I build baits, I sell baits and I make a little money at it. Like Hughesy I am the builder, the painter, the finisher, the web page builder/manager, order taker, invoicer, and package and mail out dude!! I do all of this after working my full time day job and love it!
At my current production there is no way I could even begin to think about making it a full time job, particularly if you start considering the cost of health insurance, retirement, etc. I have experimented with various ways to speed things up but what I have found is it's difficult to build a good lure fast. To do things right takes time! And there really isn't enough money in it to have someone else do the work for you. This is why you see so many manufacturers go overseas..you can't afford to have the work done in the USA.
However, I feel as Skeeter does, there is always a way if you want it bad enough. For me I have a good day job and for now building lures is something I enjoy doing on the side.
Good luck.
jed v.