Replying to my own post: Im looking at commercial space in the next few days. Ive already talked to 3 other businesses that lease from the building owner, with good reports. Im looking to sign a 1 year lease, with a graduated rental rate, Does the owner of the building usually pay for repairs/improvements, the leasee, or is it negotiated?

Thanks, Dave edit

Hey Dave, I just wante to Congratulate you on taking your financial future into your own hands. All the information you seek will be presented to you and your business will thrive :):) edit

While repairs, could be found in the body of your contract and is usually standard format for the property owner to make normal repairs. As for improvements, if your signing a one year lease, your not offering any incentive to the owner to spend money from his funds to improve the property for you (it's a loyalty relationship). BUT if your looking for them to make improvements, you should be prepared to have in increased rent fee. You may be better off to keep looking for what you want that will have they features your looking for at the price your willing to pay. Hope all is well in your search. edit

Hi Dave. Congratulations on starting your business. I don't know a lot about starting a retail business, but there was a show that came on televsion earlier this year hosted by Bill from the Apprentice and what they did was make over retail stores to make to help make them appealing, to streamline the day to day operations. One of the things that they always made reference to was the Dell Point Of Service System. The system was very sophisticated. It tracked inventory, told you the daily totals and I think a lot more. With that being said I think you should check with Dell.

Good Luck!

Audrey, Ms. Boss
http://www.MsBoss.net edit

Dennis, Audrey - thanks for the tips. I'll check out Dells offerings. Im also seeing a SCORE mentor tomorrow, and working with a non profit development organization in the town where Im headed.

The owner of the building is willing to make some changes (at least he says so), but Im still working with the city for approval. Its a "historical" building, which complicates things quite a bit.. Will keep you posted.

Dave in NC edit

Hi Dave I know the industry that you are trying to get into, I worked for years at a Bass Pro Shops doing internal investigations and right now is a great time to get into the business you want. You are correct that right now a secondary market is perfect for sportsmen especially at tough times. One thing you need to to after you talk to the owner of the building is to talk to the attorney who is going to represent you in the business. Have him go over the contract with a fine tooth comb about the property you are buying. Now I know that alot of businesses have to outsource things like people to do repairs and actually have some sort of maintenence crew on staff. If you like give me an email at businessir1@yahoo.com I can also help you put in some sort of internal loss system that will help you. Right now the retail industry, especially the sports industry is seeing a rise in theft. I can help you control that and make sure you increase your profits as much as possible. All information you share with me is confidential and my consultation is totally free. You can also check out my site as www.businessir.wetpaint.com you might find it helpful. I have information on there about market research for your business and how best to use that information. edit

Hi Dave. You are welcome. I wish you much success with your venture

Audery, Ms. Boss
http://www.MsBoss.net edit

Dave,

There are also products available from Intuit, in their Quickbooks line. They also have a solution for retail that includes credit card payments, for example. I dont know how these offerings compare to others on the market.

Rich Sherman edit

Hi Dave,

When dealing with a commercial building, there are things that the owners will do, like what is a standard build-out, what will they pay for, so keep in mind how you want your layout, it will definitly determine how much you will have to spend. Now as for the lease, if you have to finance any of the build-out, negotiate a rent credit, for a couple of months, by doing this, this will increase your marketing budget, then you can do more marketing, why? Because this is a start up business and you want to get more for your buck, if you want to do it right the first thing is to budget; now if your using a realtor, by doing this you will have someone to look over your contract, without paying a lawyer, that will save you some money aswell, I feel that a lawyer is needed for your company structure, to make sure you are incorporated right. If you need any help, I am a consultant and I can help you, just e-mail at jackson5683@gmail.com edit

Normally a commerecial building is leased on the basis of a "Tripple Net Lease". That simply means that you pay the normal lease rate PLUS R.E.Taxes, PLUS Building Insurance (in addition to your normal insurance) PLUS any bldg repairs.

However, everything is negotiable. Your power to negotiate normally depends upon how desperate the landlord is to lease the bldg, and how willing you are to walk away. edit

Hi Dave,
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Shari edit

Hi Dave,
If you are still in the market, you might want to check out free open source OpenBravo POS (Point of sale) software. It can also handle inventory tracking. For more details see here:
http://www.smb-soft.com/industry-specific/point-of-sale-pos

Good luck,
Ashok edit

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