Starting a Drone Business? - 5 years advice in 10 minutes
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- 5 years of drone industry insight in 10 minutes. Insight into what it takes to be a successful drone business. Including your plans, finance advice, and personal success. Not a paid advertisement for any classes or promotions. Honest advice from someone who has seen it all in the drone industry over the years. Please subscribe for more straight forward information on drones.
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I have started several businesses from scratch, some on a shoe string budget. What I have found is that what I started opened other opportunities that I had never even thought of. So start any business, start it small, keep an open mind and allow opportuniteis to reveal themselves to you.
100% that’s the main thing, when you do one thing it leads to another. Constantly expanding if you let your self.
What do you do now. Any is it successful
Couldn't disagree more, you absolutely need a business plan to be successful; DO NOT go in blind, full of hopium that some opportunity will reveal itself and save you.
This video is 100% real talk for almost any entrepreneurial endeavor. Just replace drone with "insert business niche".
disagree. my other two businesses, they are so niche that demand is being Created by the product itself.... not the other way around. Rethink your paradigms
@@DsVibe If you don’t mind me asking what are those businesses?
I have been running a "drone mapping" business (mapping, GIS, LIDAR, Photogrammetry, consulting etc.) for 5 years and this might even be more true in 2021 than it was in 2017. Now it is to the point where so many firms are bringing drones completely in-house to their existing companies - so now instead of competing with other drone companies for inspecting X, you're now going against Company X that has inspected X for 20+ years and is using drones to expand their core service. You're never going to beat Company X at their core competency. So you need to bring a non-drone skill to the table to specialize and differentiate. I like to tell people - pick the thing you like and are the best at that doesn't involve drones. Now take that and see how you can add drones to it. That is the best place to start.
Drone mapping is very specific. Very few doors open for that compared to other areas. Very few will do this full-time. Part-time yes. With a great deal of thinking ahead it can produce fruit.
This is exactly where I'm at. I'm very good at designing and installing sound systems in auditoriums. Using photogrammetry to map auditoriums before modeling speaker coverage would be very helpful. I'm trying to learn how to do this even without a drone. Who knows where that may lead.
@@GrantConklin I used to install sound systems back in Kansas City before I went active duty Army as a military musician and sound engineer. Using photogrammetry for permanent installs would be super cool! It would be fantastic to use point maps and be able to take that information and include it into software that could predict the venue's acoustic properties. Most of that stuff is done with RTA's right?
@Scott H I've been researching and setting up my aerial mapping/imaging business for the last year. I'm at the point now where I'm getting ready to start pitching my services to companies. I know I cannot perform "surveys" since I'm not a licensed surveyor. If you were at my position in starting a business all over again with a DJI Air 2S, what would you do differently? For now the purpose of this business is a side gig while I'm still going through school to finish up my aeronautics degree. I'm currently a commercially licensed fixed wing pilot and helicopter pilot. This is a second career for me at 40 years old but I want to have supplemental income since I know I won't be making very good money as a heli pilot for the first handful of years.
@@VictoryAviationRTAs are the old method for measuring frequency response of a sound system. For the past several years people have been using more sophisticated systems like SMAART or Systune. But photogrammetry would be more helpful in conjunction with sound prediction programs like EASE or Ease Focus, or other programs offered by specific manufacturers for predicting sound coverage with specific speakers.
Passed my part 107 test last month, contacted a local construction company in California and am now making 1k a week taking videos and photos of one construction site 4 times a week. 👍👍 just reach out and make connections and you will do well in the drone buisness
3 months later?
I’m in Texas and just starting to look for business opportunities. What kind of construction project is it?
what's your email address?
What about now
What insurance does one need to be able to work off the drone? I want to hit up the local real estate companies and offer my services but I have been told I need to be insured. Is that true? Please let me know. I fly the Mavic Mini.
The best way to get rich isn’t by buying products and seminars to do so, it’s by selling them to others.
Jim Myers, so which products do you think are best for that? Which ones did you pick?
Never a truer statement...
The best way to get rich is to be a politician.
In a gold rush dont look for gold... sell shovels...
jim should of invented sweet baby rays because clearly his sauce is the boss here haha
I’m 19 and have been doing this for the past 4 years. He explained it perfectly. It’s not your equipment it’s you.
Nice man! Congrats!
