http://www.small-business-forum.net/ Just getting started with an idea for a business? Post your questions here en Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:53:26 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.small-business-forum.net/images/misc/rss.png http://www.small-business-forum.net/ http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3480-georgia-computer-repair-new-business-help.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:35:00 GMT I have worked in corporate America for 10 years as a software engineer and network administrator. I am leaving soon and the plan is to start a small... I have worked in corporate America for 10 years as a software engineer and network administrator. I am leaving soon and the plan is to start a small business called Georgia Computer Repair, Inc. I chose that name becuase those are very common search words in Google and I will be marketing via my website which is in the works.

Anyway, I plan on offering my services to Small Businesses and Home Offiice users. For example, for the small business I will offer network support, pc repair, microsoft server setup, email setup, website development and graphic design. I have several friends that are partnering with me to provide these services.

My question, is the company name Georgia Computer Repair, Inc. fitting for the services I am offering? I am concerned that small business owners may see that in a google search and not associate it with small business network administration or website design.

What do you guys think? ]]> Starting Your Business jtwoods4 http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3480-georgia-computer-repair-new-business-help.html http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3466-dba-llc-conversion.html Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:15:57 GMT I am looking to convert my current DBA to an LLC. Does the start date of the business carry over to the LLC or does it change to the date the LLC is... I am looking to convert my current DBA to an LLC. Does the start date of the business carry over to the LLC or does it change to the date the LLC is formed.
Next, I will be starting what will be in effect a new LLC which will be working in conjunction with an established LLC brining with it, it's entire client base. The owner would be a member of my LLC and suggested a 65%- 35% split with me having the 65%. I am basically starting with nothing, he is bringing the client base and providing the initial vehicle(s). It is a Luxury Limousine Company which is going green under my LLC, which was my idea. The initial vehicles will be MB GL350 Blutech Diesels valued at 70K ea. ]]> Starting Your Business Marc http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3466-dba-llc-conversion.html http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3427-best-structure-state-online-business.html Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:31:48 GMT There are several threads already on the best structure for a business, however, my question specifically relates to online-only businesses.

I'm working on a start up which will operate solely online, though fulfillment and operations will occur in NY State. I'm curious what types of corporate entity setup you've seen others use for this type of firm (if you have seen any)? Some options are:
--> LLC (fairly common for real estate, but web start ups?)
--> LLP
--> S-CORP

Some entity locations are:
--> NY State Entity
--> Nevada Entity (often recommended for real estate, but web start ups?)
--> Nevada Entity w/ Foreign Registration in NY State

I understand that to even have liability protection, one needs to be incorporate in the state where they are doing business. Our primary goal here is liability limitation, secondary goals are having a proper entity for a potential sale down the road and tax efficiency.

I'd imagine this is a fairly common setup, but i've found *very* little online about this. Would you know of any white papers or resources for this sort of decision?

BTW, I have spoken to two lawyers who recommended one option or another but I wasn't convinced because they couldn't explain why they had prescribed that option (seemed almost arbitrary recommendations.) ]]> Starting Your Business saifrahmed http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3427-best-structure-state-online-business.html http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3412-need-online-store-advice.html Sat, 21 Aug 2010 17:35:39 GMT My signficant other and I are intending to open an online *Zazzle* Store. Because its Zazzle we do not need any material just design products and... My signficant other and I are intending to open an online Zazzle Store. Because its Zazzle we do not need any material just design products and collect royalties. Though it can be considered easy profit, owning a store is open to anyone. We intend on having a professional quality layout aswell as a site to attain 15% referal sales on top of Royalties.

We would like to make it possible to make if highly profitable, have the avenue to make it a brand or open some type embroidery or graphic tee kiosk or small store if that became an opportunity to look into.

But were not ahead of ourselves which is why id like to learn anything in particular to take into consideration. Anyone can have a bright idea but we want to raise the standards of quality products, store layouts, and profit on Zazzle entirely based upon anything i can learn and apply into to our plans we thought of an November opening but we postponed it so we can have a more thorough idea.

Thanks and appreciation for all advice in advance. :o ]]> Starting Your Business Jerz http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3412-need-online-store-advice.html http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3405-caricaturist-asking-your-advice-new-business.html Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:34:50 GMT Hi, Friends!

I've been working on a collection of caricatures of great historical figures.
Now, I need some feedback about the drawings and some advice about some options of the business that are still open. So, I prepared a brief presentation of the ideia, with some few direct questions about it.
For those of you who are willing to help me, here it is my caricatures presentation. It will take you just 2 or 3 minutes.

