Thread: Is it worth it?

yes it is possible - just operate as a sole trader in your own name and declare your income on your tax return.

There are also caps in place that you havce to exceed before you have to pay tax too, I think its about 20k (I expect to be corrected on this) - however if you dont exceed 20K (oe whatever it is) then you cant claim toolware as business expenses either! catch 22!

yep 20,000

Hi Dan sorry to reply so late, Ive been away camping.
Like some others I dont like the design much because
1. who needs a dual function seat?
2. the design is crude and quite ugly.
I am impressed however with the fact that you were able to fabricate a reasonably complex bit of furniture so I feel that you can do this as a side line.
IMHO Start working on your own designs and refine your skills so that you are producing a quality product. You then have the option of selling them to your (or your employers) domestic landscape clients with the sales pitch - a unique individually designed peice of art...or selling them through normal distribution lines - trading post, markets, shops etc.
Just feel that the foldaway job may be a bit limited.
all the best.
EDIT PS come up with a very sturdy foldaway camping table and chairs that is also light weight and you might become rich!!! Every one that Ive owned is rubbish.
PPS Did I mention affordable as well?

I was talking to my mate about this on the weekend. A couple of things he told me:

He and his two partners had a patent in QLD (I wasn't aware you could do that on a State level - bit sceptical about it). The design is identical to your pic. One of the partners split from the partnership and took the business with him. I believe he is in QLD. Not sure if the patent (if it ever existed) is still current.

He is about to start making them again for sale down here. He reckons you need $800 to break even. Freight is a killer because they are so bulky. He has public liability insurance in case someone injurs themselves by catching a finger in the mechanism. That has to be factored in to the cost as well.

It is very clever but the look doesn’t do it for me. It’s a bit like those toys where you turn a truck into a robot. Looks pretty awkward really but it is only my opinion.

Great work for a year 12 student though.

It looks to be an excelent product.

I wouldn't bother with retail stores or dealers they will want heaps of margin.

keep the price high, sell half as many, do half the work and make the same amount of money.

If you are going into the landscape business you should have no problem selling 1 every week or so by word of mouth. may be the odd hand bill or such.

keep your costs low, don't give anybody else your margin and treat each sale as cream on top.

that way you make $arround $800 from you labour.

having one to deliver straight away is the key.

$1200 is about the right price point I recon.

it does need some style improvement..... round a few thinds over and so forth. may be some more overhang on the slats.
The design looks good just needs some minor work on trim and proportion.
cheers