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    Tag: starting a cerakote business

    How Many Irons Do You Have in the Fire?

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    Laura Siegert December 24, 2021
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    So You Want to Start a Cerakote Business…

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    Laura Siegert November 28, 2021
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    Forum Description

    And we can’t blame you! Owning your own business may be challenging, but the rewards of being your own boss are immeasurable. That being said, here are a few things to consider before diving into the deep end of the pool:

    A more efficient workflow equates to more money and less time.

    • Do you have another source of income to support you until the Cerakote business takes off?
      The average business takes 2-3 years to turn a profit. In that same time, you’ll have to build your skill level, build your resume (putting together a winning gallery), and gather customers. Being competent at correctly applying Cerakote to a variety of projects takes months of practice.
    • Startup Costs
      We initially ran our shop out of a one car garage at our home, so we didn't have to worry about a rent expense. We spent approximately $8000 on startup. This cost included equipment, electric reconfiguration, and supplies. While you may start out with a smaller budget, your initial investment in equipment that is a bit above a starter level will pay off later. For example, a larger oven isn’t going to give you a better product, but it does allow you to cook more parts at one time, creating a more efficient workflow which equates to more money and less time.
    • Just know that some equipment does impact the quality of your product. For instance, a compressor that is too small will cause heat and water to build up in the tank resulting in moisture issues that force you to redo projects. A refrigerated air system can mitigate a lot of these moisture issues. Another great example is your spray gun. A cheap HVLP does not give you the adjustability or forgiveness that the IWATA LPH80 does.
    • Federal Firearms License
      You must be able to pass a background check for an FFL. Federal laws require you to have an FFL if you charge money for cerakoting.
    • Are you working a full-time job?
      If you are working full-time on top of being an applicator, that doesn’t leave a lot of free time. Add in gun shows for drumming up business, building that online presence, and time spent doing customer projects and this industry can be a struggle to balance with a full-time job.
    • Space is another consideration
      You will need room for a sandblast cabinet, spray area, degreasing area, compressor, and a safe. We also recommend some type of bench area for doing paperwork and keeping projects organized.

    While not an exhaustive list, these are at least things to consider when planning on going into business for yourself.

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