Starting a New Business

[itsjustme]

I would love to start a new business. I would really love to open an old time general store, but with a twist. Instead of the normal items you would find in a general store, I would love to have it be an old time general survival store. My problem is that I live in a small town that whenever the necessity of things like this comes up, most people think you are nuts. Sure there are some that agree with you, but most think nothing is going to happen. My question to the rest of you is do you think that if I tried something like that that I could make it work? I will tell you that I live in the state of Michigan. I know we are famous for our militia and the Oklahoma City bombers the Nichols brothers ( one of which I live not to far from) and Tim McVeigh (who I was investigated by the FBI for knowing some people who bought a used car from him just before he went to Oklahoma City). I would like to do something to warn people and prepare them for what is to come but I am at loss to know what to do and I am hoping that if I start a store to show them that there is things out there you can get to protect your family that maybe someone might listen. Any ideas or comments will greatly be apprecitated. You may comment on the forum or privately. I will check to see what you have to say and will listen to all advice given before I take on such a big project. Thank you for all your help.

[wax]

Its- You may comment on the forum or privately.

Wax- I will always comment publicly because you are not alone in this question.
For every one of us who posts here here are litterally dozens of others that read what is posted here (just look at the number of times a post is read to see this as a fact).

It is an important concept because sometimes a comment I make will be amed at the general "them" and not exactly at you.

First of all - "most people think you are nuts".

Really?
I would argue that most people are sheep and have no idea what you are doing.
It is easiest to deal with something that is not understood by avoiding it.

But you are not asking if you should open a "survivalist center" but instead you ard thinking of opening an "old time general store".

There is a huge difference... and it is important to understand that difference before you start.

Any "old time" store is survivalist, it is simply common sense.
If you sell gas lanterns... if you sell hand powered tools... if you sell canning and other food related supplies... you get the idea, you are providing an access to survivalism.

But your potential customers are much more than simply survivalists.
Believe it or not I have associates with lanterns hanging on a wall at this moment.
No oil, and absolutely no idea of how to use oil to utilize the lanterns in question if they did have oil.
They have the lanterns because it is "rustic" and they like the way it looks.

So here is where you must make a decision:
Do you condemn that or support it?
Mmmm... perhaps more importantly do you accept that but understand how it can be fixed without scaring the "sheep"?

It is a very fine line.
It means that you must be able to judge whether someone wants "simple" instruction and assistance or more in depth reasoning.

"A" housewife buys "A" lantern.
"Say... did you realize that these can actually still be used during a power outage to provide light? You can use them outside on the patio during parties too! It is very cool but let me show you how to be safe. Try it out and be sure to call me if you have any questions!"

So here is the question: Have you "gone Waco" in any way?
No... simple common sense everyday usage.

But you and I know that the service you have just provided might someday save her very life!

Slow... slow... baby steps.
A request for more info leads to more info, but not a leap beyond in any way!

Americans... even anti-survivalist Americans love itens they can control.
What if the power goes out?
Not the end of the world but just the power?
OK... have you considered a storm?
Not the end of the world but just a storm?
OK... let's look at Katrina.
There are some lessons there to be sure.
Nothing to panic about, not the end of the world but a Katrina which is hopefully never going to happen but we know from experience it could right?

OK... we got over that little hump.
Now how about the end of the world as we know it?

Crazy?
We know better, every reader and poster here hopes such a thing will never happen.
We hope no storm ever knocks out power again.
And we also hope that Katrina was a...
Well the point is we are sane.

[itsjustme]

Thank you for the comment. I never thought of it that way. Most people in my family think I am nuts because of the way I believe. I hope that I am wrong, but we all know that I'm not. I would love to have a store that would have items that would not only help people to survive, but also carry a fine selection of books that would show people what I am talking about. Like I said, I would love to help show people what I am talking about, but people around here just want to go on living the way they are now. "The government will take care of things if anything were to happen." Give me a break!! I am thinking that I will have to just start out like you say, with baby steps. Maybe open that store with the oil lamps and such and then work in other things. I WILL find a way to get my message across one way or another without them even knowing what I am doing. What's that saying, "Where there's a will there's a way." I just have to find that way.

[WileyCoyote]

There are lots of stores like that around the country - one of my favorites is O. O. Rufty's in North Carolina, now called the Okey Dokey Country Store. It purports to be an old timey store with old timey items, but it is a survivalist's dream come true. Old fashioned hand lathes, all sorts of tools, metal kerosene lamps with holders so you can hand carry them - even wooden toys and handmade soaps, and overalls that wear like canvas and feel as soft as cotton.

