I want to open my own store. Perferably a book store/coffee shop would be my dream. How does one start this or what would be a safer option with low risk selp operated small business?
2006-12-29 03:46:57 · 5 answers · asked by cyclopse_ca 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
I have a degree in Early Childhood Ed, have worked as a preschool teacher, UPS delivery driver, admin asst, personnel/payroll, and more, but I always wanted my own coffee shop, however, w/ Starbucks on every corner in our area, small independents don't do well. I worked at a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for a while to learn the trade, but ended up leaving and opening my open housekeeping business instead. With places like half.com, as well as other bookstores easily accessible on-line, I'd think you'd need to have some kind of specialty to encourage people to come into a bookstore.
Housekeeping business took VERY little money to get started, it was pretty much a nothing to lose situation. I started out with my own vacuum and cleaning supplies, then once I realized it was something I wanted to continue, I expanded from there. I started up over a year ago. My most helpful resource was our local, family owned-operated (20+ yrs) janitor supply store. They spent over an hour with me explaining different products (basically only need 6 cleaning products, plus rags, some special mops, etc, to clean homes) ... they give my name out for referrals, plus current clients give my name out ... no need to pay for advertising. I have more business than I can take on, so I get to pick and choose my clients, I work the schedule I want, and in an area of California where average pay is only about $8-10/hr, I make $25-35/hour depending on how quickly I want to work - I bid the job, not by hour - an average 3bed/2bath, 1200-1500 sq ft house pays about $80.
I didn't get my business license right away because I wanted to make sure I was going to like doing it, but plan on spending at least 1/2 a day at your local government center (I had to go to 3 different departments, plus the newspaper) ... all the permits, etc., cost about $200.
Oh yeah, I don't like cleaning my own home, but it's different cleaning for others, esp when you make a decent hourly wage. It's not a prestigious job, but it allows me the time and income to do lots of fun things. And eventually, maybe I'll expand so that I'll only do the bookkeeping and hire others to do the cleaning ;-)
2006-12-29 03:54:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Book stores and coffeeeshops are actually pretty high risk from market saturation from big retailers (Barnes and Noble, Starbucks). The small book business is dying because of large retailers and the internet.
If you really want a low risk, low overhead store to open and operate, I'd go with a laundermat or a check cashing/payday loan store. They both fit the bill.
2006-12-29 11:52:10 · answer #2 · answered by Tony 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I appreciate that you are thinking low risk... but the thing that will have the least risk for you will be different from me.
Look around town and see what is needed. If the people in your area agree with you and need what you are selling you will not have much risk.
A book store would be great, but that is what you want to do... the buyer is in charge and should determine what business is needed.
2006-12-29 11:50:03 · answer #3 · answered by John Stamos 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sell boxes. I know a guy that does it an he make a good living. You sell them to movig companies, people who are moving, you figure out the rest. I'll need my ten percent of the first years profits before December of next year.
2006-12-29 11:50:44 · answer #4 · answered by e_schwag 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An e-Bay store.
TFTP
2006-12-29 11:55:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