How to Run a Cast Concrete Business

Bird baths can be made from concrete castings.

Every business presents a host of challenges and rewards. The cast concrete business has a number of specific challenges and requirements not commonly found in other types of businesses. Running a cast concrete business calls for a combination of craftsmanship and business savvy. Keeping key factors about the concrete casting market in mind will help you increase your chances of success.

Instructions

1. Determine what your specialty will be. Cast concrete businesses generally fall into one of two categories. The first creates architectural cast concrete structures, such as columns and archways, that are used to decorate building facades. The second is geared more towards decorative structures, such as statues, bird baths and pavers used in walkways. Determine which types of concrete products you will focus on so you can create a clear sales and marketing plan.

2. Consider doing all of you work with GFRC. Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete is stronger and more durable than traditional concrete, yet it weighs up to 80 percent less. This means the finished product will be stronger and more portable. GFRC does cost slightly more than traditional concrete, but your products will be a higher quality and you will have fewer problems with product quality.

3. Maintain positive relationships with related retail businesses. If you create architectural cast concrete products, stay in frequent contact with architects and purchasing agents for construction companies since these people will be in a position to generate business for your company. Similarly, if you focus on statues or other decorative castings, forming relationships with nurseries or garden supply stores will be beneficial. Some of these may sell your products on consignment, while others may periodically refer customers to you.

4. Inspect your molds on a regular basis and replace them when necessary. Cracks or other imperfections that may develop in a mold will carry over to all of the products that are cast in the mold. Ideally, each mold should be inspected after every use to prevent creating concrete castings in a mold with damage.

5. Limit how much product you make in advance. While it is certainly a good idea to keep a small quantity of your most commonly ordered items available, it is not always a good idea to make a large amount of warehouse inventory for all of the products that you offer. Remember, all of the cast concrete products sitting in storage represents money that is tied up in both materials and labor, rather than earning interest in the bank.

6. Keep accurate financial records. Track not only the money earned from sales, but the expenses that were incurred in the form of supplies, utilities and labor costs. As a business responsible for paying taxes, it is important to be able to prove the difference between money earned and actual profit. Save all receipts that corroborate the claims made in your financial records.

References

• "Making Concrete Garden Ornaments"; Sherrie Warner Hunter; 2002
• Youtube: GFRCmichigan: Before You Start Your Next Precast Concrete Project There's Something You Should Know