What is the feasability of a print/laminating shop?

[hendrixfreak70]

I have kicked around the idea of opening up a printing/laminating shop in the area, anywhere around here actually. I know there are a few shops that print and Kinkos is expensive. I work at Camp Shelby doing the same thing and I know their business would be enough for me to retire!!! I know the job, have access to good deals on equipment, and think I could make a go of it. What do you guys think?

[Aphrodite]

Would you be able to make signs and stuff like that too?

[hendrixfreak70]

Would you be able to make signs and stuff like that too?


The potential is there, yes. I would have a colored plotter that would take a regular 8.5x 11 piece of paper and turn into something along the lines of a 2.5 foot by 3 foot piece of paper colored. Then put it on a piece of plasti-core (which is the corragated posterboard for political yard signs and stuff).

[BiGCoUnTrY06]

go for it

[mac]

There are more than a few places doing that. Besides Kinko's, there's Copy Cats, there's the place in Petal (can't think of the name), there's a place on 49 across from FGH, and there's Bourne Printing. I'm not a business expert, but I would think that printing services are a need that is already being met.

[hendrixfreak70]

I have priced all the equipment and stuff and it would be about 80K for all the equipment and material. Not bad at all. The space would likely cost way more than that.

[hendrixfreak70]

There are more than a few places doing that. Besides Kinko's, there's Copy Cats, there's the place in Petal (can't think of the name), there's a place on 49 across from FGH, and there's Bourne Printing. I'm not a business expert, but I would think that printing services are a need that is already being met.

At work I have a 3 foot laminater. I know Kinkos doesnt have one of those. They also prolly don't have a stencil maker either. Kinkos is outrageously priced too. I would undercut them in price easily.

[Aphrodite]

Yeah, well I would also think that cheesburgers are a need that has been met a long time ago, yet people still make a killing every year when they open yet another burger place!

If you can make your store stand out from the rest (and I think you of all people can do that) go for it!

[mac]

Yeah, well I would also think that cheesburgers are a need that has been met a long time ago, yet people still make a killing every year when they open yet another burger place!

If you can make your store stand out from the rest (and I think you of all people can do that) go for it!

True, but cheeseburgers can be done lots of different ways. And we're a nation of fat asses. :laugh: If I could eat a laminated poster, I'd say go for it.

[Aphrodite]

And the more you stray from the basic recipe of a burger, the nastier it gets!

[hendrixfreak70]

Actually I have a 4.5 foot laminater at work!! That's even bigger!!

[Conveyor Belt]

If you're looking at college students for customers, you're going to have to undercut the campus print shop. Their rates are pretty reasonable.

You'd have to really make it affordable to make me drive over to you to get a job done.

[hendrixfreak70]

If you're looking at college students for customers, you're going to have to undercut the campus print shop. Their rates are pretty reasonable.

You'd have to really make it affordable to make me drive over to you to get a job done.


Well, what if I delivered? And undercut the price to boot? There wouldn't be a demographic that I wouldn't want to access.

[Conveyor Belt]

Well, what if I delivered? And undercut the price to boot? There wouldn't be a demographic that I wouldn't want to access.

A lot of things on campus have to be run through the print shop, if I'm not mistaken. Also, it's just so convenient. Just pop over there and get your stuff run and you're done. And the ladies are really nice in there...

It's been a few months since I had anything printed off there, but they beat kinko's price by a few cents per page.

You can't beat their location, either.

[hendrixfreak70]

I probably should list the things I have:

Two 12" laminaters (one is 10 mm, one is 3 mm)

54" laminater

Stencil maker

Combind machine (that makes 19 ring binders for books and stuff)


Printer that hole punches, staples, makes booklets, and collates.

Plotter that enlarges documents.

A trimmer that trims all the laminate.

Two computers attached to printers.

Plasticore, foamcore (for political yard signs).

Scanner.

Grommets. (for hanging signs and stuff).

[marion]

There are more than a few places doing that. Besides Kinko's, there's Copy Cats, there's the place in Petal (can't think of the name), there's a place on 49 across from FGH, and there's Bourne Printing. I'm not a business expert, but I would think that printing services are a need that is already being met.

