Tim,
As a former small business owner myself, the biggest piece of advice I can give you is establish a business plan. "Those who fail to plan, plan to fail." I recieved that piece of advice from a friend when I was considering opening my own business. It was a small residential fencing business, and it did well. Look at your competitors, do some research, and most importantly, treat your customers well. The internet suggestion is a good one. Less overhead. You mentioned your health, yep you need to make time for you. Make time for your family. An hour or even 30 mins a day doing something for your health isn't going to sink a business, or at least it shouldn't. If your not healthy enough to run it it will fail..period. If you have a dream, follow it. Just do a little homework first and take some baby steps. Good luck and keep us posted. "Q"
I ran my business successfully for 2.5 years and had more work than I could handle. I decided to hang it up while I was still healthy and happy. While 2.5 years isn't monumental by any stretch of the imagination, I was happy.

Where i live, there is no "local" hobby shop. I woulsd love one right down the road, but thats not to be.

Anyways, you are doing the right thing by asking first. I may only be a "kid," but it doesnt take a genius to figure out that model builders (young ones anyway) are a rare breed. Kids seem more interested in skateboards, video games, and drugs, rather than models. (at least in my school.) But keep in mind, if you want to open a shop, do it. If that would make you happy, do it. But i reccomend asking a local shop owner what their business is like before you bite the bullet.

So thats my advice, take it for what its worth.

Thanks again everyone for the advice. I think you guys are right about starting at the home. Even though I do want to open the retail store..which I was looking at around a year and half from now.. I think starting out from the basement would be the safest and wisest to do.. not to mention..doing it that way will allow me to get started at least a little quicker.. so perhaps 6 montsh from now I can start my venture.. we're expecting to buy a new house in just a couple of months, so I want to wait till after that.

Don't know if you're looking for financing at all, but I would imagine asking for a loan to expand your business into an actual shop would be easier than trying to get a loan for a straight start up. Heck, depending on where you live (zoning and neighbors) you might eventually construct a steel building for the shop next to your home.

Sounds like you've got a good idea of where you're going.

John

Hobby Shop....Me.

Nope, though when I win the Lotto your gonna see a damn big warehouse open up with every conceivable kit availble. And if I win enough money I won't care if I make a profit 'cause i'll be having fun!

Okay, back to reality now. Driving in snow sucks.

I'm glad your putting alot of research into something like this.

One thing that I keep hearing on different means is that a business started during a rough time economicaly which stays afloat threw the storm will have a much higher chance of succeeding in the long run.

Do the research, business plan, and so forth and good luck to you!


cheers from the sandbox

hI Tim

Good luck to you, the more hobby shops the better I say. The only observations I can give are in the areas of passion and business. A passion about the hobby is one thing and a passion about business is the other. The key is to have enough passion and desire in both areas to make a go of it. If you do, then the business side will take care of the hobby and the hobby side will enhance the business.

I have no doubt about your passion and knowledge when it comes to the hobby side of things. You're a dedicated model builder and I've seen posts of your work...you know what you're talking about. You''l have to ask yoursef if you know enough about the business side of the hobby. Only you can do that. The best hobby shops I've seen are those that have a blend of both in their ownership and management. They are good businesses as well as an advocate for the hobby. They're not just in it for the money.

We're very lucky here in Calgary where I'm from in that we have many good hobby shops with passionate owners and good business backgrounds. The hobby is very well represented here.

Good luck and I hope you make a go of it.

cheers;

Bob

Tim



I own a hobby shop for 13 years now.
It is not in the us, so I can`t give you any info about how the buisness is up there.

Being a modeller is perfect for having a hobby shop. but the buisness comes first.
It is all good to start from the basment, but that is not gonna work in the long run.
making a buisness plan is far better then " start at the basment an see from there"

Do it the right way or dont do it at all.
Many modellers have ask me how it is to having a shop and being a modeller..
It easy my work is my hobby!!
But the hobby is 24/7 7 day`s a week...
keep that in mind.

But you need to share it with your customers as well.
"If your good, they are happy to pay you good"
There is no way in ### a online shop coult win it from a shop du to it personal contact.

Also be aware that a great deal from armorama are tip top shape builders!
many of them buy everything from al over the world.
Not very important for a shop.
Its the locals that brings the money by a visit to your shop!!
that why that with only plastic kits or/and PE your not gonna make it.

The local guy want a car or a electric car or gascar or a plane or a boot!!
or sometimes a plastic kit.
And he has no idea what PE means....................
the local guy pay`s the bill, not the tip top shap builders.

Dont rent place....buy , get your plans right talk to alot of guy`s who have a shop..
If you got the money (and papers) to start, and still have a good feeling

go for it.

good luck
chris

thanks guys for the great tips. If things I have in motion all fall together.. and the planets align for me just right.. then I may be able to get started earlier than I thought.. but it will have to start from the basement..I just dont have the means to buy a shop right now, nor be able to stock one. But its my goal..baby steps.. I need to crawl before I run

Tim,
Best of luck on your venture. Keep your pricing reasonable and I'm sure you will have many customers.
Cheers,
Charles