Is there a Market?

Absolutely!  Some of the traditional markets have been Automotive Dealerships and Furniture Stores.  These markets have always been reliable and will continue to be so.  However, these markets have a tendency to be difficult to work for a number of reasons;  1. Competition is fierce:  the vast majority of your competitors focus their efforts on these markets due to the fact that they are so easy to get into and do not have stringent quality requirements. 2.  Pricing your work is more difficult.  These clients tend to be "cheap" and do not want to spend any more than they have to to make their product presentable and saleable.  But they can be a great source of regular income for your business.

The need for restoration services goes well beyond these markets.  Listed at the top of this page you will see a few of the potential markets available to you.  While some of these may interest you, others will not. The sale of leather articles has dramatically risen over the last five years and will continue to do so.  This has been brought about by lower cost of leather and the demand by the general public.  The Restoration Industry will continue to expand, especially when economic factors makes it necessary to search for more affordable methods of preservation and cost effectiveness.  Leather Magic!™ products and systems will enable you to diversify into markets that your competition are afraid and unable to service giving you a tremendous advantage.

How Much Money Can My Business Generate?

Although no one can guarantee how much money you will make,  we can provide you with guidelines and examples of what is presently being done.  On average, your technicians should generate a minimum of $100/hour.  On an average 8 hour day, the goal for each of your technicians should range between $600 - $800 gross sales per day.  It is not uncommon for qualified technicians to generate in excess of $1000 per day.  With the proper marketing, products and techniques, this is a realistic goal that has been significantly documented. 

How do I price my work?

Pricing varies greatly in our industry.  The price that you charge will be dependant upon the particular job that you are doing, the customer that you are performing the work for, geographic location and other factors.  Leather Magic!™ will provide you with guidelines and suggestions on how to value your work.  Our experience within the industry enables us to know pricing guidelines throughout various regions and the many different determining factors that dictate pricing.  we will gladly share this knowledge with you to help you become as profitable as possible in your endeavor.

How much money will it take to get started?

There are many avenues that you can pursue in developing your startup business.  In order to build your business in a reputable and quickly profitable manner, you should consider starting off with a highly professional image. This includes an appropriate and attractively lettered work vehicle, necessary paperwork including business cards, invoices, etc.  Adequate office space from which to conduct your business including computer, fax, accounting software and telephone.  And, of course, your working materials and tools.  Training on the correct use of your materials is also highly recommended so that you may begin operating efficiently from the very beginning.  Although the entire cost of your operation is completely governed by you, if you are starting from scratch you can expect to spend between $10k -$30k.  Obviously, the more you have to work with from the beginning, the less you will have to spend.

How long will it take for me to become profitable?

Obviously, you are in business to make money.  As with any new business, you cannot expect to make money from the get-go.  It takes time to become familiar with processes and build a clientele base.  However, the great thing about the Restoration Business is that you will be generating an income from the very beginning.  This income will initially cover your expenses and you may even realize a small profit.  However, the income initially generated will not be sufficient for you to live on.  This, unfortunately, is a fact of "business life".  It will be necessary for you to have sufficient funding available to "survive" on.  A good, dedicated technician will begin making a substantial profit within 3 - 6 months.  This remains true for any new technician that you hire.  Professional training will, without a doubt, drastically reduce the amount of time required to begin making the kind of income that you are searching for.

Is there any help available to me?

"Going-it-Alone" is a scary and dangerous way to start any business. Ask any Bank or Financial Institution. Many years ago, when life was easier, the founders of Leather Magic!™ did just that. Even then, it wasn't easy.  It's even more difficult today with regulations, customer expectations, competition and all of the other factors which influence business operations.  To us, continual support is everything.  Although Leather Magic!™ is not a franchise, nor do we license our name for use in private business, we do believe in making our customers successful.  If you are successful, we will be also.  We provide professional training in the use of all of our field tested and proven products and techniques. Our training classes are conducted by specialized trainers who have spent many years in the field and have conducted training classes for hundreds of students.  But, we go well beyond just training.  We gladly provide technical support to you and your technicians for as long as you need it at no charge.  If you have a question or problem situation, we will work directly with you to find the solution.  Our technical support team will ask you a few important questions to get an understanding of your situation, and will then provide you with real answers and solutions to get you on your way quickly. Our support team can even help you match colors over the phone! We also offer refresher courses and periodic regional seminars to keep you up to date on the latest innovations.

How do I market my business?

You must have customers for your new business to operate.  There is an endless supply of potential customers, regardless of your location.  You just have to know where to look.  there are the obvious clients: Car Dealerships, Furniture stores, etc.  But, the majority of your market will be found in places you may have never thought about.  Some of these potential customers include; Service Departments, Body Shops, Insurance Companies, Moving Companies, Commercial Accounts, the Aircraft  and Marine markets, Retail or private customers and many many more.  To be completely honest, spending money on costly advertising is not really necessary.  Once you have begun to establish a strong reputation within your community by providing superior quality workmanship and service, your potential customers will begin seeking you.  Any marketing campaign requires knowledge of the industry and the intimate workings of your potential clients.  It is important to know how your customer makes his money and how he views a company and services such as you are providing.  This knowledge will enable you to make your presentation in such a way so as to make your customer feel that you are an asset, not an expense.  That you know his situation intimately and are prepared to become a partner in his success. That you are there to make him money, not cost him!  Leather Magic!™ can provide you with this information through our regular training classes and seminars specifically dealing with marketing your business.  Once again,our philosophy is:  IF WE MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL, WE WILL BE SUCCESSFUL TOO!