TBK Posted October 30, 2013 Report Share Posted October 30, 2013 I have several baits both lead and soft plastic I've designed and am exploring the possibility of having them produced and start a lure company. I'm kicking tires and turning over rocks to gain as much information as I can. As with any business venture, there is more than one way to skin a cat but I feel like in the cut throat world of lure making, starting is critical. My questions are: If I got the route of having someone else pour, what is involved to go from my design to a packed for sale product? How is the process started? What are the upfront and long term costs? How do I insure my designs are protected? Is there a minimum purchase requirement for something like this? How do I go about having custom hooks made? What is the advantage of purchasing my own production equipment vs subbing the pouring out or is there? Thanks for any assistance you can provide. If you'd rather not post here, my email is brantking@centurylink.net. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasilofchrisn Posted October 30, 2013 Report Share Posted October 30, 2013 Though this video might be usefull to you. This is one small lure company who does the lead casting you are considering. Good luck it is a tough world out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlaery Posted October 30, 2013 Report Share Posted October 30, 2013 I wouldn't consider this company a small company. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasilofchrisn Posted October 31, 2013 Report Share Posted October 31, 2013 I wouldn't consider this company a small company. Yeah I guess you are right. Regardless they can probably help TBK by casting his jigs. And doing so in the USA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlaery Posted October 31, 2013 Report Share Posted October 31, 2013 If I got the route of having someone else pour, what is involved to go from my design to a packed for sale product? It depends on what it is and how hard it is to make. If it is a lead product, models have to be made to make the production spin cast molds. Making models could cost $50 to $1000 for each size. Making the molds would run $150 per size if it is something common. Molds don't last forever, depends on how many parts are poured. Casting depends on what it is and how many parts it has. Painting? Assembly? what kind of packaging etc... How is the process started? Your check book. Is there a minimum purchase requirement for something like this? Maybe, depends. If it is custom hooks probably 100,000 hooks. Anything else that is not already available is going to require minimums. How do I go about having custom hooks made? You have to have a drawing of your specs of what you want and your check book. What is the advantage of purchasing my own production equipment vs subbing the pouring out or is there? The fun part, trying to figure out how to make money and make the lures. The hardest part will be the education, and there will be lots of tests. It is easier and cheaper to get started to try your idea to have someone else do it for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Painter1 Posted November 1, 2013 Report Share Posted November 1, 2013 "The fun part, trying to figure out how to make money and make the lures"I Amen, brother. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasilofchrisn Posted November 1, 2013 Report Share Posted November 1, 2013 (edited) I have a job that pays really well and I only work 2 weeks at a time with 2 weeks off inbetween. It is remote work so I fly to work stay for 2 weeks then fly home for 2 weeks. This gives me plenty of time to make jigs and go fishing yet I still have my regular job to pay the bills. If I were you I would certainly not quit my job to do this. At least not at first. Or try to find a job that allows you to have time to do both. Once the business is making enough for you to live on then you can quit your day job. So many businesses fail and I hate to see people stuck owing money from their businesses that have long since closed their doors.Seen that several times. Just my Edited November 1, 2013 by Kasilofchrisn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSC Posted November 1, 2013 Report Share Posted November 1, 2013 Just a Note .. I have not seen mentioned any where on this subject the fact that You have a bait that is selling like "Gang Busters" today and maybe for a Year .. It can go as dead as can be (at any time) something to consider ... Haveing been a "jobber Salesman" in the industry for more years than some of you are old (jealous me) I have seen this happen many times ..lots of work having to close out these lures that just go dead .. Lure business is one of the trickiest out there and my hat is off to any one who suceeeds (well maby a couple .. no) The market is constantly changing .. been retired for several years and a lot has changed but this one fact has not. GOOD LUCK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBK Posted November 1, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 1, 2013 Thanks for the feedback guys. kasilofchrisn, I didn't catch the link you posted. May be because I'm on I-pad? I've been involved with/owed a few businesses, some of which we sold so I have some experience there. I've been around the fishing industry quite awhile and know there has to be a lot of long term planning involved. I have probably a dozen designs going and more in my head or on paper. My plan is to do the releases staggered so as not to blow my wad in one shot. I'm not quitting any jobs yet but my wife wants to be involved in this and she isn't working right since we sold our last business. We may after continuing to look at numbers decide this isn't worth it but I'd sure like to give it a shot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasilofchrisn Posted November 1, 2013 Report Share Posted November 1, 2013 Thanks for the feedback guys. kasilofchrisn, I didn't catch the link you posted. May be because I'm on I-pad? I've been involved with/owed a few businesses, some of which we sold so I have some experience there. I've been around the fishing industry quite awhile and know there has to be a lot of long term planning involved. I have probably a dozen designs going and more in my head or on paper. My plan is to do the releases staggered so as not to blow my wad in one shot. I'm not quitting any jobs yet but my wife wants to be involved in this and she isn't working right since we sold our last business. We may after continuing to look at numbers decide this isn't worth it but I'd sure like to give it a shot. The link was actually a embeded video clip of cast industries. It is a ~1/2 hour video showing how they make custom spincast jigs for bait companies around the world. It ends in the online store they own LPO lure parts online the new owners of this very forum. I would think they could easily cast any lead jigs you needed cast. If you go to youtube and search for cast industries it should pop right up. http://castind.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big will's customs Posted November 8, 2013 Report Share Posted November 8, 2013 yeah they are a lot larger then I am and most others....lol... but I can say all my baits are made completely in house Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