Thank you for the reality check! I just retired from a 21 year teaching career. I have a drone (low end DJI), I just got my Part 107 certification, I created a website, and I am starting down that path. I am fortunate that my wife earns enough for me to take some time to try to make this work. I have centered my focus (and website) around small jobs providing basic drone services for individuals (or companies). I have realistic expectations. I appreciate your information and help in understanding potential and reality. Great instructive video!
After 5 years in the business as well and having seen these things first hand...you are spot on.
Very solid advice Justin! I retired from the engineering world after 28 years. I did many presentations with major aerospace/defense companies and refining/petrochem companies (my 2 verticals). The Lord blessed my efforts with much business. I got my 107 recently and a Mavic Pro and am taking my time getting into the business, not wanting to bite off more than I can chew. I am very comfortable talking to the guy in bib overalls or the guy in the nice suit. So we'll see how it goes. Thank you again for taking the time to put out the video.
How is your business going now. Please reply. Its for my research purpose
The advice is decent but what else? Clearly you're still in the game...so instead of all negative considerations why not some strong pointers on how to make it work. What about 10 mins of that?
It's in his best interest to make it sound bad to eliminate his competition.
No one goes out and gets 100+ clients to start. He is clearly attempting to discourage people.
I think this is very sound business advice to be aware of. I own a large construction company and I tell people this stuff all the time. There are many motivational videos out there . But not many that give you the raw truths we need to be aware of. Most businesses fail in the first year. He is giving us the reasons they fail! So if we watch out for these obstacles, then maybe we will succeed
Because there is 100s of click-baity drone videos out there by now. I think in the sea of over people pushing optimisitic business results, this is some healthy realism to demonstrate what people might actually be getting into in terms of barriers to entry
@@wackzingo well said
This should be running on an endless loop next to the DJI display at every Best Buy. Great video.
Definitely. Keeps the average Joe from capturing market share.
So true been doing this for 5 years in the UK....
Obtuse regulatory process
Difficult market when clients realise what you are not allowed to do
Paperwork and HSE dominates everything.
Clients only see toy taking pictures
I was asked why they should pay £250 a day by one client. (My rates are around £700 inc prep day.)
Because I said they had paid a press photographer £200 per hr with no prep risk quals etc.
This is just getting started and already the regulators are trying to kill it.
Great sound advice 👍
@@Guide504 what a Debbie downer you are bro. When the guy in this video says, it's not the Drone, it's not even the Drone Market, or the Regulations... bro... it's YOU. you're attitude is the reason for your experiences, not the other way around.
there's a guy in the UK right now with a way better attitude than you, in you city, and he is KILLING it.. making more than he's ever made before... i wonder why... and you know this is true
Great pointers and advice Justin! If I may add...... People, Be Honest With Yourself! I was planning a drone business servicing cattle ranches and farmers primarily. I had it all figured out and was ready to purchase the equipment to start it rolling. I stepped back and took a careful look at various key aspects of the plan. The reality hit me that, while I'd love to do it, I am not physically capable of venturing very far due to a disability. So, while my plan was a good one, I was the impeding impetus to the entire plan. Though very willing, I simply could not physically do the work required. Originally I thought I could, that I could show up, start the drone, find the problem, come back home. Alas, not that easy. The walking requirements would be long and, in places, trecherous. Realizing this saved me many thousands of dollars.
Sell your plan.
Hey, my name is Jim Williams too!
you avoided a dissapointment, there is not much demand, never was - when paired with career changing aspirations it never had much of chance to fill those large shoes. The guys that have met with some success, probably created the demand out of thin air, like a magician. The good news that dedicating time to advance unmanned machines as led into even more exciting morphs of science and art, now the consumers of art are also the producers!
draganfly is undoubtedly the best drone company!
It is providing support in ukraine by supplying ukrainian people with medicines, insulin and much more.
with this it is increasing its visibility and brand awareness.
has an experienced team and unique technology, currently very underestimated based on its potential!
This is a speech I heard in business school; True for selling anything.
Dang, seems like common sense. No school necessary.
@@nihonjinmejerk everyone needs a mentor at some point in their life.
