[sdiy] Advice for a Startup

[David G Dixon]

I have been selling modules myself for a couple of years.  I have one really
good (and unique) design, and it has sold pretty well.  I have one or two
other less unique designs, and they have sold a lot less well.  I make every
unit by hand, and each one takes about five hours.  Testing, packing,
organizing the mailing and delivering to the mail drop probably takes
another hour altogether.  I grossly undercharge for the modules (US$300 for
a module that would sell for $600 or more if it were from a "real" maker).

So, it's a really bad business, but it's a great hobby.

I don't have any specific advice to give in this space -- I'd have to know
your personal situation -- but I wouldn't do it unless it was just for fun,
never as a sole source of income.