how would i set-up shop to do set-ups/parts replacement/repairs?

[K-Frog]

I figure with one music shop in town, with no full time tech, I might do string changes, pot/jack/knob/pick-up/bridge replacement, basic set-up, etc out of my shop at home in my spare time. I wouldn't be expecting any flood of business, but it would be enjoyable and I could make tens of dollars over the course of a couple of years.

Since I've always done all my work myself, I have no idea what is reasonable to charge for such services. Not looking to build an empire, just make it worth my while, but not by much.

ideas?

[stflbn]

I think my biggest concern by doing it would be liability over the instruments you work on. Meaning the inevitable person who swears you ruined the instrument they brought to you and they expect you to replace it with an unrealistic replacement cost.

I'm paranoid that way.

[PSPookie]

Originally Posted by stflbn

I think my biggest concern by doing it would be liability over the instruments you work on. Meaning the inevitable person who swears you ruined the instrument they brought to you and they expect you to replace it with an unrealistic replacement cost.

I'm paranoid that way.

Good point. Some sort of liability insurance would be in order.

As far as what to charge: you need to figure out how much it would cost you to opperate. Cost of tools, materials, insurance, your time, and a small profit margin would need to be factored in. Take that number and scale it to each task to be performed.

[K-Frog]

Originally Posted by stflbn

I think my biggest concern by doing it would be liability over the instruments you work on. Meaning the inevitable person who swears you ruined the instrument they brought to you and they expect you to replace it with an unrealistic replacement cost.

I'm paranoid that way.

ohhh.... that would really stink.

i wonder what i could do to avoid that, with or without insurance. Maybe a photo at time of drop-off to prove aesthetic condition? A quick check of neck/truss-rod while they wait? Neither option is paricularly appealing.
I prefer the honor system, but that won't prevent claims.

hmm......

[stflbn]

Idiots abound everywhere. I've known some people to take a guitar with known problems to different people until they found someone who hadn't covered all their bases legally.

There's way to many people out there simply looking to take advantage. And those people drive the costs of everything up for everyone everywhere.



I've always ended up doing fretwork, setups, restrings, and electronics work for people in every band I've ever been in. They've all loved my work and feel its better than others they've payed for. But... I just can't make the jump to trusting the stupidity of humans.

[ForestThump]

It is an interesting question. What do luthiers do when so and so swears that ding wasn't there when they brought the instrument to their shop or any one of a thousand things like that that may come up.
Wouldn't insurance on that kind of thing be incredibly expensive?

[stflbn]

How many posts do we see here on Talkbass a month where someone's griping about taking their instrument to someone who 'screwed it up'?

There's two sides to every story and one person's good work unfortunately is anothers 'crap'.

[K-Frog]

i just talked to the manager at a shop I used to frequent before I moved 200 miles away, and he's neve had anything like that happen.

But just as sure as I set up shop, Mr. Murphy will bring in his strato-jazz-tele-bronco for strings and claim I caused the scratch he puts in it after he gets home.

I may have to give up my good-hearted gesture of offering a good value for my services.

[John Wentzien]

I only work on instruments from people I know personally. (a lot of musicians)
If there is any "major surgery", I have them sit and watch me do it.
I have players that have been coming to me for years and years and won't let anyone els touch their axe.

[202dy]

Originally Posted by K-Frog

i just talked to the manager at a shop I used to frequent before I moved 200 miles away, and he's neve had anything like that happen.

But just as sure as I set up shop, Mr. Murphy will bring in his strato-jazz-tele-bronco for strings and claim I caused the scratch he puts in it after he gets home.

I may have to give up my good-hearted gesture of offering a good value for my services.

It can happen. It rarely does. Reality is that you will not hear most of the complaints. They moan to their buddies and that will hurt business. However, there will be very few complaints to your face and way fewer claims.

The important thing to avoiding these problems is to review the instrument in the presence of the customer and note any damage to the instrument prior to logging it. It can be done on a piece of 8 1/2" x 11 with a guitar diagram (front and rear) so that the damage can be circled. You can make some space for a description of the work to be done. Have them sign the sheet. When they come to pick it up, have them play it to make sure that they are happy and have them initial the sheet to encourage them to not pull a fast one.

By the way, if you decide to this understand that it cuts both ways. When you cause some damage to their instrument (not if. If you do this long enough, you will) they have written proof that you did it. Fix it as best you can and tell them. Negotiation begins there.

The insurance you'll need is product liability insurance. In addition to that, you'll need general liability insurance in case someone is injured on the premises. You should also have bailies insurance (I think that's what it is called) which insures instruments in your custody against theft, damage, fire, and other things out of your control.

Oh, one last thing. Unless you are already well equipped, plan on sinking every dollar you take in the first year on more tools. Stew-Mac's number will be posted above the bench along with fire and ambulance.

Good luck.

[K-Frog]

good stuff. thanks

[MNAirHead]

My business insurance wouldn't cover this type of service without riders or exclusions for collectables.

[T-MOST]

Originally Posted by stflbn

I think my biggest concern by doing it would be liability over the instruments you work on. Meaning the inevitable person who swears you ruined the instrument they brought to you and they expect you to replace it with an unrealistic replacement cost.

I'm paranoid that way.

There is also the instance where "you" actually may damage the instrument. Accidents can happen to the best. Either way you need a plan in place to deal with that.

[vejesse]

Everyone makes mistakes but knowing how to fix your own mistakes is the most important part of the luthier business.