Comments on: Here are a Few Tips That Make Work With a Welding Machine a Lot Easier

By: LeDoux

LeDoux — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 12:26:34 +0000

try to talk to friends and ask them if they can help you out…

they may know some people who can help you with your business

By: momma g

momma g — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 11:16:54 +0000

my husband is too! 20 years! Right now though he's gone back to school for a BA in chem…his neck wore out!

while reaching for that degree he's done work on the side for local companies when asked. It's just about getting your name out there and then asking for referrals. If this is something you want to turn into a business then yes inc. it and you'll sleep better at night. Louisiana is right now attracting welders like crazy from all over the country for the new natural gas shale they are mining there, they are building pipelines and from what I hear from my Father n Law on the ground there it's a boom town! This is in Spring Hill LA, so if your husband doesn't want to travel and be part of that…and wants to work on building a biz locally…

do the cards, do the slicks(fliers), do the local chamber of commerce to network. You should go out and visit 10 businesses per day in your area, deliver your card and explain you've just opened for full time work. Have a list of former companies he's worked for and his certifications and those "coupons" you know they have to do to get rated! All this on a nice letter head, and I've often tried to convince my husband to open a welding school because there is a need….so take a look at that too!

I've forwarded your question to him so I hope he can respond directly he's such a great welder! 15 years in the shipyards and then another 5 on the road as a journeyman welder, he's so excited about he Nuclear power plants and the work that could bring! …..

Good luck and much success!

By: bibabonuss

bibabonuss — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 10:14:15 +0000

pfuzi!!!!

By: smeegma

smeegma — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 09:34:17 +0000

If their business is turning to producing junk like the MigMaster 203 I just purchased, buy Lincoln or Miller stock instead.

By: bibabonuss

bibabonuss — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 03:05:32 +0000

pfuzi!!!!

By: bibabonuss

bibabonuss — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 00:43:58 +0000

pfuzi!!!!

By: '_'

'_' — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 00:02:17 +0000

By: AmericanFabricator

AmericanFabricator — Sun, 29 Jan 2006 07:18:43 +0000

Thanks for posting this. It was very informative!

By: sloboomer

sloboomer — Sun, 29 Jan 2006 05:19:58 +0000

Reasonable rates: Make sure you charge enough to cover all of your expenses such as consumables (rods, wire, grinding discs, etc.) fuel for the welder, travel expenses, and your pay. If you don't have a good feel for this, think of a couple common type repairs and call a couple of competitors. See what they tell you they would charge. Their rates are going to ultimately figure into your prices because you need to be competitive.

Advertising: Word of mouth, tell friends and family to tell people about your new business. Websites such as Craigslist where you can post your services. Get cards or flyers made and leave/post them at local businesses. Think about places people that need welding done might be… farm and feed stores, marinas, etc. As your business picks up, build from there.

Do's: Have good insurance protection. Service, service, service. Be where you are supposed to be when you say you are going to be there! You will not have a life while you are trying to get the business up and running, because it is all about being available at any time to help your customers. Get agreements in writing. Keep excellent records. You are a welder by trade, but record keeping can make or break your business.

Don't: Start the business in debt. Don't bite off more than you can chew, build the business slowly. Don't underestimate the value of your services.

Good Luck!

By: Tera P

Tera P — Sat, 28 Jan 2006 19:04:14 +0000

How bout The Tie that BINDS… lol j/k i don't know