I don't know. I've needed several small things lately that I needed done and none of my options were really convient. Keep in mind I live in Petal and I'm not just talking ONLY about copying. Hendrix, would you being doing other things besides copying? Much like what Kinko's does but a bit cheaper on the copies. Being open late is a big deal too, at least for me, but not so sure how it would do in Petal.

For example, the other day I needed to fax something. After checking out my options, Kinko's was cheaper, believe it or not, and more convient as far as when they were open. It was, however, not convient as far as having to drive all the way across town.

I also had something I needed to send priority mail. I went specifically to the PO on 40th because the lobby has always been open at all hours of the night and they have the self-mailer/checkout. Apparently, that's recently changed and the lobby closes at 6:00 now. All I needed was someone to weigh my package and put a stamp on it. By the time I got to H'burg it was after 10:00 and all the mailing places were closed. I tried Kinko's and was going to send FedEx (po'd at the PO by then anyway) but they can't send to PO boxes. This was the same night of that pretty big storm and I had to drive from all the way over there back to Petal. I finally discovered that I can print postage from home without having to have labels so that was finally solved, but it had been a major hassle.

Then, the other day I needed plain old b&w copies of something that was around 20 pages. With something that simple, I certainly didn't want to pay too much per page. My first thought was the USM Copy Center, however it closes at 5:00 and of course it was after 5:00. I ended up at the USM Library although it wasn't exactly my first choice because the machines there don't have a feeder so I had to copy each page one by one.

So, if you ask me, there definitely is a need on this side of H'burg for a place like what I described above. I don't know of anywhere in Petal that does that, although I could be overlooking something. I do agree with mac though that if you are just doing printing, there's probably not much need for it.....

[hendrixfreak70]

I don't know. I've needed several small things lately that I needed done and none of my options were really convient. Keep in mind I live in Petal and I'm not just talking ONLY about copying. Hendrix, would you being doing other things besides copying? Much like what Kinko's does but a bit cheaper on the copies. Being open late is a big deal too, at least for me, but no so sure how it would do in Petal.

For example, the other day I needed to fax something. After checking out my options, Kinko's was cheaper, believe it or not, and more convient as far as when they were open. It was, however, not convient as far as having to drive all the way across town.

I also had something I needed to send priority mail. I went specifically to the PO on 40th because the lobby has always been open at all hours of the night and they have the self-mailer/checkout. Apparently, that's recently changed and the lobby closes at 6:00 now. All I needed was someone to weigh my package and put a stamp on it. By the time I got to H'burg it was after 10:00 and all the mailing places were closed. I tried Kinko's and was going to send FedEx (po'd at the PO by then anyway) but they can't send to PO boxes. This was the same night of that pretty big storm and I had to drive from all the way over there back to Petal. I finally discovered that I can print postage from home without having to have labels so that was finally solved, but it had been a major hassle.

Then, the other day I needed plain old b&w copies of something that was around 20 pages. With something that simple, I certainly didn't want to pay too much per page. My first thought was the USM Copy Center, however it closes at 5:00 and of course it was after 5:00. I ended up at the USM Library although it wasn't exactly my first choice because the machines there don't have a feeder so I had to copy each page one by one.

So, if you ask me, there definitely is a need on this side of H'burg for a place like what I described above. I don't know of anywhere in Petal that does that, although I could be overlooking something. I do agree with mac though that if you are just doing printing, there's probably not much need for it.....

Thanks for your insightful post, Marion. Yes, I would do more than printing. I could be a mailing center, laminating center, and deliver. I posted above what all I have at my current shop paid for by my company at Camp Shelby. Business there is so magnificent the wife wouldn't have to work nor would I if I had the equivalent on the civilian side. I know for a fact I would beat Kinkos' prices easily and undercut the others because I have sort of an inside track on material.

[hendrixfreak70]

Also, if I opened a shop up, I would cater to the needs of my customers. Even if that means staying open late, as late as needed.

[hendrixfreak70]

Anyone know of any commercial property for sale around the area?

[ynotme297]

I'm almost positive there is nothing like that in Petal. The way Petal is growing, you may do well to set up there. There are several places for rent/sale that I could tell you about. Just p.m. me.

