Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I own a fairly successful home-based business that I started 5 years ago. I make party dip mixes from herbs and spices and sell them online and to stores across the US. I recently moved to the Nashville area (from NH) and I plan to continue my business here, but outside of the home. I am looking for a commercial space right now. The space will be where we manufacture our products, and we will be selling our line (which we are expanding) plus gluten-free and allergen-free food items from other companies as well.

My question is, should I just keep everything under my business name "The Dippy Chick Company" and make the store a part of the company, like a factory outlet or company store - or should I keep Dippy Chick and the store separate?

On one hand, having the store be the same name will help with brand recognition locally, and I imagine it will be less expensive and perhaps less headache than having 2 businesses - i.e. 2 sets of books, etc. Also, I could just call it The Dippy Chick Company Store.

On the other hand, maybe they should be separate. Perhaps some day I'd want to sell the store and not the business, or vice versa. Or maybe the store name should be more descriptive.

Should I perhaps do a DBA... The Dippy Chick Company DBA "Store Name"?

Your helpful input is much appreciated. Thanks!

I'm no marketing expert, but it seems to me that you would want the opportunity to establish one brand in both areas.  I can't think of any reason why you would want to separate them.  Why double the work?  What would be the benefit?

Search for "houseofjerkyjanie" - she is a StartupNation member, so it will be an aeasy search.  She has a storefront and a mail order business.

Thanks, Steve. Those are pretty much my thoughts too. I actually know Janie on here. Maybe I will message her. Thanks!