sheltie
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since January 2012
Posts: 982
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Post by sheltie on Apr 23, 2012 13:38:21 GMT -5
I don't know how to start a poll on this forum so I'll just ask directly. How many of you derive your income solely from working with, or selling rocks (rough, slabs, cabs, etc) and lapidary equipment? I'm sure there are also many of you who sell a few things but it isn't your primary source of income. And then finally, there are those like me who sell nothing and collect and make slabs and cabs for personal and family use. Just curious. It's a fascinating hobby/profession.
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Apr 23, 2012 13:47:41 GMT -5
I use my hobby in lapidary to supplement my income and when I get on that SSI it will come in very handy. Right now my sales fund my addiction
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2012 13:59:23 GMT -5
I also supplement my income which is lowered greatly by my addiction. I have high hopes of one day breaking even or at least coming close. lol I keep saying "if I buy this tool I will make more money" and I do. Just not enough to pay for the tool. lol
But WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! do I have a lot of fun and the meditative quality of this addiction is worth millions in my old age. Also the quality of friends on here is the absolute best, bar none. Jim
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Post by Pat on Apr 23, 2012 17:10:54 GMT -5
Definitely a hobby, and I want to keep it that way. I have the freedom I want. I'd starve otherwise...
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Post by kk on Apr 23, 2012 17:18:16 GMT -5
Pure hobby with no intention to sell. I can see that so many people trying to make it a viable business struggle. I love uniqueness of each and every piece, and like to be free to create according to my own interests and moods. Making it a business, one would need to mass-produce and then look for shortcuts to compete.
No thank you to that, while my ability has yet to catch up, I do love quality above all.
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snuffy
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on Apr 23, 2012 17:27:00 GMT -5
I sell slabs at a rock shop.This helps me to justify more equipment and more rocks to buy. Long way from making any money at it,but sure is fun.If it was srictly business,that would take the pleasure out of it.
snuffy
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Post by jakesrocks on Apr 23, 2012 17:35:53 GMT -5
Used to sell while living in California. Too many out there that are in the same hobby. I was lucky to break even. Now it's strictly a hobby. Don
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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Apr 23, 2012 19:04:33 GMT -5
Hobby for me & I make a little money at it as well. Definitely not enough to live on & the buying still seems to keep ahead of me!
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blessed
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2010
Posts: 329
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Post by blessed on Apr 23, 2012 19:22:14 GMT -5
Hobby for me. James
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ulstergeki
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since April 2012
Posts: 111
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Post by ulstergeki on Apr 23, 2012 20:55:28 GMT -5
Hobby, never sold any of my stuff, but enjoy giving it as presents.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Apr 23, 2012 21:00:38 GMT -5
I sell only to purchase more rocks and rock related equipment and supplies. This is a self-sustaining hobby for me.
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Post by kap on Apr 23, 2012 21:34:45 GMT -5
I sell to help pay for my addiction.
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Post by bobby1 on Apr 23, 2012 21:43:59 GMT -5
I have a website that I sell cabs once in a while but I rarely pay any attention to it. Too much trouble jumping through all the hoops to make it a business at any level and it takes all the fun out of the activity. I love the travel and pleasure of displaying my case at the shows as a guest exhibitor. Mostly just a fun and educational pastime for me. Bob
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Post by roy on Apr 24, 2012 0:01:24 GMT -5
just a addiction or hobby
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jspencer
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2011
Posts: 929
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Post by jspencer on Apr 24, 2012 0:35:11 GMT -5
A pure addiction that is a hobby and a source for gifts to friends and relatives. It is my escape from the grinds of life. Turn up the rock&roll on the radio and get down to rockin!
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cabjunky
has rocks in the head
Regency Rose Plume
Member since November 2008
Posts: 683
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Post by cabjunky on Apr 26, 2012 13:53:50 GMT -5
I sell cabs to feed my addiction to this hobby. It's definately not a money making buisness for me.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Apr 26, 2012 15:44:34 GMT -5
Never sold a thing. I intend to one of these days just to help cover some of the expenses.
Chuck
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sheltie
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since January 2012
Posts: 982
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Post by sheltie on Apr 26, 2012 18:25:39 GMT -5
It's hard for me to comprehend - and I mean this in the most complimentary, praising way - that some of you who have responded don't make money at this. The work that I've seen on this forum is incredible. Like any other niche type of "hobby" though, I guess until you see the beauty of rocks you can't appreciate it. I know I didn't and now, like you, I'm addicted. I thought golf was expensive but this is beyond that (yes, I've bought a lot of equipment and have more to go).
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Post by krazydiamond on Apr 26, 2012 20:13:55 GMT -5
i sell some stuff, but mainly a hobby and a good source of presents for family and friends. i can justify some purchases on the strength of my sales, but i really just deluding myself....LOL!
KD
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Post by docone31 on Apr 26, 2012 21:19:14 GMT -5
It is a full time profession/career for me. I am a bench jeweler, I do casting(s one of kind designs, facet, cab, and in general create chaos. I absolutely love it, and simultaneously hate it! No time off. We expanded the shop, actually built a new one, and OMG, there are only two of us! So, it can be done. Just believe in it. Do it right, do it once! Your customers are the most important. Your reputation is your advertising. Pick a place to start. We do fleamarkets. Not just a table, no oen takes them seriously, we do booths. Our new shop is the width of an entire isle. We are 1000sq ft. Made 45 toe rings today. They are going into polish tomorrow. Everyday, something. I am about five projects behind now. It is a career that is endless. Now I am learning engraving! Chasing hammer type! Not handpiece, chasing hammer. I am a lousey illustrator, but I can do tools. When I am in my stones, I lose sense of time. So, it can be done. I believed, and worked hard. My wife helped, she stayed by my side, endured, and we forged ahead. It was scarey sometimes. But, here we are. No one can take away what I have learned. It can be done.
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