I have a question regarding opening a storefront selling all things soaps, lip gloss, shampoos, etc. Does anyone out there have experience with a brick and mortor store - Is it worth the investment or do most people just sell online and at fairs/markets?
Opening a Storefront
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nursenancy
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That really depends on alot of things - location, overhead, etc.
I have a really tiny shop. My location is one of the best in a fairly busy (but seasonal) tourist area. My rent is very reasonable. It's tough - I do not expect to ever make a living from my shop. I still work full time as a nurse.
I don't have any employees. Sometimes my son watches the shop for me, but employees open up a whole new can of worms, IMO.
It's a big commitment, for sure.
I have a really tiny shop. My location is one of the best in a fairly busy (but seasonal) tourist area. My rent is very reasonable. It's tough - I do not expect to ever make a living from my shop. I still work full time as a nurse.
I don't have any employees. Sometimes my son watches the shop for me, but employees open up a whole new can of worms, IMO.
It's a big commitment, for sure.
I had a storefront for 3 1/2 years. We own a 2 story, 100 year old building on a quaint town square. We live in a portion of the building so it made sense to opena shop in the front. Playing shop was fun for about the 1st year. After that it was a chore. I made the schedule, but it was posted on the door. If it said M-F 9a-5p, that meant I was tied to the location whether anyone was out shopping that day or not. I missed so much in those years. I did not make enough to hire anyone to help me. It was not worth it for me.
I can tell you, if you open a storefront, you might want to co-op some of the space. Maybe if you could find a few other people with handmade items, they could pay small rent fees & maybe even work 1 day a week as part of the agreement. That might help off set some of the cost & relieve your time. Also offering classes can boost your traffic, sales and income. Even if it was just kids classes making lipbalms or M&P. You would need to check w/ your insurance though on that.
I can tell you, if you open a storefront, you might want to co-op some of the space. Maybe if you could find a few other people with handmade items, they could pay small rent fees & maybe even work 1 day a week as part of the agreement. That might help off set some of the cost & relieve your time. Also offering classes can boost your traffic, sales and income. Even if it was just kids classes making lipbalms or M&P. You would need to check w/ your insurance though on that.
Deda
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Not too sure about opening a storefront, but DH and I are looking at commercial warehouse/office space.
Our plan is that DH leave his job as soon as youngest DS finishes his undergrad degree. That should be less than 2 years. Then he'll go into business for himself full time.
If we buy a building or warehouse space we can share. Part for his HVAC business and a soaping/shipping/staging area for me. Office space can be dual duty.
We talked about including a storefront. But have pretty much decided it's not the direction we want to grow. We owned a skateboard shop when the older kids were in high-school, it required being there all the time. We used to keep a dining table in the back so we could at least have our meals together. I think expanding my wholesale/website sales makes more sense for us.
Plus, I can help him and he can help me.
Our plan is that DH leave his job as soon as youngest DS finishes his undergrad degree. That should be less than 2 years. Then he'll go into business for himself full time.
If we buy a building or warehouse space we can share. Part for his HVAC business and a soaping/shipping/staging area for me. Office space can be dual duty.
We talked about including a storefront. But have pretty much decided it's not the direction we want to grow. We owned a skateboard shop when the older kids were in high-school, it required being there all the time. We used to keep a dining table in the back so we could at least have our meals together. I think expanding my wholesale/website sales makes more sense for us.
Plus, I can help him and he can help me.
nursenancy
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This is my next move. I have a friend who makes jewelry, candleholders etc that wants to go in w/ me. We would split up the time in the shop and go halves on all rent & utilities. But we would move to a larger space.
Deda
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Rent. Exactly why I'd buy business space.
There are times when it's prudent to rent. But when it comes to small businesses most of the time it's a better deal in the long run to own the property your working out of.
Have you worked out the numbers? I'd suggest you talk to a CPA and get some advice relevant to your particular situation.
There are times when it's prudent to rent. But when it comes to small businesses most of the time it's a better deal in the long run to own the property your working out of.
Have you worked out the numbers? I'd suggest you talk to a CPA and get some advice relevant to your particular situation.
I don't even sell yet ...laugh..but my big long term dream is to have a shopfront. I envisage it every single day..... see the dream....be the dream....
Maybe one day.
I've owned a hairdressing salon in past years & must say though having to be there ALL the time is probably the hardest part of a shopfront business.
I like Dedas thoughts of the warehouse/factory style set up would work good. selling at Expos/fairs etc always work good.
Maybe one day.
I've owned a hairdressing salon in past years & must say though having to be there ALL the time is probably the hardest part of a shopfront business.
I like Dedas thoughts of the warehouse/factory style set up would work good. selling at Expos/fairs etc always work good.
NancyRogers
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Deda said:
My Hubby owns his own HVAC business. It's a lot of work for him (and paperwork for me), but it's a good business. Best of luck to you both. A warehouse would be cool.
Deda
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Nancy, I agree with the work part! DH does a fair amount of work for himself now, while still keeping a regular paycheck and benefits (not to mention that 401K match). Keeping the books for his 'sidework' can be more of a job than the books for my own business.
I opened my storefront last fall. Still in the first year and what I like about it is that I have the ability to focus 100% of my day to my business. I find that right now it is deadly slow for walk-in traffic but by being able to put all my focus on my business I am growing both my wholesale and on-line sales significantly.
It is hard to be so tied to the store, I'm open Tuesday - Saturdays 10 - 5 but I do love being self-employed (done that in the past) and I love what I am doing. It really is a give and take, but I figure if I was working for someone else I would be just as limited, okay making more money, but still as limited on my time.
It is hard to be so tied to the store, I'm open Tuesday - Saturdays 10 - 5 but I do love being self-employed (done that in the past) and I love what I am doing. It really is a give and take, but I figure if I was working for someone else I would be just as limited, okay making more money, but still as limited on my time.
I tried that self-employed working from home.... way too easy for me to get distracted. I need the structure of leaving the house every morning and going to work..... There are way too many distractions at home for me.... :shock:Similar threads