After doing aerial photography from airplanes for several years, I can attest that aerial photography is the greatest "part time" job in the world., but don't give up your day job. Have fun and make some cash with this on the side. If you have trouble selling, just take a lot of shots of local interest and set up a booth in a local craft show . In addition to selling some aerial prints, advertise and talk to folks about shooting their property. It works and they come to you. Great fun and good money. You are offering them a unique perspective that they can't get themselves, and they love it.
John Hackney actually a great idea, I live in small town of about 20,000 with beautiful scenery. There would be people who would love to buy nice prints of the area.
@@AndrewV2.0 I just put up a sign that said "Ask Us About Our Custom Aerial Photography" . It works.
John Hackney have you done this yourself? Also any recommendations on drones. I’m looking at the Mavic 2, I feel like it would be good enough quality to catch people’s attention
@@AndrewV2.0 . Yes, I did it exclusively starting back in 1992. I flew little Cessnas and had about 4 craft shows a summer that i did. I live in Michigan, so we have marinas, lighthouses, vacation areas, fishing lakes and such. I had prints on backers and some framed. Could do about $600 to $1500 a weekend in sales. As for drones, it's all about the camera. I have a Phantom v2.0 but there are a lot of fine drones on the market. I no longer sell, but do it for free as a hobby (yes i have my 107). My biggest hold-back from starting was 'fear of failure'. I promise that you have nothing to loose, and it's a lot of fun.
I agree! Don't buy a drone to make money. Buy it to have fun and maybe make some money on the side. The cost to make it into a livable living is $50k plus a lot of training. Much cheaper businesses out there to start.
During the gold rush the only people who got rich were the ones selling shovels. DJI is getting rich selling shovels and we are trying to work our asses off trying to mine gold. 😂
You can just 3d print them and dji has fallen off the past few years.
The dirt farmers of America ,thank you for your support
If this is your attitude, you won’t live on the beach like me. Work your ass off to accomplish your dreams.
with reference to someone who wanted to be "that guy"
Now this is the real talk here Ryan Hartsfield. I believe what you're saying 100%. The other guy, "my real name" is just a bitter twat, but you can't blame him given how unrealistic his experiences are. haha
@@Amun_Ray No, you can't 3D Print Drones. 3D Printing does and always will have it's limitations. Believe me, I owned a 3D Printing business for 4 years.
Great advice for anyone starting their own business, no matter if it’s drones or anything else.
I can't wait until I quit my day job (running a different small business), but in the meantime it's been a great way to pay my bills and fund my drone business. Excellent advice! Don't quit your day job!
This guy…. Gets it… ☝🏻
I've been self employed most of my life. This is good common sense that applies to almost any endeavor you might want to pursue.
Excellent video. Starting a drone business involves a lot more than getting your part 107 and a drone.
It's like dreaming of being a rockstar. Gotta work hard to get to that level. And it applies to all businesses. I will be honest, I thought that way and invested in some nice drones but, I realized that it's going to take a lot of work, just like what I have accomplished being a musician and guitar builder or VFX artist. So I took a step back and kept doing my previous job which is special effects and if I get a call or anything in the photography or drone aerials, I will take the job. Gotta have that ”fall back on job” mindset and have fun flying.
Thank you for the video!
We paid 10K for a second hand fixed wing drone and made that back plus some in a weekend! We're buying an Asctec Falcon 8 next week. We concentrate on large area mapping and inspection work, as we're engineers, but there's plenty of work out there if you go after it
Derrick Thompson it’s not bragging it’s pointing out that what this bloke says dosnt mean a sure thing this is just proof that there is work out there
@@slash4x41 Right...there's drone work...if you are an engineering firm. As an engineer, I can tell you that this isn't relevant advice for 99.99999% of drone pilots.
kneeenaw4 - Where are you located? I am about to get into Lidar mapping. Gis guy.
Places to hit up that are very profitable are oil companies, electric companies, and wind companies. Anything to check on large scale repairs that normally require several people, those are the jobs that are more likely to get landed.
Positively without any doubt or reservation you are 100% correct. Starting any business is difficult and you must realize about 90% of businesses fail in the first two years
BUSINESS do not fail PEOPLE do.
This is so true. I owned a automotive repair business. I closed it after two years. It just wasn’t for me. I am a great automotive technician but not a great business owner. But I can at least goto sleep at night knowing I tried it and don’t want to own a business ever again. The stress is rough. LOL
Go and "hustle" all you want, because it isn't hustling that gets you rich, the drone industry is done.
