Small Business...?

[Neo]

I've been incubating this thought of mine for awhile, and its seem to have lit a fire under my ass (figuratively speaking of course) about opening up a potential small business.

I'm wondering if anyone has ventured into something like that, on their own, and such?

I'm having a hard time understand just exactly what a business plan is -- I mean I understand the basics, however, theres no way I could project a possible profits -- or guestimate on things, or attempt to predict how the market would react to it.

Anyways. I'm rambling, have to go, but just wondering if anyone has any pointers O.o

I would love to do something like this, but I'm probably just dreaming. Still, it can't hurt to research it. Besides, whats the worse that could happen? It fails, I go bankrupt? >.>;; At least I will always have a place to live.

oh before i forget. I was thinking it would be fun to open up a... well cybercafe for lack of a better term. However, it would also serve as small computer shop for upgrades/repairs -- but I thought it would be so fun to run a Wireless hotspot, have a kickass lan/gaming computers setup, as well as setup a couple of huge tvs (or projectors) for console (online as well?) gaming.

There aren't really a lot of these types of things here around me -- to my knowledge if I was to do something like this, it would probably be the first in the county. However, I would far prefer it to be one that lasts ;)

As for a "Cafe" portion of it. I figure I could sell various things like Bawls, other Soft Drinks, and (For lack of a better word) snacks. It might be fun to offer healthy alternatives, however, that would be something that would come way later.

So meh. Just some ideas.

The only reason I'm considering this is that around here there are tons of new things popping up -- new stores, strip malls, etc... type things and they are still building new ones.

Plus I figure if one was to setup shop near (for instance) the High School, you could have a potential source of customers -- as long as you keep things (Seemingly) cheap -- or even offering a place (other then a library) where people can do homework and such.

>.< i'm rambling. I have to go now, sorry. Let me know what y'all think.

sides, we could just use my mom to cover the business -- rofl. Shes already in crazy high student loan stuff, XD -- i'm kidding btw.

-Kupa

[IrishDutchman]

I'm no business man, but if you decide to really do this, be sure to build it in Holland. It sounds like a fun place to hang out.

[own3d0406]

One of my teachers runs an internet cafe thingy with his brother. That place is always crammed, so I guess it's a good idea?

If you build it, they will come.

[Black.Ice]

I have a small business that I run, well, ran. Prepare to devote a lot of time to this, and you'll be working a lot more than 40 hours a week if you're serious.

I've split it up into three things that I think are most important:

Legal Aspect - First, you need a business license which is pretty easy depending on the city. I got mine in less then a week, and it came with a $50 price tag. If you're planning on selling good, get a Sales Tax ID, which will allow you to collect tax from customers, get tax-free things from distributors, etc.

I have a sole proprietorship, as it's the easiest thing to open and I wasn't doing anything too intensive. My primary business was contract work, so it fit my budget. If you're opening a joint of yourself, I strongly recommend a LLC so you don't have to sell everything you own if it crashes and burns.

Capital To do something like this, you're going to have a lot of start up capital. The best way to do this is your own savings, IMO. That way you're not reliant on anyone, but it usually doesn't work that well. Try talking to friends etc. and raise the money that way. Talk to venture capitalists and get a small amount of money from them... lastly, get a loan. I say get a loan last because it's much more difficult. Especially if you can't repay it.

But to get a loan and some money from capitalists, you have to have you're business plan. To tell you the truth, I never had a solid business plan? Why? I never needed one nor was my operation anything too big. I didn't have to show any company or bank my business plan because I never borrowed money. I did have a set of goals and a timeline of what I wanted to do when and I followed it closely.

There's a bunch of guides out there to write a business plan, and it's really easy. I realize all the stuff I said is very vague, but if you have any specific questions I'd love to help ya.

Good luck

[DragonPaladin]

Treat the money you are using to open the business as already lost. Otherwise, you will be in trouble if your business goes underwater.

[ZeroDarkStar]

We have a "store" in a mall near me called PC Gaming Arena (I don't know if it's a chain or what), but it's basically a shitload of high end computers in a row with a bunch of different games on them.

It's full usually all the time. I'd say the initial cost would be amazingly high but you'd regain it back in no time. Say, $7 an hour?

[Neo]

We have a "store" in a mall near me called PC Gaming Arena (I don't know if it's a chain or what), but it's basically a shitload of high end computers in a row with a bunch of different games on them.

