Don't ask me..... I'm "Standing in line".<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
If you don't have an idea of what it will cost, how long to get it going, and YOUR "model" doesn't include those things.... you got a long road. It'll cost as much as you want to put into it. How big do you want it? You've got thousands of dollars in start up cost having nothing to do with archery. If you have to borrow a lot, it's going to cost. You'll have to have at least a 3 and 5 year business plan with projected sales growth and revenues for the bank. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Landlords want money too. You start paying those cost before you sell the first arrow head. You have to beable to float the tuff times. You have to have money to get a loan. You have to have experience in the field to get loans and some leases. Saying I like archery a lot doesn't do it. If you've never run a business.... being pretty won't help. I've owned my own business for 30 years. I've been thru bad times and good times. It's not all pretty. As far as the shop, you have to have knowledgeable help, be open when people want you open, stock what they want, and make them feel they're getting something special. You'll be surprised to learn who of your friends will still shop at "Discount Bargain Barn" once you show them all they need to know. You can't be the cheapest guy in town and make any money. You can't be the cheapest guy in town and pay the bills. If you can't make money at it..... DON'T DO IT. You can't compete on PRICE and expect to be happy or successful. You're not in it to establish a "GOOD PRO SHOP". Just because there is none within 200 miles.... doesn't mean there can be. If the market doesn't support it that's why there is none. Your soul purpose should be to make MONEY.... not have a good pro shop. You can't try to meet everyones needs. In my opinion.... If you have to ask strangers on a talk forum what to do or what they want..... You don't have a clue about making it work. You say don't try to discourage you... I won't. The business community and free market economy have a way of weeding and doing those things. Have fun.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>