Hi,
I work as an upholsterer doing to interior of trucks. We do cab and sleeper doors, cab and sleeper roof, wall paneling etc. but not seats.
Over the last few years I’ve had a couple of mates come to me and ask me too trim up new front door and back paneling. One was a classic Mini and the other an EJ Holden. Both as part of restoration projects, but the panels I did were of my own design.
I did both jobs and they were both happy with the results, but the question arose both times and a couple since…Why dont you start you own business doing this?
Im now entertaining the idea. Am thinking small, just me and maybe one other person.
Basically Im thinking of a bit of a niche business that just makes interior door paneling and back paneling for classic cars (50’s – 70’s (holdens, mini’s, vw beetles, etc)). Just paneling, no seats. I will provide flexibility for customers by allowing them to either choose to restore back to original, choose from a set list of my standard designs or design their own. The customer will have complete flexibility and control in design and color and materials etc.
I also know that there are clubs and shows dedicated to cars like the Mini and Classic Holdens in my area, so I know its somewhat popular but just how much I dont know, an I also I figure these would be great places to try and get customers from. If I could show one of my interiors in one of the cars at a show, for example, that would be a great advertisement.
Thats it in a nutshell.
So is there any merit to the idea? Any aspects that should be changed? Or maybe abandon the idea all together if its not workable. At the most basic level, is this workable?
Do you think there would be enough of a market out there for this type of thing?
Im based in Melbourne’s East but would be willing to relocate anywhere in Australia to find the right market.
I have put a lot more detailed thought into certain aspects than the above would indicate but I didnt want to go into too much detail here, Im just floating the general idea because if the general idea doesnt work then the details dont matter.
Dont hold back In your reply’s. Im a grown up, I can take the criticism….but Im asking a question on the internet, Im sure I dont have to state that, haha.