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new closet/kitchen business

10/12/17       
andy Member

i'm considering a move back into my own business after a 5 year break from sole ownership and have been working as a shop foreman at a millwork shop in nyc.
i see an opportunity in another market for a kitchen and closet business and thinking plastic laminate and thermofoil doors only. i've done 35 years of high end millwork and looking for a simpler business model. what are the machines you closet guys are using??? thinking from the beginning if you had to do it all over again how would you set up your business.

10/12/17       #2: new closet/kitchen business ...
rich c.

Won't you be competing with IKEA with that style? I sure wouldn't want to try equipping a new shop and breaking into that market!

10/13/17       #3: new closet/kitchen business ...
Mark

Website: http://all-aboutorganizing.com

Andy

A small shop can get by with a sliding panel saw with a scoring blade an edgebander, line boring machine, hinge machine and a horizontal band saw to cut the closet rods.
if you have a busy shop, and cash flow that can support buying some expensive equipment then a panel saw and a CNC would be a time saver. good luck on your endeavor

10/19/17       #4: new closet/kitchen business ...
John Canary

Website: http://www.canarycc.com/

Andy: While its real sexy to have a shop full of cool machines and make lots of sawdust, I'll add my two cents. I was in the same shoes as you 16 years ago and took the plunge and plunked down 150K on machines and had a big shop, lease etc. and thought "I know far better than the next guy how to make closets, this will be easy". Well, big eye opener! The closet and home storage business is SALES INTENSIVE. Build your sales operation first. There are many vendors you can buy well made parts from until you have the sales to support a shop, then jump into that pile of headaches! Do the sales part first. I did it backwards and fortunately it has worked out well for me but it was not without sleepless nights, headaches and some second guessing. Best of luck to you. john

10/21/17       #5: new closet/kitchen business ...
David B Member

Website: http://www.atlantacloset.com/

I have to agree with John. I've always found that the people who are successful buying new equipment already have a customer base and a product that they can't make fast enough without it. Bulking up on equipment before you have the sales to handle it is a recipe for high debt and always being behind the 8 ball. Don't ask me how I know this.


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