It's full usually all the time. I'd say the initial cost would be amazingly high but you'd regain it back in no time. Say, $7 an hour?
The intial cost for such a place, computer wise, doesn't bother me as much, since I am planning to have at least 5-6 stations (at first) however, to offer a wireless hotspot (ie: BYOC stuff) -- plus the way I can build computers, I won't need to dunk 3k on each to make a kickass one ;)

I've not gotten far enough along to plan out prices, I'm just trying to figure out everything I would need, and how many costs I will have. Things from computers, furniture, fast connection, other equipment, rent, licenses, etc...

>.> Heh. I could call it the Kupatrix XDDDD

Black.Ice thanks for the tips, its helpful to hear from someone who's "been there" so-to-say.

-Kupa

[Darmago]

The few of my friends who own small businesses claim that unless you get lucky and hit a large market niche, expect to stay in the red for a while.

[U-238]

Yea you'll be in the downhill slump for a while. The guy I used to work for (and may go to work for again soon) has had his computer shop up and running for about 5-6 years. The 1st 3 years you won't really turn a noticable profit, however after that you should usually see the money come in. My Dad's also opened up his own small business and I'm looking towards opening up my own business to down the road.

The one thing though is that if there's a gap in the local market. (Which there is from the sound of it) and there's enough supporters. (teenage gamers, people who need a wireless hotspot in that location, etc) If you have both of those then 95% of the time you'll suceed. The other 5%? Well if you've got the above the only way you're going down is A: sheer lack of enthusiasim and or lazyness. B: Lack of advertising. Advertising is exceptionaly important. Especialy in those 1st 3 years. Good advertising can turn a good business into a great one.

But first things first. You need to scout the local market. See if there's enough support around to run a cyber cafe'. You can do this just about anyway you want. From surveys to just talking to people in your area. Find out how the local market looks before even putting your foot into the water.

[Atillawurm]

There is a store near the school that i go to that makes a killing during school sessions. Before you go right out and buy computers i may sudjest offering free wifi a local cafe does that and they make good money

[DragonPaladin]

Hmm, they're recently opened a LAN place down the street (literally down the street). I think it's called...LANGamers, but I'm not entirely sure, (I don't pay attention -_-;) However, they have run adds in the local high school newspapers (cough cough mine). I'm not entirely sure whether they're effectively. As far as I know, there aren't many people from my school that frequent there because we use B.net/the already provided multiplayer options to play.

[Neo]

Hmm, they're recently opened a LAN place down the street (literally down the street). I think it's called...LANGamers, but I'm not entirely sure, (I don't pay attention -_-;) However, they have run adds in the local high school newspapers (cough cough mine). I'm not entirely sure whether they're effectively. As far as I know, there aren't many people from my school that frequent there because we use B.net/the already provided multiplayer options to play.

Many people enjoy playing other types of games though -- some people use LAN places specifically for the LAN Play itself (ie: places with multiple stations y'know?) The point being that people will actually plan lan games, heh.

That and my place wouldn't focus on just blizzard games, y'know. Plus I'm thinking about having fun with HD Projectors (those exist right? =P) and console games.

-Kupa

[U-238]

lol, if it was affordable I'd say screw the HD projectors and get one of these babys... (http://www.blendernation.com/2007/02/14/4k-digital-cinema-technology-with-blender/)

[Neo]

lol, if it was affordable I'd say screw the HD projectors and get one of these babys... (http://www.blendernation.com/2007/02/14/4k-digital-cinema-technology-with-blender/)

My cousin has this 65+ inch HD Projector (Screen... thing, y'know), after seeing a 360 game on it, It just so fucking awesome. I was thinking that the point of playing a console game AWAY from home would be to offer something that not many people have -- well how many people have a giant screen and a kickass projector?

Plus part of me figures a Projector/bulbs/screen would cost less then some 60+ inch tv.

and that link is fucking insane. O_O;;;;;

-Kupa

[hammocksleeper]

Plus part of me figures a Projector/bulbs/screen would cost less then some 60+ inch tv.

It probably works out to be about the same, depending on the quality of projector you get. Nice projection screens are actually pretty expensive, expect to pay at least a couple hundred bucks. But I would say if you can lease a good location for this gig, a projector setup is much more versatile and valuable than just getting a big TV from Circuit City. Not to mention you will retain greater resale value on your equipment.

