So what do you think....

[intarsiabox]

Originally Posted by howdy20012002

For your other concerns:
I didn't state that I didn't want to take the risk. I am completely self-employed and know all about risk.
I am not starting a "true" storefront, not because of risk, but because I can't commit to such a venture, as I have another business to run.
I have over 40 grand invested in this fish business as it sits right, all of which came from me..not a bank because they don't like self-employed individuals.
Those who aren't self-employed may not realize as to how difficult it is get money from anyone when you don't have a set paycheck.
Self-employed individuals have an almost impossible time receiving any financing thru banks and grants are near impossible to receive for a venture such as this.

As for unfair competition:
I gutted my basement of its one bedroom apartment to start this business at loss of 1000.00 per month in rent.
When you consider I have only about 600 square(if that) of usable space, I am actually paying more per foot for my store than my shop where I store my limos.
My other operating expenses are on line with other vendors as I still have to pay electricty, etc.
Even without taking into account of the rent, my current revenue is certainly not covering the cost of the livestock and operating expenses or even close.
Hopefully, in the future as my customer base will grow, and I will actually be able to make some return on my investment.

As for the fine line, I can ensure you that I was totally upfront of my intentions of my business when I applied for my business permit and it fits well within the legal boundaries as set forth by the City of Edmonton.

I realize that we probably aren't going to see on the same page on this debate of home-based businesses.
But I hope I did address your concerns as much as i could beyond me closing the doors for good.

thanks again for the input.
Neal

Last time I checked we lived in a free country were capitalism and entrepreneurship is encouraged. You don't need to explain or justify your private business to anybody. Store front businesses also have a lot of benefits over home based businesses such as enormously more visibility to the general public, larger volume discounts on stock (also directly related to visibility), greater tax reductions/credits, etc. If you want to set up a store with 10 tanks the equipment cost outlay would be the same regardless of location. There are certain LFS that sell their live stock for twice as much as other LFS, does that mean that the other stores are all under cutting? Should every store have the exact same price on everything so we can eliminate competition and well run stores can't be rewarded with better profits than a poorly run store?

I haven't been to your store yet Neal but I have bought things off you in the past and you were a pleasure to deal with. I'm just in the process of shutting down one tank and establishing another and when everything is good I look forward to shopping at your home based business.