Submitted by Brent on 12/1/1998. ( )
I'm thinking of starting my own business and only doing shoulder mounts and life size. I'm not going to do any fish or birds. Does this sound feasible and profitable? Also what is a ballpark figure on getting started just for the basic tools and supplies? Thanks!
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This response submitted by Bill on 12/2/1998. ( yoxtax@aol.com )
Brent, you could do fine that way, but keep in mind that some folks like to do all their business under one roof. By turning down the other work, understand that now and then you'll lose all of that clients business when he takes his fish or fowl elsewhere. Once you accept this you will be fine. The alternative is to find a wholesaler who will do your level of quality for you and take those pieces into the studio, to forward to that wholesaler. As for the estimated costs, theres no way I can begin to guess, as I dont really know the specifics...are you going to tan your own capes, are you really going to buy the equipment to do it right, will you use an airbrush or paint by hand, etc. We accumulate many useful tools over many years as we understand the need for them. That really is a tough one. Vacuum cleaner, air compressor, additional lighting, power tools such as drills, screw gun, air stapler, band saw, circular saw, recipricating saw, grinder, a good radio, a sturdy trash barrel, a sturdy work bench, hand tools from the woodworking trade, taxidermy specific tools havent even been mentioned yet and you're way over on any christmas list. I'm sure someone else can jump in here with an estimate and being a forum, lets hope someone will! Good luck, Bill.
This response submitted by June on 2/24/1999. ( yresim@netwiz.net )
Golly, gee, that is a tough one. I'd say prolly $15,000 minimum just from what I've seen. I could be way off though. Just seems reasonable to me. Also, keep in mind, that's just in my area, which has the highest cost of living in the nation (ouch).
I'm sure you can start with way less by cutting back on inventory and on-site supplies, but I wouldn't. One of the few advantages you'll have over other taxidermists in the area is the speed at which you can do something (just because you don't have many). Add alot of ordering in there and that advantage goes away really fast.
One thing you can do is try to work for another taxidermist for a little while, just to get a feel of the way things go in a shop. This should get you a nice "insider" view and you can look at the things they have and decide whether or not you want them around.
Hope I've been helpful, though I haven't gotten out on my own yet.
Thanks,
June
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