Custom Model Builder???

Look around here in the Collectibles section, there are a couple of members that do some pretty spectacular 1/43 work.

 

Laurent from www.garage43.com is usually my builder of choice.

 

also Gijsbert from www.monzamodels.nl

 

Out of curiosity, on average for lets say a 1:24 scale mode, how much does it cost to have a model builder build one?

 

It depends on...well...everything. Its like asking, how much does a new real car cost. The answer is, it depends on what you want.

And you get what you pay for.

Everybody wants a great model built, nobody wants to pay alot.

 

this is my website.. www.absolutmodeling.blogspot.com..

I specialize in building scale models, especially Ferraris.. Drop me an email if anyone is interested.

Roland

 

advertising on your first post isn't exactly Fchat kosher

 

I'm just sharing my website in a post which I think is suitable. Besides, this is just an hobby for me, not a mouth feeding business. No obligations to anyone. If I have violated any rules here by posting that in my 1st post, well, Im more than glad to take that away.

Anyway, I hope to post some pictures of my builds when I have the luxury of time and home.

Roland

 

Roland, unless you are donating your time ,as soon as you take money it's no longer your hobby, it's a business.

Nothing personal...just a fact.

 

Wrong. Its a business if you can prove that it made profit in 3 of the last 5 years. Otherwise is a hobby. If you donate your services its not a hobby, its a non-profit.

 

I don't know about that as a real strict definition. I'm not a CPA and not familiar with all the tax laws (I know you are in the field) but I do have some background in accounting and plenty of experience dealing with the IRS and NYS Dept of Taxation. And I know this. Delta Airlines reports loses every year. When is the last time they claimed a profit? Are they considered a hobby? Of course not.

Is not just the 3 out of 5 year rule. Thats just one of there criteria in determining a business. Its never just one rule for the IRS. As far as the IRS is concerned they also look at your intent and profit motive, hours you put in, how you operate, etc. I think they call that the "factors and circumstances" test. That encompasses many factors. Many times you WANT to convince them you want to make a profit to get the breaks a business is entitled to.

Even if the IRS considers you a "hobby" for small business or sole proprietorships on returns as soon as you accept money for your work you are considered a professional and a business in the real world. If you advertise on the net and take customers then your a business. Thats intent to make a profit. The IRS came up with the 3 of 5 to try to prevent hobbies from trying to claim they are a business and get the advantage of bigger tax breaks and improper right offs.

You see what you can learn from playing with model cars?.................it was easier when it was a hobby.......

 

Nice work on the Amuse GT-R

 

I understand this.

But hypothetically speaking, lets just say I buy a $40 Tamiya 1:24 scale model and commission a model builder to just build me the kit as is with no modifications. What would a realistic cost be for this?

 

Box stock for a professional build anywhere from $600.00 to $1200.00 depending on the detail of the kit. Plastic models are a PITA I'm sure you can get it done cheaper but you get what you pay for as Ed has pointed out.

 

Ed is on the same page as me concerning a business. Let's face it when your offer your services and get paid for it is most definitely a "business transaction"...NOT a hobby!

 

Ed, Delta is a registered C Corp, they can not be running a business and call it a hobby.
I know what you are saying, but from a legal standpoint - if it makes money, that alone does not necessarily means its a business. There is a whole lot more to that...but that's another topic altogether.

 

Hi everyone, first of all, I apologize for the post that makes all the debate going on here.

But I have to state that, IMO, and no offence to anyone, providing service with monetary returns doesnt always means business. (unless theres some form of verbal/written agreement on the price that is paid for goods/services and of course several other things)

If you are a waiter in restaurant, and you are rewarded with tips (money) for a good service, does it justify as a business? I doubt so.

I understand that my post maybe a little too "advertising" for certain people because I have used something like'' This is my website... drop me a email if interested" rather than " you can try ab...............blogspot.com. (3rd party)". i believe if I do the latter, none of these debates will arise.

Nevertheless, to me I feel that by recommending any 3rd party's or own contact has no difference, when it comes to replying an question on board. My main purpose is to provide information to the asker on who can he go to and I swear that I have no motive of building/securing a business within this forum, but rather to share my build progress for anyone interested in my work and to find more people who will start to appreciate the art of modeling. I have to admit I should have include these points in. And in fact, I have build models for free for certain people before who appreciate my work.

Therefore, please remove my post if it really shouldnt be here and i respect all views from all the members.

And Thank you Mr Francesco for liking my work.! To me, your appreciation worth more than any profit (pathetic by the way, lol!) that I have made through model customization.

Regards
Roland

 

Dennis Koleber is excellent. He has a website using his name.

 

You have a nice website and every right to seek out customers, or commissions, whatever we want to call it. This whole argument over what defines a business is a bit anal anyway. I'll leave it at that.

If you subscribe to FChat [and you should, it's very reasonable] you can run adds for free. Please...show your work!

 

I also build custom models. Anything from 1:43 resin kits to 1:18 diecast.
Here is my latest going to a customer in Canada
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Here is something different too.
The white Hamann is 1:18 diecast based and the street rod is a scratchbuilt nonexisting body style in 1:25.
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This is wonderful, great job!