...buying your RV and related tools and such. Perhaps this topic already exists as a thread but I'll start new ![Wink ;) ;)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
1. For those big purchases from Vans or tool suppliers, you probably use a credit card with cash-back or travel miles. I found a Citibank Card that offers 5% cash back the first 3 months (1% thereafter). Since one can easily spend $20,000 to $30,000 in the startup period with QB kits and tooling up, it's worth the slight trouble of applying for another credit card like this one. Although my card came with a $6000 limit, they don't seem to mind if I pay extra to the card, temporarily generating a credit (positive) balance just before a big purchase, and then still giving me 5% cash back.
2. Buy used quality tools. Sure, not a revelation, just a reminder that good used tools can be had from eBay or asking on VAF's classified ads forum. Is eBay trustworthy? All I can say is that over several years, buying about 15 items from very different vendors (US, Hong Kong, Singapore) I've never had a problem. So far, from eBay or VAF's classifieds, I've bought a used Avery C-Frame, Sioux drill, and pneumatic rivet squeezer. I'll also probably buy a used rivet gun and other tools.
3. Buy new cheap tools. Nearby Sacramento has a Harbor Freight and it's a hoot to wander the aisles looking at the cheap stuff. Problem is I always load up a basket or shopping cart with items of marginal use. But for things where high quality is not important, the cheap stuff can serve and save you money.
1. For those big purchases from Vans or tool suppliers, you probably use a credit card with cash-back or travel miles. I found a Citibank Card that offers 5% cash back the first 3 months (1% thereafter). Since one can easily spend $20,000 to $30,000 in the startup period with QB kits and tooling up, it's worth the slight trouble of applying for another credit card like this one. Although my card came with a $6000 limit, they don't seem to mind if I pay extra to the card, temporarily generating a credit (positive) balance just before a big purchase, and then still giving me 5% cash back.
2. Buy used quality tools. Sure, not a revelation, just a reminder that good used tools can be had from eBay or asking on VAF's classified ads forum. Is eBay trustworthy? All I can say is that over several years, buying about 15 items from very different vendors (US, Hong Kong, Singapore) I've never had a problem. So far, from eBay or VAF's classifieds, I've bought a used Avery C-Frame, Sioux drill, and pneumatic rivet squeezer. I'll also probably buy a used rivet gun and other tools.
3. Buy new cheap tools. Nearby Sacramento has a Harbor Freight and it's a hoot to wander the aisles looking at the cheap stuff. Problem is I always load up a basket or shopping cart with items of marginal use. But for things where high quality is not important, the cheap stuff can serve and save you money.
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