[wilebill]

I would undercut them in price easily.

That's probably the famous last words of most businesses that fail.

Seriously, that sort of business plan is probably not the best one - to beat everybody on price. It can work and there are some notable examples of it. But for the most part those businesses looking to beat everybody on price don't last.

Initially you may have to have lower prices to lure people in the door but afterwards I'd try to have the same price as everyone else but offer something better than them, whether it's products, services or both.

Make sure to have at least 6 months of capital to live off of as money will flow out a whole lot and in very slowly. And regardless of whether you make a profit or not, the tax man will still want some money.

Good luck!

[Rainey]

That's probably the famous last words of most businesses that fail.

Seriously, that sort of business plan is probably not the best one - to beat everybody on price. It can work and there are some notable examples of it. But for the most part those businesses looking to beat everybody on price don't last.

Initially you may have to have lower prices to lure people in the door but afterwards I'd try to have the same price as everyone else but offer something better than them, whether it's products, services or both.

Make sure to have at least 6 months of capital to live off of as money will flow out a whole lot and in very slowly. And regardless of whether you make a profit or not, the tax man will still want some money.

Good luck!

*gulp* :smt086

[hendrixfreak70]

That's probably the famous last words of most businesses that fail.

Seriously, that sort of business plan is probably not the best one - to beat everybody on price. It can work and there are some notable examples of it. But for the most part those businesses looking to beat everybody on price don't last.

Initially you may have to have lower prices to lure people in the door but afterwards I'd try to have the same price as everyone else but offer something better than them, whether it's products, services or both.

Make sure to have at least 6 months of capital to live off of as money will flow out a whole lot and in very slowly. And regardless of whether you make a profit or not, the tax man will still want some money.

Good luck!


The thing is, I wouldn't quit my job at all. I make really well at Camp Shelby and also do other things on the side for dough. I would likely have the little lady run the spot for us (the work wouldn't be hard) and her mother could help. Material would be cheap because I got a buddy that could hook me up with it for cheap. I know with Kinkos being a franchise, they have a relatively set price. I would surely be able to undercut them but maybe not the other homegrown business. I agree that a combination of goods and services would be the deal breaker. Thanks for the insight Wile!!!

[Rainey]

The thing is, I wouldn't quit my job at all. I make really well at Camp Shelby and also do other things on the side for dough. I would likely have the little lady run the spot for us (the work wouldn't be hard) and her mother could help. Material would be cheap because I got a buddy that could hook me up with it for cheap. I know with Kinkos being a franchise, they have a relatively set price. I would surely be able to undercut them but maybe not the other homegrown business. I agree that a combination of goods and services would be the deal breaker. Thanks for the insight Wile!!!

We were talking last night.. albeit jokingly. Research is key. Also, doing everything as cost effectively as you can. You are a smart guy, so I think if you can put enough time and effort into it will be successful. However, you are going to be stressed out big time when you are working full time and trying to get it off the ground. I know Sarah will be there to help you, but it's still going to be hard. Good luck friend if you choose to do this!

[Fantom]

Not trying to discourage you, but a few things to think about.

1. $80k don't seem like alot, but be sure you have the capitol to pay the payments on this (assuming you don't have $80k laying around) and the rest of your overhead. (Rent, utilities, advertising, payroll & ect.) for several months while you grow your business.

2. Be prepared to work cheap at first, to get your foot in door with businesses.

3. If you decide to try and get contracts at Camp Shelby, or other government contracts, be prepared to wait on your money, sometimes 60 to 90 days, before you get paid. (if your lucky, lol)

4. It ain't easy getting a business started!!
Owning your own business is alot of work, lots of long hours, & sleepless nights, but in the end it can be very rewarding.

Hell, all I have is a high school education, & I do pretty good. I'm not rich by any means, but there's no way I could earn what I earn with just a high school education.

Been self employed for 23 years.

[hendrixfreak70]

We were talking last night.. albeit jokingly. Research is key. Also, doing everything as cost effectively as you can. You are a smart guy, so I think if you can put enough time and effort into it will be successful. However, you are going to be stressed out big time when you are working full time and trying to get it off the ground. I know Sarah will be there to help you, but it's still going to be hard. Good luck friend if you choose to do this!


