Starting a custom modeling business?

I for one ... have always thought that building models for even a portion of my income would be a wonderful way to have my hobby help pay for the expenses of life ... but, then I always hear that little voice in the back of my head that quotes that old saying ....

"only a fool mixes his avocation with his vocation, for it can soon make your hobby seem too much like work"

... so, I have never charged for any builds that I have done for others ... not, that I have done many ... but, all the same ... I just still wonder what it would be like ... and so, I shall continue to wonder ...

but, as for your proposed venture, Kaalvin ... best of luck ... and I sincerely hope you enjoy it as much as you think you will ... keep us posted and let us know how it goes ...

Jonathan,
Good luck on your venture.
I've been building on a contract basis for many years - not as a sole source of income, but just to help pay the bills and pay for tools and materials. I do a lot of resin casting and master fabrication - it can be fairly lucrative if you do it right.
Pretty much all my work has come from talking to people at hobby shops, contests, and word of mouth. I've gone to Jaguar Car CLub and Ferarri Car Club meetings with a number of built models and boxes of unbuilt models - and walked away with a pocket full on money from the built cars, and lots of orders for personalised models. Other than that, I've never really advertised or actively "marketed" myself other than face to face. Many of the referrals are from friends.
I usually charge x2 the purchase price of the kit for a simple stock build - up to x4 if there's scratchbuilding or modification required. If the buyer is filthy stinking rich, I may charge a little more, but give the model a little extra detailing.
Keep one thing in mind - if you're building to a deadline, remember that you're NOT building for a contest. Most everyone you build a model for CAN'T do it themselves - they probably have NO IDEA what the difference between a good model and a great model is - you will be your own harshest critic which can hobble you - don't let it bog you down. 99% of the people you build for will think their newly built model is the best thing they've ever seen, even if you think it's not your best work.
Also, life often gets in the way of model builds, so I'm quite up front with my clients and tell them that sometimes their model will take a while to get built - they've never been disappointed with the final results, and they don't mind waiting.
Try not to take on too many builds at one time - you'll only end up stressing yerself because you'll feel the need to be in three places at once. I know, it's hard to turn down work, but sometimes you'll find it necessary. Be realistic - don't give a delivery date of 1 week when there's 2 weeks worth of work to do.
Well, good luck with your new venture.

I've done a handfull and also charged twice the kit price which worked out to about $1 per hour so a business venture it wasn't but it did provide enough money to buy another kit that I wanted.

QUOTE: Originally posted by HeavyArty I don't advertise my services or anything like that, just word of mouth and I keep a few models in my office that bring some customers my way now and then. Good luck.

Plus a TamiyaCon trophy doesn't hurt, huh?
Have to say Congrats again Gino!

I have done commision work for others from time to time. I don't consider it a business, more of an added bonus to the hobby. I basically charge 2x the price of the kit for an out of the box build, this includes a simple wooden display base. I build mostly 1/35 armor, so to include added gear and baggage, I usually add another 1x the kit. For figures, I charge$5 per figure. Works out pretty well in my mind. I don't advertise my services or anything like that, just word of mouth and I keep a few models in my office that bring some customers my way now and then. Good luck.