Thinking of starting a business downtown

[xen0blue]

I was thinking of starting a business downtown and wanted to bounce it off ya'll. Now, as far as I know there aren't any office supply stores downtown (with the exception of maybe kinkos or CVS pharmacy, which has some office supplies), so I was thinking of starting one. I think it would be incredibly profitable because, 1. it'd be the only one in downtown (the closest is I think at cityplace), and 2. I think around 350,000 to 400,000 people (?) occupy downtown during the day, so it'd only have to operate from like 9-6 and on weekdays. I was also curious about what incentives the city might have for me, such as tax, letting me advertise on streetsigns, lamp post, etc. Because I know people would much rather walk 1 or 2 blocks than walk to their car, fight downtown traffic to get to the closet office max which is 5 miles away.

The other business I wanted to start would be a computer shop that specializes in high performance parts and possible building computers tailored for 3d graphics, 3d animation, video editing, etc., but I don't think the market for that isn't as big as an office supply store downtown.

so what do you guys think?

[KesslerDweller]

Maybe. The big money in office supplies is made with corporate customers. We use Office Depot all the time but we have it delivered. Location is irrelevant on delivery.

I would do some more research and see. The problem with downtown locations is going to be parking. I don't go to places where I think parking is going to be a problem. Parking may not be an issue for a radius of 1/2 mile, but we all know that people in Texas don't like to walk to go somewhere.


I was thinking of starting a business downtown and wanted to bounce it off ya'll. Now, as far as I know there aren't any office supply stores downtown (with the exception of maybe kinkos or CVS pharmacy, which has some office supplies), so I was thinking of starting one. I think it would be incredibly profitable because, 1. it'd be the only one in downtown (the closest is I think at cityplace), and 2. I think around 350,000 to 400,000 people (?) occupy downtown during the day, so it'd only have to operate from like 9-6 and on weekdays. I was also curious about what incentives the city might have for me, such as tax, letting me advertise on streetsigns, lamp post, etc. Because I know people would much rather walk 1 or 2 blocks than walk to their car, fight downtown traffic to get to the closet office max which is 5 miles away.

The other business I wanted to start would be a computer shop that specializes in high performance parts and possible building computers tailored for 3d graphics, 3d animation, video editing, etc., but I don't think the market for that isn't as big as an office supply store downtown.

so what do you guys think?

[xen0blue]

Maybe. The big money in office supplies is made with corporate customers. We use Office Depot all the time but we have it delivered. Location is irrelevant on delivery.

I would do some more research and see. The problem with downtown locations is going to be parking. I don't go to places where I think parking is going to be a problem. Parking may not be an issue for a radius of 1/2 mile, but we all know that people in Texas don't like to walk to go somewhere.

Suggestions?

[mjblazin]

Almost all large corporations, including large law and accounting firms, now use central buyers for office supplies. Buying supplies from non-preferred stores is highly discouraged (to put it mildly). I doubt a start up firm could offer the discounts and turnaround that have become standard. If downtown was a hotbed of small entrepreneurial companies, then opportunities would exist. Downtown, in my view, seems dominated by large firms that would be least hospitable to your business. Parking may be a factor, but this growing business practice in medium to large firms is as much the reason why no downtown Office Depots exist.

[White Rock Valley]

There is a small one in the lower level of One Main Place accessible by te Tunnel System.

[baneste]

Office Equipment Company at 800 Jackson also sells office supplies.

[vman]

Maybe. The big money in office supplies is made with corporate customers. We use Office Depot all the time but we have it delivered. Location is irrelevant on delivery.


I think most companies downtown use delivery for office supplies. And don't forget there's an Office Depot being built on Gaston not far from DTD at all.

[dizzy]

I agree with the other posts. Most companies downtown have an account with Office Depot or Corporate Express...etc. Very rarely there is the situation when someone might need last minute supplies that can't wait for a 2 or 3 hour "hot shot" from these companies but it doesn't happen often enough to sustain a store front. IMO.

There are several people that I know of that have home offices in downtown but again not enough (at least yet) to build a business around.

[RobertB]

Forecast for today's parade: rain. :(

The other business I wanted to start would be a computer shop that specializes in high performance parts and possible building computers tailored for 3d graphics, 3d animation, video editing, etc., but I don't think the market for that isn't as big as an office supply store downtown.
I don't think a high-end custom computer business would be well-suited to a downtown location, either. It's not really a window-shopping, convenience-oriented model. Gateway, Apple, and Dell have applied the retail store concept (or mall kiosk, in Dell's case) to the consumer level product, with varying levels of success. But someone looking for a high-end 3D system is more likely to order online and have it delivered, making low rent a more important factor than physical location.

Boy, for a board full of downtown backers, we sure can come up with a lot of reasons to open a business in Plano, can't we? :confused:

[gshelton91]

/\ I think these are just two things that are well served by internet/mail order.

Perhaps something more like a Frankland covey store? or something along the lines of that Rosetta Stone... or something that specialized in productivity software or inspirational art or trophys their was a place like this in the Galleria at one time.

I think an unserved opportunity downtown is services for people wanting to visit our arts centers Nasher, Myerson, DMA -- so something that would complement those organizations that people could also visit on a trip to downtown. -- Restaurant, Art Gallery, Modern furniture, ect.

[mjblazin]

In the 21st century, the only businesses where physical proximity is important are businesses that touch people. Other businesses will go to locations driven by occupancy costs, transportation, deals. Filling downtown with towers might make for nice pictures, but the resulting Class A leasing costs will only permit very large, very rich firms. If that is what is desired, so be it. But we can't complain when the other guys and gals go elsewhere.

