Do you think this would be a good business? please help me?

Question

I want to have a small home business that is like this....

I want to offer families with young children or toddlers to build them a model HO scale train layout with Thomas the tank Engine features, like a roundtable shed, Gordon's hill, and Thomas' branch line. I would have to charge an up front price of an amount between 300 and 700 dollars, so I can purchase all supplies and engines to make the kids happy. Ioriginally thought of just making normal Ho layouts, but I thought it would attract the young kids if I can build Thomas the tank engine layouts. I use to watch that show when I was a toddler and I made myself a model train layout, but I know I can do more. I use to watch that show when I was a toddler, and know I'm 14 and I think I can make those creations that the Tomas creators make.

Do you think this is a good idea??

Answer 1

It's not a bad idea for a part of a business, but it will make things more difficult if you limit yourself to one particular type of product in an not-exactly-hot market. That may be where you begin, but think of expanding the business. The more ways you have of making money, the better.

Additionally, you will likely encounter customers having an issue with your age. Since you will be doing creative work and providing an actual product, this will be somewhat less of an issue, but expect some customers to be negatively influenced by it. Of course, once you deliver a few stunning train layouts, that should end that!

A big consideration is selling. An absolute necessity, in my opinion, is to build one of the layouts (this will take some startup captial) and take a ton of pictures of it. Use these on a website, flyer, or to show potential customers. Having an example is great when asking for upfront money. You can also list the sets on eBay (set the reserve high the first time, if you sell it, great, if you don't, you know how much people will pay on eBay). eBay can be a great market for products.

Answer 2

Yes, I think you have a good idea. Capitalizing on success of a major brand (in this case Thomas the Tank engine) is pretty smart.

One of the problems you will face is the marketing, that is, how will the word know you exist. Can I suggest you get in contact with the people you would buy the model railway equipment from and tell them you would like to set up a display in your local shopping center. They will pay for it because they will also advertise their business and you will build the entire display for no charge and be there again for free to talk to potential customers. You will of course be offering your services but the shop that sells the stuff will get great mileage as well from people who want to buy their own equipment.

Hop this helps, good luck, Jackson.

Answer 3

That might be a tough sell.  I have two toddler grandsons, and for Christmas they got a train table, and a set with more track than they'll ever be able to use, including a roundhouse and they love to do their own arranging.  They also of course have Thomas and some of his friends.

But good luck if you go for it - hard to tell how it would go.