Need some advice.

[Cdryden]

I am considering getting into the business of recovering and servicing pool tables in my area. We already have one guy that does it but he will be retiring in a few years most likely. He is a good guy, I bought my first table from him and I dont want to make him mad by becoming his competition. But I want to get some work under my belt before he retires so I can handle all the business that will come my way.

Would you be upset if a friend started doing the same work in your area? It's not worth it to me to make him a enemy. I was thinking of offering to work for him free of charge on the weekends in exchange for the knowledge I would get with the understanding that I would take things over when he retires. Does that sound fair to you all? Also do you know of any good instructional books or videos on table repair. I would like to have a little leg up knowledge wise, in case he says yes to training me.

Any thoughts will be appreciated.

 

[QuickEdward]

I am considering getting into the business of recovering and servicing pool tables in my area. We already have one guy that does it but he will be retiring in a few years most likely. He is a good guy, I bought my first table from him and I dont want to make him mad by becoming his competition. But I want to get some work under my belt before he retires so I can handle all the business that will come my way.

Would you be upset if a friend started doing the same work in your area? It's not worth it to me to make him a enemy. I was thinking of offering to work for him free of charge on the weekends in exchange for the knowledge I would get with the understanding that I would take things over when he retires. Does that sound fair to you all? Also do you know of any good instructional books or videos on table repair. I would like to have a little leg up knowledge wise, in case he says yes to training me.

Any thoughts will be appreciated.

Although your friend may not be thrilled with the prospect, no one should ever have to apologize for starting a business to feed their family. Plus, the way you've considered going about it indicates that you at least have some integrity.

But I would like to know this - if you've never done the work before, why are you entertaining the idea of going into the business? Seems a bit odd to me. You may want to see if you're friend will let you go on a few jobs before you even settle your mind on the idea.

I remember when I was in the military I though I wanted to be an amateur boxer - so I joined the post boxing team. In my mind I was 100% confident that not only could I be a decent boxer, but that I would enjoy the physical challenge. I quit after three days of workouts - not because I couldn't do it, but because what I thought would be fun - wasn't.

 

[Cdryden]

I have actually done some work, but I lack professional experience. I would start on a small scale and go from there, but you make a excellent point. Thank you for your comment.