Bountiful Waters

Most things have been covered, but I want to add a few for brain food. 1. We are all on the same team. No need for ugly competition issues on bass fishing forum's, etc.. There are alot of fisherman out there to go around. 2. Try to start with all cash. Borrowing in the beginning is a recipe for failure in many cases. 3. Don't set your expectations too high. Start slow and don't burn out. 4. At all costs, do not get into the free sample craze. Those people asking for free samples don't buy. I know there are exceptions, but for the most part, you are giving away money. Nothing wrong with a few samples to prospective shops, but don't expect everyone to jump on and order big. 5. Make baits you use. Let me say that again....Make baits you use. If you like them, then market them. I hope these little tidbits help.

I sent you an email: Paypal is: jay@elgrandelures.com

Del-Mart Molds (1) 5" T-Stick 4 Cavity $50 (1) 5" T-Stick 7 Cavity $90 (1) 4" BA Jerkbait 4 Cavity $30 (1) 5" BA Jerkbait 4 Cavity $35 (1) 6" BA Jerkbait 4 Cavity $40 each All molds in used, but excellent condition. Includes shipping, Paypal preferred

Interested in closest match to 1/4 inch. Email sent

I have interest in the deep diver. What is the length on the top left?

I have come to the conclusion none of us may have the right answer on this one. I thought the mold was too hot. Then I thought the plastic was too hot. I have settled on having about 85% of the pours being ok. I cannot figure those dents out and it seems we all have different ideas on reasoning. They will happen with or without salt.

Let's make an effort to keep the "good will" all 12 months. It is a pleasure knowing you folks. Merry Christmas

I do not think this would work. Better to work with a small amount of plastic first.

I was waiting for Ghost to reply to the Ebay issue. I personally don't like Ebay, but do agree with Jim. It is a good place to get your product seen. You have to use the right keywords, etc. to make it worth your while.

It will take you awhile to figure out how much inventory you should build based on daily, weekly, and monthly demand. I don't want to speak for everyone, but speaking for myself, I don't do it for the money. At the same time, I don't want to dump a large sum down the drain. In the process of building this small business, my greatest income has been meeting new and interesting people and developing friends. Please just make sure you enjoy yourself and if you make some extra money, that a bonus. I would put some of the guys on here against any developer from other large companies and being biased, I thing many of us on here are pretty unique. I welcome you to this passion.

I like your ambition. I do not want to get lengthy, but I will recommend a few things. Don't go overboard in the beginning. Buy a few molds and pay for them as you go. Be careful that a very enjoyable hobby does not become a tedious job. In the last 11 months, I have out app. 22,500 into my business and with sales, I am still about 7k in the red. I estimated 3 years before I was in the black and may reach it a little earlier. Have your own niche. I started out with a market plan based on how I like to fish and found out there are many other people that share my techniques. Good luck and please make sure that it always stays fun.

Have you tried the 500 from Lure Craft?

I am more inclined to say the variety of pearls that are available. You can get very unique with these powders. I use Blue and White Pearl extensively.

Jim is right on with his advice. First, satisfy your need. All of my molds were bought or designed for my passion of Mexican Bass Fishing. If customers fish like I fish, then I can normally meet their need. Good hand pour businesses are going to get fewer and more far between due to tackle shops closing down and the state of the economy. I have no problem referring customers to others on this board and have in the past if I cannot meet their request and I know someone else on here does. We are all on the same team here.

Del, the way I look at it, it is already factored in, everything else is extra. You don't set your hourly wage, you figure up what you made after it is done. Not a very exact science at that. Would you say your rate is $8.00 an hour before you price it? I do not think so. Once you add an additional 30-50%, your wage is in that margin. You have to raise that margin if you are paying extra help based on the volume. Just my opinion. If anyone else is adding a rate into the pricing, I would be curious to see that. I just use a percentage above my expense.

It is very hard to do. What I recommend to increase profit is this: Order less often and in bulk.This not only saves on volume, but shipping will eat you alive. If you are the only one pouring, your time is not a cost I factor in, but when you have hired help, that is a direct impact. One of your biggest profit eaters are free samples. Do not get into the frame of mind that giving free samples to everyone that asks is a good business decision, it is not. Be selective with samples and package them seperate and in less volume. These a few things I have learned in the beginning. There will be many more posts on this topic as this topic is on our minds daily.

Try to stay away from it if you can. It really becomes time consuming to keep track of it.

Excellent work. Very impressive:yay:

Great video:yay:

X2

Here is our new Tournament shirt made bby Gemini. I think they did a great job. I recommend them for your tournament shirt needs.

All molds are sold

Dropping the price to $60 each for the 6" T-Stick molds shipped.

Those saying they wanted the 6" T Stick molds backed out. There are two of these molds for sale. There is nothing wrong with the molds and they still pour a perfect bait. $70.00 each They are listed new at $81.60

If anyone else is interested in the 6" T-Stick molds, let me know as I have not heard back from the folks who said they wanted them. I will give them until monday morning to pay for these.