Mobile Audio Business
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=30470
Printed Date: May 16, 2024 at 1:10 PM
Topic: Mobile Audio Business
Posted By: bsambrano
Subject: Mobile Audio Business
Date Posted: April 16, 2004 at 1:20 AM
I am thinking about opening a car audio business but it seems that you need need a large amount of cash to open a shop. What do people think about a Mobile/Home Audio Buisness that would come to you and install Basic Car Audio and Home Theater Equipment. Any opinions or sugestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Ben
Replies:
Posted By: xtreamcc
Date Posted: April 16, 2004 at 2:09 AM
There's a shop around where I live, its called street jams I think, but they have both a local shop and a van that they send out to do installs for people who want it. I dont know how good their biz does cuz they're on the other side of town so I never go there.
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Posted By: thapimpfromchi
Date Posted: April 16, 2004 at 10:59 AM
Ever heard of Tweeter? They do that. They are doing pretty damn well, I dont see why you cant get a piece of the pie.
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1990 Honda Civic HB:
Clarion DXZ545MP H.U.
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Diamond Audio 600.1 amp
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Posted By: kgerry
Date Posted: April 16, 2004 at 12:55 PM
we've had Mobile units since 1997 and the system seems to work for those that are willing to pay extra for it.....
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Kevin Gerry
Certified Electronics Technician
MECP First Class Installer
Owner/Installer
Classic Car Audio
since 1979
Posted By: forbidden
Date Posted: April 16, 2004 at 1:48 PM
Exactly, if the customer is willing to pay the extra $ for the mobile service then great, line yourself up with a shop that can feed you business. This will help you to get established and familiar with more vehicles. If something is beyond your scope of installation, then you have a shop to take over the job.
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Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.
Posted By: kgerry
Date Posted: April 16, 2004 at 2:51 PM
actually we do all of our own mobile, not subcontract it... that way if the job turns out to be a real dog they just bring it back to the shop.... but Rob is right, thats probably the best way to get your feet wet... BTW, dont expect it to be cheap to outfit a mobile unit with all the same inventory, tools, etc that you would need if you were doing it in a shop... plus factor in the cost of a vehicle....
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Kevin Gerry
Certified Electronics Technician
MECP First Class Installer
Owner/Installer
Classic Car Audio
since 1979
Posted By: auex
Date Posted: April 16, 2004 at 5:57 PM
One other thing to think about is if you think you can run this business out of your home, you better make sure that you suppliers will allow this. Most good places that allow wholesale accounts require a storefront in order to set up accounts.
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Posted By: Sweekster
Date Posted: April 16, 2004 at 6:20 PM
That's kind of what i do now. I still have my regualar day job (Software Tech Support). And if someone needs something done i load up the truck with i need and go to them. I also find and recommend the parts (speakes, head units) they might need for what they want. I've had good luck so far doing it that way too. Because if you make someone happy after doing an install in their car then that usually (at least in my case) reults in them telling 2 people about you and the work you did. Then a new phone number pops up on the caller ID. Of all the professional installers I've met since i got into this hobby about 98% of them started this way. And Rob made a good point. This will almost immediately get you familiar with different cars. Good luck with it. ------------- Duane...
If you think you're confused, imagine how you feel. 
Posted By: bsambrano
Date Posted: April 18, 2004 at 11:07 AM
I have already got my 2nd big job in a week, wakeboarding is huge around here so everyone wants there boats hooked up fat, I installed 4 type R 10's 4 JL 6x9,4 JL 6" and 4 V12 amps for this guy and one of his buddies has already called me to hook his boat up. I am thinking about maybe getting a job at Best Buy or Good Guys and getting more comfortable with all the cars out there then in 6 months giving this business a shot. Does anyone have an idea what the cost would be to open a actuall shop in CA, I have about 25k in the bank but am not sure what the actuall cost would be.
Posted By: bfletcher
Date Posted: April 18, 2004 at 8:20 PM
It's gonna take time to establish a name for yourself and get some customers lined up. One of the biggest things is insurance. I wouldn't want somebody working on my car that is not insured. Also how many big box stores are around you. Car audio averages 40% markup on the product itself. Most of the money is made on the product and the installation. If you have a lot of big stores around you that offer free install all the time then that could hurt you. Remeber stores like bb and cc pay 2.00 for a kit on the private side you will probably pay 7.00 for the same kit. Good luck though I hope to have my own shop one day
Posted By: flatulatta
Date Posted: April 18, 2004 at 8:27 PM
most of the time if u sell it for 10-20$$ cheaper then you can get more customers make sure u have a really good replacement plan thats a good attraction 2
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