I would add. It is also who knows you. If and when I get far enough into the drone business, I will keep you in mind. Just exploring the idea right now.
So if you don't know anybody, and don't want to know anybody, basically trying to flying quadcopters commercially is a total fucking waste of time.
CHOPPERGIRL's AIRWAR expand your audience. Shoot music videos etc. you can get paid $800 for shooting a music video from a drone and the edits. Learning editing and software puts you ahead
Of just knowing how to fly a drone and record, anyone can do that. Edits are the real skills. You can just learn editing and make way more than a drone pilot who can’t edit.
You literally described an aspect of hustling lol
That's the comment im looking for. Need some help in drone startup any help?
Awesome advice. Straightforward and reality based. Thank you.
Great info....you can apply that to any business!
Thanks, Justin. I am lucky to be a two-time retiree have a Spark, passed the 107 and a Mavic Platinum on the way. Have been successful all my life but I am not looking to make a bundle here. Learn as I go and enjoy the outcome either way. I am a former Beaverton grade, retired military vet and retired police officer living on the Hood Canal. Thanks for all you do and I joined the club.
Thanks Stan. It's a hard reality I have seen some of my close friends just go all in and after a year lose it all. So as long as you can do it a little at a time almost as part time passion it may develop into something fruitful. Either way as long as you enjoy doing it. Thats what counts. If it brings you happiness and enjoyment out of your days. - JD.
Roger that. Thanks.
Stan Cook
So relying on the taxpayer to fund your retirement is success . That's just sucking on the Govt tit
What I got from this was 1.) Do it as a hobby 2.) make some side cash and 3.) slowlyyyy grow from there. 4.) Risk management is key.
Sooooo, true. I often tell people there are more sellers than buyer right now. It's NOT easy to run any business let alone a drone business.
Depends on what you are selling. Real estate photo's?? Lol yeah, anyone can do that.
I agree starting a business selling drone videos was fucked out right from the beginning
I have had a side business up and going for 15 months now, completed about 40 jobs. Literally only ONE real estate. IDK, maybe my prices are too high for it but I don't care. Real estate agents are usually really cheap. GM6 I too am out of Dallas, I'd love to work together sometime. I have had 3 paid mapping jobs and want to do more!
@@sethbob5742 i live in central texas but the drone industry hasnt really started out here im a hobby flyer i fly quads and helicopters but im about to start working with the big companies they pay good out here but they cant seem to get anybody interested
@@nick-dm3if email me. Seth@dallas drone guy .com
Smart advice that can be generalized to just about any business.
You are on target. Starting any business takes more effort and time than people ever imagine. Your advice to work into it along side your current business or while employed is so sound. “Don’t quit your day job” may sound negative, but unless you have more clients than you can possibly handle, you will be underwater financially very quickly.
I founded my drone business in 2005 (years before low cost/GPS-stabilized multirotors) with chainsaw engine-powered helicopters. I now find myself with a huge client base mostly consisting of military and large industrial projects. I can tell you that 1:21 of this video is spot on.
Great advice!! It is important to have realistic expectations. Talk to any videographer/photographer, 70% of the business is making the connections and promoting yourself. I am not quoting the day job but I will see what I can make and at least make enough to pay for the drone.
Thanks for posting.
I see these drones as tools for diversification rather than a total business package 😉
That was the most accurate video ever. I have a day job flying helicopters, and side job teaching flying airplanes. When I first noticed drones I thought wow this is the future, I've get to in on the ground floor. I took some of my capital from airplane instruction business, and bought a Phantom 4, started a web site, and done some sample jobs. I Thought I was going to be flooded with business. How wrong was I lol. Don't get me wrong, I made $3400 last year with the drone on my spare time with little effort. But there doesn't seem to be enough out there to quit the day job. And then factor in that I destroyed a drone because a after market screw on blade came off (still pissed at the guy for pushing it on me). Got another one and kept going, but there are a lot of things to consider in this market. Glad I didn't go full force into this. But I'm still in on the ground floor in case this erupts some day, and they start wanting experienced people in the future.
“Enjoy the process”. Most important statement in the video. Great job. Thanks.
Facts I’ve had my part 107 since last year, signed up for dronebase, droneup, dormers.I’m, etc… and still haven’t gotten one job…..