[MarkL2023]

Forecast for today's parade: rain. :(

I don't think a high-end custom computer business would be well-suited to a downtown location, either. It's not really a window-shopping, convenience-oriented model. Gateway, Apple, and Dell have applied the retail store concept (or mall kiosk, in Dell's case) to the consumer level product, with varying levels of success. But someone looking for a high-end 3D system is more likely to order online and have it delivered, making low rent a more important factor than physical location.

Boy, for a board full of downtown backers, we sure can come up with a lot of reasons to open a business in Plano, can't we? :confused:

Remember that Dell opened their first store (not just a kiosk) in Northpark. Not sure how its doing but I would assume well. And I can't think of any reason to locate in Plano. Cityplace, definitely, Plano....no thanks. And proximity is more important than yall think. Sure office depots and similar stores make most of their money from corporate clients, but prices are going to be the same (or very close) between stores, no matter the location. This places heave emphasis on store location because if you could order from a store 2 blocks away or even 2 miles away, you would not even consider another store that is 10. The question then becomes, is there enough business to compete with the stores that are close to downtown (a couple on greenville, im sure some more somewhere else)

[UrbanBiker]

I guess that my question would be, "how much experience do you have in running a business?” If not much, or none at all, I would take a look at some type of franchise. Do your homework and find one which will give you support, especially "running your business type of support". I've more or less worked for a small business and in management for over twenty years. It's a tough world out there for the small businessman/woman. I would have to think that downtown is certainly at about the tipping point and it is a great time to get in the game. But, do know what running a business will involve. A successful franchise will give you loads of help. Financial Strength, Banking, Payroll, Payroll Taxes, State Taxes, Employees, Training, more Training due to turnover, Health Insurance, etc., ......... not to insult you, but maybe you know all of this. My apologies if this are the case. In any case, Good Luck!

[mjblazin]

Remember that Dell opened their first store (not just a kiosk) in Northpark. Not sure how its doing but I would assume well. And I can't think of any reason to locate in Plano. Cityplace, definitely, Plano....no thanks. And proximity is more important than yall think. Sure office depots and similar stores make most of their money from corporate clients, but prices are going to be the same (or very close) between stores, no matter the location. This places heave emphasis on store location because if you could order from a store 2 blocks away or even 2 miles away, you would not even consider another store that is 10. The question then becomes, is there enough business to compete with the stores that are close to downtown (a couple on greenville, im sure some more somewhere else)

The problem is that most firms do not give the employees the option and most employees really don't care. You go to the internal web page, order the supplies, and they arrive within the contracted turnaround time. You don't care if they came from around the block or Mars. Additionally, if use someone else, you simply won't get your expense approved unless you prove the preferred supplier was lacking.

If Dell were starting in today's environment with a Northpark kiosk, they'd better get consumer interest because no large commercial firms would touch them.

[sterling]

Panera franchise, or some other company that shepherds young and inexperienced entrepreneurs through all aspects of service oriented business. Of course, food is more trouble than moving boxes of toner around, but I agree with many others that office supplies are a non-starter unless you already have a big-big client. My opinion is that downtown needs more businesses that DON'T focus on the mechanics of running an office.

[tamtagon]

Hardware Store, Daycare Center

[gshelton91]

speaking of day care... i had an idea a while back for a daycare business downtown... the idea is the day care stays late and arranges with downtown restaurants to give free or reduced rate daycare for a receipt worth over 50$ at a downtown business. The businesses would then reimburse the daycare. I think it would bring people downtown and also be a good business. --- could do the same for weekend shoppers visiting retailers downtown.

[UrbanBiker]

I would think that a good liquor store with a good wine and beer selection right in the heart of downtown would do well. Urban Markets beer selection is okay for what it is, but their wine selection is a bit weak. Something along the lines of Goodie Goodies on lower Greenville.

[mjblazin]

speaking of day care... i had an idea a while back for a daycare business downtown... the idea is the day care stays late and arranges with downtown restaurants to give free or reduced rate daycare for a receipt worth over 50$ at a downtown business. The businesses would then reimburse the daycare. I think it would bring people downtown and also be a good business. --- could do the same for weekend shoppers visiting retailers downtown.

Probably a better variation would be to contract with large employers in downtown and set up in-house shops as an employee benefit. They might provide facilities, figure out smooth ways for payment, advertise, etc. Be clear what you are providing them: an employee benefit that helps retention, recruitment, management, and most importantly, you accept all liability.

[urban_bearkat]

A Taco Cabana would do nicely. It's fast, cheap, and open 24 hours.

[vman]

A Taco Cabana would do nicely. It's fast, cheap, and open 24 hours.
I agree about Taco Cabana as long as it's kept up. I've seen some get really scummy very quickly.

Also has a new liquor or convience store opened on Main St. @ Central?? There's a business with a banner out front and a "Lottery Tickets Sold Here" neon sign in the window. I hope that old liquor store on Main St. that's being demolished to make way for the park didn't just move down the street.

[gshelton91]

What about reviving the movies in west end market place and serve food like studio movie grill .... would certainly be nice for that end of town. And lots of people are starting to move that direction... as far as housing goes. Also would probably get lots of use during that AFI Dallas.

[AeroD]

Maybe some one has said it already, but wouldn't this thread be more appropriate in Pegasus Place?

[txsmokey]

I agree about Taco Cabana as long as it's kept up. I've seen some get really scummy very quickly.

Also has a new liquor or convience store opened on Main St. @ Central?? There's a business with a banner out front and a "Lottery Tickets Sold Here" neon sign in the window. I hope that old liquor store on Main St. that's being demolished to make way for the park didn't just move down the street.

Vman your suspicion is correct the "new" liquor store on Main and Central is in fact the relocated liquor store from Main and Harwood.