rocknrob
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No matter what AI thinks, I do not in any way resemble John Malkovich
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Post by rocknrob on Jun 24, 2024 15:45:07 GMT -5
I'll give y'all a quick rundown of my current life/work before going into future plans.
I'm a freelance motion graphic designer. Think of someone who does graphic design but specializes in communication using movement as well. It also happens to be one of those careers that AI is going to make rather interesting in the next few years by way of annihilating a good portion of the career. I've been doing this for quite a while (26+ years) so I've seen my share of ups and downs over that time. I've rekindled a love of rocks during this year which I'm in the phase of accumulating slabs and rough while learning cabochon making. It's still very much in it's infancy but it's giving me a spark that I would like to grow potentially into a business to transition into.
First a story, I used to live in a town where I knew a couple who were both accountants. They retired at the same time and after a year of being retired... they HATED it. They got bored of watching TV or tooling around in their homes and wanted more of retirement so they went into business for themselves. They opened a tabletop gaming store and instead of wasting time at home they were doing something they loved and promoted it around the town. They don't make a ton of money but they do make a small profit. I asked if they think they made the right choice and the fellow said "Without a doubt, we would be wasting away if we didn't do this."
I know after a couple of months that Ebay is absolutely ghastly at trying to sell material on, especially given commissions on there. The listings are ugly as sin and it's tough to get views on what I'm selling. Etsy is a little better but you're tossed into the pit with all the sellers from India and China. I know some folks scratch up some coin reselling that stuff but I would like to try my hand on things that have a more personal nature to it and not mass produced. I have some experience making websites and almost 3 decades of marketing related experience which could do nothing but help this ambition but I'm lacking a blueprint or guide to give me an idea of how to best approach this ambition.
So, long story aside. I would like to ask some of the more experienced folks out there if they knew of any guides/blogs or folks I could follow and learn more from about this business of rocks?
- Rob
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 24, 2024 16:36:48 GMT -5
Sorry, I really can't help with your question, but I want to say GO FOR IT!!! I was pretty much retired and then started my own site and shops on etsy (after a few other brief stints on selling platforms including eBay). They really kept me busy. Almost too busy. I quit them all and now I'm bored to death. Thinking of starting again. So, if you are willing to work hard, because you will especially in the beginning, then yeah, do it.
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pebblesky
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Post by pebblesky on Jun 24, 2024 16:41:23 GMT -5
There is a thread listing RTH members' stores: forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/99729/list-rth-member-storesSome have been operating the online stores for years. Would be interesting to browse their stores to see what their business models are and what products/services they are providing. They must have some great experiences to share. If you see a business model that you would like to follow, maybe you can tag them to for more specific questions.
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 24, 2024 17:13:44 GMT -5
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rocknrob
Cave Dweller
No matter what AI thinks, I do not in any way resemble John Malkovich
Member since May 2024
Posts: 300
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Post by rocknrob on Jun 24, 2024 17:18:26 GMT -5
I've been freelancing for 14 years which is literally running a solo service based business, so I'm pretty familiar with "THE GRIND"(TM) but this would be new as it would involve inventory and such. That could be a fun challenge, especially since I have heard that local gem shows are decent at moving product. More so than the online marketplaces. rockjunquie - I have this sneaking suspicion that retirement (goofing off and doing nothing) isn't my kind of thing ![:D](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/grin.png) . The nice thing about running your own business is that you can dictate how much you end up doing. I say if you're bored, have at it until you feel it's too much then step back a touch and leave the momentum there. pebblesky - Thanks! I'll check that thread out!
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Mark K
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Post by Mark K on Jun 24, 2024 18:10:16 GMT -5
Talk to Catmandewe
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Post by stardiamond on Jun 24, 2024 18:18:48 GMT -5
I would start on FB. There are at least three sites I follow to buy slabs and rough. I buy most of my material there. Very little from eBay. They have guest selling days. Hobbyists selling to hobbyists.
