I was looking at locost USA and there was a post about people offering their skills to other locost builders. I thought it might be a good idea but I am not sure if anyone on here has recommended it. I have copy/paste some of the american fellows post below. Cheers to him (blackbird)

An idea that has been running through my mind for a while -

All of us builders face at one point or another during our build with the folowing question - "do I pay some shop to do ________ (insert whatever it is here) or do I buy the tooling and build it myself?"

This question mostly arises when that something requires an expensive tool.

My idea is to form a database of tools that some forum members have.
This of course isn't about a 4.5" grinder but thing like tube benders, lathes, mills and other relatively high dollar machinery.

This will allow forum members to offer some small time services for a few bucks to offset the cost of the tools, while the guys that pay for the service may save a few bucks over going to a shop and know that their hard earned goes to help other forum members.

In short - everyone wins!

However, in the slightly longer version, I suggest limiting your services to things that you're 100% sure of the quality of your product.

In order to make sure we're all happy with the way things work and no one starts chopping prices (I mean c'mon guys, let's keep it fun) we may even want to establish a standard pricing for certain services.
Remember, every time that you take a project for someone else to perform you tend to judge them on a professional basis, remember that most forum members are only doing this for hobby, just like you.
Keep it nice and work out issues that may arise in a friendly manner otherwise this will die quickly.
If you expect super professional results - pay the full price at a shop.

Last but not least -
This attempt to create a little tool network is only on a gentleman basis between the users of this forum and by no means puts any sort of liability on the forum or its' owner.

So, if it sounds like a good idea to you please list the following -
1. Your location
2. Tools that you have
3. Services that you may offer - please note if only locally or shipping is okay, also note if you have certain limitations

Well I shall go first!

I have the facility to produce vehicle stickers - everything from go faster stripes to full on fast 'n' furious style full colour digital wraps. I can produce them quite cheaply and offer application advice or apply the stickers myself.

I am based in Lincoln. I am notoriously busy nearly all the time so I could only do a couple a week tops. A turn around time would be based on my workload.


[Edited on 17/8/09 by Irony]

[Edited on 17/8/09 by Irony]

i think this was kind of tried a few years back, but maybe the google map thing (like the builder location thingy) could be used? not the same one, but a new one?

SoOunds like a suspicously obvious way to promote your own business/service

quote:

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Originally posted by loggyboy
SoOunds like a suspicously obvious way to promote your own business/service

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i think its a good idea. i've got nothing though

It could be added to the existing map... every person that offers something can have a different colour pointer, and under their details (Location, car, etc) can be services offered.

Or can do a new one easily enough.... which might be a better option cos the Locost Map is full to the brim

[Edited on 18/8/09 by Ben_Copeland]

Most people on here are aware of what I can offer and its listed on my website too.

The idea of this was to help a few people out, as and when the need calls. Its not a major business venture, but the work I do does help to pay the bills.

The long and short of it is I can offer:

Turning
Laser cutting
Wiring/Electrical
Megasquirt installs
and other bits and pieces.

In all cases the cost is just materials and a bit on top for my time. But my hourly rates are a lot cheaper than most.

David

i now own my own garage so i have most tools,ramps,welder, plus i have a vinyl cutter that takes a4 size sheet by how ever long you want it. locost builders are welcome to come down and use them for free but if you want me to do work i charge lol.
adam


ps i have some space at the bottom of the unit to rent if some one needs a build space 50/month iam in walsall. plus you get to use the tools for your build

[Edited on 18/8/09 by oadamo]