I'm 24 & need to start a coffee imprt/exprt  business. Where do I begin and what are the rules and guidelines?
448311
I work for St. Ives Coffee Roasters, a local roaster in Gainesville, Georgia. I don't know the answer to your question, but the owner of the company is very nice and really loves to help out young people who are interested in business. Just beware because he knows everything and loves to talk! I wouldn't doubt if he would be willing to discuss this with you. You can either log onto the website (attached) or call 1-800-SOS-JAVA. Just send me an e-mail and I will give you his name if you like. Good luck!
628649
I see nothing wrong with owning your own business at your age. And I think it's a very good thing that you are realistic about your lack of management knowledge and skills. That realism will suit you very well in the future. But there is a lot to running a business - tracking revenue and expenses, filing tax returns, hiring and managing employees according to the law, license issues, inventory, etc.\n\nOne way to get skills and experience at a relatively low cost might be to find a pub you would like to own, or at least of the proper size and location, that is owned by a person who is considering retiring or selling the business. Work out an agreement in which you would work for the person, learn that particular business from him/her, and over time assume management responsibility and stock ownership.\n\nThat way you'd lower your investment and your risk. And if you decided you didn't like it, you could walk away from it with no further obligation. If it works out well and you do come into full ownership, then you will be free to try out the unusual pub idea, perhaps on a small scale at first.\n\nThe agreement should be in writing, and reviewed by legal counsel.\n\nBest of success.
665201
Well, - first would be to clean up your English.. I think you might want to "propose" a business idea.. You know, good ideas are great - - we all have many.. however, putting them into practice is another thing - thus the expression 1% inspiration 99% perspiration.. Best advice is do some paperwork and investigation first - How much are drinks like yours selling for? How much will you have to pay in rent and for employees? How many drinks a day will you have to sell just to equal your expenses? Add at least another 15% for miscelaaneous expenses that you never considered. Do the math - if it works out really really well, then you might want to show your math to a business person - rather than just another idea.. ok?
161768
I used to work in a few coffee shops. Beans, cups, grinders, scales, bags, milk, flavoring (for beans and drinks), registers, etc. The list is long for a business. For home, all you need to an espresso/coffee machine, grinder (small, not large), espresso/coffee beans, milk, flavorings. If you are thinking of going into business, work at a coffee shop first.
644356
How about a coffee shop?
990506
You've got a couple of issues here -- let's tackle one at a time.\n\nRE: Retail Sales of the trading cards\n\nThe best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.\n\nI recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.\n\nAssociations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links. \n\nResearch, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:\n\n* Start and Run a Profitable Retail Business by Jim Dion, Ted Topping\n* Retail Business Kit for Dummies by Rick Segel \n* Specialty Shop Retailing: How to Run Your Own Store Revised by Carol L. Schroeder\n* So You Want To Own The Store: Secrets to Running a Successful Retail Operation by Mort Brown\n\nThere are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.\n\nRE: Copyright\n\nYou would apply for a copyright, not a patent, for any original designs.\n\nCopyrights can be obtained for things of an artistic nature. This includes, of course, poetry, films, sculptures, music, fiction, etc. But can also include things that may not necessarily seem "artistic" in the general sense of the word. Copyrights can also be obtained for advertising copy, games, software programs and blueprints, to name just a few. \n\nYou can do this at the US Copyright Office – see the last 2 links in the source box. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $30 per application (it will likely rise to $45 by July 1).\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
779069
The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.\n\nI recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.\n\nAssociations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links. \n\nResearch, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:\n\n* Starting A Flower And Gift Shop by Millicent Gray Lownes-Jackson,\n* Specialty Shop Retailing: How to Run Your Own Store Revised by Carol L. Schroeder\n* Start and Run a Profitable Retail Business by Jim Dion, Ted Topping\n* Retail Business Kit for Dummies by Rick Segel \n\nThere are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
531138
Fist thing would be to find a city, or mall that will allow you to open a such business.... Then I guess it would be order a bunch of products and open up... making sure that you only sell to people that are the appropriate age.... Police like to send under age people in stores like that...\n\nGood Luck
356494
I think most retail and fast food places, you have to be 16 or 18. You could try a paper route if you like to get up early and if your neighborhood is safe. You may also try to start your own business such as walking dogs, babysitting, or making some sort of craft. Use your personal computer to make flyers to advertise your business.
188987
I have had a business since I was 18 years just using basic writing skills and selling my skills to others. In my 20's I became an independent consultant and have worked consistently into my 50's. I have several associates, young and mature who have packaged, marketed, and sold their "ideas" as consultants and freelancers as well. Search the net for some start-up tips and reading material. Who knows... you may come across one of my "how to" books. Good Luck.
