I have a Stream Dream !!

[airstreamcaravel]

Ok ... call me crazy (not the worst thing I've ever been called) ..
but I have a dream. With the economy being really funky and me
having more than my fare share of ups and downs, I have a dream.

I would like to start a mobile Airstream polishing business.

I finally found something I love to do, Is of real value, and I am Good at. Polishing our silvery friends. What do you folks think?

Would any of you be willing to pay for an on the spot, I'll come to you, polishing job?

I don't know when the other shoe will drop in my employment
(again) but I would like to get feedback (maybe take reservations)
for the future.

I am crazy? Maybe residual effects from the stripper fumes?

I have the greatest respect for all of you, your Airstreams, and of course, your opinions.

RSVP

Dave

[John]

Dave,

You're already 1/2 way there because:

I finally found something I love to do

Isn't that the true key to life? This isn't a dress rehearsal!!

Would you also be willing to strip? How about waxing? Polishing or a complete stripping & polishing package or just waxing?

I myself am unable to wax, so I would be interested in a service that would come to me and allow me to continue living in it as it's being done.

I also would imagine some older folks or those who are just too busy with work and family to tackle such a large job.

As far as cost, you will have to come up with a cost per foot and see how it flys. (your labor, materials, insurance ect ect)

I'd love to pay someone to come out and give Karma a good waxing, so if you're in the NM area this summer, look me up!!

John

Believe me Dave- life's short, so go for it!!!!

[68 Overlander]

Dave,
I thinks it's a great idea and you should go forward if it's you dream. Assuming you have considered the travel expense and everything asociated with the business, make sure the market is there and go for it. There is another company that travels, or at least used to, from Oklahoma City and the last time I talked to them, it was still $100 per foot but that's been a couple of years ago now. P&S in Ohio varies their price depending on how much polishing and oxidation removal is required and whether or not you want it recoated with Plasticoat.
Randy

[femuse]

Would you also be willing to strip? How about waxing?

Phrased like that, this sounds good, John.

We will be the first clients: I just want to see photos of the stripping first.

Mike just volunteered to be the first to get a bikini waxing.

Should get you a lot of business

Chantal

[John]

See now you could drum up business just by the phrasing of words??????

Who knows where this could lead you

"The Full Montey Polisher"

[airstreamcaravel]

Has dropped ....

Anyone interested??


Dave

[rluhr]

Great idea!

Consider a couple of things. 1) To make it cost and time-effective, you need to arrange "polishing tours" like Airmark does (see their website here). Sign up people a few weeks or months in advance by letting them know where you plan to "tour" and that way you'll stay busy for a few weeks at a time (then you can go home to recover!)

2) If you can find a good indoor facility to do it locally, so much the better, but unless there are a LOT of Airstreams (esp. vintage) in your area, you'll still need to do the tours periodically.

3) Are you strong/healthy enough to do this a lot? It's hard enough work on one trailer. Do you know some tricks to be more efficient than the average back-yard polisher?

4) Are you prepared to guarantee your work and make it right if you accidentally mess up someone's aluminum? This will be a business built entirely on reputation and you want yours to be polished and shiny!

5) Can you make money at $100 per foot? What about on a tour, including your expenses to travel?

You can get a lot of tips from an experienced polisher by carefully reading all of the Airmark website. Go over it, think about it, and if you think you can do it -- GO FOR IT!

I hope it works for you. There's nothing better than following your dream! We'll certainly get on your list for mid-to-late 2004 if you are in business. Best of luck.

-- RL

[85MH325]

Hi Dave!

I'm sure you'll get takers. Think about this... attend every local and regional WBCCI rally you can with your Caravel. Give demos and make appointments. Take your equipment as you never know what immediate business you might get.

In between rallys hit the Airstream parks, again with your Caravel in tow. Lots of retired folks who would love to have your services come to them.

First hand knowledge and word-of-mouth references are the best advertising.

The up side is that you'll not only get to keep and use your Caravel, you can deduct it's expenses and attend all of the rallys and events you can handle and deduct the mileage as well. The down side is that you'll probably have to chalk up a lot of road time. It may take a while to get established; OTOH, with internet and forums exposure, you might be busier than you know what to do with.

Best of luck!

Roger

[uwe]

Dave,
You can't go wrong following your passion. I did 5 years ago, and now it's a great life, whereas before I was only working for the weekend. ( and the mortgage)
So, i wish you the best of luck - and courage - to follow your dream. Come and do my trailer, will you?

[Silvertwinkie]

http://www.airforums.com/forum...2935#post42935