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12 Replies Last post: Dec 11, 2007 2:19 AM by Lighthouse24

What should I start first, a home business or get a location at a shopping center or near a highway?

Sep 8, 2007 5:58 AM

PC PHIXER 7 posts since
Aug 8, 2007

I was wondering what should I do first start a company at my home, but how and are their different guide lines and rules or should i find a location and start their whats the difference?

Tags: homebusiness, foodservice.customers, start, shopping, location Report as inappropriate

LUCKIEST 7,935 posts since
Aug 6, 2007

1. Re: What should I start first, a home business or get a location at a shopping center or near a highway? Sep 9, 2007 9:57 AM

That is a great question and the answer would require knowing more about you.
What kind of a home business?? What will you be selling??
Do you need customers to come into a store and see and feel the product??
What is your background like age, education and work experience.??
SCORE suggests you write a BUSINESS PLAN.
\Do you have the FUNDS to rent a location??
Good luck, LUCKIEST

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grillman 1 posts since
Sep 5, 2007

2. Re: What should I start first, a home business or get a location at a shopping center or near a highway? Sep 10, 2007 2:17 PM

There are a lot of costs associated with getting a separate business location other than the rent, so my recommendation would be to start with a home business if you can logistically run and market your business from your home. In addition to rent for space, there are also additional on-going costs like electric, phone, etc. Plus, there are "set-up" costs for your office, such as signs, furniture, decor, etc. Those costs aren't trival and can really add up in a hurry. If you are just getting started and you don't think that foot or drive-by traffic will be your major source of customer leads, then I would suggest starting a home-based business first to keep costs low. But if you need to interact with customers face-to-face, then you'll definately need a business location.

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CarClosers 1 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

3. Re: What should I start first, a home business or get a location at a shopping center or near a highway? Oct 10, 2007 11:00 AM

Try a vitual office first http://www.hq.com

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AustinIT 3 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

4. Re: What should I start first, a home business or get a location at a shopping center or near a highway? Oct 10, 2007 12:25 PM

I see your member name is "PC PHIXER", I started a PC repair business out of my garage that has flourished for 3 years now. I thought people would find it strange to come to my home and do business with me from my garage, but was surprised to see that people really do not mind, in fact, many like the idea of doing business with a small, independent "local".

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DomainDiva 1,732 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

5. Re: What should I start first, a home business or get a location at a shopping center or near a highway? Oct 10, 2007 1:05 PM

Hi PC-P, I read your profile first to get a better understanding of what you may be trying to accomplish.

Retail space is expensive...remember the adage..location...location...location? The better the location...the higher price per square foot. Add utilities AND a business phone AND internet access and you may just be biting off more than you can chew.

Believe it or not....savvy people LIKE doing business with the small, home shop, self employed person. Our dog groomer converted her garage into a doggie salon and sent out flyers all over the zip code and guess what? Her business is growing..and she is close.

Location...location...location? How about being conveniently located in your home for all of your neighbors in the same zip code. How about making house calls as well?

Advertise your business and skills and set aside a place in your home for nothing but your PC repair business. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Good Luck....wish you were MY neighbor!

DomainDiva

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january31 3 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

6. Re: What should I start first, a home business or get a location at a shopping center or near a highway? Oct 10, 2007 1:18 PM

in response to: DomainDiva

I am currently producing my clothing lines from my living room. I feel I am cutting a lot of cost and overhead. I also do custom orders which requires the client to come to my location. I have not had any problems yet from my clients. They actually feel they are getting more attention. My goal though is to have a studio when I am in a better position.

I hope this helps.

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NatOnline 670 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

7. Re: What should I start first, a home business or get a location at a shopping center or near a highway? Oct 10, 2007 2:10 PM

Home business can allow you to reduce cost and see if your business has potential growing, that can avoid big mistakes.

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Lighthouse24 2,396 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

8. Re: What should I start first, a home business or get a location at a shopping center or near a highway? Oct 20, 2007 2:04 AM

Lots of good advice here. Have you made a decision yet? The consensus seems to be start at home. I'd agree for your operation. One thing I would add is to update your homeowners or renters policy (or purchase an appropriate rider) so you are covered if customers come to your location, and so you are covered if their property is stolen or damaged while it's in your posssession.

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hvnlycleaner 3 posts since
Oct 16, 2007

9. Re: What should I start first, a home business or get a location at a shopping center or near a highway? Oct 20, 2007 2:26 AM

Hi PC Phixr,
Since you are just starting out I would suggest you start at your home. When you are in commercial space you have to pay rent, utilities and there may be other cost that come with commercial renting. Go to your local town office and get a business license and they can tell you if there are any type of restrictions for this type of home business. Also register your name with your state so no one can operate under your name. I am sure you have already done this. Good luck with your business. I think your choice a great business to get into.

hvnlycleaner

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january31 3 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

10. Re: What should I start first, a home business or get a location at a shopping center or near a highway? Oct 20, 2007 2:25 PM

in response to: Lighthouse24

I totally agree. It's better to play it safe. The only disadvantage of a home business is when you have customers that will not do business with you because they feel that you are not big enough. I am okay with that because when I am big enough to handle more customers I will move to a location. So for ME it balances itself out.

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january31 3 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

11. Re: What should I start first, a home business or get a location at a shopping center or near a highway? Oct 20, 2007 2:28 PM

in response to: NatOnline

Yes!!!! Especially when you aretrying out a new market and you are not sure if your target market will like your produce (designs). Finding out that you have to alter your product will running a location can put you under water.

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Lighthouse24 2,396 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

12. Re: What should I start first, a home business or get a location at a shopping center or near a highway? Dec 11, 2007 2:19 AM

Hi - Just a follow-up . . . was any of our input helpful? What did you decide for your location? Thanks!

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ForumsStarting a Business

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What should I start first, a home business or get a location at a shopping center or near a highway?

Sep 8, 2007 5:58 AM

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