241223
Start you own business WITHOUT QUITING YOUR DAY JOB.\n\nJust work from 9 to 5 in your day job and from 5 to 9 in your business.
1074658
The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.\n\nI recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.\n\nAssociations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links. \n\nResearch, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:\n\n* Publish Your Own Magazine, Guide Book, or Weekly Newspaper: How to Start Manage, and Profit from a Homebased Publishing Company by Thomas A. Williams\n* Starting & Running a Successful Newsletter or Magazine (4th Edition) by Cheryl Woodard\n* How to Start a Magazine by James Kobak\n* Producing Successful Magazines, Newsletters and E-Zines: Great Ideas, Practical Help, and Straightforward Guidance…by Carol Harris\n \nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
990147
I would start by doing lots of research on opening a business and jotting down just off the top of your head what you'll need to get started before you even try to figure out costs - listing everything will give you a place to start.  Here are some things I would think about:\n\n1) where and how big do you want this shop to be?\n2) what space is available in the area where you want the location\n3) will you need to do your own renovating/remodeling to the space\n4) do you plan to buy or rent the space?\n5) location is really, really important; are there other businesses in the area that draw people and might promote walk-in business for your shop?\n6) how close is your nearest competition? don't even try to compete with starbucks if they're anywhere near unless there's something so unique about your shop that you'll have your own niche following\n7) how will you advertise?\n8) will you need to hire employees\n9) who will handle the legal work? the accounting? \n10) how much insurance will you need - property insurance, insurance against loss of inventory, liability insurance in case a customer or an employee gets hurt in the store\n11)how much inventory do you need to get started?\n12) how much money do you need not just for upfront costs but to keep the shop going in the beginning before the business takes off\n13) have either of you worked at the kind of coffee/tea shop you'd like to own - are you willing to do that for awhile to really learn the ins and outs of the business?
1028158
The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.\n\nI recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.\n\nAssociations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links. \n\nResearch, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:\n\nCatering Specific:\n* How to Start a Home-Based Catering Business, 5th by Denise Vivaldo\n* How to Run a Catering Business from Home by Christopher Egerton-Thomas\n* Start and Run a Catering Business by George Erdosh\n\nBakery Specific:\n* How to Open a Financially Successful Bakery by Sharon Fullen, Douglas R. Brown\n* The Baker's Trade: A Recipe for Creating the Successful Small Bakery by Zachary Y. Schat\n* Baking for Profit: Starting a Small Bakery by George Bathie\n\nIndiana Specific:\n* How to Start a Business in Indiana by Entrepreneur Press\n* How To Incorporate and Start a Business in Indiana by J. W. Dicks\n\nThere are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
1081303
The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.\n\nI recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.\n\nResearch, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:\n\n* How to Really Start Your Own Business, Fourth Edition by David E. Gumpert\n* How to Really Create a Successful Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide by David E. Gumpert\n* What No One Ever Tells You about Starting Your Own Business: Real-Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs (What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business) by Jan Norman \n* Business Start-Up Kit by Steven D. Strauss \n* Start Your Own Business (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Up) by Rieva Lesonsky\n* Small Business Start-up Kit for California by Peri Pakroo, Barbara Kate Repa\n\nThere are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
227852
depends on your circumstances...\n\nbut for most people the problem is you don't have a bunch of money lying around while you "build the business" so you need something that will start bringing in the cash. \n\nthe best bet is to work two jobs, the one you got from 9-5 and your new one of building a business from 5-9. Then once you grow it enough you can quit the other one.\n\nYou need to find something you will enjoy (clearly this is why you don't like the job you have now and want to quit).\n\nRemember this is hard work and may not be for everyone. Especially in the begining. But if you have enough desire you will make it.\n\nI know a person that bought two espresso stands and works in one for a shift and is bringing home as much money as they could make as an employee and all they had to do was borrow $50k to get them both built. But then again all they have really done is create a job for themself, cause if they pay someone to take their spot it all of a sudden isn't so much money.\n\nGood Luck finding and creating your dream job.\n\ngood resource if you want to start your own "real" business:\nhttp://www.entrepreneur.com/\n\ngood resource if you want to create your own job \n(don't worry the advice is good for anyone you don't have to be a mom):\nhttp://www.internetbasedmoms.com/
338839
The only way to make money in the coffee business is to spend lots of money.\n\nI assume you have little to no cash but lots of time.\nStart small...think landscaping, tutoring, child care.\nThink of businesses that do not require a large capital invenstment and work up from there.\n\nIf you are set on owning a cafe then start by working in one.  Learn the business.  Learn everything you can.  Then start to gather your capital to open your own cafe.  Try to have enough in cash to operate your business for at least 10 months.  \n\nGood luck.