Creative methods to fund a build project?

[pugslyyy]

1. roadkill is an awesome show. I just watched a couple more episodes tonight and those guys rock. Even better, my wife likes the show too (and we've been married over 20 years now). What makes them fun is their appeal as people/personalities.

2, My first vehicle was a Chevy Nova, then a Chevy K5 Blazer, then a Chevy Malibu. These cars, let's face it, were junk. The 1982 Chevy Malibu Station Wagon was probably the best off road vehicle I had ever owned, at the time.

3. I'm also a degreed engineer and actually own a 4x4 shop where people pay us money to fix/improve their rigs.

4. Even then, I pay my own way. I just bought an E-350 that I want to convert to 4x4. Rather than thrash around I get with Chris at UJoint Offroad to put together the kit I need. Because that's what they are great at.

I get what jobber discounts I can, but we make money by getting paid by our customers. Getting sponsored/being nice to people is not really what engineers are great at. (case in point, tried to hit up Auto Meter today with no love, anyone else with a source for awesome pyrometers?)

For 99% of the population, the best way to build a rig is to get a second job. Mad props to people who can do it the other way (as talented writers and personalities), but as an engineer that is out of my job description. I really enjoy sitting around the campfire at events listening to some guy with a great plan finagle gear from a supplier - but again, that's just not me. I don't have the energy or the inclination. I'd hope for a little relief on the price for putting your product on my truck, but at the end of the day I'm going to end up with what I want.

 

[04dblcab]

I'm in the same boat as pugs. I'm a certified Toyota tech at a dealership. If there are no cars to work on, I don't feed my family. I'm very fortunate for what I have. Sure there are perks of the job like access to a lift, discounts on parts, and knowledge from veteran techs. But I still pave my own way just like my dad did funding all of his muscle car builds on top of being a police officer and owning 2 businesses. It blows my mind how busy people think they are. I'm sure you're too busy to check the free section on craigslist. There are millions of people out there that are generous enough to know that you're not going to pay top dollar for used parts. Be patient and cheap will come to you. It usually takes 10 years to become an overnight success. Now, I don't know your situation and I'm not judging, but like everyone else, we're working for it and the option I said in my previous comment, is virtually free and is helping save lives, not making people "famous" on YouTube.

 

[Ryanmb21]

Create content --> build followers--> prove followers --> sell advertising/get sponsorship

Create an event --> build followers--> prove followers --> sell advertising/get sponsorship/sell tickets to event

 

[watersc]

Wow..

Two steps back, lets regroup. Here's the basic idea.

Step one: take xzy with value = R

In this case x1 2011 4runner with 80,000miles.

Step two: add imagination to xzy, to create utility= V, value then becomes = R+V

Step three: enjoy (R+V), or sell for others to enjoy.

Solutions so far:

1) Build a 4x4 rig with good road manners, then sell after light use, roll profits into next project
2) Construct a build documentary via creative friend types with a story line and objective and market with sponsors/businesses.
3) Build the rig as an R&D Platform for tech companies/local business advertising?
4) Document the whole project and market plans on buildthreadplans
5) Build a custom part during the construction, jig it and sell multiple versions.

 

[austintaco]

For most readers on Expo, there isn't much that we have not seen. We are always looking for that "ah ha" thread of something new. However, the general public thinks that every one of our rigs is unique. That's your target audience if you want to put something together that might build an intenet presence. Maybe, if you get enough subscibers and shares you might start getting some swag and demo products. I am just guessing.
On the other hand, just drive it and build it. See what you need. Look for bargains. Make it. Save. It doesn't have to happen over night. I have been adding to my truck for 13 years to get it where it is today. Good luck with the build.

 

[pugslyyy]

Wow..

Two steps back, lets regroup. Here's the basic idea.

Step one: take xzy with value = R

In this case x1 2011 4runner with 80,000miles.

Step two: add imagination to xzy, to create utility= V, value then becomes = R+V

Step three: enjoy (R+V), or sell for others to enjoy.

Solutions so far:

1) Build a 4x4 rig with good road manners, then sell after light use, roll profits into next project
2) Construct a build documentary via creative friend types with a story line and objective and market with sponsors/businesses.
3) Build the rig as an R&D Platform for tech companies/local business advertising?
4) Document the whole project and market plans on buildthreadplans
5) Build a custom part during the construction, jig it and sell multiple versions.

1) Very few people can build a custom rig, drive it, and sell it for a profit. Most units are bespoke, so the secondary market is really tough (unless it is a famous vehicle). You are relying on finding somebody with the ability to write a check to decide that they love exactly what you did and that they must have it. Most of the time somebody with the ability to write a check is going to have exactly what they want made for them, or lowball you knowing that the odds of you having any other cash offers are pretty low.

2) Depends heavily on the "free" in "freelancer" for success, and expertise in social marketing. This is so out of my area that I can't make any meaningful comment.

3) This works, but what differentiates you? Why should a company back you and not a proven winner? (Does your uncle own a car dealership?) You need to win races to get sponsorships, not the other way around.

4) I think this relies on an expertise and cycles of learning that you don't yet have. What's the reason to believe?

5) A cool custom part that nobody has thought of or built before is a great idea... but that quickly turns into real work. (ask the guy selling custom sienna seat mounting brackets here) Be sure to have your product liability insurance in place and ensure that the price structure can support 2 or 3 tier distribution. I'm a manufacturing guy at heart and love custom products. I've done lighting, consumer electronics, medical devices, custom stainless fabrication, and armored vehicles over the years. These days it becomes much more of a supply chain management exercise v. manufacturing - that and managing the reps.

Something you don't mention is getting into the rental business. Some folks are trying that but it is an underdeveloped and fragmented market. I really see there being room for someone to be successful there.

 

[tgreening]

Step 1: Underpants

Step 3: Profit

 

[dwh]

Step 1: Underpants
Step 2: ??
Step 3: Profit

There, fixed.

 

[tgreening]

There, fixed.

Fixen the fixed, iffen we gonna get picky...


Phase 1: Collect Underpants
Phase 2: ?
Phase 3: Profit

 

[NMC_EXP]

You could sell your EBT card.

 

[cam-shaft]

Sponsored by walley the wallet.
Kyle Dempster said it best, "There is no marketing budget or hashtag for real adventure. "
Thanks

 

[dwh]

Fixen the fixed, iffen we gonna get picky...


Phase 1: Collect Underpants
Phase 2: ?
Phase 3: Profit

D'oh! Missed that.

 

[dwh]

There are more than a few around this place who raise funds by doing professional writing and photography.

This topic has come up so many times over the years, that IIRC, our hosts, Overland Journal, did an article about it.

Search the articles on the OJ home page.