Renting a storefront need advice

[IceDigger]

So I am finally taking the plunge of renting out a storefront rather then working from home. I figure business will go up alot this way. Alot people that call me don't feel comfortable dropping their computers off at someones home and thus I don't get alot of business because of that.

Any advice out there about doing this? What do I have to look for or look out for in renting a storefront.

I have been in business for 6 years working out of my house for computer handyman work. Thought its time I took the next step

Wish me luck!

[Bill Burkholder]

Jim you may want to contact Bob Weiss. He's a wealth of knowledge .....

[RichRog]

If you do repair work and make house calls, why would you want to absorb the extra cost of renting a storefront? If my computer needed repair, I would rather have you come to the house rather than disconnecting my equipment and hauling it to your store then picking it up and re-connecting it. By working out of your house, you can keep your pricing competitive and you may just need to do a little advertising to increase your business.

[Rick and Arleen Ball]

I agree with Rich 100%.
Why in the world would you want to absorb the extra expense of a storefront business.
You'll definitley need a nighttime job to cover your rent and pay for that new Vette.

[IceDigger]

Should have mentioned this but I don't want to just do computer repair but alot of other stuff like a lan gamming/internet cafe type thing. I have big dreams :)

Stuff I will need a storefront or warehouse for.

[C5pilot]

I agree with Rich 100%.
Why in the world would you want to absorb the extra expense of a storefront business.
You'll definitely need a nighttime job to cover your rent and pay for that new Vette.

I agree 100% with Rick (who agreed 100% with Rich). People need a competitive tech who will make house calls. Most people fear the setup enough to pay someone willing to do it. Remember Geek Squad? That's how they started. BestBuy knew they could hurt sales but would be an asset if they could control it. How is Geek Squad inside their stores ANY different from their old in-house repair center? It's the perception that the techs can actually fix something instead of selling new. BestBuy will eventually assimilate Geek Squad and continue selling new hardware to replace otherwise repairable (and often superior) hardware.

Unless you're willing to compete with BestBuy and CompUSA (neither of which has customers drop off computers at their parents house :rolleyes: ), leave the retail sales to them. Many people would choose to fix their existing computer, if it meant less file transfers and less software reinstallation of buying a new one, but most importantly, they don't want to be responsible for setup. A new system comes with a warranty and 24hr tech support to ask how something gets plugged in. But they'd pay someone to do it for them!

As for a LAN/Gaming Café??? Who knows, kids/teens/young adults seem to have more liquid assets than their parents these days. But will it be enough to sustain a retail store? My stepson Tyler goes to a place called Infinite Quest on occasion which charges $3/hr. It's just a hole-in-the-wall location with low rent, so it's possible. But remember, you'll be competing for the same money that kids are saving for the next Halo3, which they can play on-line at home for as long as they want for "free".

As always, good luck with whatever you choose to do (or not do).

[IceDigger]

Should have mentioned this above but I do make housecalls already. I have had my computer handyman business for 6.5 years now so I have a very good client base. I provide something the other big chains don't which is a personal touch and 10 years of experience to the computer field.

Makes it easier for me and the client if they have a place to drop the computer off to if they don't want me comming to their house.

If I can find a cheap place around $500/m or less that would be great.

[Bob Weiss]

Jim,

I might be able to help you with a location or just give you a few pointers on leasing, Etc.

I am a real estate Broker with over 30 years experience and have a leasing company in addition to my real estate sales business.

I will be at the membership meeting or you can call me at my office. 215-379-2002

Bob Weiss

[IceDigger]

I really need to send in my ccdv re-registration.

Thanks Bob.

[92RAGTOP]

Dang Jim owning a gaming cafe would be like baby sitting a gaggle of spoiled brats 7 days a week,;ac ugh! If you just want a professional location for drop off and pick up why not put that $500 per month that your'e willing to spend on an addition to your house, a nice sign and widen your driveway (if zoning permits it).

[hcvone]

Working out of your home has great tax advantages, talk to your accountant first and see what is best for you, that is why I sell from home. ;)