New army of taxidermists

Not just the new guys doing these things

 

Nothing new ............

Taxidermists have grown in numbers since the 70's/80's when VHS became available and then the internet in the 90's. Plus there are more taxidermy associations than the 70's and 80's. More and more taxidermist have realized that they can make more money teaching taxidermy than doing it.

So it doesn't surprise me that there are more taxidermists than ever before.

It has always happened but today's social media has opened up the flood gates to stealing people's photos, etc.

And there have always been crooked people .......... even before internet.



Kerby...

 

I always think about this subject. A great bird taxidermist that worked around this area that moved away never wanted to do seminars at our convention when he judged. He said why should I teach someone something I perfected after years of teaching myself. Thought about that for some time and I always wondered why we as a business are so quick to teach any tom, dick or harry that wants a fast lesson into our trade? Videos, DVD's, youtube, supply companies, association conventions, or just work shops by the thousands. I know we as a people have to learn to do any type of job and yes I learned from VHS tapes and trial and error, but taxidermists seem to go out of their way to push the skill. Then we wonder why their popping up all over.

 

Well, it depends on how you look at it. Competition breeds quality IMO. If these upstart wannabes are kicking your ass then better look in the mirror. EVERY trade has the same problem. Go to YouTube some time and click on installing a water heater.

I PROMISE YOU that your success or failure in this business(or any) depends on YOU.

And before anyone has a COW I mean the figural YOU.

 

there is always going to be this practice. Its called Business

 

does age matter ?

 

I think I may know what happened to the 2 full time taxidermists. They probably met the same fate as the full time guys who they knocked off 20 years earlier.

 

I live in a town of 400 people where I built my new shop. The zip is 78938 . I called McKenzie with the change of address and when I placed my first order they asked my zip & then my name. I said 'what do you need my name for? I'm the only Taxidermist here.'.... 'No she said , there are many others'. Wow, what a surprise.... what did I do, did I google? Did I ask the locals? Did I worry? No, I called one of my best customers and asked where we are meeting Monday to pick up 6 pieces.

Service & quality. Who gives a s.hit about 'the others'. I've lost clients this year, I've gained more than I lost...... I'm going to tell the secret & I hope I do not get a drive by for the truth being told..., 'IT 'S YOUR CLIENTELLE YOU WORRY ABOUT, NOT THE START UPS!!!'

I 're-started' the business I bought from my father in 2006 and went from a 500 square work area to a 1600 square work area with an additional 1400 of skin & prep area..... I have, for a fact , less than 20 of the 'Old' customers.

I hope 40 more pop up next year doing taxidermy in my area , 39 will fail & my business will thrive knowing I'm not the best, but I'm consistent and will be here.

What some see as a negative I see as an asset. The people who actually hunt, who get burned, they will actually start using somebody dependable and spend more money...... my trial has turned into fact.

 

I'm on the road quite a bit, why do you worry about. 'local' clients when it's already been proven through your own words that they are not your money? Seriously. That's like pissing in the wind. Do work for clients away from your area and concentrate on them.

 

X2 Mike nailed it right on the head.
Just be concerned with 'YOUR' business and your clients. Some clients will walk, new ones will come in the door.
Don't get caught up in the cut throat mill. Most of the newbies will die out, why, because of being bad business people.
It's a business so treat it like one and be professional about it.