You gotta look and pitch yourself to places
So many truths to this. Land Surveyor here and just purchased a new DJI drone for work. Another thing that is easily overlooked is third party support you will probably need to create large ortho-photos. Beside insurance, FAA registration, part 107, buying the equipment, and taking the time to properly train several crew; still need to pay a monthly fee to stitch our photos together to have a presentable product to the client.
The drone service is definitely not our bread and butter, but rather an additional tool to help us if we see fit.
T C I'm curious what system you're using to stitch ortho-photos?
Great video - I stared my drone business while working full-time. Over the last three years, I have acquired 5 repeat customers, and therefore have been able to pare down my full-time job to 3 days:-) I’m aiming on having 25 repeat customers within three years, to facilitate leaving my day job. BTW, I purchased my drones and equipment by saving for them and paying cash. They have paid for themselves many times over. I mainly do real estate, construction progress, ortho mosaics, 3-D models. Thanks so much for your insights!
Thanks for your sober real comment! Business is hard out there. Some can’t handle the truth. Glad to see you are on your way up! Keep rising HHV
Great advice. Seems to me that most people fail to realize they are going to have to spend 50% of their time marketing, 30% of their time running the daily tasks, and 20% of their time actually shooting and editing video. I think there is a future for those who remember these facts. In time, those dabbling or not following this advice, will be out of business. I suspect the market will stabilize eventually and I think the key to success will be repeat or contract work.
Drone business - vs getting a drone job. :) This is a great entry skill.
Exactly!
I'm licenced by CASA here in Australia $3k run my own automotive repair business and have done a few jobs with my inspire 2 but not out to make it full time, it's just pleasing to know I get appreciated for something I enjoy. The last job was for a shire council, they wanted a promotional video about a famous picnic area "Hanging Rock" even some one about to build a 2 story house and wanted to now what the view was 10mtr's up in different directions so they could work out which angle/position to build the house.
Mind me asking what you got paid for the jobs?
The ONE percent who ACT on decisions and formulate a PLAN of action get the RESULTS the other 99 percent NEVER WILL.
Right on
Exactly, not everyone commits the act of suicide.
Balogna.
where does that put you mathematically ..........
I'm looking to get into drones for a hobby, but might do photography, Standard DSLR and Drone, for a couple Realtor friends. It's something that I can do on weekends for a few hours for a few extra bucks. Not really a business model, but a good little side hustle after I get my 107 done.
Excellent advice. As a long time contract photojournalist...I can say wholeheartedly you speak the truth. Be sure you define what "success" is to you before even starting. For me, I have had my work published almost everywhere I could have dreamed. Does this mean I am financially successful shooting sports photography? Well...It certainly doesn't replace the day job. I consider myself commercially successful and fulfilled, but I don't consider it financially successful as it would not support my family adequately. Why do I do it? I love it...Albeit, not near as profitable as many think it can be... Good video Justin.
I have been seriously thinking about a drone Side business. Small time , weddings and local real-estate videos . I got the blessing from my spouse for the equipment. Thanks for keeping it Real .
Richard Bolt how's it going now?
Hi there. Was going to start my own drone business here north of Montréal, Canada and I paid someone for a business study in order to know my competition. I don’t see myself investing any money for drones when the competition advertise their services for 75-129$/job. So I stick to my IT business which drives in in the 6 figures revenue and working more than 50% from my home office.
necessity is an incredible motivator ...
You are exactly right, it's all up to the person, I made a business out of nothing went into hock to do it, but because I couldn't fail, I didn't fail.
Great cautionary vid. The risk with this, as with any business, is that if the cost/difficulty of entry is low the competition is going to be fierce. In 2023 you can get a very nice aerial camera for under a thousand bucks. They are a breeze to fly. You need to bring something to the table that most people can't, or won't do.
Very thoughtful commentary. What looks good on the surface, may not be as easy as it looks. Value added to other services may be better for many entrepreneurs. The opportunities are moving targets. A niche can grow into a huge business. Or it may not pan out. Another aspect of this problem is the technology is changing rapidly, and an investment can be obsoleted before you have a chance to recoup. But communication, marketing, good focus, recognition of the risks, need for resiliency, organization, Justin pointed out many of the problems. Great job Justin! Opportunities do exist. But it is rarely as easy as it looks, or advertised. Also we need to learn from mistakes, either ours or others, quickly.
