patrick reif Posted April 9, 2015 Report Share Posted April 9, 2015 I never intended on becoming a guy who sells his baits, but it's ended up that way. I have an order for 300 swimbaits and 3 dozen spinnerbaits along with 3 dozen football jigs with trailers. I'm working 60 hours a week already at my real job, and have a house to maintain on top of all that. I have a full plate already, but I keep getting phone calls and texts to make one thing or another. I had to pull out of a fishing trip early today so I could pour lead and plastic. How do you guys balance everything? I've reached my saturation point...I can't do anything extra and still fish. How do you guys manage? Seriously, how do you work a full time job, have a family life, maintain a house, make baits for yourself, keep up with orders and still fish? I'M SWAMPED AND GETTING FRUSTRATED!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swedes67 Posted April 9, 2015 Report Share Posted April 9, 2015 something I found out the hard way is to make sure you figure in all your costs and time. I cant compete with the big retailers price or do I want to. I now just make sure its worth my time and my customers understand there getting a custom bait. Just my 2 cents Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAWJigs Posted April 9, 2015 Report Share Posted April 9, 2015 It is hard for me but I make it work and get things out within two weeks. My wife helps me seeing how she is the homemaker and house wife. My kids like to get involved with handing me skirting material or the skirts, and they actually put together spinner baits .... We make it a family function and time also, if your kids are old enough that is. Mine are 7 and 6, my daughter helps the most between the two. She does not want to dance, softball, cheerlead or nothing, she just wants to do something fishing wise ... My wife pours the plastics and makes the skirts, and I do the pouring of the jigs and painting and assembling ... See if you can make it a family affair, we love it here. Teaches my kids hard work. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted April 9, 2015 Report Share Posted April 9, 2015 RAWJigs - great set-up and a wonderful family you have - that works. Patrick - If you don't need the extra cash, I would say finish what you have committed to but start learning to say 'NO'. Once the enjoyment goes, you are going to pack it in anyway. You may have to stop the give-aways, as this just attracts the orders that you are having trouble turning down. Yes, it is nice to hand out a few but you have to stop! Family is NUMBER 1 - I know, I lost mine. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apdriver Posted April 9, 2015 Report Share Posted April 9, 2015 I know where your coming from Patrick. From the start, I told myself I wasn't going to sell my baits. I love tacklecrafting, but like you, I already have a full plate with a demanding job that takes me away from home, wife and family and other various obligations. No time for selling and production. I may make a few baits for friends or help someone in our community with a sample or something but that's all I have time for now. When I retire, might sell a few then just to have something to play with. JMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Driftwood Posted April 9, 2015 Report Share Posted April 9, 2015 After working from 5:00am til 10:00 pm for several years, I had a heart attack. The money is just not worth your health. Keep it between a few fishing friends until you get more time to commit to your "hobby". You will be better off in the long run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
