man i really enjoy doing taxidermy, but there are times when it gets frustrating. i also think about how am i going to get enough customers this fall wondering if my buisness will fail or not. i dont have a job and this is all im doing but havent had many customers so far. there is too much out there to learn it seems and i feel like im trying to do everything all at once. ill say one thing though even where i am right now i would be a stick in the creek if it wasnt for this forum. i dont know if it is some of these guy's jobs to reply to most of these posts but im glad they do. as for myself even though i just started out a few months ago i keep questioning myself i dont know ...is it always this rough when you start out.
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No matter what businees you're in, taxidermy, doughnut shop, weld shop, whatever, it will take some time to establish yourself and get a share of the market. Make sure everything you send out the door is something you would be proud to hang on your wall, keep up the quality do NOT budge on the price (hopefully your prices are high enough to offset expenses and pay you too). Way too often I see people try to give "deals" to friends and family hoping they will send more businees your way. It doesn't work that way, USUALLY if they DO send someone they just come because they "heard" about the good price (forget telling them not to say anything about the price). Nothing makes me feel better than someone who calls me because he (or she) saw something I did and thought the work was good. You may have to supplement your income during the "start up" phase while you are soliciting customers, but if you keep the quality high and don't fudge your prices, one day you will be turning work away because you just don't have the time to get to it. Try to stay focused, keep your head up and good luck to you.
Josh, in real perspective I think you're setting yourself up for a hard reality check. Trust me, I'm still going through it! I've been advertising for 3years now and the business still doesn't pay for itself. I mean, theres business cards, the business phone, constant new supplies, and studio upgrades as money permits. And thats just the tip of the iceberg. I refuse to lose track of my dream though. Getting started is down right tough. Thank God I have a supportive wife who understands my passion to succeed and makes sacrifices with me. I'm so far in debt now I probobly couldn't quit if I wanted to. In all realness though I'd be finding a job that you can live on while you wait for the business to take off. A man can only eat so many ramen noodles.(LOL) Best of luck to you and don't lose your dream! Peace- Jeff F.
Most taxidermist are great people, always helping on this site.Everybody can learn something from this forum,glad to have it.
Sincerely
Tom
Josh I know how ya feel Ive just opend my door a month back and its real slow but I do know its gonna take time.Im only open for fish right now but I am doing well with birds and hope to add them by fall.I too like Jeff "The Rookie" stated have a wonderful wife that agrees with me doing taxidermy and is excited along side me.
I have looked for other work till this takes off but due to a back injury Im thinking I will just stay a full time Dad and a part time Taxidermist even though part time is still long hours LOL.
Hang in there you will be fine I maybe slow now but what Im hearing from people around town and the county is I do the best fish around kinda makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside and I know someday I will be busy like the rest. Take care, Andrew
Hang in there bud. Offer quality work and don't sell yourself short to get customers. If you do you will end up with cheap customers who dan't pay you for your work after its done. A new business is hard to get started at first just like others have said. I have only been at it now since the first of last year. I charge more then anyone in my area and it has paid off for me. I have already turned away work and sent one guy packing that wanted to argue price. Be tough and remember Quality work meens Quality customers. Good luck to you, Jack F
Get some rest, then go at it, don't worry about the future, "things that make us worry and fret, are things that haven't happened yet." and " don't let past failures produce future fears." Keep promoting, advertising and doing the right things. But get your rest, and don't worry, you will only run yourself down mentally.