I would be most appreciated if you give me your advice! :)
Thank you! ]]> Starting Your Business Frederico Rogeiro http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3405-caricaturist-asking-your-advice-new-business.html http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3371-thinking-starting-vhs-digitization-service.html Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:03:12 GMT Hello, all at small-business-forum.net.. I am thinking of starting an online VHS digitalization service.. any suggestions? Thanks in advance, Hello, all at small-business-forum.net.. I am thinking of starting an online VHS digitalization service.. any suggestions?

Thanks in advance, ]]> Starting Your Business Will http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3371-thinking-starting-vhs-digitization-service.html http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3370-online-nutritional-supplement-store.html Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:28:32 GMT Hello All. I am new to the forum and glad to be here. I am looking at starting an online nutritional supplement store. I do not plan to carry any... Hello All. I am new to the forum and glad to be here. I am looking at starting an online nutritional supplement store. I do not plan to carry any product. I have been looking up drop ship companies and EVERY website is asking for a fee just to provide you with a list of these drop shippers. I am willing to pay for this service if it works. Is that the route to go in finding information on or drop shippers? THANKS IN ADVANCE. ]]> Starting Your Business cnewbee http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3370-online-nutritional-supplement-store.html http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3364-starting-internet-cafe-birmingham-uk-help.html Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:06:04 GMT Ok I've been planning on doing this for a while now, but I've been made redundant and think why not give it a try it's the only chance I'll get. I would like to open an internet cafe in an area in north Birmingham. There is no other internet cafe facility in this part of town. There is a library with free internet service, but you are only limited to an hour. There is also a college nearby, but the student are not allowed to bring food into the computer rooms and in my research they would be willing to pay a pound to be able to eat there lunch and do there work at the same time. There are also a few restaurants and cafes, though one of the cafes I spoke to said they were finding things difficult at the minute...

Basically I need advice, my capital is low and I dont know where to go for help, Ive started a business plan but the only thing that lets me down is my lack of experience in this area. Has anyone else started this business and had success with it? ]]> Starting Your Business steve0 http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3364-starting-internet-cafe-birmingham-uk-help.html http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3351-starting-liquor-store.html Fri, 13 Aug 2010 05:53:42 GMT Hello everyone! I am looking for someone to share their experiences and knowledge. I decided to start a liquor store in Georgia. I already know... Hello everyone!
I am looking for someone to share their experiences and knowledge. I decided to start a liquor store in Georgia. I already know what it takes to open a liquor store as far as permits and lisences I need to obtain from the state and my county. I also went to a training on laws and regulations specific to GA alcohol sales and started to write a business plan with the help of SCORE.
I have some startup capital, but not sure if I will have to also borrow a little more. My problem is not knowing what are wholesale pricing on alcohol are. Distributors do not provide their prices unless you already have a liquor license and create an account with them. So how do I figure out what my initial inventory will cost me?
I know about other expenses to include license cost (over $5000/year in GA), rent and utilities, insurance, security system, equipment (shelves, coolers, cash register, computer). Is there any other fixed or variable expenses that I am forgetting about?
If I cannot figure out wholesale prices, then is it possible to figure out the markup? I am pretty sure that no one of my local liquor store will be willing to give me this information so I am hoping there is someone on this forum that will be able to help.
Thank you everyone! =) ]]> Starting Your Business Elite http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3351-starting-liquor-store.html http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3340-best-structure.html Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:46:37 GMT I will start out by telling you that I have an MBA, so you know I know absolutely nothing about starting a business :p I am a Kansas resident and... I will start out by telling you that I have an MBA, so you know I know absolutely nothing about starting a business :p

I am a Kansas resident and preparing to open a small bakery/cupcakery business. My husand and I will be the sole owners, but I am not sure which would be the best option for our business structure - C Corp or S Corp? We are financially conservative and want to protect our home and assets so I am not even considering the sole proprietor option.

I have bought several "Dummy" books on starting a small business, which list out differences, but I am curious as to how most small businesses would approach this. ]]> Starting Your Business LucyP http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3340-best-structure.html http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3337-risky-start-new-business-loan.html Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:28:31 GMT Should i start my business with loan?Is this safe or not in this recent period? Should i start my business with loan?Is this safe or not in this recent period? ]]> Starting Your Business businessman1927 http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/3337-risky-start-new-business-loan.html