If you could start any business...what would it be?

[phorsenuf]

I am in a position where I can start up a new business. I posted a poll earlier about one idea I have, which I really like and think it could be successful, but it's retail. Not sure I really want to get into retail. I don't want to work nights and I certainly don't want to work weekends. Granted I already have one 'employee' and myself, but still.

So I've been trying to think of other things i think I would like to do but maybe not so much retail oriented. I know that owning your own business requires a ton of work and all (been there, done it before) but I've come to love my freedom.

What are some things you would do?

 

[Liberty Belle]

Probably a preschool, but possibly a children's book store.

 

[Manhattan Princess]

I would love to start a business with exotic vacations for "hunting" but rather than using guns, the people use cameras to "catch" their prey. From Africa to Alaska to Madagascar to the Grand Canyon. Great vacations with gourmet meals prepared. You are guaranteed good food, good adventures and great memories through pictures. I know there are some agencies that do similar things, but it would be my dream to focus on it exclusively.

 

[rie'smom]

I'd start a home staging business because I love decorating.

 

[MIGrandma]

I used to have a dream of running a "Happy Days" style diner, a hang out for teens to eat hamburgers, fries and milkshakes. 50's decor on the walls, a juke box with dance floor, etc. But then I realized how much work, and cost, would be involved and I wouldn't want to be there every day so I gave up on that dream when I turned 40 or so.

 

[Pakey]

Mine would be a travel agency specializing in high end luxury travel.

 

[SaraJayne]

A small bookstore. Our town doesn't have one.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Mine would be a travel agency specializing in high end luxury travel.

This is a hard market to break and amazingly enough there are already some major players in this space.

Two big ones are Abercrombie & Kent and Steele Travel (LGBT Specialization). Now, if you can nitch market yourself and have the local clientele that can get you started, you might be good, but if you're not in a high net worth market, it will be difficult.

 

[kwelch10377]

I would love to open a stationery store like Paper Source.

 

[amez]

my dream biz would be a book store and coffee shop. Unfortunately independent book stores have a lot of competition.

 

[hulagirl87]

either a bakery or a children's bookstore

 

[Diznygrl]

A tea room.

 

[paintnolish]

Coffee shop and small bakery (muffins, scones, etc)

 

[Costumesaremylife]

Cupcake bakery, or Dairy Queen.

 

[tvguy]

Owning a McDonalds. Did you ever see a McDonalds go bankrupt?

 

[mickeymedic]

I'd love to be a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations - but I'm sure that's a common dream on the Dis.

I've also always wanted to open a Wedding dress shop.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Owning a McDonalds. Did you ever see a McDonalds go bankrupt?

I've seen McDonald's close and owning a Franchise is not easy or cheap. Finding a place that is not already market locked can also be a challenge.

Owning a franchise is a great option though, you just have to do your research and find one that works and makes financial sense.

 

[sunnyday123]

A custom painted furniture business.

 

[momof1princess]

for several years, i've wanted to decorate cakes, like you see on TV, and own a cake decorating business, but i have carpal tunnel in both hands, all the way up both arms, so i could never do it. i would also love to be a wedding planner, because i love to plan things and put events together, but i don't think there'd be much of a market in my small city.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Formal clothing store for "plus size" that would have wedding dresses, formal gowns, and big runway to show off the stuff in the store.