I know that die hards enjoy making their own molds and equipment out of the workshop or the garage, but would they order them custom made from a factory if the opportunity was presented? If this was possible, perhaps your own local tackle shop could buy your custom pieces in bulk from the factory?
Basically im wondering if do-it-yourselfers are more interested in homemade products or custom import products?

I know people are interested in custom two part aluminum injection molds. This would include the CAD and CAM work if that is what you are talking about. There also might be possible interest in a finished product too. Problem is foreign companies steal designs.

I know that die hards enjoy making their own molds and equipment out of the workshop or the garage, but would they order them custom made from a factory if the opportunity was presented? If this was possible, perhaps your own local tackle shop could buy your custom pieces in bulk from the factory?

Basically im wondering if do-it-yourselfers are more interested in homemade products or custom import products?

 

There is a market for both.  The problem, like Comfortably Numb stated, is that foreign companies will steal designs and there's no way to do anything about it.

Perhaps a mutually beneficial situation could be found?

Lure design and sale to local tackle shops, with percentage of sales going back to the designer with every purchase. Funding trips to where the fish bite can be pricey, everyone could use some extra pocket scratch.

Not sure what your question is.

Lure Parts Online has a twin site that builds you a custom lure the way you want. There are also manufacturers that make products for other companies, for instance Strike King doesn't make their own lures, they work on the design then they have the molds made and sent to the manufacturer of their choice to produce their products. Some times they are packaged in the same facility and sometimes they are shipped to a different place, it all depends on who does the work for less..

I mold and paint jigs, design and make the skirts ( both rubber and hair), assemble spinnerbaits and inline spinners from components and tie flies for steelhead trout.

 

It would certainly be less expensive for me to buy finished products considering the small quantities I use, but I do it because I enjoy the design work and the hand craftsmanship involved.

I would prefer making my own.. but if there was a chance to get to get some awesome baits for a great price id buy

Not sure what your question is.

Oh good, so its not just me then

Oh good, so its not just me then

 

My guess is he wants to be the middle man between a Chinese manufacturer and someone looking to start their own business.

 

Allen

When you start a new company you need capital to invest in furniture and fixtures, equipment and machinery, stock on hand, computers, storage space, office overhead, office supplies, shipping program, insurance, taxes, payroll, advertising, etc.

 

If you want to start as a "mom and pop" business or outsource the manufacturing process to another company you can reduce your overhead by trading off profits for a smaller operation.

 

Here is your challenge if you have the funds to start the company: What equipment and machinery do you need to meet everyone's special needs?

 

I mean how do you handle my order to take a Bandit 200 and make one for me that is a 1/4 inch longer? Or make or dye plastics and skirts a special color, like puce or mauve?

 

You will have to do what others in the industry do and mandate a minimum order of 100 20-piece bags for the colors to mix to meet the order's requirements. If you screw up the color you just bought the plastics and skirts that you may or may not be able to sell in the future.

 

If you are a craftsman and painter you can repaint crankbaits or replace a broken bill. You can build a spinnerbait for us or stain a Cavitron blade a specific color. But what is the profit in doing this and how many baits at $X price will you have to handle to break even?

 

I think your theory is excellent. I don't know if it is profitable.

 

But give it a try and let us know how you do.

Tungsten, from another perspective, tackle shops want products that will turn over fast. To order some "special runs" of anything is a great investment that may fail so the shops avoid doing this.

 

If you go into a BPS, Cabela's or Dick's you will note only so many feet are allocated to each product/manufacturer. These baits are the ones that turn over fast. If a bait, line, reel, rod, etc. fail to turn over in the allotted time then they are placed on sale.

 

If I wanted a bait to be modified or manufactured just for me I would go to a local guy and have him make the run or create one or two baits for me if possible. I would not be too excited about going overseas for anything.

This is a very good topic. Because I've made custom lures and submitted them to most all of the top fishing lure manufacturers. I believe my product will change the way we can use traditional Spinner Bait's. The problem arose when the top lure development managers saw and handled my actual products, they all decided to design around me and my product concept and design! I was basically told that my design and invention will make the current line of single styles obsolete in the marketplace! I am willing to partner with a righteous resource to get my products on the market. I did want to launch the line here in the United States, but it seems our own American free marketing resources would rather steal ideas seemly other than work with the smaller guys trying to start a business! So there actions are forcing me to go international with my product!

Edited December 29, 201312 yr by Glenn
Removed marketing hype and self-promotion.