The drone business idea.

[Kamil Jurgiel]

Hey everyone,

I have a really interesting idea to share with you today.

Lately, I've noticed that the drone industry is really booming. The prices of these machines are dropping, and the quality keeps getting better. I have an idea on how we can fully capitalize on this trend.

My concept involves starting a partnership with a promising company from the USA or China. I'd like my company to promote and coordinate the sales of products from these small manufacturers. I see a huge opportunity for success, especially since I'm from a country in Europe where drones are still relatively new. I believe that promoting high-quality equipment through us could be very well-received.

So what do you think? Do you think it's a good idea? I'm eager to hear your opinions and suggestions.

Looking forward to your feedback!

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[StrikingViper69]

You want to start a drone shop?

 

[Devilery]

That's such a lazy approach to a revolutionary technology. Sure, it's theoretically possible to find a manufacturer and take over sales for them, but do you have the knowledge and budget to complete with DJI? Otherwise, you're looking at crappy supermarket drones that can fly 50 meters/not many feet.

Instead, I'd explore the full range of popular brands like DJI drones. For example, their agriculture line is a massive opportunity. Become the leading distributor of that in a specific area - sell them, rent them, offer them as a service, sell training, sell parts.

In my country, there's just 1 company selling agricultural DJI drones (likely an exclusive agreement). If in my country agriculture generates a few billion a year (with only 2M population), it's definitely a unique opportunity with huge potential. That's just one example, drones have more uses.

If I didn't have 1000 other projects, I'd do this.

 

[Kamil Jurgiel]

At first, yes, but over time, manufacturing our own equipment becomes a good option. Ideally, I would start my own production right away, but I don't yet have a concrete idea of how to do it. For now, I'm thinking of gathering a few drone enthusiasts, maybe students, and creating a new project with them.
duce them or resell?

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Kevin88660]

Go to shenzhen and source them.

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3G1KBu6H6BM&pp=ygURQ2hpbmEgZHJvbmUgZGFuY2U%3D

 

[Kamil Jurgiel]

That's such a lazy approach to a revolutionary technology. Sure, it's theoretically possible to find a manufacturer and take over sales for them, but do you have the knowledge and budget to complete with DJI? Otherwise, you're looking at crappy supermarket drones that can fly 50 meters/not many feet.

Instead, I'd explore the full range of popular brands like DJI drones. For example, their agriculture line is a massive opportunity. Become the leading distributor of that in a specific area - sell them, rent them, offer them as a service, sell training, sell parts.

In my country, there's just 1 company selling agricultural DJI drones (likely an exclusive agreement). If in my country agriculture generates a few billion a year (with only 2M population), it's definitely a unique opportunity with huge potential. That's just one example, drones have more uses.

If I didn't have 1000 other projects, I'd do this.

Finding a manufacturer is indeed the weakest and most challenging part of the idea.

 

[Kamil Jurgiel]

You want to start a drone shop?

For the beginning, yes, but later on, starting our own production would be a great idea.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Kamil Jurgiel]

That's such a lazy approach to a revolutionary technology. Sure, it's theoretically possible to find a manufacturer and take over sales for them, but do you have the knowledge and budget to complete with DJI? Otherwise, you're looking at crappy supermarket drones that can fly 50 meters/not many feet.

Instead, I'd explore the full range of popular brands like DJI drones. For example, their agriculture line is a massive opportunity. Become the leading distributor of that in a specific area - sell them, rent them, offer them as a service, sell training, sell parts.

In my country, there's just 1 company selling agricultural DJI drones (likely an exclusive agreement). If in my country agriculture generates a few billion a year (with only 2M population), it's definitely a unique opportunity with huge potential. That's just one example, drones have more uses.

If I didn't have 1000 other projects, I'd do this.

Finding a manufacturer is indeed the weakest and most challenging part of the idea.

 

[Kevin88660]

For the beginning, yes, but later on, starting our own production would be a great idea.

Many niche services can be provided. While anyone can buy drones from China it is not cost effective to send the drones to China for repair and service.

 

[Kamil Jurgiel]

Many niche services can be provided. While anyone can buy drones from China it is not cost effective to send the drones to China for repair and service.

You're right, but the main idea behind the project is advertising and promoting one or several smaller companies, not necessarily from China. 99% of people don't know any other drone manufacturer besides DJI, so if we could create awareness that other companies also exist and don't produce cheap and inferior products, surely some people would consider buying from them.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Devilery]

You're right, but the main idea behind the project is advertising and promoting one or several smaller companies, not necessarily from China. 99% of people don't know any other drone manufacturer besides DJI, so if we could create awareness that other companies also exist and don't produce cheap and inferior products, surely some people would consider buying from them.

I own a DJI drone. I knew nothing about drones and went for DJI. Why? Because it's the most popular, versatile, highest-rated drone brand.

I generally support big ambitions but it just doesn't seem realistic to compete with them. Those who buy cheap drones have endless options. Those who are looking for quality are not looking for the best deal but the best drone for their needs, so they are unlikely to pick an unknown brand with seemingly the same capabilities even if it's cheaper.

DJI also has a huge selection of upgrades and parts from non-DJI-affiliated brands, maybe that's something you could consider. Sell parts and upgrades? Either retail from an established manufacturer or produce your part. Creating a new kind of propeller seems more viable than a drone.