Alcohol is a silly thing isn't it!! Well, stress is rarely an issue, and with me being fiscally conservative (and having an inside track to material which would be a huge chunk of overhead) I think it could work. I just wonder about the feasibility of it all. Ynotme says that Petal hasn't a place like that and it is growing too. Perhaps that's the ticket? :smt102

[Rainey]

Alcohol is a silly thing isn't it!! Well, stress is rarely an issue, and with me being fiscally conservative (and having an inside track to material which would be a huge chunk of overhead) I think it could work. I just wonder about the feasibility of it all. Ynotme says that Petal hasn't a place like that and it is growing too. Perhaps that's the ticket? :smt102

As school projects get more elaborate and elaborate and with Petal's high standard for education it might be a market that could be worth it.

[hendrixfreak70]

Not trying to discourage you, but a few things to think about.
No such a creature as discouragement!! Just a little constructive outlook!
1. $80k don't seem like alot, but be sure you have the capitol to pay the payments on this (assuming you don't have $80k laying around) and the rest of your overhead. (Rent, utilities, advertising, payroll & ect.) for several months while you grow your business.

Definitely
2. Be prepared to work cheap at first, to get your foot in door with businesses.
You got it!

3. If you decide to try and get contracts at Camp Shelby, or other government contracts, be prepared to wait on your money, sometimes 60 to 90 days, before you get paid. (if your lucky, lol)

Lol. I already got that sewn up at Shelby, I do this a my job anyway so there wouldn't be any hope of getting a contract out there as my company already has it!!

4. It ain't easy getting a business started!!
Owning your own business is alot of work, lots of long hours, & sleepless nights, but in the end it can be very rewarding.

I have always been told to be prepared not to make any profit for 5 years, which is fine as long as I break even during that time. I have a great job already I just want to expand upon what I already know in the civilian sector.

Hell, all I have is a high school education, & I do pretty good. I'm not rich by any means, but there's no way I could earn what I earn with just a high school education.


Lemme get a loan outcha!!!
Been self employed for 23 years.


Hopefully I can get the hook up and be successful!!

[Fantom]

"Lemme get a loan outcha!!! "

Talk to me after I get my two kids out of college!!!

My Daughter just started a few days ago

My Son is four years behind her

Then my new Harley.

Check back in say 2020!!!

[Conveyor Belt]

I'm not sure Petal is the right place for this.

Petal is a place to live. It's slowly becoming a place to work, but it's not a huge business center.

Most of what high school kids need they can print off at home or get a teacher to run some copies for them.

Not saying you wouldn't have any customers in Petal, only that you might be more successful somewhere else.

[hendrixfreak70]

Richard, I see you lurkin. What you tinkst?

[marion]

Seems like there may have been a place like this in Petal across from the library several years ago (Mailboxes etc or something like that). It obviously didn't make it, if I'm remembering correctly and I could be thinking about something else. However, that was several years ago and Petal has changed quite a bit since then. You might want to look into it though.

[drake]

I'll work for you. I hate my job.

[hendrixfreak70]

I'll work for you. I hate my job.


I hear ya!! I would need someone to run it!! Thing is, if it was successful, I wouldn't be one of those bosses that paid minimum wage. Im talking like 40K or more. Especially if I added a graphics design type thing to it.

[gregprine]

I think you only have started to hate the Income Tax until you start your own business.

You should talk to an accountant, let them help you make a plan. Ask them how much you should expect to write a check for quarterly for withholding. Get a good double entry ledger system (Quickbooks) and let the accountant set it up for you. Keep an eye on your tax liabilities and expect to make little money.

You cannot be disappointed after that.

[Conveyor Belt]

Seems like there may have been a place like this in Petal across from the library several years ago (Mailboxes etc or something like that). It obviously didn't make it, if I'm remembering correctly and I could be thinking about something else. However, that was several years ago and Petal has changed quite a bit since then. You might want to look into it though.

There was, and it didn't... and things haven't changed THAT much.

