27/11/2025
Andrew here from Stereotech & Dellichord. Do you want to live the HiFi high life, streamline this business and run it the smart way?
If you are not a designer, CAD master or wood worker but are excited by the idea of making a living from the industry or hobby you love then read on.
1) Yes, you will still need the designs, some space and some basic hand skills or at least employ someone to twirl a screwdriver and operate a soldering station. Training is provided in these areas if required. Yes, you will need to buy the brand and the designs because they are the business. What you don't necessarily have to do is the manufacturing, if you don't want to.
2) Sub contract out the stuff you don't want to get involved with, like the cabinet making. The vast majority of manufacturers do this already as I am sure you realise. On the other hand, having the ability to quickly manufacture prototypes on your own premises is a luxury few have. In fact, Stereotech contracts out to other loudspeaker designers for prototypes because they don't have the facilities themselves, and you can do that too. Why not have the best of both worlds ! Use an international cabinet maker just by sending them the CAD drawings that are a part of the business purchase. Have them do the tricky stuff while you relax and assemble crossovers in the air con and plan your HiFi world domination
3) Not a loudspeaker or furniture designer? Not a problem, there are a number of very skilled designers available in Australia who will be only too happy to create a new product in consultation with you. You get to control how it looks, feels and sounds.
4) In theory you could run this business without ever seeing a product except at the design and development phase. Warehousing , cabinet making, cartons and assembly can all potentially be out-sourced. You in effect could be a marketer, retailer, wholesaler, distributor and/or exporter. Choose your own adventure! You will be the figure head at HiFi Shows and industry information nights extolling the virtues of your product and bathing in the glow from your audience. And, of course collecting the money because these are profitable businesses, even doing it the long way. More streamlining and out-sourcing potentially means more money in your pocket.
Many reading this will think I am stating the obvious and making quizzical faces because that's how a smart operator does manufacturing. They would probably be right. For me though, it was having everything in-house and micro-managing every detail. Just because I like to do it the hard way, doesn't mean you have to. I have achieved my Award Winning Loudspeaker goals, established well-regarded brands from scratch and have runs on the board in commercial acoustic treatments for large projects. I have other businesses to manage and grow, and now the ground work is done, it's ready for someone with a wider view to take the reins.
For those thinking maybe that's me, get in touch for the PDF. You might be surprised how affordable making your hobby your own enterprise can be. I'm also quite flexible on the package of IP, tools etc and the amount of training and in what area you feel you need it to be.
