16 SportsTurf | December 2015 www.sportsturfonline.com
FACILITY & OPERATIONS
hearing "no" many times, we started hearing "yes." Start-up
costs vary depending on your business idea, but can range from
$10,000-$100,000. We started off at the higher end of that range
due to manufacturing and patent costs.
MANUFACTURING YOUR IDEA/PRODUCT
The manufacturing step almost stopped us in our tracks.
Actually, it did delay us for about 6 months. The first manu-
facturers we talked to quoted a cost of $300 for each pitching
rubber plus $30,000 start-up fees for tooling, shipping, and
packaging. We knew that there was no way we could sell a
pitching rubber for a retail price of $350-$400. We continued
searching for other manufacturers.
Searching for manufacturers is time consuming. Make sure
to understand each quote. Don't be afraid to ask questions. We
called and emailed at least two dozen different manufacturers
Left: The Kropffs saw a need for a better product and decided to make it themselves. Right: To realize their dream, Cathy and Chad had to "get comfortable with being uncomfortable."