Another nice place is the Vermont Country Store; not quite a 'backwoods' but many nice items. Both are online.

Call it a country store, litter it with local cottage industries like honey from the local beekeeper and antiques from local auctions, and you could start a steady business - and gain access to things like wood cookstoves, etc for your clients to get that 'down home country' feel - and sell them things that just might save their lives. You could become the local tourist attraction!

[DaNgEr_KiTtY]

we have one of those here...its called a gun shop! hehe!

i used to manage an old country hardware store. people were always impressed how we had so much stuff jammed into this lil store. it was a place where you definitely needed help to find something cause so many things were kinda hidden. we would sell about anything that was needed that others didnt carry & had the stuff to fix just about anything.

i am going to a small town in minnesota tomorrow & if there were a store like the one you are describing in the area they would prolly get more of my money in sales than any other business on my trip. if you have a decent amount of capital & a good sense of what people desire in this area you can prolly make living with this. if you have an exceptional business sense then you may start a national chain. good luck with this1

[seekeroftruth]

Hi There.

I think its great that you have the attitude you have. One for the willingness to do what it takes and finding the knowledge to protect and provide for you and your daughter. Second for wanting to spread that knowledge, and last because of the desire to start a business.

I wont comment on the "teaching others" aspect of what you want to do. I'm sure there are others here that can wax endlessly on about that subject. Instead, I'll focus on the business aspect of the store.

You dont say whether this will be a hobby for you or if your looking to make it your sole source of income. The factors to consider for both are 'is there a market for this business there?' Teaching others is a great and noble undertaking, but I'm sure there are easier and cheaper ways to do it. If there isn't a market for this and your business goes belly up, won't that "prove" your neighbors point that things like this will never happen? (by "prove" I mean in their eyes, you and I know better)

The next thing is. Starting a "General store" of any type, requires quite a bit of capital. I dont want to know your financial status. Just keep in mind it wont be cheap.

As a business owner myself. Trust me when I say, even if something works for a short while, doesn't mean it will always be so. If you dont change to meet your customers constantly changing demands, you'll soon find yourself without customers. Im constantly shifting the main focus and intent of my business to keep up with the customers changing needs, and while initial opening excitement and novelty interest, can be a wonderful high and encouraging. If you dont have a true "need" being met you'll soon find yourself with alot of lonely hours sitting in your store.

The last thing is the time it takes to run a business. Any business. Remember you wont be the employee, you're the Boss. There are no vacations, no time off, no errand running at lunch, etc.. and as a Father myself it will take time away from your family. Make sure you weigh that factor in with your decision.

I tell you all this not to discourage you. On the contrary I think the store is a great idea, one I've considered as well several times in my past and still consider from time to time. I just want to make sure you think of all the aspects and make sure that you are ready for that awesome and exhilarating experience that is a business owner. It's alot of fun and alot of hard work. But the benefits are rewarding if you can stick out the lean times at the beginning.

You might want to try some other things first before you expend alot of money. Try setting up a booth at a local flea market. Selling some of the items your speaking of including books. Its a great way to meet people and talk to them one on one to share your "rustic knowledge" and maybe win them over to your arguments. It will also maybe give you a gauge of what your "market" will be in your area.

If that isnt viable, alot of churches have monthly "craft fairs" " festivals" whatever they are called, where you can purchase a booth for a reasonable cost. That may also provide you a good start.

Whatever you choose to do, Goodluck and I wish you and your family all the best with it.

B

P.s. I read your other posts, Send me an idea of what kind of books you're interested in. I have alot of books that are sitting idle that I wouldnt mind passing on to you.

B

[itsjustme]

Thank you to all who have been so helpful. You have come up with some really great ideas that I never thought of myself. I am going to put some of them to use. Right now I am in the gathering information stage of my big dream. I have an Amish lady that is willing to help me with how to start up, catalogs that they order some of their things from, and that type of thing. I thought that if anyone would know how to run a store of that type it would be the Amish. I also wanted input from people like you that are more knowledgable than me when it comes to things of this nature. If anyone would know if this was a good idea or not it would be you. I guess that I should clarify one point though. I am not so much wanting to teach anyone these things as much as I am wanting to point them in the right direction. No one can teach anyone something they don't want to learn or to see what they don't want to see.