----- Original Message -----
From: Bob Werre
. . . . . . . . . , there were a couple of semi-hobby shops that were housed
in private homes.. . . . . . . . . . . . I had approached a couple of our
manufacturers with that very idea but neither seemed particularly
interested. . . . . . . . . .
> > > > > > > > > > > > >
The idea of a "basement operator" serving the needs of confirmed and
potential S gaugers in a metropolitan area is worth pursuing. We used to
have them around here, one actually in his basement, the other in his
garage. These were gathering places for modellers during their business
hours, and they made some sales, HO of course. Both men are now deceased.
Manufacturers / importers are in a bit of a bind at the moment, but when
things get sorted out, they ought to be willing to work with you. Both to
confirm you're not just trying to get a discount on stuff you & your buddies
want, and to make S look like a viable modelling scale, you'll need to
invest several thousand dollars in both AM and SHS goods, and a proportional
amount in any other business that will deal with you. And don't expect any
of them to give you a 40% discount. Three locos & a dozen freight cars on a
shelf, with a "We can get it for you" sign, isn't going to convince anyone
that S is worth pursuing.
As to doing this in a residentially zoned area, the hate-the-government
crowd may try to discourage you, but local governments and zoning
administrators have become aware of the popularity and benefit of home-based
businesses. As long as you don't have big semis blocking the street making
regular deliveries, and customers parked up and down the street for two
blocks, you probably won't have a problem. Advertise by word-of-mouth,
resist the temptation to put a big neon sign on your house. And if you're
really worried, call your zoning administrator's office, tell them there
will be no outward change in appearance and you'll be lucky to get five
customers a week. They'll most likely say go ahead. Just another "Mary
Kay."
Tom Hawley -- dba Michigan Models.
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