[bertman]

I been working on how to start my own little tractor repair and restoration shop. Money is so tight that I cant afford to pay attention :shock:
I need a way of working full time (some benifits) and build a part time buisness to help out. If anybody has any help I will gladly take it and thank you in advance!!!!
I have a decent sized shop just needs alot of money for insulation and heat.

How do I sell my services and promote it? Everybody I deal with does their own work :?:

 

[BigDaveinKY]

One advertising that will fit in your budget would be craigslist services offered.
You could put up a couple of before and after photos.

 

[prwttsh]

Maybe you could work out a deal with where you work( rent or whatever) and start from there?

 

[Stephenscity]

OK I am going to play devils advocte here . First check to find out your area what constitutes a business. You may need permits, licences Federal tax number etc. There is no such thing in the federal tax codes as a part time business. If you advertise then the powers that be can find out and it ain't pretty when they do. There are advantages to being in business but there are a lot of federal catches too. My wife and I ran a side business for over 20years and the biggest headache is the local and federal govt regulations along with banking regs as well. It is different than farming regs. Now that said the best advertisement is always a satisfied customer!!!Make one mad and they will tell everyone they see or know. Today you have so much free stuff available and one of the easiest and will reach the most is a web site. Think when you are looking for a commodity thats first place we go is the internet. It is hard to start a new business but hard work and dedication can make it all worth while.Good Luck!!!!!

 

[bertman]

Well heres an update
Been talking to a couple of my friends around here, one ownes a repair shop and the other is a tractor guy.
I got a deal worked out where I have a warm shop ALL WINTER :lol: He said he was looking for some help anyway.
Well Im off and running collecting another paycheck!!!!!! Work is trickling in slow but have a Ford 4000 Im putting a new crankshaft and bearings in.
He said I have a Massey and a Minneapolis Moline to go through completely
I been going to tractor shows and might have a guy who has a Massey TO20 that needs a overhaul too.
Sure makes a bad day better when I end it working on something fun :mrgreen:

 

[Stephenscity]

Sounds great!!!!!But most of all you sound happy about it!!!!!!!!!!!!Like they say it is only work if you would rather be doing something else!!!Sure it will all go great!

 

[bertman]

Now I have to remember to take my camera to work with me!!!!

 

[bettyp]

Good for you Bert ,glad you got things worked out for the good of you and others.

 

[wizzard]

i didnt plan on fixin tractors for a living i just kinda fell into it. one day some guy stoped with a JD 60 that didnt run and asked if i could fix it for him and i said no problem. after that id come home from my real job and spend nites and weekends in the shop. sooner or later one job had to end so i quit the truck drivin gig and went full time here. i wouldnt change it for nithin. i shure hope it works out good for ya !!!

 

[bertman]

Thanks wizzard!!! Im just a little worried of trying to keep enough work to feed the family. Im going to give it my all and hope for the best.

 

[wizzard]

Thanks wizzard!!! Im just a little worried of trying to keep enough work to feed the family. Im going to give it my all and hope for the best.

i will admit it does get pretty skinny at times that why i make some parts to sell. it fills in the slow times. its either way to much work lined up or nutin at all. i just wish they'd spred it out so i just stayed ok bizy all year instead of swamped some weeks and light others