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khara
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Post by khara on Jun 24, 2024 19:43:30 GMT -5
Rob. I can't speak to the experience that you are looking for. But I'm in a similar boat. I've been self-employed for over two decades. Competition rather than from AI came years ago when globalization became the trend. Last year I took a part-time job with a friends restaurant really just to get a breather away from my work, and to get up and moving away from the computer. Just prior to that I had rekindled my rockhound interest to de-stress from both work and elder caretaking duties. I haven't had time to post about it but about a month ago I decided to start taking this interest from just a hobby into a business. Like you, I've run a service business in WA for a long time, but nothing with inventory, and all the other tax criteria that this state has (jewelry is actually a "manufactured" item). I'm encountering a lot of weeds like that to wade through and try to begin understanding. I've looked for "how to's", step-by-steps, hoping for a "just do this, this, and then this" list. I've found a lot of partial bits of info. A lot of confusion. I guess it makes sense. I think a lot of this stuff we just have to go through it and learn as we go. Normally I'm a person who likes to have all my ducks in a row, everything tidy and planned. But, then I figured if I waited until I was "ready" and knew it all, it'd be another year or several before I finally made a move. So, I just jumped in. Your thread here is interesting and pertinent timing and I think it's smart of you to ask the question. Maybe we will run into each other in the near future at some local shows. :-)
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jun 24, 2024 23:49:35 GMT -5
I've got no advice for you except that it might be a good idea set up an appointment with your accountant and ask them what you will need to provide to them for tax purposes. Ask them what their other self employed clients are using for inventory control, etc. At least you might get some insight into that part of it.
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Post by HankRocks on Jun 25, 2024 5:29:32 GMT -5
Rob, A few comments based on my own limited experience and observations, it's free so take it for what it's worth.
Currently I sell rocks about 4 times a year. Only one of those is at a Gem and Mineral Show with the rest being local Craft Shows. Started this activity about a year after I retired as a way to stay busy and to help reduce some of the material that I have managed to acquire in 40 plus years of collecting, tumbling, cutting and polishing. That and as I have said several times out here, earn some "beer and gas" money. On the money side I have managed earn money every year, how much of that is profit is questionable when one considers all of the expenses involved. Definitely been a failure on the reduction of material side as I have a good bit more than when I started selling.
As far as starting a business to support oneself and or one's family a few factors to consider that are important at least in my situation;
1) I do not need the money having worked for almost 49 years saving and investing and contributing to a 401K and building up my Social Security. Been very lucky as I worked for a good company for just over 43 years with a lot of smart people who always had good advice. That's is extremely important point as there is no pressure to generate sales. No matter how tall the stack of deceased president pictures I bring home, it's all good. If one is doing this as a business, 401K, Social Security credit, and the elephant in the room, Health Care coverage, all need to be addressed.
2) Over the 40 plus years of hounding and limited hobby time I have managed to build up a good supply of sellable material. More importantly I have also managed to make friends and acquaintances with folks who share the common interest in all things rocks. They have joined me on my collecting trips, they have helped fix equipment and offered advice etc, etc. Having that network in place is very important.
3) You mentioned Gem and Mineral shows. There are only two in the Houston area and I am currently only in one of those. Getting into the 2nd has proven very difficult and have been on a waiting list for 5 or 6 years. There are other shows in Texas, but they are all 3 4 or 5 hours away. Doing those out of town shows would increase my expensives, room and board, and they would reduce my flexibility for 2nd or 3rd day sales. Almost every show I have done there is a list from the first day of extra material to bring or specific requested items. If I am out of town that does not happen.
Another note about shows, it's a great place to make contacts and in some cases new friends. One good character trait I have is that I enjoy talking with folks. Have the added advantage of having collected or made everything I sell so engaging with anyone is very easy. I see and sell to some of the same folks every show and we are on first name basis. The opportunity with the Texas Wood( he's bringing bigger pieces tomorrow) that came up was a result of talking with and selling to one of other vendors at the Gem and Mineral show I do.
4) Online sales - I have avoided those. They can be a good source of sales however they bring a new set of problems and issues as you have mentioned. I am not comfortable as I need to be in that area so I avoid for the time being. It does sound like your experience puts you several steps ahead of me in that area.
5) This Forum is a great resource and you have already have that going for you.
6) Pricing - In my case I have either collected or been given or purchased at an excellent price all the rocks I have. Always make it a point to let sellers set prices, I do not haggle over the cost. If it's too much I don't buy or don't buy much. I think fellow collectors respect that and they prefer to be treated in that manner. This does provide me with one other advantage, the ability to set and adjust my prices. Someone picks out 4 or 5 pieces and the total comes to $56 dollars, I tell them give me $50 and we are good.