Still the same people working the same.

[big john]

Wilebill and CB are saying some very wise things,listen to them.

[Aphrodite]

Anyone know of any commercial property for sale around the area?

There are tons of new shopping centers around here can they cant get filled.

[gregprine]

An employee making 40k would cost you about 50k a year or more depending on benefits offered. You have to match FICA and unemployment taxes.

I would not even try to get away with contracting labor.

[Conveyor Belt]

Wilebill and CB are saying some very wise things,listen to them.

I gotta quote that one and save it...

[hendrixfreak70]

As long as I broke even I would be fine to start out.

[Conveyor Belt]

As long as I broke even I would be fine to start out.

How long have you been thinking about this?

[hendrixfreak70]

How long have you been thinking about this?

Probably 8 months on and off. Not much in the way of overhead (cept utilities and rent). The payroll and material would be taken care of.

[Conveyor Belt]

Probably 8 months on and off. Not much in the way of overhead (cept utilities and rent). The payroll and material would be taken care of.

I'm not going to tell you anything you don't already know, but I'm going to lay it all out anyhow.

write out your business plan completely. do all the numbers, find your break even, do all your research. Then when you've done that, take it to the SBA and talk with them about it to see if you've missed anything.

[$uperman]

some lots on sale on the gandy

[hendrixfreak70]

some lots on sale on the gandy


Reckon how much?? CB is prolly right. There is likely not a good market IN Petal. Doesn't mean I couldn't have customers there, though.

[hendrixfreak70]

I spelled feasibility wrong. I spelled it correctly in a post but the title is wrong. Off to a bad start already!!!

[PalominofillyinMS]

Hendrix, I would think that people who live in Petal would be more inclined to do business with such a store in Petal than to go all the way into Hattiesburg. I for one would go to a place in Petal to fax something a lot quicker than I(my husband is my chauffer since I am disabled & can't drive)would go all the way into(especially waaaay out west H'burg) Hattiesburg.

[mac]

Hendrix, I would think that people who live in Petal would be more inclined to do business with such a store in Petal than to go all the way into Hattiesburg. I for one would go to a place in Petal to fax something a lot quicker than I(my husband is my chauffer since I am disabled & can't drive)would go all the way into(especially waaaay out west H'burg) Hattiesburg.

There's a place across from the Petal library that can do printing and faxing. I've used them several times, but can't think of the name. Rimrock Studios????

[wilebill]

Dang, people pay to fax stuff?

[davidverespie]

I read posts about people saying how they might not want to drive all across town or how other places are closer...

The simple solution to that is to offer a website where people can upload their graphics, files, faxes, etc.... with the option of you delivering, etc..

Problem solved!

I say go for it. I find myself going to local print shops up here when I am in a hurry or need to get a print very quickly. I definitely go to the smaller shops opposed to a big chain because I know the quality and customer service will be there - even if I pay a few dollars more.

[captkersh]

Reckon how much?? CB is prolly right. There is likely not a good market IN Petal. Doesn't mean I couldn't have customers there, though.

Have you thought about mail-order as a staple and use Petal as your home base? Also internet orders. I ordered free buisness cards over the internet and all I had to pay was for shipping and handleing, but that probably is where they made their money.

But take a long look at what kind of taxes you'll be paying. If you go the mail order and internet route a site outside city limits would probably save ya on taxes.

[Conveyor Belt]

Dang, people pay to fax stuff?

Sometimes.

I don't own a fax machine.

If I can't get it done at work or school...

What I can't understand is why people still fax stuff period.

Get into the digital age already!!!

People with fax machines are the ones who are behind in the times!!!

[mac]

Sometimes.

I don't own a fax machine.

If I can't get it done at work or school...

What I can't understand is why people still fax stuff period.

Get into the digital age already!!!

People with fax machines are the ones who are behind in the times!!!

They still serve a purpose. Sometimes a hard copy is best. I had problems with an insurance company claiming they had not received letters and emails and things I had mailed them when they came up with b.s. reasons not to pay a claim. After nearly a year of playing games with them, I finally got a woman on the phone and told her to sit still while I faxed the information to her. I refused to hang up until she told me she had it in her hands. That was the only way I could get them to stop acting like they weren't getting the info any of the twenty times I sent it. Sometimes sending a hard copy of something to a specific person and knowing exactly when it's getting there is the best way.

