. And for the most part, most of your clients who you achieve this with will be the most supportive when you need some time off.
Workshop or working on road? Which do you prefer and best for income?
They both have their pros and cons. With the right band/rpoduction you can make good money being on the road. BUT you will only make money when you’re on the ‘road’. I meet a lot of older road dogs that seem to wish they had a way to make income at home but they just don't know how. I do think everyone should try it though because its a lot of fun.
Did you work for free? When is the right time to start charging?
Fuck yeah I did! I did stuff for free for friends and the first band I ever ‘guitartech’ for. But anyone else that would hit me up I’d charge something. Charging for work creates a transaction between you and another person and that transaction holds you accountable for your work. I’d say if you’ve been doing this a year or two you should start charging and own it.
How can you conquer the beginning stages when you don't fully trust your abilities?
I think we all struggle with self-doubt and it never fully goes away. It's a process and the more you stay with it the better you will get. Allow yourself to make mistakes because its part of the process itself. This is kinda hippie shit but concentrating on the bigger picture helps alot. I would mediate (still do) and hold this vision of someday owning a dope guitar repair shop and it reminded me of why I have to keep going. In order to get there I must go through these stages etc. Eye on the price! Oh also, read alot! read books by people you admire!
Final Thoughts:
It Pays to be an optimist
Be Patient
Be Pro Active
Let your work speak for itself
Don't be scared to Fail
It pays to be Honest
Stay off Yelp and similar sites
There are NO shortcuts!
And Lastly, Fuck the haters and enjoy life