7) Luck!!, you can't beat bad luck but you can sure use good luck. All the business schools don't really put much stock in this and that planning and researching etc will make you successful and eliminate luck as a factor. That's nice but if you want to be successful you really need luck on your side. Case in point, the 24 inch HP 60's model saw I bought for $1200 plus about 500 pounds of rock thrown in free that included Choyas, Brazilian, Montana and some South Texas river nodules. He was moving out of country and had to sell. I happened to open Craigslist one morning and there was his ad. As it turned out someone else came in 10 or 15 minutes after my e-mail. No research or planning involved, opportunity appeared and I took it.
Anyway I have rambled enough and hope a bit of this can be helpful to you. Need to go, have a bigger piece of wood on the 24 inch saw and want to get two cuts in before it get's too hot in the garage.
Good luck
Henry
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pebblesky
fully equipped rock polisher
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Post by pebblesky on Jun 25, 2024 11:57:38 GMT -5
"Definitely been a failure on the reduction of material side as I have a good bit more than when I started selling." ![(rotflmao1)](//storage.proboards.com/1258779/images/uceahXCsZtGXGrkRuJLe.gif) How surprising!
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rocknrob
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No matter what AI thinks, I do not in any way resemble John Malkovich
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Post by rocknrob on Jun 25, 2024 14:01:59 GMT -5
Thank you all for the precious time and information you've given me. I do believe there might be business plans up on the SBA website that will also provide some insight in how to run something like this. I've got some planning to do and website-ing to make ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png)
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realrockhound
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Post by realrockhound on Jun 25, 2024 15:03:58 GMT -5
Funny you say this. I as well have plans on opening a rock shop. I have a stupid amount of material at my place and now that there are no more rocks shops in my town due to other reasons. I want to take on that market as a side project. My plan is to run it off the property. It will be mainly focused on teaching cabbing, cutting rocks for people etc.. with the ability to sell rough, slabs, etc.. currently working on getting a new load of rocks at the property through some connections from a central Oregon old time collector. I’m not starting this super soon, but slowly in the works of bringing this to fruition.
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rocknrob
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No matter what AI thinks, I do not in any way resemble John Malkovich
Member since May 2024
Posts: 300
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Post by rocknrob on Jun 25, 2024 15:28:15 GMT -5
Funny you say this. I as well have plans on opening a rock shop. I have a stupid amount of material at my place and now that there are no more rocks shops in my town due to other reasons. I want to take on that market as a side project. My plan is to run it off the property. It will be mainly focused on teaching cabbing, cutting rocks for people etc.. with the ability to sell rough, slabs, etc.. currently working on getting a new load of rocks at the property through some connections from a central Oregon old time collector. I’m not starting this super soon, but slowly in the works of bringing this to fruition. I'm in a similar predicament. The closest place that sells this in person is Tacoma and there are very little sources West of me. I'm in a bit of a rockhounding island on a peninsula. I figure this is the best time to investigate options like this as I am still busy with regular work and it would take the desperation aspect out of this. Whereabouts are you if you don't mind me asking? I used to live in Gresham/Portland for about 24 years and only got back into rockhounding when I moved back up to Kitsap County before the pandemic. (I grew up here but spent about half my life in Oregon. Hehe I've paid enough income tax in OR to consider myself a prepaid citizen. ![:D](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/grin.png)
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realrockhound
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Post by realrockhound on Jun 25, 2024 16:06:25 GMT -5
Funny you say this. I as well have plans on opening a rock shop. I have a stupid amount of material at my place and now that there are no more rocks shops in my town due to other reasons. I want to take on that market as a side project. My plan is to run it off the property. It will be mainly focused on teaching cabbing, cutting rocks for people etc.. with the ability to sell rough, slabs, etc.. currently working on getting a new load of rocks at the property through some connections from a central Oregon old time collector. I’m not starting this super soon, but slowly in the works of bringing this to fruition. I'm in a similar predicament. The closest place that sells this in person is Tacoma and there are very little sources West of me. I'm in a bit of a rockhounding island on a peninsula. I figure this is the best time to investigate options like this as I am still busy with regular work and it would take the desperation aspect out of this. Whereabouts are you if you don't mind me asking? I used to live in Gresham/Portland for about 24 years and only got back into rockhounding when I moved back up to Kitsap County before the pandemic. (I grew up here but spent about half my life in Oregon. Hehe I've paid enough income tax in OR to consider myself a prepaid citizen. ![:D](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/grin.png) Im right in the heart of it, prineville OR. Considered one of the rockhounding Mecca’s. There used to be Elkins gen shop, but after a long profitable run, Judy finally decided to sell all off and close shop. Quant Rockshop was still going but sadly Bill who was running it passed away due to being struck by a car. Tons of rockhounds migrate here, so I feel like it would be smart to take over the missing market.
