Was Thinking

Cuttingedge · July 4, 2012

So I get like 10-15 calls a week asking if we do auto tinting. Even though my Flatglass business is doing very well, I am considering opening up an auto tint shop in a prime location by next spring. I have a nephew who helps with the FG business and is really wanting to learn auto tinting. There is a local tint school affiliated with a LLumar dealer and was considering setting him up to go. I know expanding my business to serve cars is a gamble especially since I will not be tinting any cars. Any words of wisdom or encouragement would be appreciated.

TomTint · July 4, 2012

I would never ever ever ever have anything to do with auto again. If it came to having to tint cars to make ends meet, I would change my career.

tntautoglass · July 4, 2012

I took a Llumar training class in the beginning of June. I'm new into window tinting and felt it was necessary to take a class rather than learn on my own. PM me if you would like to talk about class. Happy 4th...

Tint Eastwood · July 4, 2012

. If it came to having to tint cars to make ends meet....

Doesn't sound like he is trying to make ends meet, just add on to an already successful venture. :dunno I'd say give it a shot but put it on a short leash. Try mobile, though it's tough, or cheap work space. The key, I think is low overhead and not chasing volume but the quality aspect. Getting the most out of each situation, if you are making pennies on the dollar in the end then it's time to cut it loose. Just don't back yourself in a corner where you are trying to have it make ends meet. :twocents

July 4, 2012

Go for it! Let him work at his own pace. He'll get quicker as he gets more comfortable with it. He can also learn a lot from watching some of the YouTube videos. This kid has some good vids http://www.youtube.com/user/TintStuff.

Counterpart · July 5, 2012

Operating costs are higher for auto tinting; you wouldn't want to end up busier but making the same profits.

It is easier for auto tintshop to venture into flat glass than vice versa, just thread the water carefully. Nevertheless, you should still give it a try long ago.

coast2coasttinting · July 5, 2012

As long as he is trust worthy then go for it. :thumb

lifetimetint · July 5, 2012

It's a gamble. But with a prime location, you would need a good fast tinter. Where I come from prime location is $$$$ and you have to sign a 3 year lease. But with all those calls, you would make it.

F1windowtinting · July 5, 2012

. If it came to having to tint cars to make ends meet....

Doesn't sound like he is trying to make ends meet, just add on to an already successful venture. I'd say give it a shot but put it on a short leash. Try mobile, though it's tough, or cheap work space. The key, I think is low overhead and not chasing volume but the quality aspect. Getting the most out of each situation, if you are making pennies on the dollar in the end then it's time to cut it loose. Just don't back yourself in a corner where you are trying to have it make ends meet.

Tint cars for.$275-$400 and that's good money for 1-2 hours of work ;)

Slick · July 5, 2012

I was going to ask that.....what is the going price for auto in your area? As long as it is in a respectable range, I don't see why you wouldn't branch out into auto. But I definitely wouldn't touch it if you have to compete with $99 shops. :nope