[GrassDragon]

A massive projector is what causes kids to pay money to play the same console games they already own at a cafe instead.

[hammocksleeper]

It sounds like a killer idea, dude. I say you go for it!

[Neo]

Well the projector thing came about from my cousin -- mentioned this earlier I believe. But he got a lower end projector (setup with a 360/media center PC) and it looks really awesome -- and it cost him only like 1600 total.

So I figure a really (elite?) projector, and a really nice screen, even if it cost twice as much, would be easier to handle, then a giant TV. Plus there is less of a chance of the projector itself being broken/vandalized (punching a screen doesn't really result in much damage ;P)

Err whatever. Besides, I just think it would be fun. When we close the place down, I can go take over a room and play some FF, or something in a giant 60-80inch screen *Drool*

edit: Plus, can you imagine playing a Wii with a giant projector? Heh. If you let the wiimote slip out, it isn't going to slam into a giant tv and ruin it ;P

-Kupa

[AJ]

plus it gives me a gigantic screen on which to project my plans for web domination. :P

[Neo]

plus it gives me a gigantic screen on which to project my plans for web domination. :P

Haha. An actual real life ORG Network establishment? xD

We can build in transporters, or just underground tunnels to every location, each run by a different staff member.

Then when the time comes we will follow your plan to the letter :O

rofl.

-Kupa

[laineter]

I don't have a business but if I got the chance to owned one I would prefer a Internet cafe bcoz now a days lots of people are using internet and addicted to online games. :D

[PC1210]

The only advice I would give is to be sure an do your research.

For instance, who's your target audience? Is your area populated enough with those who would enjoy this type of cafe?

Competition. A small coffee shop being put in an area with four Starbucks in one square mile probably wouldn't flourish too well. See what's in your area that you would compete with. Not just gaming or cafe spots, either. Entertainment in general. My first job was at a movie theatre. When we did price comparisons, we didn't just check in on other theatres. We checked in on miniature golf locations, batting cages, video rental stores.. Any type of entertainment competition. Price competitively with them, too.

We have something here called "Crosshair Connections." It's a gaming hot spot that gets pretty good business. I think one thing that helped them out is location. That's another thing to consider. Crosshairs is in a complex with a popular restaurant, Red Robin, that appeals to the younger crowd - those most likely to game. There's also a supermarket, a dollar theatre, Staples, among other shops. In other words, it's a high traffic location which stretches your advertisement capabilities. Keep your consumers happy, the best thing that could ever happen to you is word of mouth. It will either build or destroy a small business.

Whether or not that helps, I'm not sure. Hope it does!

Take care and best of luck with your plans.

[Neo]

The only advice I would give is to be sure an do your research.

For instance, who's your target audience? Is your area populated enough with those who would enjoy this type of cafe?

Competition. A small coffee shop being put in an area with four Starbucks in one square mile probably wouldn't flourish too well. See what's in your area that you would compete with. Not just gaming or cafe spots, either. Entertainment in general. My first job was at a movie theatre. When we did price comparisons, we didn't just check in on other theatres. We checked in on miniature golf locations, batting cages, video rental stores.. Any type of entertainment competition. Price competitively with them, too.

We have something here called "Crosshair Connections." It's a gaming hot spot that gets pretty good business. I think one thing that helped them out is location. That's another thing to consider. Crosshairs is in a complex with a popular restaurant, Red Robin, that appeals to the younger crowd - those most likely to game. There's also a supermarket, a dollar theatre, Staples, among other shops. In other words, it's a high traffic location which stretches your advertisement capabilities. Keep your consumers happy, the best thing that could ever happen to you is word of mouth. It will either build or destroy a small business.

Whether or not that helps, I'm not sure. Hope it does!

Take care and best of luck with your plans.
Yup, I know most of that, and to clarify, I was only using the terms "internet cafe/cybercafe" to explain it simply. The real point was that I wanted to start a business that offered a hotspot, computer gaming stations, console gaming on big screen/projectors, and also a food component to the whole mess, I've been thinking something as small as some vending machines, to having a little concession type counter (ie: theater-like)


Heh. Though I've been thinking that I should start out something more simple, such as a small computer repair/upgrade shop.

-Kupa

[Darmago]

Heh. Though I've been thinking that I should start out something more simple, such as a small computer repair/upgrade shop.

-Kupa

Don't let me influence your decisions at all, but that would be no fun :D

but seriously, do what you want to do.