Transition from home-based to small retail space?

[abn]

Maybe I'll be too busy to bombard Leatherworker.net with my lengthy ramblings!

I sure hope not! I think lots of folks here have dreams of doing exactly what you are.

Please consider posting your experiences as you start out on this new venture... We'd love to hear how it goes!

Good luck!! Alex

[TomSwede]

Hey Tammy!

Nice to see that you're on a move and daring lifes opportunitys!

I wish you the best of luck and hope you'll have some time left over to pay your regular visits here and show your cool work.

Tom

[David Genadek]

Wow, you've all been incredibly helpful! Thank you!

I printed this entire thread so I can refer back to it in the future.

Art, the space is 'off the beaten path' as they say, but it's a shiny new building in a rusty industrial setting. The locals all know where the building is, although getting them to come there will be up to me. My insurance will be a one-year policy; I can't find a shorter term, but in a way, I like the fact that it's one year. If it were short-term and I had a bad day - or a bad week, it might cause me to begin thinking short-term as well. The rent remains month-to-month, and that's the more difficult part to come up with on a monthly basis.

Class size of 4 is currently based on the fact that the 'classroom' portion of the space is a mere 9 1/2' wide by 16 1/2' long. I envision a 6' table lengthwise in the middle of the room, with 4 people seated around it and all the tools, supplies, first aid, etc. in the little alcove created by the two steps into the space. The back 'wall' is a garage door, so the classroom space can be fully ADA accessible without the steps. Maybe it'll actually be comfortable for 8, around 2 4' tables arranged crosswise. I get the keys on Monday, and I have all the tables I need already so I can experiment a bit. I'm thinking tiny classes more often might be a good way to go, especially since I'd like to create a 'bridge club' type atmosphere where people return to make new projects based on the seasons. Masks in early October and January, jut before Halloween and Mardi Gras, for instance. I naturally 'think think think' and analyze everything, but I never thought of it in terms of Winnie the Pooh! : ) People look at me and say, 'Your mind just never stops, does it?!'

Kevin, the book is on its way. If you meant I should read it first before renting the space, it's too late - but my personality type is such that I frequently put myself intentionally in situations that are way over my head and then I learn how to make them work. I love overcoming challenges and finding interesting ways of accomplishing things, and I also love to draw people together in beneficial ways.

Ian, I already have the fixtures, which is what started this whole crazy idea. I've done several versions of floor plan on graph paper and the only thing I'll need to outfit the two little rooms is a coffee pot : ) Essentially, I'll have a 10x10 convention-style booth set up at all times in the front room, and my finished products will be 'on display'. Mostly what this means is that I'll be able to see how they look, what I still need to make, and that they'll actually be ready to go. I have a tendency to not entirely finish them until the day before - or sometimes 3am day of - the next show. If I just have to pack them, instead of attach straps to them, it'll make life much nicer!

I'll be thrilled if I sell things from the shop, but mostly I want to teach the classes. And, I'm the first to admit that I only know how to do the things I'm interested in. I've already started hunting for guest instructors who specialize in the things I don't know how to do. There's another leatherworker in the building next door, but he doesn't seem to have a website. Tomorrow I plan to visit him to make sure I don't cause his business any negative impact in any way. Ideally, I'd like to refer people to him when they want the things I don't wish to make.

David, I think the little building you're referring to is the Alki Bathhouse, which is run by the Seattle Parks Department. I'm working on a bid to teach a class there also, since it's more prominent and a little more accessible than my space. I'd love to talk to your friend, if he's interested.

For better or worse, crazy idea or great plan, I'll have the keys on Monday. And the financial responsibility, but to be honest, no matter how much money I've made in the past, I've tended to spend it on too many latte's and very expensive clothing. I'm ready to drink drip coffee and wear what I already have for awhile.

Maybe I'll be too busy to bombard Leatherworker.net with my lengthy ramblings! Thanks again for your input!

Tammy

Yep that is the one. I thought it was a city owned thing but it sounded to me like it was a bit under used so I thought maybe they were changing the plan for it. I will e-mail you the contact information

David Genadek

[Doug Mclean]

Hi Tammy:

I have been following along on your quest to start up in business. I can almost feel your enthusiasm by reading your comments. This is important never loose your enthusiasm. That's a big word for a cowboy. I had to look it up to see how to spell it. Always keep thinking of new ways to get your products in front of the people who are likely to want to buy them . Try new things. Sometimes you are suprised by what people really want.

Best of Luck to you I can tell you are going to do very well. Keep that positive attitude!!!!

Doug McLean

[Regis]

Tammy,

Your enthusiasm and energy about your venture are a pure pleasure to read. I hope you can squeeze in time to keep us up to date.

Wishing you the best,

Regis

[LarryB]

Good luck Tammy. I always get excited when leather workers open a shop... but on the other hand its a sad time when they say they closed the shop. So now you have us all excited for you...so keep us posted on how it goes.

[faceOdd]

Thank you, all, for your input, advice, and words of caution.

I got the keys on Monday, moved everything in on Monday evening, set it all up on Tuesday, and then realized I'm going to need additional income between shows. On Wednesday I heard back from a high-end costume shop in a nearby neighborhood, and this coming Monday I have an appointment with the co-owner. They're sponsoring a masquerade soon, so the timing of my inquiry was good.

Tomorrow I will promote my introductory class at an independant arts and crafts show that I participate in regularly. The first class will be April 26th, and the 'Grand Opening' of the showroom will be May 1st. I'll take pictures once it's all in place. Right now, it's not much to look at.

I realize now how little I know about computers, marketing, and graphics design! That'll be my next big challenge. But that can wait until Tuesday : )

Have a wonderful week-end, and thank you again for all the support! It really means a lot to me.

~Tammy

[TomSwede]

Wow, seems like your on a roll at the moment Tammy!

Hope you can cut yourself a deal with the costume shop 'cuz with all you put into this right now I think you're worth it!

I'll send out my ravens to keep an eye on you! They are the bringers of good fortune!

Tom

[Pip]

keep on that roll, timing is 8/10 success...... good luck.

[equiss]

Tammy, my experience was similar. After working from my home shop for a few years, I took the plunge and opened a retail store combined with my shop. My investment was considerable (for me) outfitting the store with fixtures, stocking merchandise(I sold other leathergoods besides mine) and building and stocking the repair part of the business.

I started with very few customers, but quickly built through word of mouth. However, I came to realise that I needed to make and sell a hefty amount of stuff just to cover expenses. There is a certain resentment that develops when you see so many of the items you spend countless hours making going out the door strictly to cover expenses. For myself, being in the motorcycle business, there is a definite season too. So almost as soon as the riding season ends, the business drops to zero until spring fever comes again.

I closed my store in January and am once again working out of the house.

But, it doesn't compare with the nice storefront and big workshop I had. And, the daily interaction with all the people that stop by for a chat was a great experience. I'm looking for a new space with lower overhead, with the goal of my grand opening early next year.

Despite the big cash I was out at the end of the whole episode, I highly recommend giving it a go. I learned a million things having the store and having a dedicated time to work was great too.

Be sure to get set up with a credit card company - it's almost a must.

Spend your advertising dollars wisely (a lot of advertising is just money wasted) There are a lot of free advertising posibilities

Don't forget to set your sales tax $ aside

Buy all your supplies from wholesalers and resell them to your students at the common retail price (you'd be amazed at the mark-up)

Anyway, best wishes on your exciting adventure!

Ian

Hi Ian - what are the "free advertising possibilities?"