Who owns there own business on here?

D_Doewell Dadong

Experimental Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2008
Posts
639
Media
0
Likes
3
Points
103
Looking at starting up my own business. I'd like to open a scooter shop. Its the right climate for one. But as usual money is the problem for start up costs. Who on lpsg owns there own businesses, i'm going to have to build from scratch. When i say scratch i mean literally nothing. Any ideas or inspiration for a business idea i can run with would be great.
 

dong20

Sexy Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2006
Posts
6,058
Media
0
Likes
28
Points
183
Location
The grey country
Sexuality
No Response
Looking at starting up my own business. I'd like to open a scooter shop. Its the right climate for one.

Well, with the UK in recession, if not skirting the edges of a depression and business lending/confidence at a very low ebb - I'm not sure I'd agree that the climate is entirely right.

I think it's right in the sense of congestion and 'green' considerations though although it occurs to me that [an icy] winter may not be the best time to start a business that sells items that require a degree of ... exposure to the elements.

That said, as a business owner myself, one has to start sometime and everything that helps stimulate the domestic economy is probably a good thing, so good luck!
 

SpeedoMike

Sexy Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2007
Posts
2,793
Media
0
Likes
48
Points
123
Location
San Francisco Bay Area
Sexuality
100% Gay, 0% Straight
Gender
Male
you must come up with a business plan which covers the many considerations to be made before setting up a business. it will help you to decide whether to do it.

there are software based business plans or you can find books on the subject.

it will take lots more money than you ever expected.
 

D_Doewell Dadong

Experimental Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2008
Posts
639
Media
0
Likes
3
Points
103
Bike and scooter sales have steadily increased over the previous two years. Sales are up 20% over that period. Mainly due to the cost of fuel and tax. With the interest rates being lower and most people with a car licence can get on a 125cc its affordable. But i can't afford the stock or premises.
 

B_starinvestor

Experimental Member
Joined
Mar 1, 2006
Posts
4,383
Media
0
Likes
3
Points
183
Location
Midwest
Sexuality
100% Straight, 0% Gay
Gender
Male
You're going to need a partner, my friend...a partner with some loot. Established companies can't get financing right now, start-ups don't have a chance in hell.

If you create a legitimate business plan..start networking..you might connect with somebody that shares your vision of that idea...someone with lots of capital, and not as much time.

Galuck!
 

Not_Punny

Superior Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2007
Posts
5,464
Media
109
Likes
3,056
Points
258
Location
California
Sexuality
100% Straight, 0% Gay
Gender
Female
If I were you, I'd locate the nearest couple of scooter shops. Then I'd track down the owners and talk to them.

You also might want to think of "stepping stones" -- getting to your goal step by step. For example, first selling accessories for scooters. Or maybe a vanity web site for scooter owners. Or both.

BTW, I know you can't fix it now, but in the future --

"there" means location: Park your scooter over there.

"their" means belonging to them. That is their scooter.

"they're" is short for they are. They're my customers.

These words sound the same, but they are spelled differently.
 

Smartalk

Cherished Member
Joined
Feb 8, 2008
Posts
1,691
Media
0
Likes
443
Points
303
Location
miles outside of Manchester
Sexuality
99% Gay, 1% Straight
Gender
Male
First thin you need to do when setting up a business is to work out what it is going to cost to set up, How much is it going to cost to run your business ie Overheads these being premisis, heat, light, telephone, Insurance etc This is all done with the help of a business plan, which Speedomike said. HSBC Bank Ltd provide excellent simple to use Business Plan software free to down load Here is the link Quick Start Business Plan.

I used it when I started my own business made a huge difference when I met with the bank manager He was able to see for himself that it wasn't a whim of an idea, but a genuine project proven by all the reaseach that goes into completing your business plan. You can also seek out companies like InBiz who may be able to help you find a finacila backer. JobCentre Plus use to provide business start-up grants around £700 to help get you underway. I would be happy to advise further if needed.

Good Luck Don't rush, build good sound foundations from day one. Without that your business is set to fail before you start.
 

nicenycdick

Sexy Member
Joined
Oct 17, 2007
Posts
1,785
Media
1
Likes
45
Points
133
Location
New York, NY
Sexuality
100% Straight, 0% Gay
Gender
Male
The best thing for you to do is to get a job in a scooter shop. Learn everything you can about the business from the inside. Most people do not realize how challenging owning a business truly is. You will be working much harder, longer hours than you ever have and you will worry constantly whether the next day's business will keep you afloat. That being said, there is nothing more satisfying than making a success of something you have created...to say nothing of the control you will finally have over your own life.

Good luck.
 

MickeyLee

Mythical Member
Staff
Moderator
Gold
Platinum Gold
Joined
Nov 3, 2008
Posts
33,707
Media
7
Likes
49,844
Points
618
Location
neverhood
Sexuality
90% Gay, 10% Straight
not really sure if could call them business, more hobbies i make money with. one small homemade vegan soap company. deal mostly with co-ops, small salon/spas and intorwbz sales. not much overhead was needed to start up. just specializing a product and getting the name out there. etsy.com owns for home produced goods.

the other is a tiny comic pressing house. mostly my own doodles and oddness. sold to local shops. some shipped further away. i rely on the cult following to keep it rolling. i don't really get paid with the comics, most income is generated with merch sales and advertising space sold on the website.

i really have no clue what i'm doing. so lack of know how limits the size of the companies and keeps it manageable for lil old me. back to the start. i had or could cheaply get all the materials i need. both are niche markets catering to a specific market. cheap distractions and self pampering are always going to sell. my biggest issue is not getting bored and finding enough time.

ML