Starting a storefront

[boots]

Hey Billy Z, I lived in Spokane for many years until I moved down south. I can give you all the beta about Spokane. Wonder what brought you there and what part of town you're in?

[MGW]

Austin to Round Rock is nothing. It's only about 30 miles from Buda (south of Austin) to Round Rock. I drive twice that one way to work everyday in Dallas.

[beasleybodyshop]

Yeah Im here in Dallas now, and I can't find any amp repair shops either. Actually, that was one of the reasons I got into repairing my own gear.

[Mickey_C]

And you'll need lots of gear to do it, and I am just the guy to get it all from at liquidated prices.



My advice on a much more serious note is to not make your hobby that you love into a job that you could potentially hate. Nice thing about corporate jobs are all the benefits, and when you go home you can leave the phone off the hook, no worries. They pay a hell of a lot more too!

Good luck!

[Davidg]

Dont slam me for saying this but I am sure u want to explore all options. Gerald Weber is in phluegerville of Kendrick amp fame and if he still does amps may need knowledgeablehelp.Could def be good for connections or info,If I was there I would prob go by just to say hi, some people dont like him but I admire what he has contributed to the amp building community.

[JazzGuitarGimp]

I thought Gerald Weber passed away last year?

[Firestorm]

I thought Gerald Weber passed away last year?

I don't think so. We're you thinking of Ted? Couple or more years ago.

[JazzGuitarGimp]

I thought Gerald Weber passed away last year?

I don't think so. We're you thinking of Ted? Couple or more years ago.

Ah, yes, Ted. Thank you, Firestorm.

[ApexJr.]

Overhead is a killer... I had 3 warehouses and had to travel to get parts
to ship, now I'm in one located for $1000.00 more then I was paying
and double my space, however its a killer...My overhead is killing all
my profit...
My suggestion is here in California we have Craigslist and I would suggest
you put a post on your willingness to repair amps and start a repore and
get people to get you referrals by word of mouth. If there is enough
interest then and only then I would look to rent a place.
Starting from scratch will cost a bunch, you'll need to pay 1st and last
and a security deposit big outlay at the beginning.
Start slow...

Steve @ Apex Jr

[randalp3000]

Yeah overhead sucks. I'm on main street in a nice downtown area with 2 connecting store fronts and my overhead before payroll is pushing $6 grand a month.

I started with a partner, 600 sq feet and a credit card. We had some used guitars, pics, strings, lessons, and guitar repairs. Within one year I bought out one of my competitors adding a second location, borrowed half, paid half cash, and took care of the loan in 6 months. Last year my final competitor packed up after trying for two years to extort me into paying them to go away.

In 2006 I was killing it but with the economy/government/internet/big boxes these days it's becoming a struggle. The glory years are long gone.

My advice,
Do not have a partner
Hire a helpful, reputable accountant
Do not borrow $$$$$

My old business partner did all our taxes and I ended up with 3 levy's costing me around 25K.

www.hollandrit.com

[Structo]

Looks like a cool store Randal.

It takes a lot to start a business but above all you have to be motivated and have a determined perseverance to see you through the hard times, like when you open and are trying to develop clientele and other business contacts.

I think a lot of guitar shops provide instrument rentals to local schools for band and orchestra.
That would be a good stable income should you land those contracts.

But to open a store front that only services amps might be not very viable.

I know partnerships rarely work out but you would generate more income if you had a good guitar tech, a few guitars and amps in the front window to lure in window shoppers.

If you are good and there are a lot of guitarists in your area, then you should prosper.

[M Fowler]

If it weren't for online sales and lessons (guitar, piano, & percussion) my friend's store won't make it.

Nice store Randal.

[Bob S]

+++1 on don't have a partner.
Wise words.
I had a business partner 20 years ago.
I don't want to go into specifics.
But I still call him Judas.