I'm gonna do it! (I think) - Page 2

Southernbelle, I wish you all the luck in the world on your adventure. I cannot caution you enough about partnerships. I was in partners with my mother in a "Mom and Pop" type cafe for 13 yrs. We never had a cross word but there were times that one of had to walk away and bite our tongue for a while. First and foremost is to keep the lines of communication open. Don't hold back and stew about something--always get it out in the open. I always wanted to have a bakery as my girlfriend was such a good cake decorator and I wanted her to work for me. As luck goes, she ended up on disability, and couldn't work. Then I ended up on disability so there went my dreams. I do a little cake decorating but haven't made much money at it. I'm too easy and give them away. Anyone willing to pay, I send to my daughter. Maybe someday she can start a bakery shop! Good luck in your adventure. You may have found your "get rich scheme" and a new best friend all in one package!

These are exciting times for you, indeed! I wish you all the best of luck..it is great to hear when someone is able to follow their dreams!!

Sometimes that "good feeling" is all you need....I'm very happy for you and wish you the very best of luck. But, even with all the good thoughts, please be realistic when it comes to your partner.

Before you dive in...think of EVERY possible situation and ask questions. You don't want to be surprised by the answers....Get things in writing....don't be mushy...be straightforward and don't worry about hurting her feelings just by asking for something on paper. (I watch the People's court every day.)

Ask about holidays...her flexibility....find out about her past relationships....

you don't want some lunatic ex of hers stalking her....
ask about ingredients.....does she use stuff you like? does she skimp?....is she clean?.......

a million other questions...but all for a good reason. You don't want to get stuck with something you can't live with.

Sorry for the ring of negativity but I truly am just being cautious for you.

Southernbelle - this is so awesome for you!!!! I was wondering what the name of her shop is? And are ya'll gonna change it or add your name or something? You could do something like..."The Pick-Me-Up Deli" (or whatever her shop's name is)..."Featuring Cakes by Southern Belle" (or whatever your biz name is). Just typing out loud here.....lol.

I would also suggest maybe going to her shop and working there with her for a few days...just to get a feel of what she's like while working and as a boss to her employees - I know you won't be an employee, but once you guys are partners you would need to be in agreement about how to direct/oversee ya'lls employees. And the reason I suggest doing it for a few days is because every day is different - one day, smooth sailing; the next, 9 out of 10 customers are pains in the butt; another day, you're/she's moody....get what I mean? That way you both could see each other in almost every possible situation & see how each other handles certain things. This will help you both to understand what areas one excels in and the other flops in....so you can work better together. Plus it could either further concrete your decision of partnering up or not. Things could look great/perfect on paper, but if your working styles can't mesh (whether they're totally opposite or exactly alike) then it might not work out in the end.

If for some reason you end up taking the space across the street....I agree with all of the above stated. The only thing I have to add is this:

Check with your local/county laws about tenancy. Where I am, if any improvements are needed for the building/space to be brought up to structural/electrical/plumbing, etc. code, then the building owner is responsible. I would be responsible for any equipment or other fixtures installed that were specifically needed for my type of business to meet code. And speak in depth with the building owner about the possiblity of him crediting any improvements that you make towards your rent....such as replacing old, broken or inoperable items like light fixtures, door knobs, mouldings, windows, etc. Sometimes landlords will be more than happy to credit you at least a portion or sometimes even ALL of what your expenses are for things like that if it updates the building or is necessary for function, regardless of the type of business that inhabits the space. Chances are that they would have to do some or all of those things at some point themselves anyway, so they're happy if a tenant wants to go ahead and do it on their own up front and they'll just reimburse you. Saves them a lot of time & $$ in labor and you get what you want, in the style you want it(most likely), when you want it, instead of waiting around on the landlord. Plus, the improvements will pay off for them when they rent the space again after you've moved.

Geez - I just realized how long this is!!! Sorry.... Just been doing all my research for my own business & thought I would share my viewpoints with you. GOOD LUCK!!!!

JennT has pretty well summed up everything I would have to say. We aren't trying to be negative. Just want you to go into it with your eyes wide open. You're pursuing a dream most of us have had for a long time. Be sure to keep us posted on how it is going.

wow! good thing you figured out the partnership wouldnt work out before you got stuck in it!!! i think having your own place would be great!!! especially if you get a good deal on equipment. maybe you could get a small business loan or something and buy everything the guy has...if its what you need. wow! so glad for you, and its great that your husband is so supportive of you!!!
good luck! and keep posting latest, i really want to know whats going on!!!

melody

Southernbelle, either she has a horrible business or she is skimming on her books. That is less than $2000 a month gross. When my mom and I had our cafe we showed no profit the first year as we put everything back into the business. We didn't even take a wage. Ours was a small business but we did very well in a town with population 2000. If she isn't making any more than that maybe you should rethink the location. As far as the Health Department--they are a pain in the butt. Most things that they find wrong are minor but trust me, they will always find something wrong. As the guy told me, "That's my job." Be careful of used equipment. I've been there, done that, and not only have a hat but the repair bills also. Few people realize how expensive that type of equipment is and how hard a person works trying to run that kind of business. I always have said that cafe work was the hardest and least appreciated work that a person can do. One positive thing for you is that your DH is behind you 100% and that means a lot. Just be careful and don't go too far in debt. I never dealt with the SBA or anyone like that for a loan, only my local bank so I have no advice about that. Good luck and I think you're better off without the partnership.

Wow!! It sounds like the partnership is not a good move for you!! As you said..it probably won't cost you $12,000 to start up and seeing how her business showed a $1900,00 loss..Hmmmm. I would proceed with the other option of going on your own.Good Luck and keep us posted!!!

also, i would ask her why she thought the profit was so low? is it a bad location? do people not eat out in that town? maybe her food is just bad...but before you sink any money into your own business across the street, i would try and figure out what the deal is, so you arent stuck in a location that is like a ghost town.
good luck!
melody