How can I start a stringing business?!

[wilstringing]

Hi everyone! I'm thinking of starting a stringing business, but I have a few questions.

First, which strings should I buy?
How much should I charge?
And finally I was thinking of buying a new stringing machine. I've been using the good old dropweight for a while, but people here say that it should be replaced if I want to start stringing. Any advice?

 

[goran_ace]

My advice: build a book of business before you start investing in a new machine and inventory

 

[esgee48]

First, which strings should I buy?
How much should I charge?
And finally I was thinking of buying a new stringing machine. I've been using the good old dropweight for a while, but people here say that it should be replaced if I want to start stringing. Any advice?

Strings will depend on what your future customers want. That said, packs of SG in 16/17 Ga; Polys in 17/18 Ga. No NG.
Charge what the market says. Depends on competition and area served. If home based, probably $15-$20. If leased space, you're going to have to add at least 33% for overhead. Advertise on FB?
No new machine until you have a steady supply of customers. Look for used LO or even a used Stringway CP.
YMMV.

 

[that]

First, are you any good? Can you string any pattern, tie multiple knots, can you think on your feet. Anyone can string, seperate yourself. Cut short tails, have the same knot. Don't worry about string. Buy a reel of syn gut, and Poly(Sonic Pro) it's good and cheap. Sell the service and quality not the string. The big retailers will destroy you. Get off of your drop weight. Buy a gamma XST or a Prince Neos. I prefer 6 point mounts but 2 points have there benefits. Don't mess with gauges either. Go 17 in poly and 16 in syn gut. Don't undersell your price to get business. Sell your quality. Decent stringers don't charge less than $15. For the love of God straighten your strings and keep accurate records. Also learn to put grips on perfect and how to replace grommets.

 

[JBH]

IMO at your current apparent ability and knowledge level, your odds of success are very low. There are instances where someone started out stringing for friends and family and went on to a successful business situation, but that route takes a long time and tends to leave holes in your knowledge and skills.

The most effective way to get into business is to apprentice in a successful one. You will learn quickly, and the business skills you acquire will likely be more valuable than what you're paid for stringing.

 

[wilstringing]

Thank you everyone for your advice. Well I have been stringing for a while and used to work at a pro shop as the stringer there. I've been using the dropweight for a while now, seems to get good results

 

[wilstringing]

I was thinking of ordering a pros pro crank stringer. Have any of you tried it?

 

[jim e]

If you have been stringing at a pro shop then you may be familiar with the type strings that many hit with in your area.
If you are not sure as to what strings your customers may ask for, then in beginning I would not keep a great inventory until you know what strings will be moving.So you may wish to get single sets in beginning so you will not have reels of string that does not sell.
Many hitters are familiar with brand recognition, like Prince, Luxilon, Babolat etc. Until you build up a customer base and reputation you may want to stick with brand names until your customers know you well enough , where you can then get some other brands that preform well.
PSGD has been #1 selling string in pro shops for a good # of years, but you should know that stringing in a pro shop.

As far as what to charge, you can base it on your area as to other stringers service.
I base mine on what my time is worth to me. Only you can answer that question.I rather string fewer racquets and get a fair price for services than string a good # cheaper, as I only have so much free time.This is your decision and yours only.

As far as machine, since you have experience stringing and know a quality machine of a pro shop as well as the drop weight you now use, you should know the benefits of a high end machine or a cheaper one, but to run a business, I feel its best to get as much machine as you can afford, as compared to someone who never strung before and does not know how long they will be stringing for.

 

[wilstringing]

Jime, thanks a lot for your reply, it was very helpful and the same goes for everyone else. I appreciate the advice.

 

[wilstringing]

Still, have you tried pros pro stringing machine? They look good but are really economic. I wanted to try it but wasn't sure yet

 

[Nacho]

I am just adding two cents here. I am assuming you are an excellent stringer who who has a USRSA certification? Probably best to connect with some small clubs that lack a pro shop and would want to offer convenient stringing to their members. Additionally, you should connect with tournaments and have a mobile service at tournaments for players who need a racquet strung quickly. With this said you would need mobile equipment, and some basic reals of synthetic gut for anyone that needs a quick string job. Other then that I would set up accounts with different retailers and just order string as you need it. If someone needs it quicker then just offer the basic sting you have available. You also want to consider your re-gripping services and other racquet repair abilities, but again this would be covered if you have your certification.

Good luck! This type of business will take a lot of hustle at first as word of mouth is what will propel it. It will take a few years for you to make any money at it.