Even with a 'store', if you can't get customers you won't be in business long. Right now with the recession the failure rate is incredibly high. And comic book stores have taken a HUGE hit in the past 8 years. Game stores are even worse (and the shoplifting at them is very high). With cafes, you're also dealing with the health department and inspections.
WORK at one of those places, talk to the owner, understand what it takes to actually run a business, and you'll be a lot more ready for it on your own.
The costs of starting a small business, advanced lease payments, equipment, etc. may add up to more than you imagine, a large percentage of small businesses fail within the first year, what your proposing is not exactly a service everyone is seeking, potential investors would probably look at it as a long shot.
A safer venture would be to open a franchise store selling some product like sandwiches with a proven demand, the success rate of these franchise stored based on a proven model is much higher than those just pursuing a passion.
Starting with some sort of online sales may be a way to test the waters with less finantial risk, it still has the potential of touching a number of lives.
In case you don't get to see The Big Bang Theory
Its going to take a good amount of money...you will need to rent a location, get lots of inventory and advertise. You can always do things the cheap way and start at your local swap meet first. Renting a booth there costs may $40 and you can start with minimal inventory. Call your booth whatever name you plan on calling your store. Set up social media sites for your booth and once you have begun selling a good amount and have a good following you should have enough money and customers to open your actual store. Make sure you get whatever licenses and permits your city and state requires. Start small and shoot for the stars!
Money, loads of it to rent or lease a premises. More money for stock, Insurance, utilities and to get you through the first few months of trading. You won't get a business loan for this in the UK unless you have some money of your own, and experience in a business.
UK
Okay so I am need help with advice on what steps to take to build my own business I want to open my own Comic Book store/Games store/Cafe and I know it sounds over crowded but I want to think big and seek out help in a few places, I am really into my comics and games and I like figurines too, I want to own a business where I will enjoy doing something that interests me, I was originally wanting to do music as I rapped for a while but I planned on settling down in the next year or so with my girlfriend and I want to build a future where I can get by financially I don't know what exactly to say other than how would I go about setting things I really want to do this well in this case I NEED to do this I mean I love everything about this Idea and any other suggestions as to get myself out there would G-R-E-A-T, I want to branch out online if I get anywhere with this Dream
All help will be appreciated
Thanks :)
God Bless
