I build a lot of batteries, many for our local esk8 hustling skate shop. Though I do intend to eventually offer them for sale, it won’t be until I complete my relentless pursuit to make it scalable. I track a lot of data… down to how much time it takes to cut nickel, assemble P groups, etc. for various types of builds. The build time continues to diminish, but the labor costs (if and when treated as an area of business) are huge. My goal is to simplify and define some tasks which are non-hazardous and could be completed by someone else (scalable) then inspected.
I’m not stressed about not getting the business. For me personaly it just means more time with the kids and maybe it takes longer to order some pulleys or some shit.
I’m stressed about the idea that they’re going to go get a cheap ass battery from CheapCo and set thier house on fire.
We all hear “you get what you pay for” but i think for most people that never actually sinks in. In this particular case, its entirely possible that what you DON’T pay for will get YOU.
I have built quite a few batteries for friends for just materials cost, pizza and beer.
When asked how much it would take for me to sell complete batteries to someone else, the answer always is “so expensive you are better off buying from somebody else”.
I can’t really see how some of the guys that are selling batteries can do it and make a reasonable profit after taking everything into account.
It’s a vicious cycle of buying shit in bulk to save, then got all this excess stuff, so need to sell it cheap. Then I’m out of stuff, order more, and cycle starts again.
If you aren’t pressing your own deck using wood from a tree that you have fallen yourself with your hand made axe… I mean, you kinda have to stop somewhere. There’s more of a DIY and less of a DIY but unless you purchased it ready to ride, it’s still DIY.