There is way more to it than just coming up with a name and going out on your own after taking a training class......
I assume you are going to specialize in wrapping (after the class), why use the name "sign" instead of wrap?
Business Licensing, Business Insurance, sales tax, permits, quarterlies, a/p, a/r, financing, cash flow, marketing, sales, equipment, customer service etc.
60% or more of owning a business has nothing to do with what the business actually does. I see a lot of shops pop up and go like the blazes for a year or even two, then they just kind of disappear. Having the ability to do work in the sign and graphic industry has little to do with running a business. I know of a very successful sign shop that the owner knows absolutely nothing about signs, but he knows how to handle employees, suppliers etc.and is quite successful, because he is a leader and not a boss. On the other hand, i know a very talented sign guy that baffles me with his natural ability, but has failed in business more than once, because he can't get a grasp on making ends meet without blowing money, and he kinda "hates" people.
I am all for anyone taking it by the balls and making their own money, but the luster of ownership is a dirty glass that some can't get clean. Just because their "boss" makes it work doesn't mean you will have the same success. Maybe you will have more success and if that is the case, more power to you!
Thinking of a unique name is the most difficult part. Then thinking of a unique name where there isn't another business out there with a similar name that can be confused for yours is even more difficult. Then once you have a unique business name all figured out, but then realize the .com exact match isn't available and the social media names aren't available. When that happens your best bet is to just start over and start brainstorming again because you're asking for headaches otherwise. When I was brainstorming business names, I automatically went straight to Godaddy to see if the .com was available before I even considered it. The name I ended up with I went to Godaddy and purchased every single variation and similar domains so nobody could buy them and infringe on my name and confuse my business for someone else. I own over 20 domains just to protect the main domain.
Thank you wildside, I know it will be hard. I'm 1099, work for them under a llc, and have business insurance. I will have to learn how to do sales tax and ALLOT of other stuff.
The company I work for does all big signs, I just handle customers, sales, invoices, design, smaller signs(not permitted), truck/trailer lettering. I DO NOT want to do large signs or permitted work. (I know nothing about it). I love doing small/med signs and vehicles.
I'm looking at buying a roland uv flatbed & latex 560, laminator, plotter, etc.
so you guys dont like Sign Relief, Either I'm guessing, lol
Is this new venture going to be located in the same market area as your current employer? How do they feel about it?
How big is the market area you'll draw business from?
At least you have your sights set high on equipment. Looks like at least $100k worth of gear.
You have the volume to support a $65-70k flatbed?