Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 jgumbyrx Oct 05, 2011 16:55:47	... and viability study. And I would very much appreciate any and all feedback. Here's the deal -- in a brainstorming session trying to figure out how to generate some supplemental income, I thought that perhaps there might be a market for custom gaming tables (albeit a small one).  As I see it, we have basically 3 options for game tables: 1) dropping a grid mat on an existing table 2) the Sultan 3) try to make your own (with infinitely-varying degrees of success/failure). Surely, there needs to be something for the group that wants a solid, dedicated gaming table, but doesn't want to shell-out $10k. So, I've got a "prototype", so to speak (read: my untrained attempt at building my own table 3 years ago).  I really learned a lot in that process; and have made a few notes over the last 3 years on what I'd do differently. (and the fact that I've since gotten some advice from an actual carpenter couldn't hurt my future endeavors). For reference, you can see a few pics here, here, and here. My basic concept, originally, was basically 3 features: 1) sliding drawers 2) full gridded top with wet/dry erase 3) minimal profile, to accommodate adequate leg clearance without having the top set too high Some basic no/low cost modifications that would need to be made would include: - deeper drawers (there's barely an inch clearance on the 4 side drawers -- would want to increase that to 2 inches) - better legs/leg design (it's plenty sturdy enough ... the changes would be for aesthetics) - wet/dry erase surface covering all the drawers (as-is, it's just the wood) - dampening the play surface and drawer surfaces (just the wood is pretty loud and has lots of rebound) .... simply placing a piece of fabric between the wood and the mat does wonders. - aesthetic improvements all around (as-is, since I was making this for just myself, I cared only for functionality -- prettying it up should be fairly simple). - include a push-pull stick (kinda like what's used at craps tables) - various battlemat options; e.g., smaller/larger grid, hexes, reversible, etc. I would be offering several models (most of the variation would be in the size).  Sizes would included: 4x4 ; 4x6 (standard model, pictured) ; 4x8 ; 3x5 (for smaller rooms).  Varying heights would also be available. So, what I'm looking for is this: - general thoughts on design - other improvements and/or added features (keep in mind, I'm not trying to compete with the Sultan -- I'm aiming for a price point of around $700-$800 for the standard table) - specific aesthetic improvements - foreseeable viability at suggested price point. - possible supplemental products that I could make myself (I've already thought about dice bags; but I'm kinda stuck after that) I don't expect to be able to quit my job with this (though that would be nice); but if I could average 15-20 orders/year I've also considered also having just the professional-grade blueprints available (for a price), for the DIY types who just can't be bothered with actually designing such a table, but still want the cost savings of the DIY. The table would ship fully assembled, except for the legs, which can be easily screwed on in a matter of 2 minutes or less (leg removal would be just as easy, allowing greater flexibility in storage/transport). If I determine that this is indeed viable, then I'll be making 2-3 more in the near future (perhaps around the first of the year) -- this would serve a couple of purposes: 1) practice refinement, 2) display/promo models.  I foresee having the website up and running by March, ready to take orders. I very much look forward to hearing your thoughts. This is very much a serious and genuine business venture proposal, so pulling your punches is strictly forbidden. Thanks.
#2 jgumbyrx Oct 09, 2011 16:11:00	Okay, it seems that discussion on this has picked-up more over on a couple of other sites: here, here, and here. At this point, I'd probably prefer to relegate things to over there; but feel free to chime in here if you like. Thanks.