[LipsofanAngel]

I would likely have the little lady run the spot for us (the work wouldn't be hard) and her mother could help.

Am I the only one that's offended FOR Thornton because of that comment?? Maybe my feminazi panties are on too tight this morning....

[hendrixfreak70]

I read posts about people saying how they might not want to drive all across town or how other places are closer...

The simple solution to that is to offer a website where people can upload their graphics, files, faxes, etc.... with the option of you delivering, etc..

Problem solved!

I say go for it. I find myself going to local print shops up here when I am in a hurry or need to get a print very quickly. I definitely go to the smaller shops opposed to a big chain because I know the quality and customer service will be there - even if I pay a few dollars more.

Oh definitely, a website where files and such could be uploaded is a must for something like this. I just waiver on it all the time. One day I wake up and say "yeah, it could work no sweat". Other days it is not as easy for me to believe it.

[hendrixfreak70]

Am I the only one that's offended FOR Thornton because of that comment?? Maybe my feminazi panties are on too tight this morning....


Well, she actually knows that I don't work hard here at Camp Shelby, and I mean at all. Chances are, my shop wouldn't be as busy in the civilian sector. I guess sitting on the computer all day at work like I do is really tough.

[LipsofanAngel]

Well, she actually knows that I don't work hard here at Camp Shelby, and I mean at all. Chances are, my shop wouldn't be as busy in the civilian sector. I guess sitting on the computer all day at work like I do is really tough.
Wasn't saying you do or do not work hard... I interpreted your comment as meaning that she would be able to work your shop for you, because it wouldn't be hard work.

[hendrixfreak70]

Wasn't saying you do or do not work hard... I interpreted your comment as meaning that she would be able to work your shop for you, because it wouldn't be hard work.

What's wrong with that? She already said she wouldn't mind. You work don't you? Most women do, something about being empowered yadda yadda yadda. It's sort of a damned if you do damned if you don't. If I said she couldn't do it because the work would be too hard, the "feminazis" would let out a good cry. I give.

[LipsofanAngel]

It's not my business really.... it just seemed like you were saying if it were hard, that she wouldn't be capable of doing it. I wasn't saying she shouldn't or couldn't work. And fyi, I'm pretty sure most women don't work just to feel "empowered".

Anyways... carry on.

[hendrixfreak70]

It's not my business really.... it just seemed like you were saying if it were hard, that she wouldn't be capable of doing it. I wasn't saying she shouldn't or couldn't work. And fyi, I'm pretty sure most women don't work just to feel "empowered".

Anyways... carry on.


Oh no ma'am, not at all. It would be hard to watch 2 young ones and do it though, but that isn't what I meant. I was actually being nice by saying that it wasn't hard work and with the internet she would like it.

[thornton04]

I think you only have started to hate the Income Tax until you start your own business.

You should talk to an accountant, let them help you make a plan. Ask them how much you should expect to write a check for quarterly for withholding. Get a good double entry ledger system (Quickbooks) and let the accountant set it up for you. Keep an eye on your tax liabilities and expect to make little money.

You cannot be disappointed after that.

There is a lot to it that I dont think he knows about. He is counting on me to do all this type of stuff... thats what I do now for the company I work for. He will find the place and order all the stuff then run off to his easy job and leave me to run the thing! HA! :smt009

[itsmyopinion]

I'm not sure Petal is the right place for this.

Petal is a place to live. It's slowly becoming a place to work, but it's not a huge business center.

Most of what high school kids need they can print off at home or get a teacher to run some copies for them.

Not saying you wouldn't have any customers in Petal, only that you might be more successful somewhere else.


I think Petal's a wonderful option - go to the UPS Stores in Hattiesburg and you could learn a few things from them - they'd be a good model. However, you may keep your eyes peeled since they haven't opened shop in Petal b/c they are the same owners of the UPS Stores in front of both Wal-Marts in the 'Burg - I'd hate for you to invest in Petal and then have a chain turn right around and open in town. To survive in Petal, you need to be the only one, at least for a little while, to offer what you're offering...

