[timn]

Does anyone here own their own business? And I mean, doing it full time, they live on it and die with it. I'm interested in finding out more information from the owners themselves, instead of from friends that say they know a guy that does....

Of particular interest are franchises, due to their "ease" of start up (don't have to have your own idea!). But whatever is clever!

I bring this up because I want to open something up instead of waiting 10 years in corporate life to move into an office next to my cube.

The other day, I was at the mall, and you know those kiosk's in the middle aisles? I've seen some there for years, and wonder how they can make a profit (they must, right?!) or even some stores that sell randomly weird stuff...

Thanks for sharing!

[BMWE90]

Those kiosk's are profitable because they get those things for like a buck and sell them for twenty. Also, just because they dont sell anything while you were walking by doesnt mean they dont sell anything the entire day. Thousands visit a single mall every single day- there's out to be some that are interested in those products.

As for franchises, there is no ease because most of them, if not all, require a lot of money. Take Jack-in-the-box for example: it takes something like $580,000 to start one up (building, equipment, franchise fees, etc).

[timn]

Originally Posted by BMWE90

Those kiosk's are profitable because they get those things for like a buck and sell them for twenty. Also, just because they dont sell anything while you were walking by doesnt mean they dont sell anything the entire day. Thousands visit a single mall every single day- there's out to be some that are interested in those products.

As for franchises, there is no ease because most of them, if not all, require a lot of money. Take Jack-in-the-box for example: it takes something like $580,000 to start one up (building, equipment, franchise fees, etc).

I hear ya, sometimes what I think might be junk, might be another man's treasure. But really, can you survive selling ProActiv for years? (just one thing i saw).

As for jack in the box, it'd be great if someone chimed in on that. I know the start up costs are huge, but is it worthwhile?

I was thinking about quiznos.....a $6 sandwich. There doesn't seem to be much profit made on it. Especially when rent + employee pay + utilities is probably $5000-$10000. You'd have to sell a ton of sandwiches.

The only thing absurd thing I can think of is internet gaming cafes. I saw them belly up here. When I did the math, they had to have every computer occupied for most of their opening hours to break even on rent + electricity.

[BMWE90]

Originally Posted by timn

I hear ya, sometimes what I think might be junk, might be another man's treasure. But really, can you survive selling ProActiv for years? (just one thing i saw).

As for jack in the box, it'd be great if someone chimed in on that. I know the start up costs are huge, but is it worthwhile?

I was thinking about quiznos.....a $6 sandwich. There doesn't seem to be much profit made on it. Especially when rent + employee pay + utilities is probably $5000-$10000. You'd have to sell a ton of sandwiches.

The only thing absurd thing I can think of is internet gaming cafes. I saw them belly up here. When I did the math, they had to have every computer occupied for most of their opening hours to break even on rent + electricity.

Cyber cafe- I wouldnt go into that. I knew someone who had a few shops and they were all closed down because they werent profitable.

As for franchises- remember that the Franchiser is doing all the advertising so business will be driven to all the franchises. J-in-box is worthwhile but it does take a long time for you to recoup all the start up costs. You could take out a loan but the bank will need to see a very thought out business plan. I believe if you have the money a fast food place will definitely be profitable. Just think about how many people visit your local J-in-B daily- it's crazy!!

As for ProActiv- I guess it's much cheaper to have a kiosk and have people sell it than renting a store and having to pay for NNN. Besides, they're advertising like crazy (with celebrities too). They must be doing something right. I think it's the best selling acne crap on the market right now.

[DreDre]

Where I go to college, we have an amazing Entrepreneurship program in our business school. I would recommend you read this book before you get started http://www.amazon.com/Entrepreneursh.../dp/0130618551 It has lots of real-life business start-up stories and gives great tips on how to get started

[achien]

Don't do franchise if you really want to do something on your own. Besides the high start-up costs, you will also be limited to a lot of business making decision, not the least of which are:

• how the company will be marketed to the public, that means all advertising and marketing decisions will be done by the Franchiser;
• what specific products or product lines you can sell;
• how much you can sell the products for;
• operation of the business (i.e. opening hours, logistics, ...);
• there may be some restrictions on the location of the business.

You will just become a Manager of the Franchiser, no different than the guy sitting in the office beside your cubicle.

Originally Posted by timn

Does anyone here own their own business? And I mean, doing it full time, they live on it and die with it. I'm interested in finding out more information from the owners themselves, instead of from friends that say they know a guy that does....

Of particular interest are franchises, due to their "ease" of start up (don't have to have your own idea!). But whatever is clever!

I bring this up because I want to open something up instead of waiting 10 years in corporate life to move into an office next to my cube.

The other day, I was at the mall, and you know those kiosk's in the middle aisles? I've seen some there for years, and wonder how they can make a profit (they must, right?!) or even some stores that sell randomly weird stuff...

Thanks for sharing!