 

[Oso]

I feel your idea can theoretically work, but it's such a wide space that it feels like you're taking the most difficult approach to getting into the drone industry.

That's such a lazy approach to a revolutionary technology. Sure, it's theoretically possible to find a manufacturer and take over sales for them, but do you have the knowledge and budget to complete with DJI? Otherwise, you're looking at crappy supermarket drones that can fly 50 meters/not many feet.

Instead, I'd explore the full range of popular brands like DJI drones. For example, their agriculture line is a massive opportunity. Become the leading distributor of that in a specific area - sell them, rent them, offer them as a service, sell training, sell parts.

In my country, there's just 1 company selling agricultural DJI drones (likely an exclusive agreement). If in my country agriculture generates a few billion a year (with only 2M population), it's definitely a unique opportunity with huge potential. That's just one example, drones have more uses.

If I didn't have 1000 other projects, I'd do this.

100% this.

I've wanted to get into drones for so long, if nothing other than for the fact they're cool af. But even with how massive the industry has become over the last handful of years, there's still a ton of room for innovation, improvement, and outright content.

I know a guy that runs a small marketing company in my area. All he does is use drones to capture video/pictures to use for the Google Street Tour thing for businesses. I don't know the specific numbers behind what he does, but I know it's a 7 figure business. There are so many use applications for drones, spread across literally every other industry. I firmly believe drones have next to 0 ceiling.

This is one of the few industries I'd still encourage someone to start a blog in, lmfao, even in 2024.

/rant over.

Cheers.

 

[Kamil Jurgiel]

I own a DJI drone. I knew nothing about drones and went for DJI. Why? Because it's the most popular, versatile, highest-rated drone brand.

I generally support big ambitions but it just doesn't seem realistic to compete with them. Those who buy cheap drones have endless options. Those who are looking for quality are not looking for the best deal but the best drone for their needs, so they are unlikely to pick an unknown brand with seemingly the same capabilities even if it's cheaper.

DJI also has a huge selection of upgrades and parts from non-DJI-affiliated brands, maybe that's something you could consider. Sell parts and upgrades? Either retail from an established manufacturer or produce your part. Creating a new kind of propeller seems more viable than a drone.

It is also an idea thx

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Kamil Jurgiel]

I feel your idea can theoretically work, but it's such a wide space that it feels like you're taking the most difficult approach to getting into the drone industry.

100% this.

I've wanted to get into drones for so long, if nothing other than for the fact they're cool af. But even with how massive the industry has become over the last handful of years, there's still a ton of room for innovation, improvement, and outright content.

I know a guy that runs a small marketing company in my area. All he does is use drones to capture video/pictures to use for the Google Street Tour thing for businesses. I don't know the specific numbers behind what he does, but I know it's a 7 figure business. There are so many use applications for drones, spread across literally every other industry. I firmly believe drones have next to 0 ceiling.

This is one of the few industries I'd still encourage someone to start a blog in, lmfao, even in 2024.

/rant over.

Cheers.

Do you have any links to his company's website or something to learn more about it?

 

[NervesOfSteel]

That's such a lazy approach to a revolutionary technology. Sure, it's theoretically possible to find a manufacturer and take over sales for them, but do you have the knowledge and budget to complete with DJI? Otherwise, you're looking at crappy supermarket drones that can fly 50 meters/not many feet.

Instead, I'd explore the full range of popular brands like DJI drones. For example, their agriculture line is a massive opportunity. Become the leading distributor of that in a specific area - sell them, rent them, offer them as a service, sell training, sell parts.

In my country, there's just 1 company selling agricultural DJI drones (likely an exclusive agreement). If in my country agriculture generates a few billion a year (with only 2M population), it's definitely a unique opportunity with huge potential. That's just one example, drones have more uses.

If I didn't have 1000 other projects, I'd do this.

DJI is a Chinese company and can be easily challenged on price points because they attract 25%-30% custom/Import duty/taxes. The local manufacture will always have a massive advantage!

Finding a manufacturer is indeed the weakest and most challenging part of the idea.

That's the easiest part. The hardest part is developing your prototype, followed by Branding and Marketing!

 

[Devilery]

DJI is a Chinese company and can be easily challenged on price points because they attract 25%-30% custom/Import duty/taxes. The local manufacture will always have a massive advantage!






That's the easiest part. The hardest part is developing your prototype, followed by Branding and Marketing!

My point was (subjective, of course) I wouldn't buy something that is a 1:1 match to DJI with a different name for 25-30% cheaper.

As I said before, with a $100 budget for a drone you're looking at the best you can get for $100. Brand doesn't matter, whichever flies further works.

With a budget of $1000 or more, I'd get what's known as the leader in the industry rather than hope that the 30% cheaper competitor is just as good.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[NervesOfSteel]

My point was (subjective, of course) I wouldn't buy something that is a 1:1 match to DJI with a different name for 25-30% cheaper.

As I said before, with a $100 budget for a drone you're looking at the best you can get for $100. Brand doesn't matter, whichever flies further works.

With a budget of $1000 or more, I'd get what's known as the leader in the industry rather than hope that the 30% cheaper competitor is just as good.

The local manufacturer will often beat the imported "leader" on any given day regarding after-sales service/repair/ upgrade! And, this is not limited to the drone industry.

Reliability and low-cost maintenance always win in the long run!