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High Street or Industrial Unit, which is best 4 Sole Trader
I am interested in peoples opinions, as this is the dilemma facing me at the moment.
I have been offered a large space in a newly converted shop, centre of the High Street I am in at the moment, (much busier than where I am placed) at a very reasonable rent.
The space will be shared with a computer shop, so there will be some cross-over of trade, which could be very useful.
The down-side is that there is a problem with parking, and there MAY come a time when I no longer have anywhere close-by to sign up vehicles.
Geoff says I would be better off having an out-of town industrial unit, where I can get vans inside.
I am not too sure of the second option, and would value your opinions…
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17 Replies
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I’m with Geoff, a unit will be much more versatile, unless you just want to deal with the general public.
Trying to get a unit myself… its hard work to fine the right one though 😕
Nick.
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Hi Lorraine
I was considering a shop instead of the small unit I took on a few months back.
What clinched it for me was that (right or wrong) I think that shops are more reliant on larger volume smaller value work and with the unit I can work on bigger signs (both physical and value). I can make single signs up to 6m length, or get up to MWB van inside – or a LWB with the cab sticking out the front.
Plus with a shop people expect you to be there all the time?
Finally I can’t PM you, can’t give you my e-mail address here as this is against the rules (and quite rightly so), however, do a search on my company name and get to my website and you can get my e-mail address there.
Ta.
Macky
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Which segment does the bulk of your turnover come from and who are your punters?
* Other Businesses (B2B market)
* General public (B2C market)If it is the later then the deal that you have been offered on the shop looks good. Though I would advise if you go for the shop to agree clearly (in writing) who has what space otherwise this could lead to trouble down the line.
However, if you are in the business to business market then the unit makes more sense. You could always add a showroom into the unit if there is sufficient space.
H
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hi lorraine 😀
i would definetly go with an out-of town ind. unit, as the parking situation wont bring you customers, as i was in a similar position for 10 years in the heart of a city centre, passing trade was busy, but it was with alot of folk asking questions, than wanting any work done. 😕 if a customer wont get parked they wont come in, i do it myself…so go out-of town you wont regret it 😀
nik
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Hi Lorraine
I have units on outskirts of town,only a fraction of cost of High Street premises. Although I don’t do vinyl signs I do sublimation. As my customers are nationwide location is not an issue. One thing I’d like to point out is, you need to decide your location as soon as possible so that your business rates can be assessed before beginning of new rates year which is either March or April, so that you can qualify for the 50% rebate if your premises are below a certain rateable value. Leave it too late and you cannot claim it till following year.
Jim -
As stated above, it depends on what type of business you are after.
Personally, I can’t stand dealing with the general public (done it for too many years) so no High Street for me.
Oh, if you can possibly manage it – don’t rent – buy your own. If that’s not possible then at least aim for that goal somewhere down the line.
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A unit on a decent sized industrial park will probably pay for itself with jobs from the other businesses.
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i`ve got a double shop front
although it does have its advantages – a unit would be more useful.
bigger area, loading/fitting bay etc
and no folk distrubing you in the middle of something asking you directions or wanting 1 photo copy…………aaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrr
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When I left the last company I worked for I was in a pokey shop, with no space – but decent parking. Customers through the door trade accounted for about 80% of the clients, but only 20% of the turnover!
Now I’m in a unit (sharing with a parent company) my production office is bigger than the whole of my last shop! And I’ve got access to the factory floor to bring in cars, vans, trucks in a nice stable environment, as well as work on some seriously large projects that would be impossible in a shop.
I’d always baulked at the idea of a unit, but now I’m in one – trade hasn’t suffered one bit….and like Becky said, it stops the idiots asking for directions, photocopies, change for buses & phone etc.
Sharing is a good option, as it reduces your own overheads but can lead to making compromises for space. Get EVERYTHING in writing, including a plan for allocating work space. I’ve not had this problem as I am but a ‘hired fool’ but can see the potential for it!!
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Thanks to everyone for your replies, they make the options much clearer to me now, and it seems obvious that most will go the industrial unit route.
Maybe losing the shop I was after is a blessing in disguise! 😕 I am now looking out for a unit, but they seem a bit thin on the ground round here…
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quote Lorraine Clinch:I am now looking out for a unit, but they seem a bit thin on the ground round here…
Yes… that’s the next problem 😕 small ones are hard to find here too (hot)
Nick.
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the reason we chose a shop over a unit was cost.
we bought the shop for £22K (7 years ago)
but half decent sized units were £4-7K ayear (7 years ago)
depends upon area etc.
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I think I have had a bit of luck….
I chanced my arm & asked the business next to me (right on the end of the high street) if they would consider subletting me their now unused unit at the other end of their site, and they have said yes. The landlord has OK’d it too, so all set for moving in ina week or so! :cheer:
It’s a new-ish extra-large garage which was their original office, has a huge metal shutter door, so no security worries, and more space and off-road car parking. Best thing is, it’s much more visible to motorists as they approach the roundabout leading on to the site. I can also borrow the unit next door to do vehicles in. :bike;
So, things are working out….
Thanks for all your replies. -
nice one lorraine…good luck 😀
as my grannie always says………..’whats meant for you wont go past you’ 😉
nik
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Thanks Nik
What a nice saying-not heard of that one! -
Nice to hear things are working out for you Lorraine.
😀
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I have a sort of unusual solution to the problem – My high street location, where the orders are mostly taken, is shared space where my wifes book and gift shop is. I also keep my small cutter there. The new space isn’t in an industrial estate, but it’s a side street commercial district in a former steam laundry with a big open workshop area and plenty of parking. I will be moving my big cutter and all the other fabrication equipment there in less than a month. And, it’s only 120m from my house! This works for me because a lot of my business is b2C, but I’m building up more b2b. Sounds like you’ve found a good solution, Lorraine!
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