This video made me a subscriber. Thanks for an awesome honest take on the business. It's actually just what I planned; start off slow on the side. Thanks for the advise and video.
Good advice. We've operated our video production business for almost 25 years and added UAVs in 2016, in order to offer clients the option of aerial video. The reality is revenue of Broadcast HD/UAV is maybe 90%/10%. Not complaining though; having the aerial video option helps us get jobs for the PDW 800s.
Adding to my existing business.
Great advice. Thanks for Sharing!
Well Justin, you can't be more honest than that, personally I'm not interested in starting a business with a drone, my passion for drone flying is totally as a hobbyist just to add my thoughts on the subject, but I have friends who think a hobby should earn you some money because hobbies can be expensive.
As a business admin student I’m honestly just trying this to get some practical experience in starting a business without remortgaging a house.
Awesome video. Starting a business has been the most difficult and time consuming endeavor i have experienced.
Are you really surprised?:/
I work for a sheriff’s office and was sent to get my part 107. I usually fly to look for missing persons or people who run from the police. Really want to start looking for drone work on the side merely as a supplement and see if I could manage it. Thank you for the advice. Will definitely give it a go as simply a side hustle
You’ll find it comes in handy. Such a great tool. Cinema videos and tactical. Good luck in your flying!
Good advice, joining up for a drone business with a friend as a side business. Not giving up my first business though (manufacturing conveying/product handling equipment). Having the secure warehouse space and high end industrial machine shop at your disposal is always a plus ;-)
I actually tried Uber as a side job...until I made 125/hour with my drone! Even a few hundred a month is a good start IMO. To make 125 (profit) with uber would take a full day. Then I thought, what if I spend an entire day working on a website and studying to improve...
Very scary, Thanks for your insights..
This will be my add-in into my business..
Marketing/ lead generation is everything and Closing the deal in any business to make revenue.
Good advice. I've been at it for 4 years doing real estate photography. I started with just a phantom 2 and it took me expanding my offered options (inside video and photography with other non-drone camera equipment) to begin starting to build a profit this year.
It's hard work...and random at times. It also depends on your area of influence too. I'm in a smaller town and so jobs arent big payers at times...but I'm above any competitors around me. I've gained the trust of 5 real estate companies and so I do most of the photography in town on upscale properties. But it didnt start that way.
Be prepared to not make a profit...even lose a profit for the first year or 2.
Lose profit in what ways?
@@KeoClipsTV that was 4 years ago. How time flies. Some ways profits can be lost is through unexpected hardware issues that arise or even costs to upgrade to stay ahead of the competition. Some shoots I used to do at cost to gain notice or even portfolio work. Other times if a client wasn't happy with the results then they would receive it free of charge and a potential reshoot. While this is extremely rare it has happened even for the slightest of issues such as missing a hidden bathroom. Lots of driving and lots of work getting your name out there.
This video should be part 1 of a 5 part series
Thanks for the honest presentation. It makes one think it over and sleep on the idea :)
Best advice for any venture!
If you are a lazy dummy now, you'll be a lazy dummy with a drone later.
Or without one
Amen
lazy dummies still have fun with drones..I know i do
Maybe...but I worked for a drone company that went out of business that was managed and owned by VERY motivated Ivy League business grads who simply took on things they didn't have experience in. They tried to sale DRONE services until they realized what people are paying for requires expertise in actual engineering, geology and cartography/3D modeling. They were simply WAY over their head and way in debt.
and if you have a bad attitude about life now, you'll be a guy with a bad attitude And a drone later. These human freaks never learn. (some do, see, my attitude isn't purely bad. hehe)
Thank you man! I'm considering to get the new A2 licence here in Germany and start with a used Phantom. Thats about 1000€ and if I bust it, at least I got a nice drone to film the next family trip :D
Great advice! Like the gold rush , the smart folks sold products to help others fulfill dreams !