[thornton04]

It's not my business really.... it just seemed like you were saying if it were hard, that she wouldn't be capable of doing it. I wasn't saying she shouldn't or couldn't work. And fyi, I'm pretty sure most women don't work just to feel "empowered".

Anyways... carry on.

Hes thinking it doesnt need to be hard work because I will have a toddler and a new born with me and running the store. So all of that together is hard work. But I can do it because I am a woman and women can do 500 things at one time right? :smt103 We will see. I think he is going to have to hire people and I just manage it and boss people around. I will have my hands full with the kids.

[hendrixfreak70]

I think Petal's a wonderful option - go to the UPS Stores in Hattiesburg and you could learn a few things from them - they'd be a good model. However, you may keep your eyes peeled since they haven't opened shop in Petal b/c they are the same owners of the UPS Stores in front of both Wal-Marts in the 'Burg - I'd hate for you to invest in Petal and then have a chain turn right around and open in town. To survive in Petal, you need to be the only one, at least for a little while, to offer what you're offering...

Petalalites are a different breed. I would be hesitant about opening up a bidness there for the reasons you mentioned. Competition would be high cut throat.

[thornton04]

What about Purvis? We live in Purvis and you are gonna make me drive to Petal every day?

[thornton04]

I dont think there is a mailing place in Purvis... just the post office. There isnt even a UPS drop location in Purvis.

[thornton04]

Has anyone heard anything on the Shopping Center they are suppose to be building here in Purvis? They cleared the land and never did anything with it.

[itsmyopinion]

I don't it's the right business for Purvis...

Sorry - get those keys out!!!

[hendrixfreak70]

Of course Purvis would be the best option. I have all but ruled out Petal for now anyways.

[nooskye]

Do your market research Hendrix ... Choose your location carefully and plan and plan and then have a counter plan for those ...

Opening and operating a Small Business is tricky, time consuming and money draining ... but it is all well spent if you have a solid Business Plan. Take the time to complete this ... it'll help you out more than you think :)

We opened our Home Based Company in 04, in Atlanta ... which, as you know, is already saturated with Entertainment options ... It was hard work, a lot of advertising and ALOT of freebies to get our foot in the door down there ... But it paid off when we began getting call backs and repeat clients ... about a full year later. :smt103 And this was just for a Home Based ... NOT an actual store front business ... those entail LOTS more "red tape" & overhead than mine ever would have :ohnoes: JMO, but, I'd suggest, for tax purposes and other reasons ... that if you have the facilities and the permits to work it out of y'alls home ... do that instead of securing a store front. Especially if Thorny is going to run it for you ... she can have the kiddies playing or napping in the house and she can get the work done too :-D

Our website helped us out a great deal ... that is something this type of business would do well with too :) With at door shipping, you could end up having customers in Guam :smt118

I want to share this next thing with you, just so I can get the "plan" logic to set in ... we were on our second trip out to Peachtree City (residual from a repeat client) to pull a Reception when the hubby injured his back setting up the equipment ... returning us to Hattiesburg so his parents could watch the kids and tend to his doctor appointments that were prepping him for surgery ... while I worked ... before we left Atlanta ... we ended up canceling 4 contracts that covered the next few months, along with returned deposits and sent apology letters to another six contracts that were in the middle of negotiations. :cry:

I honestly believe that if we hadn't of come back to Hattiesburg, where we had family & friends to help, when we did and pulled the gigs we did there, we'd have completely flopped ... but because we did, we are still in operation … and lucky enough to still be able to do it on the occasions we come home for a visit … haha … it’s actually how we pay for the visits to begin with, so it works out nicely for us.

It sounds like, though, you guys have a good plan, but, IMHO, it needs to be developed a bit further and the details pinned down on paper ... ya know? C-Y-A Buddy!! C-Y-A!!!!

& Good Luck!!

[hendrixfreak70]

Thanks much Mrs Skye!!! Great insight. That's the thing I like about this place. Pretty eclectic with the opinions and experiences. Thanks much!!