Off-line programming business

[[Cl...]]

I know the forum has touched on this subject once or twice, but I have a few questions that I think were
not answered. When I retire, I was thinking of buying an off-line seat and go into business for myself.

Do you have customers from other states? Do you create their programs complete? By "complete" I mean
assigning the correct stylus, fixturing, report format, or do they want just the program, and they add that stuff
at their end?

Do you go on-site to prove out your program? I'm assuming most customers have recently lost their programmer,
or theirs is overwhelmed with work, and that's why they contact you?

[[Ch...]]

Clarke,

Howdy. I've done a little of both. From programming complete with provided stylus systems.
Also having to build stylus systems and go on site for brief training and prove outs. All went fairly well considering.

Good to start building your 'sphere of contacts' now - and put the word out, etc.

I'm sure you're get a variety of requests. Yes I've done work in my home state of California and also outside.

All great opportunities. I think they will help you learn to get outside of your comfort zone of how you are used to programming, and learn to adapt, etc.

Good luck !

[[Cl...]]

Thanks, for the input Chris. I'll be 62 next August and am seriously
considering transitioning to part-time and then programming on my own time.

[[Ri...]]

I own; CMM Programming and Consulting, LLC.

I travel to get work. I perform a lot of Offline programming prior to traveling.
You can negotiate what the customer wants for their money.
Typically:
1. Standard Programming (A term I use) - Provide a program per the customers requirements and or Blueprint. Customer edits as required for tuning. May or may not require you to design probes. Speak with the customer to see what probes they have in house.

2. Turn Key Programming/Stylus Design - Speak with the customer to see what probes they have in house, generally requires onsite time to tune the program.

3. Turn Key Programming/Stylus Design/Fixture Design - This is the Full Monty. Speak with the customer to see what probes they have in house. It will require most of your attention.

You can break down what you offer as you see fits.

[[Cl...]]

Thanks for all the valuable input, everyone!

[[Cl...]]

Thanks for all the valuable input, everyone!