I'm starting a new business....

[Jdeuel]

I’d recommend connecting with folks in the boat trades, both ones with complimentary offerings but also competitors. In my business, some of my best referrals have come from people you’d expect would be my mortal enemies, based on the fact that they do exactly what I do.

[SouthernPride]

You may want to consider printing your information on coasters instead of business cards. Coasters are always useful and your information is almost always out in the open. Other visiting boat guests will see them as well.

[Dougtiff]

Over the many year,s i have worked in the Marine industry, [wood work,plumbing, electrical rigging refrigeration.], i can count on one hand the job,s from a business card left somewhere, all word of mouth.

[Davidhoy]

Originally Posted by 2savage

I bought a few hundred little business card sized zip lock bags to put them in.

Put a fishing weight, or some pebbles, in the bag with the card so they do not blow away. The fishing weight gives them a bit of value, which may be appreciated enough that the recipient does not automatically toss it in the trash...

[Don C L]

I need some work done on my boat!.. but I am on the other side. You might think also about pairing up with a carpenter because, at least here, it seems folks often need wood repairs/remodeling along with refinishing. Good luck!

[2savage]

Originally Posted by NYSail

Where in NY?

My area is Western Long Island Sound and the lower Hudson. I have a fourteen foot center console RIB that would allow me to access areas such as Port Washington, Hempstead Harbor and such without the need to go through NYC. That said the warm months would be the only time I would use that.

My Yacht Club has a launch ramp that makes using it easy.


As for the comment about 'word of mouth', yes of course I agree. But where does my first customer come from?

[2savage]

Originally Posted by Dougtiff

i can count on one hand the job,s from a business card left somewhere, all word of mouth.

Hmm, when I had my motorcycle dealership I would tag scooters and motorcycles parked on the streets of New York with my advertising for winter storage and would get about $65,000 of business every year. Maybe your 'left somewhere' was the issue. I'm targeting boats, not 'somewhere'.

[Clamdigger]

Coasters printed up and left around the local bars and yacht clubs would get you some business lined up for Spring, as we all sit around waiting to relaunch while inside talking over drinks.

Cards left on bulletin boards at marinas and marine hardware stores.

[stainless guy]

Better to put business cards at businesses that your target market will visit that way people actually looking for your service will see them after all what do you do with flyers in the mail..
That said most of my business comes via word of mouth also, in fact a good chunk comes from just a hand full of key people. Finding them can be difficult.

Since you are providing a service/product at the technician level best thing I was ever told when I was getting started is to not be "the cheap guy" as that is all anyone will remember

[Miz Pea]

Hey Stainless Guy, where are you located? I need some new railings?

[hellosailor]

You can presumably fly underneath the radar, but technically? In NYC you need a NYC unincorporated business license, as well as a NYS resale/sales tax license, to operate any business. (And the NYC tax department are at best bullies and thugs who make the state and the IRS look like angels.)

So, you know, if someone drops a dime...every one of those towns and counties may have similar regulations. Business cards unfortunately leave a paper trail.

[stainless guy]

Sorry just noticed this. I am in southwest canada so a bit far haha

[valhalla360]

If I'm coming back to the boat and I find someone messing around in my cockpit and leaving trash for me to dispose of...Unless I find evidence of sinking, anchor broke loose or similar...I'm going to assume you are doing something bad and I'm going to share with those I know and it's not going to be positive word of mouth.

A lot of marinas have a board where you can put up stuff like that on a cork board. And as mentioned, do a good job and do it on time and the work will flow in without messing around on people's boats without their permission.

But as others have said, you need license, insurance and approval if working in a marina.

[Lepke]

I had a yard, but started out something like you propose. But I did it when the vast majority of boats were wood.
The wood boats that need work are usually owned by people that can't afford paint. Most yards won't want to let you in if you're doing any work they can do (or work they think they can do). And some yards don't allow any outside contractors. Many marinas won't allow sanding and painting or they require extreme masking off.
You might specialize in interior refinishing. That way the whole world of boats is open and unfriendly marinas and yards won't know. On the other hand, shipyards often hire outside contractors for work like you do. Unless they're building a series of boats/ships they don't have marine wood specialists.

In the long run you'll need your own place.

[Allied39]

I had a marine repair business in Port Washington, had more work than I could handle.
Capri charged 20% on top of my bills, which I labelled as "Capri Tax"
Manhasset bay marina charged 10% which I absorbed. Manhasset Bay Marina was excellent to deal with.
I was mobile, had a work boat in the bay and did most of my work in the mooring fields which no one can control but the owners.
I also worked in the yards, that all depends on the current management.
I detested varnish work and knocked back a lot of requests to do it and there was no one there to reliably fill that market.
That may have changed , but I doubt it.
I did not spend a cent on advertising, did not drop a single card on a single boat.
I did however have an excellent work ethic, turned up, on time, charged an hour for an hours work (unheard of in the marine industry..FACT!) and would not do anything on a customers boat I would not do on my own.

But the smartest thing I did was take my day off on Wednesday. I was the only guy available in 15 minutes to be anywhere in Manhasset bay to start a customers boat on Sunday morning when they found they couldn't go out on one of the five days in the whole summer......unless I was available....which I always was.

Too easy. Save 5 guys sailing day is all the advertisement I needed.
This last tactic will likely not apply to a wood finisher though