As a 20+ yr. business owner the best advice I can give you, if you're serious about starting one, is to go work part time at a shop doing basically what you want to do. Inside knowledge will give you a much clearer view of if you really want to get into it or not .. the ups AND downs. This step that many people skip could save you a ton of cash and time .. not just if you decide not to but even if you decide to do it because you gain first hand knowledge of mistakes to avoid.

 

I own my business. You really have to dedicate yourself to it to make it work. Granted im not in the same industry but still, you gotta be willing to put in the hours. I started mine 3 years ago, the first year was ROUGH. Paycheck to paycheck type living, scraping change sometimes to get by. All of the misc costs are what eat you up. Bus license, insurance, payroll (the worst), material costs, advertising, etc.. it all adds up pretty quick when its your dime. Goodluck to ya.

 

Payroll definitely will eat up your revenue in a heart beat. That's why its best for YOU to do ALL the labor. I realize at some point, there is a line in which you need extra help, but that extra help costs an arm and a leg.