Why I’ll Never Open a Storefront (And Why Inventory Is a Trap
Someone posted a reply to one of my Facebook posts in a group: "I can't wait to come to your shop and try your coffee." People love romantic business ideas. “Have you ever thought about a cute little coffee shop downtown?” Sure. I’ve thought about it. We’ve all thought about it. The reclaimed wood counters, jazz piping out of speakers, witchy candles in the corner, maybe a bone on the shelf for attitude. People walk in, buy coffee, I smile, life is soft-focus sepia tones. I have beautiful satellite shops on Whidbey Island, by every Ferry terminal, in Pikes Market....etc. Beautiful fantasy. Now let’s burn it to the ground with math. The 1,200 Square Foot Dream… Until The Rent Bill Comes Let’s pretend I hit the retail lottery and find a 1,200 sq ft storefront in downtown Everett (not picking on Everett, it's just for an example) for $2,400 a month. People say, “That’s not too bad!” They say that before we add reality: Utilities: $350–600 Insurance: $10...