A Crazy Idea

[WVGrizzly]

I've been toying with the idea of opening up a basement business making crested arrows in wood, aluminum and carbon. I have lined up suppliers for all the materials, including hardwood shafting and exotic wood shafting. I don't know if it will be profitable but I really enjoy building arrows and would love if eventually it would simply cover the costs of the equipment and the occasional set of personal arrows. Since the Trad Gang site is the place for traditional archers I thought I'd get some input from those who know the sport better than I do. Is this a viable ambition or a pipe dream?

[highlow]

I would think there's really only one way to find out. Why not give it a try if you enjoy making arrows that much.

[WVGrizzly]

I'm uncertain how may be the best way to get the word out, anyone have any ideas that I may be able to use?

[KSdan]

There are sponsors on here that do just that.  You should become a sponsor- that would be a start.

[fnshtr]

Where you at in WV?

I'm south of Parkersburg. A connection through this site would be a real boost.

[WVGrizzly]

looks like I may have to figure out how to start a webpage, that looks like a place to start, full sponsorship looks like a distant possibility but I will likely start with an associate sponsorship once money allows it. If I can make a webpage it will allow me to make the most of my limited posting ability under the associate status. Sounds like this may be worth looking into, I had a facebook business page I created but it doesn't get much attention, perhaps the best way is to go feet first all the way and see what happens.

[WVGrizzly]

fnshtr I'm in Cass, WV in Pocahontas County

[McDave]

If you're going to make a business out of making arrows (or anything else) you need to decide how you're going to make your product better, quicker, cheaper, or more beautiful than the guys that are already doing it.  Otherwise why bother?  Just make them for your own enjoyment.

Hint: don't send your customers beautiful crooked arrows.  I have never been able to understand why someone would put all that work into building a beautiful arrow on a crooked shaft.  I know they will lose some of their straightness in shipping, but I have gotten some where 1 or 2 of the arrows are hard or impossible to straighten, which leads me to believe that they never were straight.

[WVGrizzly]

My ambition is both beauty and function, taking every effort to construct the best looking best shooting arrows I possibly can. Id like to implement exotic woods like Mahogany, Red Balau, Leopardwood, and eastern hardwoods like Hickory, Hard Maple, and Ash. I would also like to run a standard Port Orford Cedar, Sitka Spruce and Douglas Fir line as well as a way to round out options. I want to make the best.

[WVGrizzly]

basically I want to construct arrows that make their owners proud of them, something out of the ordinary, every set being something special. I used to build cabinets and was killed in that venture by the inability to compete with big box store pricing on common things. No one wants to pay a premium when they can get something (although of cheaper construction) that looks comparable for less money. I couldn't compete because the big stores could sell their sawdust board cabinets for less than I could get the materials for my solid wood cabinets for.

[Roger Norris]

It sounds like you are thinking about a hobby business, as opposed to something you monetarily profit from. If that's the case, go for it. Start building arrows, create a blog type website, and sell what sells....break even, get free arrows, meet folks, have fun.

If you are thinking about quitting your day job....don't. Making arrows is a tough way to make a living.

Hint...get REAL good at "what spine do I need?" questions.

Have fun though...an entrepreneurial spirit is what built this country. Go for it.

[WVGrizzly]

Yes Roger it most certainly is a spare time business plan. I build arrows to kill time and feel constructive, Id be happy at breaking even. It would be nice to be able to trade arrows for broadheads, arrow materials, or bows, basically using my craft any way I could to progress my hobby and passion for traditional archery. Ive been studying the charts and other factors involved in proper spine substancially lately as well.

[Longtoke]

I think if you want to make much money you need a full scale business plan, even then you will have to out maneuver the guys who have been in the bizz for year.... that is the real trick.  

 Custom arrows is a very very niche market IMO, a lot of folks who do archery just make their own.

To  get a following, you will need to show people that you can put arrows together so better than they can, that they should pay you for it.

[Roy from Pa]

If you love making arrows, then go for it. A lot of folks started out like you want too, and grew into a larger business...

Making arrows is one of my favorite things to do..

[GRAYBEARD]

Follow your passion but PLAN the route.

[warpedarrow]

I love restoring old bows and have toyed with the idea of making a business of it.  My cost is maybe $40 worth of materials for a $200 sale.  I suspect your cost would be more like 50-60% of the sale price.  Do the math and see if it makes sense.  The labor aspect of bow refinishing is what has kept me from going full time.  I just can't justify making commitments and doing quality work for a five or six dollar an hour return.  It does turn into work once you take the order and you have to have more incentive than just love if your business will succeed.  So, do the math and see what your cost will be to build a dozen arrows comparable to what the other arrow guys are building, and see if there is anything left for you at the completion of the job.  If there is nothing left, then just use word of mouth to make sales and work when you want to work.

[Sam McMichael]

When starting a business, you must run it efficiently. Here are four suggestions that come to my mind.

First, make sure you are building a good product that is worth the price for the customer.

Second, get the word out. I would suggest becoming a sponsor and advertising incessantly. Network constantly.

Third, respond quickly and accurately to your customer base.

Fourth, never stop learning.

[3arrows]

I think with many dropping down in bow weight,nice dipped and crested carbon arrows in 600 and 700 spline would be the place to start.Keep it simple to start.

[Bill Carlsen]

If you are not willing to give up hunting time, scouting time, etc. you  may become resentful of this endeavor.  Been there, don't that.

[Deno]

Plenty of good advice above Kevin. Follow your dream.  You won't know 'til you try.
Good Luck
Deno