How to Start a Sailmaking Business
Sailmakers were traditionally an integral component of coastal American towns and commercial ports. During the 1700s and 1800s, sailmakers serviced small commercial fishing vessels. Smaller fishing boats were eventually replaced by larger commercial sailing schooners. Recreational sailing caught on with the general public after World War II. Sailboats ranged from small weekenders to specially built racing sailboats with an entire stable full of sails, notes Virginia-based "Southside Sentinel." In 2010, many sailmakers utilize computer design programs and high-tech fabrics to create sophisticated sails. Sailmakers also design and manufacture yacht canvas, including cockpit awnings and sail covers.
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Instructions
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Document your sailmaking business. Select a business structure with a certified public accountant familiar with marine and service businesses. Sole proprietorships, Subchapter S corporations and limited liability companies are common business structures. Meet with a commercial insurance agent about liability insurance. Visit your city or county clerk's office about a business license, and inquire about other needed permits. Call your state Department of Revenue regarding a sales tax license.
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Lease a sailmaking production facility. Find a spacious building accessible from main roads, with sufficient customer parking and a small business office. Ensure that your sailmaking facility features smooth, unobstructed floors suitable for sail layout and cutting work. Obtain written zoning department approval before you sign a lease. Design a production facility layout that helps to facilitate safe, efficient work flow. Establish a material storage area for your sail fabrics and sewing supplies.
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List regional sailmaking competitors. You likely have at least one other sailmaker in your city or port. Some sailmakers focus on cruising and general-purpose sails, while other firms build and repair high-tech racing sails. Many sailmakers perform in-house design work, while outsourcing production work to overseas operations. Obtain a service and price sheet from your competitors' offices or websites. Identify markets in which you can provide superior sails and yacht canvas products.
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Publish your sailmaking services menu. Create product and service opportunities for your business. If sailmakers do not offer products for smaller sailboats, for example, create affordable sail packages for the under-30-footer crowd. If a customer orders a full set of yacht canvas, include free cabin accent pillows. Work with a graphic designer to create a service and price sheet that presents value to your customers. Spice up your sheet with sailing-related graphics and weather tips.
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Purchase your sailmaking equipment and supplies. Order a computer-based sail design package. These versatile programs enable a sailmaker to precisely design a sail and to create a three-dimensional design view. Sailmaking equipment includes industrial sewing machines for heavy sails and yacht canvas. Machines feature heavy duty motors and beefed-up components. Some machines are portable, while others anchor securely to your shop floor. Order sailmaking fabrics, threads and sewing accessories.
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Hire experienced sailmakers and talented assistants. Search for employees familiar with computer-based sail design, updated fabrication and sail repair techniques. Add enthusiastic assistants to perform sail cleaning, stitching and other service work. Place help wanted ads in local newspapers, and advertise on frequently viewed racing websites. Post fliers at marine-supply stores and yacht clubs.
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Market your sailmaking business. Showcase your commitment to your maritime business community, and to your customers, by pledging to create quality sails and yacht canvas using local facilities and employees. Host a customer open house featuring sailmaking demonstrations. Offer introductory discounts on selected products and prepaid winter projects. Hold a drawing for a new sail of the winner's choice, and create a mailing list with the entries. Make the event family-friendly with a hands-on sailmaking project for attendees' children. Advertise the event in local sailing magazines and websites and place fliers at marine stores and yacht clubs.
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References
Resources
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