Hello all. I have been using Inventor where I work for a couple of years now and I am interested in starting my on drafting company on the side but I don't know where to start or where to look for the work. I remember coming across a link in a thread on here a year or more ago where people could post their resumes and search for contracts. If anyone can give me advice on what I need to do to establish a sole proprietorship company and where I can find contracts I would appreciate it. Also, I will need to find a way to buy a seat of Inventor for this new company so if there are any options you might know of for getting that I'd appreciate that too. Thanks everyone!

i have had luck canvasing all the local machine and fab shops , as many do not have the latest software and abilities , i also spend time developing contacts at local manufacturers and engineering houses I watch the classified ads and craigslist for people in need . i do a fair amount of flat pattern work for one shop , i do a ton of conversion work for a local machine designer . Recently i have been trying to branch out , looking for some other customers in other lines of work .

basically you have to get out and network ,

also give your local reseller a call and let him know you have services available.

Its a very demanding job. Everyone want it done the week before and don't want to pay. Make sure you're not respondable for any mistake costed by the drawings. Customer should check them to confirm fitments and tolerance. I spend lots of time making drawings from parts and samples. Its easy to have problem down the line because you don't see the whole machine. It'll be lots of traveling to pick up and check out potential jobs. So you'll need to balance and manage your time.

Redrawing old drawings is easier but lots of hours and not much pay.
Designing is great and pay more. Still time consuming and more responsibility. What you design gotta work. Remember you'll need to modify every part 10 times before customer will accept them.

I'm not sure its a good "side" job.

I just wanted to thank you for responding to my post. I'm going to continue to research this and try to get something started because I'm really passionate about Inventor and I would love to be able to make some extra money using it.

I started working for a vendor as an Applications Engineer and started my 'side' business then. Since then, I've worked for another company full-time while getting the 'side' business going. It took me 5 years and a lay-off to get it to the point of where I am now. It's tough. Not too many companies want to let the work out of their hands. The vendor guides some companies my way, but about 10% actually end up doing outside services. Working as an AE has helped as some of the customers that I've taught Inventor to recognize my name and know my work, which helps. About 25% of my customers are former clients of the vendor.

It's a constant search for work, but being home is such a rewarding experience. Good luck in your quest, as stated before, call your reseller and visit local machine and fab shops. Your biggest cost will be the software, but subscription is relatively cheap compared to the software cost.

_________________
Steve Spinney
K&S Drafting Services
P.O. Box 575
Oxford, MA
www.kscad.com