Cheap Installs?

I’ve been trying to think of a way to start an install service for cheap.

I enjoy the install process but don’t have enough money to do installs as often as I would like.

For now I would just want to install full DIY kits (The Saber Armory is preferred)

And so my question is this, how much would a “cheap” install be?

I am fine not making much off of it for a couple of reasons:

  1. I am relatively new to installs (only 9 so far)

  2. I enjoy the process, as stated above

  3. I can do installs up to the “eco max” levels so far.

Edit: this is for ideas on how and where I should market this, not trying to blatantly advertise

I like this idea. I too have thought about it, but I do not think I have the time.

I dont really know what a good, let alone cheap, price would be…

My thinking is the best place to start would be facebook groups and the lightsaber/lightsaberbst subreddits.

Post pictures of your builds and try to get engagement. Of course, be super transparent that you want to start this up and have it be cheap for exposure. Almost an influencer kind of thing (even though I hate that word and the system that evolved it).

Do you plan on buying the parts, or having them buy the whole kit on the saber armory and have it shipped to you? You would probably be targeting novices that want a turn key saber.

To sum up, I like your idea, and I think you should forge ahead!

I just imagine that it will be a tough and slow journey. The hobby is pretty niche, really. Even though when your in it, it seems expansive.

Perhapse, as an option you could offer to order the hilt, kit and all, then do the install and forward it on.

Or… maybe even offer an “at cost” first install as long as they will promise to post and honest review? They pay for all parts and the install is free? Just brainstorming.

Post a link if you do, I would vouch for you, what ever thats worth. :upside_down_face:

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I do all of my work for free, for beer, or for a hug.

My hilts are all made from scrap metal and hardware store parts, but I paint, acid etch, and nickel plate etc. The market has kind of split, with high end work like Nick at Starfall or prebuilt sabers at a very affordable prices.

So in my case I just say ‘Venmo me for the parts’ and then I can take my time and pay it forward.

I’m sure that can be applied to kits too.

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Standard formula is to decide how much your time is worth per hour, then charge “cost of materials * 2 + hours spent * cost per hour”

If the kit costs 100, and it takes you four hours to do, and you want $30/h, you get: 100*2 + 30*4 = 320.

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Have you got some examples? Instagram?

Sure! My insta is private DM me your handle and we can hook it up. Here’s me in my shop (my buddy is a pro photographer and like to take portraits of his friends) and a saber a made for my nephew. I can drop more later but I’m on a Shinkansen headed to Tokyo Disney for last stop on my 50th birthday adventure.


@astromech

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Those look impressive!

I would prefer that they buy the kits and have them shipped to me, but I’m sure I could make an exception here and there.