Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I have an opportunity to open up a brick and mortar in a great corner spot
location on a main street with tons of windows and good visibility. There`s
one catch though...the store directly next to this one (attached) is a
competitor. Let`s say I`m opening a cake shop and they are running a pie
company. So, clearly some customers will still go to them but many may
come to me. Does this spell trouble or should I stay away from this
location?

Also, generally speaking, is it in my best interest to have the Chamber of
Commerce on my side? In general, should I be trusting of all members of
the Chamber?

Thank you!!!

In most contracts I have seen, sometimes there could be an agreement to avoid competition from going into the same center. You may need to call and find that out first because you could find yourself spinning your wheels, and there could be an agreement.

Well Pies and Cakes bring on the same type of buyers and gives them choices one right next to another. This could be complimentary. Or it may not depending on exactly what you offer and how close in product it is. I know a great bakery that i go to for my cookies and go 2 doors down for the pies when we have events. I like the convenience. You do need to check into an agreement of exclusivity, so look into it. :)

-------------------------

Our Goal Is Your Success!
Founder Girls with Goals

The weirdest thing I`ve seen, happens to coincide with this post.

We like Italian Dreams pizza, and drive a ways to get it. Right down the road is a Rosatti`s pizza. It`s okay, but not the same. A few months ago we were in the mood, drove to the joint, and BLAM!!...there`s Italian Dreams, literally next door to Rosatti`s. Hah!!

So I asked. Turns out the same guy bought out the Italian Dreams (three locations) and added them to his Rosatti`s franchise. He put them next to each other, with a connecting doorway, because it was just simpler for him. However, what he also learned (before the move) was that although the two recipes are just about identical, NOBODY believes that! LOL!!

I swear I can tell the difference between the two pizzas, and so I`m totally locked into the Italian Dreams. It doesn`t matter that the nextdoor place is "exactly the same thing," I don`t believe it. So I only go in the Italian Dreams door. :-D

Pies are one thing, cakes are different. But I`m thinking there`s gotta be a way for you and the other store owner to get together and figure out a way to really make a better profit by working together. Could you make a partnership? More space is better than less space, after all? How come the other person didn`t already take up the open space and expand?

Do you have a particular skill set the other person is weak on, and vice versa? Maybe you`re great at managing a restaurant, but the other person is great at baking. You could open a sit-down place, with you running it, and them making the food?

Those are great ideas Craig! The location is great. My only concern is do I
want to open up my first business and first location having a neighbor who
will almost definitely hate me? I would very likely be taking business from
them so I can`t imagine they would be too happy. This is a tough one...

michael,

You should always trust your instinct when you open your business.  If it doeesn`t feel right that is a warning sign for you to pay attention.  You could ask your neighbor exactly what he is selling and how would he feel if you sold something similar.  Perhaps it could be complimentary. 

 

The others are right also that many neighborhoods have several stores or shops that offer the same service and they all thrive.

If you do decide to open your business.  Take every opportunity to collect mailing addresses and e-mails so that you can keep in touch with a unique newsletter or e-zine to your clients and develop relationships.  That can make you unique and your clients will remember your personal touch. Kat.

-------------------------

R-U New to Business gives practical tips for starting and running your own on-line or off-line business, start to finish from your home or office. The pitfalls, rewards, every-day tips and things you need to know to succeed, freebies, and more. To subscribe go to newsletter http://www.runewtobusnews.com

visit our website
http://www.runewtobusiness.com
find about $1000 commissions paid out