Selling Jigs

[Squeakyboatcaptain]

I have had several requests on another forum to sell a few jigs. I have always told everybody that I don't do it to sell them, but if they were close enough, I would give them a few, or trade some for a fishing trip....or something similar. I try to point some of these guys to some reputable tiers who do sell them....... But I just got an offer that I don't think I can refuse....It will cover some of my recent purchases of material and such. I have tried to steer the guy to some guys who do it as a business, but he wants some of my jigs.... So... I guess I'll do it.
I never got into this to make a dime on my jigs, it started out as saving money on buying jigs at tackle stores.....which I knew I could make better. Since then.... I have way more jigs than I could probably fish with in a couple of years!! LOL
Maybe its just a one time deal.... who knows, but... I re-coup some of my expenses, and someone else gets to enjoy some of my work...
I know there are lots of guys out there who do much nicer work than I do....and i just don't want to take any business from guys who rely on tying, even if it a small bit.
Anyways.... Guess I'm just wanting to see what some of you guys think about it....

 

[Jig Man]

Go for it....

 

[LRB]

I would also say...GO FOR IT...!!!.... I, on occasion, will sell a few jigs...but I will "horsetrade" for them in a heartbeat !!!...




MaryLou~~

 

[blt]

Sure, why not do it. If the other guy made that one better, they would buy from them.

 

[quivira kid]

Be happy and thankful for the business!

 

[JSC]

Go get it ... But do it by the book ...Make sure Uncle gets his FET.

 

[AtticaFish]

I'd say sell them if you can! Would bet that a quarter to half of the active users here sell their jigs somewhere. I have been asked to sell mine a few times now... i've traded for this and that but never have gotten $$$ for any..... and given away WAY too many to family, friends and complete strangers while out fishing.

 

[AtticaFish]

... But do it by the book ...Make sure Uncle gets his FET.

We had a lengthy discussion on here about what had to be done as far as taxes..... anyone remember where that thread is??? Can't find it at the moment. :huh:

 

[Fatman]

Darn Uncle Sam!!! Just can't let us have fun.

 

[Pup]

The information contained at the following link was enough to discourage me.
Excise Tax

 

[LedHed]

If you can get a little back - go for it. Like most non pros you will trade or give away more jigs than anything...

 

[blt]

The information contained at the following link was enough to discourage me.
Excise Tax

Yea, all to aware what that is all about, let alone the state issue. There are advantages though that you can take advantage of, and it's all legal. No wonder Corp. America doesn't pay much tax lol.
My last 3 years returns showed a legal net profit of sales at $100-$170, that's it with all they let me deduct lol.

 

[Jig Man]

Hey Squeaky, I take it back... Just give um the jigs and let um take ya fishing and buy ya a drink!!!! :icon14:

 

[redman]

I try to keep as far away from the guberment as possible. I am with Jig Man give the jigs away and have them take you out for a nice dinner. Or better yet just trade them for something. Thats what I have been doing. I do a lot of trading there are a bunch for stuff that people have that they are more than willing to get rid of in a trade.I just keep trading up so a $4 trade ends up a $100 after a few trades. No wonder my place looks like a junktique.

Redman

 

[Squeakyboatcaptain]

I told the guy if he was close I would just give him some, but he's in IL.... I think I'll just tie a few up and send them to him... Make him pay the postage.
I don't want to lose the enjoyment I get out of it. If he throws in something extra... So be it. Not like I don't have plenty around.
Thanks for the input guys...

 

[blt]

Sell it to him, just don't post anything on the net about it. The guys in the dark glasses are not going to come after you for selling a hundred jigs, just don't be posting it so everyone can see.

 

[LedHed]

Jerry - nothing wrong with swapping jigs for materials....

 

[Fatman]

I always try to swap for stuff - materials, spin lure bodies, other jig styles whatever. If the deal is good why not.

 

[Squeakyboatcaptain]

I think the guy just wants to go fish with them... He doesn't tie and he lives in IL, so a fishing trip is out....lol I'll play it by ear... Not like I don't have hundreds of the things already... But I know for sure after reading the tax stuff... I'll stick to being a boat captain! No Squeaky jigs for sale on the industrial level!! Lmao

 

[papaperch]

I made my decision long ago never to sell my jigs. Once you make a hobby a business the fun goes out the window. At least thats how I feel. Here is why. The minute it becomes a do it for profit then cost cutting must begin. This normally limits creativity. As a hobby I tie whenever I am inspired by an idea , when I feel like it , or to get my mind off of things I do not want to think about. Business you have to tie as the orders come in.

Another thing I posted a pic of my sure shot shad for the JC jig swap. I posted in on CDC for reasons I am not really sure. I very rarely post anything there anymore. Any way a CDC member asks me to sell him some of them in a pm. I politely turn down his offer to buy. Explain where he can get heads and tell him how to tie them. His answer is to beg for just a few of them to buy. Against my better judgement I relent and answer if he wants to send me 12 bucks for shipping and the jigs I will mail him six of them. I guess he thought the price was way too high as I have not heard from him since. LOL.

I am not making fun of him. Its just that very few people realize the investment a tier has in some jigs. In time as well as money . After he has tied for awhile I am sure he will understand. Actually I was relieved that he dropped it, As I really do not want to sell what I make. I do not mind giving away to young kids that are avid anglers. Lots of older ice guys have been surprised by me dropping a few pin mins on them. Some of them even offered to pay but I told them that would take the fun out of it then. Some of them have waved me over to jump in on a hot bite next time out. As a way of thanking me. Most of course I never see again.

I have NEVER seen anyone or knew of anyone in this local area to make anywhere near a fortune in selling jigs. I have known a few to make money on it. I have known way more people that lost money trying to make it a business. Its all in what one really wants to do with fishing. Really successful business men rarely get time to fish.

I once met a very well known fisherman at a Dealer show by Faber Brothers in Chicago. Show ran for three days and I got the chance to swap fishing stories and life stories. By the third day we were close as fleas on the same hound. Swearing myself to secrecy I asked the immortal question. Given the chance to repeat your life would you do it all over again the same way. Keep in mind this guy was probably worth several million at the time. Without hesitation and he was stone sober he said no way never. According to him he was his happiest when he was growing up in Minnesota and fishing to his hearts content. After becoming famous he fished very rarely. When he did it was often with people he did not really care to be with. This guy made more in one year than I did in my whole life. Due to the sincerity in his mannerisms and voice. I somehow felt I was the richer man and said as much to him. He agreed with me and said " I feel more trapped than anything else. "

Reason I believe what he said within two years of this show and this conversation. I heard almost nothing of this guy in the outdoor news periodicals. Now people barely remember his name. Since I swore never to reveal his identity I can't say his name. Will say he was one of the nicest and most genuine guys I have ever chewed the fat with. He also knew a heap about fishing he loved ice fishing as much as I do. Hence our almost immediate friendship. Now every time I see another one of these super fishermen raking in the dough on tours and promotions. I often wonder how they would answer the same question.