Starting a business is not an easy feat. To build your enterprise from the ground up, you’d have to put in time, effort, and discipline. You need to meticulously study the ins and outs, from planning to finding the capital to come up with the perfect time to start.
Choosing the best business location is one of the most important factors you’d have to consider. Your business location will help prepare your business for success. It sets the tone for your enterprise. It’s one of the key elements to marketing your product or service. Where you set up shop would aid in determining how well you’ll do.
With that said, it’s understandable how daunting it could be. But worry not, because you are not alone.
Here is a simple guide to help you.
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What style of operation do you plan to have?
Prioritize your style of operation. If you’re planning to become a retailer, finding a place with the perfect foot traffic would be ideal. Places with constant continuous populations like airports, malls, commercial buildings, and event kiosks should be your target. But you can also start at home if your budget isn’t that big. That’s where home-based digital businesses come in.
You can easily earn within the comforts of your living room. If you plan on digitalizing your business right away, choosing the most suitable storage facility should be your focus.
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What are you planning to offer?
Your location should revolve around what you want to sell. If you plan to be a service provider, choosing the most appropriate area will be detrimental to your success. Massage parlors are better set up in city centers so people who feel exhausted from their nine to five could easily get access. Having a game shop or establishing an arcade would be better near malls, schools, and other places that kids frequent.
Suppose you’re planning to capitalize on a certain niche that doesn’t need to rely on consumer traffic like fashion boutiques and beauty services. In that case, getting a commercial business space could offer more flexibility for your growth along the way.
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Who is your target market?
Marketing is one of the essential parts of the business industry. Knowing who you want to cater to will help in choosing where your business should be placed. If you’re living in a country popular for its scenic areas, then capitalizing on tourists could be the perfect opportunity for you. Big and franchised restaurants are better located near airports. But not as promising as authentic cuisine eatery near tourist spots.
Setting up your culinary brand in rural areas where you can depend on the neighborhood’s support can also benefit those with smaller capitals.
Pro-tip: Getting USDA Loans for a house is easier and financially wiser since you can start with that and work your way to building your shop as an extension to your house. Just make sure you have all the permits you’d need.
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How big is your budget?
Speaking of capital, your budget also plays a pivotal role in this project. It’s common sense to choose a location that’s within your budget. But what people usually fail to consider is that it doesn’t end with just choosing a location. You have to think about the location-specific expenses like the cost of renovation and utility supplies, local minimum wage laws for your future employees, and locally adjusted taxes.
You also have to consider the role of your location in adjusting your budget for the acquisition of items necessary for your products or services. And don’t forget about your budget for the possible distribution of said products.
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What other business do you want near you?
You cannot do this alone. And you shouldn’t. Finding the right environment can give your sales an instant boost. Setting up massage parlors near shopping centers can be a good way to capitalize on people’s need to treat themselves. Getting your commercial daycare or play place set up in a mall will help you constantly earn as you help parents enjoy their time without worrying about their kids. Establishing a green and healthy restaurant near gyms can be your ticket to success.
The idea is to use the environment to boost your marketability. Once you know how your products and services can sell, finding the optimal area to sell them is the next step.
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Do you plan on staying local?
No one in their right mind plans to start a business to stay small. Commercial growth is always to end goal. And you have to think about it before you even start. If you plan to leave a mark as one of the best hot dog vendors in the entirety of New York, then having a mobile shop forever isn’t going to cut it. But it can be a good way to start cheap and save a lot for future opportunities.
This is also where you should consider the pros and cons of renting a commercial space. If you plan to go global through the power of the internet, then renting a place is not a bad idea. You’d have more time to save. But if you want to go big immediately and you have the capital to do it, then buying the property can be a good start so you can avoid the hassle and financial losses of having to pay extra every month.
The bottom line
You have to think of your experiences, your current budget, and your plans. And since choosing your business location is one of the most crucial aspects of your business’ success, make sure you take your time and consider everything.
