How many of you have an office?

[ootuoyetahi]

I am currently working from home but really like the idea of some type of office space/store front. Do you guys see something like this as a smart investment or not really? I know store fronts can be expensive and maybe not worth while. Office space is less expensive and has benefits of its own? What do you guys think?

Thanks

 

[Blues]

The problem is if you remain solo no more on-calls unless it is after the store hours. So you need to hire people who can watch the store to make it effective so you have further increased your costs. It is a good idea when you have enough funds and can find some people to hire who can either manage the store front and/or co out on-call.

 

[jj2000]

gotta agree with blues if you're a one man band it can be a real pain as you can only go out on visits after hours,Me i keep a converted garage as a workshop and mainly work out of there so home visits are not a problem as most of my calls are evening and weekends.

 

[lazzo71]

I use a converted shed in my back yard, I am installing a bar in there in the next few weeks and it doubles as a Texas Hold 'em venue.
I am not interested in paying for a store, I want to make money, not give it to someone else.

 

[14049752]

Having an office really depends on location, price and services you offer.
I've said this before, but it wouldn't make sense for me to not have an office.
I found a nice office with a very low rent, across the street from one of the country's largest universities. Since most of my customers don't have a car, own laptops, and can't have me come to them, the cost is easily justified.

The bottom line is: If having an office fits into your business plan and will increase your business, you should look into it. If having an office is something you want just because it'll look good, maybe you should look into other, less expensive things first.

 

[Bumper Bender]

I've got an office and i've also got a shop front in another town, my situation is the office/workshop located inside a multi bisuness building (no road frontage, no windows, smack in the middle of the building) works quite well whilst we advertise we have a lot of loyal clients and word of mouth is very strong, this office is also busier than the shop front in a larger/wealthier town,

So unless you can cover large outgoings for a shop (i.e already have existing work) and have someone avaliable to you try to build business first work hard on promoting your business first.

Then find a location and spend a day there, sitting around (drink some coffee/ have a donut and don't look like a bum) watch who walks past, are they workers? benifit bludgers?, how many people go past in a day? where are they going?, what other shops/business are in the area and do they compliment your type of business,

Talk to the shop owners and ask them what their rent is, is businees good in the area, do they need computer help?, what type of customers do they get?, is there many burgs done in the area?, what type of security do they have?

Check for easy access to your location, can customers park right out front? where can you put signage?, what facilities are there

Hopefully by asking some of these questions you will be able to make a good decision and all will go well, so GOOD LUCK