Such truth Justin, luckily I didn’t incure huge financial debt when I started but I wanted to get into the indie film biz and do aerials. Eventually I did get to do a couple of Hallmark movies and some indie films but it wasn’t enough to go full time. The demand just wasn’t there to actually make a living with that in my surrounding area, so I still do it in the side and as a result I’ve gotten into doing video ground work and am doing that on the side too. My motto is start small with what you have and if it happens for you then grow your gear modestly as you grow in jobs.
the trick is influencing others so ultimately you create and control the demand, but in the end a drone whatever you want to call it represents additional work, liability and complications for businesses that have gotten along with it prior to the hobby obsession, which gave us flyers a fever to get paid to fly.
Thanks for keeping it 107 real. I just started this fall, Michiana Drone Services LLC. Lots of logistics just on the business side, but boy are people so impressed on the quality videos my Mavic Pro gets.
i have owned a few successful small businesses. your cautions i fear will be tossed to the wind by those who really need this. i'm working on my UAV 107 at this time and i'm just watching what people have to say to learn all i can.
i am interested in using my uav officially, but in a market where few if any are involved. it is like the GPR, there are untapped markets but people don't see them.
i wanted to thank you for being so honest, one about the cost for the drones that do the work. 5K is a lot of money for someone working at mcdonalds, and they don't normally have a world view to go into business.
a friend of mine, a recording artist actually, told me that when they went to push for their recording contract, (the studio chief called them after hearing the demo), they had exactly one and one half minutes to make a pitch before being escorted out.
they got the contract, but as you say, they knew what to say, and how to say it.
dude....your the best, well done
Much of your advice applies regardless of the type of business someone operates, particularly "It's down to you.".
I recently retired from 25 years operating a consulting sole-proprietorship. I feel confident in saying that anyone who starts their own business "so they only work when they want to".... well, they don't plan on making a living.
Yes, operating your own business gives you more flexibility regarding life in general; but working for yourself is in many ways harder than working a 9-5 gig because you're providing your service during the day, then doing all the bookkeeping & sales planning at night.
Yeah but when the job or employer decides you've been around too long "earning too much" no matter what your contributions have been, you have a problem. I'm all for developing your own viable business if at all possible.
Scrooge Mcduck Said it Best..."work smarter not Harder"
I've been listening to this man speak about getting into a drone business.....not for me at all. I am into the concepts of the great potential the importance of this product and I promote the great visions of the science
Fiction of this marvelous invention the drone. NOw that I flown one I can swear by it the excilleration I get by flying it. It is a dream come true.
The real brilliance of the drone as a machine is power it has when used a remote computer spying on other radio waves. Its all in the waves, information people information.
Thanks for the advice.
Saved me a lot of time, bc I was just curious.
Everything you said is spot on. I have invested all my savings and about 3 years of self learning. No turning back now.
How is it going for you? What is your feedback?
Yes please share your experience and thoughts on this now that time has passed .. want to learn from you..thanks
How is it going now?
@@shahriyarmd6780 got a few jobs, got undercut by someone who did it for free. The pay is shit, the competition is high. The reality is most who would pay for this service can just buy a dji drone themselves and do the same things. I jave my own small mowing business now and it's less stress and pays better.
@@zacjohnson8404 thanks for the feedback really appreciated.
good advice Justin, thx for the helpful video!
Megan hey! You’re welcome!
I can definitely appreciate your advice and I see where you're coming from. One thing that I did not hear you say is don't put all your eggs in one basket. Basically if you're going to start the business don't make that your sole income. If you have an opportunity to make income on the side and start your business with the Drone it will still give you the opportunity to grow slowly over time. Right now the market is saturated but whenever the new FAA rules are completely in effect that is going to limits about 50% of the hobby flyers and the people who will be making money will be the money that is generated from the part 107 license carriers.
The most honest biz video I've seen in a long time. Thank you.
Passed my 107 3 days ago. Within 3 weeks I should have all of my ducks in a row. Absolutely a side hustle for me. If I can make 200 a month Ill be happy.
Thanks for sharing your experience as a remote pilot! I hope to get my licence in the near future. It was an investment, but flight itself is a joy! Even though I don't plan on making bank, I'll enjoy the flight... and not quit my job.
Great advice, this is what we tell people, its the blood and bones of the business that will make it work, not just buying the newest drones and be expecting the work to fall in your lap. Good vid keep up the good work.
Got my 107 a few days ago, my sister in law is a commercial real estate broker and is going to hire me to do interior photos but also drone photos and video. Looking forward to it!
More of this.
