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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Would you open a shop? Should I?

133 replies

Lilyofthefields · 31/07/2019 08:30

Just that really.

I have an idea and a place in mind but I don't even know what questions I should be asking, let alone the answers.

I have zero experience of running a shop or business, although I briefly worked part time in a petrol station / village shop back in the 90s. I don't really know where to start.

I am 39, work part time for £42k, have no kids, no mortgage and no purpose in life.

OP posts:

FlorenceandtheWashingMachine · 01/08/2019 15:32

One of my friends has just set up a zero-waste shop after being made redundant. She was given loads of support online from the zero-waste community, which is really supportive, and she also visited shops to get ideas. She has done a really good job of it.

To be honest, I tried to talk her out of setting up the shop as I could see so many issues with it (most of them have been mentioned above). She loves running it (always her dream), but it is extremely full-on. It is a 'scoop' shop (everyone seems to use dispensers now), but she also does some gorgeous eco gifts etc. She got support in setting up as it is in a deprived area, but I really worry about finances medium/longterm.

Another friend in the same town has a normal job, but she put lots of time into setting up a local plastic-free group. They organise beach cleans, run a stall at local farmers' markets etc and it has been a really positive experience. She has financial stability, but is happier with life.

I am cautious with money. I would opt for choice number two every time in your shoes.

If you check out The Clean Kilo on FB they have a very honest post about the challenges of running these stores.

Good luck whatever you decide!

Cosentyx · 01/08/2019 15:38

I'd love a PT job that pays £42k.

lawnmowingsucks · 01/08/2019 18:21

The scoop shop is such a great idea

Really?

In a place where parking is negligible and purchases will be heavy?

lawnmowingsucks · 01/08/2019 18:22

I'd love a PT job that pays £42k.

Me too.

Cosentyx · 01/08/2019 18:30

Same here, Florence. I'm a decade older than the OP and tbh, I'm glad I stuck to being conservative financially. I think pissing away a good, stable PT job that pays so much to run a shop is a very unwise idea. Very unwise.

The zero waste will extend to mass markets soon and the OP has said she's already competing with Lidl.

Shopkeeperrr · 26/09/2023 16:41

Lilyofthefields · 31/07/2019 09:34

Thanks @WhataLovelyPear I have set up and lead a couple of worthy endeavours, I play in an informal Netball league and I am a minor player in a large local dance/social scene.

Well, thanks for the feedback everyone. I asked for advice and I got it - kindly and honestly in most cases. The main hurdle are the local demographics and competition I think. I realise that it's a case of IABU. RIP Weigh To Go

@Lilyofthefields - did you ever do this?

SapatSea · 26/09/2023 17:45

Zombie Thread

Princessfluffy · 29/09/2023 07:05

Great to have an idea to take your life in a direction that gives you more fulfilment.

I can't see that this idea will make money though as I don't think the profit margins are there or that you will get the volume of sales that you need.

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