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Post by Pat on Jun 25, 2024 16:12:45 GMT -5
There are lots of things we have to do. There are also plenty of things we want to do. Both are important. Go for it! Sounds fun. Best wishes. 👍🏻
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rocknrob
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No matter what AI thinks, I do not in any way resemble John Malkovich
Member since May 2024
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Post by rocknrob on Jun 25, 2024 16:27:05 GMT -5
I'm in a similar predicament. The closest place that sells this in person is Tacoma and there are very little sources West of me. I'm in a bit of a rockhounding island on a peninsula. I figure this is the best time to investigate options like this as I am still busy with regular work and it would take the desperation aspect out of this. Whereabouts are you if you don't mind me asking? I used to live in Gresham/Portland for about 24 years and only got back into rockhounding when I moved back up to Kitsap County before the pandemic. (I grew up here but spent about half my life in Oregon. Hehe I've paid enough income tax in OR to consider myself a prepaid citizen. ![:D](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/grin.png) Im right in the heart of it, prineville OR. Considered one of the rockhounding Mecca’s. There used to be Elkins gen shop, but after a long profitable run, Judy finally decided to sell all off and close shop. Quant Rockshop was still going but sadly Bill who was running it passed away due to being struck by a car. Tons of rockhounds migrate here, so I feel like it would be smart to take over the missing market. I've been to Bend several times but I've never made it over to Prineville. It's on the to-do list for me, that and Madras (I just missed their big show last weekend). I'm with you on trying to set up classes, not that I'm particularly experienced enough to teach but maybe enough to show the idea off behind things. Our rock club is a bit small-ish and we still don't have a clubhouse that we can do teaching but it's on their list of things to do. Land is damn expensive over here so just buying a lot and putting up a big shed isn't in the cards most of the time. Good luck! I'd like to see your store when I cruise through the middle of Oregon.
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realrockhound
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Post by realrockhound on Jun 25, 2024 17:09:18 GMT -5
Im right in the heart of it, prineville OR. Considered one of the rockhounding Mecca’s. There used to be Elkins gen shop, but after a long profitable run, Judy finally decided to sell all off and close shop. Quant Rockshop was still going but sadly Bill who was running it passed away due to being struck by a car. Tons of rockhounds migrate here, so I feel like it would be smart to take over the missing market. I've been to Bend several times but I've never made it over to Prineville. It's on the to-do list for me, that and Madras (I just missed their big show last weekend). I'm with you on trying to set up classes, not that I'm particularly experienced enough to teach but maybe enough to show the idea off behind things. Our rock club is a bit small-ish and we still don't have a clubhouse that we can do teaching but it's on their list of things to do. Land is damn expensive over here so just buying a lot and putting up a big shed isn't in the cards most of the time. Good luck! I'd like to see your store when I cruise through the middle of Oregon. land ain’t much cheaper over here, but I’m on 4 acres and all the rock is already here. So figured right off the property is the smartest call. I would like to make the shop focused around the lapidary aspect and a rock museum which I’ve slowly been converting the basement off the back of the house into. One of those come by, enjoy the eye candy, learn about stuff, buy a lil on the side type shops. Essentially part time business by appointment only. I’m full time as an engineer, so I couldn’t run it 24/7. If it ever got to a point where I did have lots of demand and could make decent money, id have my gf quit her job and run it. I know she’d be down.
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wargrafix
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Post by wargrafix on Jul 2, 2024 12:23:22 GMT -5
Have an Amazon storefront and I.am sold. Gemshop USA has a rep here?
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Post by cabby on Jul 2, 2024 20:11:03 GMT -5
My tentative plan is start with putting items on commission at local galleries and gift shops (small town Wisconsin has billions of those). move up to farmers market booth/craft shows when I have more stock. When I have things piling up and I feel more confident I will do some gem/mineral club expos (again, small town Wisconsin, would be like 5 people there lol, but they would be pickier). Doubt I will ever get to the next stage but maybe build up to bigger shows, at which point I would shift to a more business related mindset vs hobby. And of course have some select items for sale on Etsy or eBay. Selling in shops and small events would let me work at a more relaxed pace, since I wouldn’t be worrying about photos or marketing, as well as transition more “organically” from hobby to business.
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