Yeah you are absolutely tell true thanku for sharing the realitical understanding information 👍
i like the inspiration in the video.
Great advice. Thank you. My wife purchased a SkyViper2900 pro. I learned to fly and loved it. Soon after purchased a Yuneec TyphoonH Pro, it shoots great video/pictures, handles very well and if one of the props fail it will still fly safely to land. I have done videos at some events, a few real estate shots and land marks all without compensation thus far mostly because I like to fly but I hope it will start to pay off sooner than later.
This is a popular video on youtube, would be great for you to do a follow up post. Did you make it pay in the end?
Great Advice, thank you. I already decided to wait on my purchase of a drone and I am going to pay to fix my uncles controller or buy a new one. (hasn't been used in a while and won't hold the charge) Since I have one at my disposal I will work with this pro model and see what I can do before investing into my own drone. Hopefully the DJI AirSense will be available by the time I am ready to buy my own. Being in Phx, AZ there are A LOT of low flying aircraft so it would be great to know who else is around even after informing Air traffic control and getting FAA approval in those areas via the LAANC.
Thank you for being honest and upfront :)
I plan on making a couple of films first to gather experience. I will ease into real estate eg aerial views, tours and 3d for free at first. Then edge more into more real estate and other work. Thank for the great video.
Even nearly a year later it’s still the same if not worse.
We use drones as an addition to our business, we shoot real estate photography and videos. The drone was just an up sell to our existing clients and we do about 5-10 drone jobs in addition to our already existing photography and video work every week. There is rarely a case where just drone work is needed. We decided years ago that to operate a drone only business was a bad idea and with the eventual relaxation of the rules it would not be viable. We mainly use them for aerial shots of real estate and also for b roll to add into our existing video productions. Clients love it but won’t pay the earth for it.
So if your thinking of adding it into your business don’t spend thousands on it get a new Typhoon H Plus or a DJI Phantom 4 Pro as these both are very cable machines for your needs. We have both each with its own advantages and disadvantages for different jobs 👍🏻
We are in Australia where you only need an Aircrew Reference Number (ARN) and a sub 2kg exemption. Of which both are free and no test needed. If you want to fly heavier drones then you will need to take an RePL course which costs about $2000AUD but for our work it’s not really needed.
Very valuable inputs indeed !
Kindly provide SOP / Protocol for de -risking .
sobering, honest, applies to all business.....should be a loop video at drone dealerships
Cool video nice info but with any business this applies anything if you can't cut it go work for somebody else
Absolutely
Lesson learned, don't over invest. Create more videos than the amount of drones. Build a client base that will always need your services. Those are much more valuable customers than the one-time customers. Expanding your drone services in multiple sectors such as doing weddings, doing Vlogs, making videos for Real Estate companies, etc. It appears that the drone business is hit or miss...perhaps?
Marketing, invoicing, accounting, sales, post production... Imagine any business, all the departments within... Thats what most companies / startups / solopreneurs need to exist. In my experience as a Business Consultant... Most folks simply don't organize the necessary steps in time, consistently enough, or with appropriate discipline.
Very intresting! Valuable information. Nice of you trying to keep people from doing this impulsiveley.
This is true with any business. Not just drones.
Thanks Justin for saying what all of us self employed people already know. I'll be using aerial photography as a marketing tool to obtain additional marketing materials to sell additional survey and civil services.
Great advice on complementing your existing business with the drone.
I work in a power plant and a company comes in on occasions and photographs the inside of our boilers and burners. They charge $11,000 for 2 8 hour days. If you can travel the country and stay busy doing that you're good to go. Industrial inspections in my opinion is happening.
they use drones I take it
Must be cheaper and/or safer to do it with drones than the previous method, in which case they are treated with far less brow beatings, considering the nature of an inspection.
Appreaciate the real talk! Tough love and realistic expectations coming from a drone youtube channel was a breath of fresh air. Earned yourself a sub with that one and I'm looking forward to seeing more content from you Justin!
I appreciate you Riley. Some people say I’m being too cynical. But life is not a spoonful of sugar. The haters on this video obviously come from an easy background. you’re hard earned cash should be protected and used wisely. welcome to the channel and the fun!
thanks a lot for your advice. what kind of drone can I buy to get a job? Do I need a few years' experience to get the job?