It’s an interesting proposal, due to my lack of that kind of capital I’m not an investor, but I’ll offer some of my thoughts and opinions on the idea:
From a business point of view I think you first would need to identify your customer base, who will your customers be?
Likening with these designs internally (Acebeam, Nitecore, Klarus etc.) means your target customer would be flashaholics. You mentioned “tactical, search and rescue” styles, so you would target LE / search & rescue personnel? That may be a tough sell, I would see them more wanting pure “function” with modern “Tactical” looking styles, rather than “fashion” of the vintage styles.
So maybe just Flashaholics? Can your customers be the regular joe homeowner etc? Yes maybe so, but using the higher end flashlight internals, since the lights will be expensive, you will need customers with “expendable” incomes who will also buy into the “nostalgia” look, which would be a very limited “niche” customer base in comparison to selling regular styled flashlights. I’m not saying it’s a bad idea or anything, just what to consider. There are surely several companies making expensive, high end, custom machined, hand assembled flashlights that sell.
To start up a flashlight company making this many styles and configurations, all with vintage nostalgic styling instead of the usual bodies would require a seriously huge investment, that would impose serious risk. My recommendation would be to start with one or two models and test the market.
Maybe do a poll on BLF just for fun to see how many like the idea.
Are you located in the USA?
After drawing up / drafting the designs you would need to decide:
1. How will the bodies be made?
Contract a machine shop locally to make them? (very expensive per body, but less quantity purchase required)
or
Have the bodies made off shore in China? (less cost per body but large investment because of required minimum quantities)
2. Chrome plating? Those vintage flashlights were mostly made of tin, but you would need aluminum then a plating process added to resemble the bright chrome.
3. Who will make the internal parts and who will assemble the lights? (Choices are similar to above)
4. Who will make the packaging, labels, manuals etc.? And who will package the products? Brand etching, logos?
5. What sales channels to set up? (Amazon) (Ebay) (Website)
6. How will you market the product? What advertising? Promotions? (Social media, blogs, forums etc)
7. Who will do the actual shipping? (need shipping cartons, bubble wrap, labels, etc) * Avoid all this with Amazon FBA * (just send them the products)
8. Customer Support. Plus all of the business aspects such as bookeeping, banking, taxes, etc. etc.
And I’m sure there’s plenty more to consider.
Also these are just my (one persons) non professional opinions. Ignore anything you don’t agree with and by all means pursue your dreams regardless of what myself or anyone else says. Motivation, enthusiasm, persistence and pure passion for your idea and product is what will make you successful above anything else. Surround yourself with others who share your vision and just go for it.
