http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum Thinking about starting up, need help and advice, ask away here en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:33:08 GMT vBulletin 1 http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/images/ye/misc/rss.jpg http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/13-year-old-web-design-business-51264.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:11:22 GMT Hello,

This is my first post on this forum.
I'm thinking about creating a small web design business since I'm intrested in that stuff, and I hve just finished a bunch of chunky books about the world of the web. However, the thing is that I am only 13, and I have school and stuff, but I also have no idea how long it would take to design and built a full site for a client...

I would dedicate 1 hour a night on this business, and about 5 in total on the weekend. I don't really have muhch time to do any more than this.

If you think that i can't fit web design into my schedule, what ohter business could I make (preferably on the internet, since we don't have many neighbours for me to mow lawns etc.)

I like the idea of having my own business, I just don't know if i have the time...

Thank you everyone :) ]]> Startups Olliewebster http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/13-year-old-web-design-business-51264.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/new-bartending-service-non-profit-for-profit-style-51256.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:17:25 GMT Google.org is a for-profit organization that is taking philanthropy by doing the non-traditional approach. They seek for social returns rather than economic returns. Blah blah blah....but they manage Google Foundation which is a separate private 501c(3) foundation. For more info, go on google... Google.org is a for-profit organization that is taking philanthropy by doing the non-traditional approach. They seek for social returns rather than economic returns. Blah blah blah....but they manage Google Foundation which is a separate private 501c(3) foundation.

For more info, go on google and seach "google.org for-profit"

Ohhhhhhhhhhkay, did they just bust some loophole kind of thing here? What makes this legal? How does it work? I want to start a business just like this.

I'm trying to figure out a way to get my side going. My ideas were:

1) be a non-profit organization and in the future apply for 501c3 status.
2) be a non-profit and not worry about 501c3 status
3) be a for-profit and not deal with that whole strict non-profit whatever and just donate all the money

Basically, I'm a bartender in Las Vegas, NV and I want to do what google is doing. I want to offer my services but I want to give away all the money. I don't want to see a dime. I'm just there to build my resume and show the world that I do care about the community.

I also have another question. Can I have the word "foundation" in my for-profit business name? For example: Liquored Up Foundation or Event Enhancing Foundation. ]]> Startups jirehlubrin http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/new-bartending-service-non-profit-for-profit-style-51256.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/design-new-product-manufacturer-51239.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:24:35 GMT I need to find a company who can design my product and then find a manufacturer have you heard of invectra dot com? any feedback on this company would be appreciated. do u recommend any company that u know or have experience with? thanks I need to find a company who can design my product and then find a manufacturer

have you heard of invectra dot com? any feedback on this company would be appreciated.

do u recommend any company that u know or have experience with?

thanks ]]> Startups startupnew http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/design-new-product-manufacturer-51239.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/startup-website-idea-need-help-51236.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:30:35 GMT i want to start a site where general members of the public (not registered landlords) can rent out a room/rooms in their property, with set rules, offered services and prices to allow people to stay for periods of time, shorter than any standard house rental contract (between 1night-1 month). I... i want to start a site where general members of the public (not registered landlords) can rent out a room/rooms in their property, with set rules, offered services and prices to allow people to stay for periods of time, shorter than any standard house rental contract (between 1night-1 month).

I have never set up a website, and would ask for any advice from anyone about the idea, and whether it would be valid, or worth doing (im based and will operate in the UK).

Im looking to find out if anything legal could hinder this being an easy process for people to rent rooms, also anything i can do to validate that people staying are safe or trustworthy for payment.

Also any advice at all that could prove a stumbling block would be great.

thanks ]]> Startups Lee Billing http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/startup-website-idea-need-help-51236.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/buying-on-ebayusa-selling-abroad-51196.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:53:07 GMT Hi forum. I dont live in the US, but I have a PO Box there. What I have been doing lately is buying mobile phones on Ebay, in like new condition mostly, and then shipping to my country and reselling them. Now, this has been working wuite nicely. If I buy a phone say @ 200USD, I usually sell... Hi forum.

I dont live in the US, but I have a PO Box there.
What I have been doing lately is buying mobile phones on Ebay, in like new condition mostly, and then shipping to my country and reselling them.

Now, this has been working wuite nicely. If I buy a phone say @ 200USD, I usually sell it for about 350USD. Have to subtract about 50USD for import tax etc.

Still not bad I think, and I dont do much work for the profit.

What suggestions do you people have on how to step un a level? So far I have only purchased Mobile phones, like blackberry's and iPhones. Also some Garmin GPS navigators.

Any ideas on what else might sell well?

Thanks!

Mike ]]> Startups MikeUKCL http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/buying-on-ebayusa-selling-abroad-51196.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/strip-car-wash-51176.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:16:55 GMT I was watching the music video "Break'em off" by paul wall, and I was struck with an idea...so here it is.

What two things do guys love the most?... Girls and Cars!.. combine the two and what do you get? A million dollar business from year 1, with very low start up costs.The cars would be hand washed by naked women. This would greatly reduce the need for expensive washing/ drying equipment.

A basic wash would start at 50.00 which includes a wash, window cleaning, and rim polish.

Advanced wash would start at 75 which include all the above + wax

The insides of the cars would not be cleaned for a few reasons

1. The girls would be wet and dirty from cleaning the cars, and that would make it difficult to clean the inside.

2. We want to contain the customer inside the car during the duration of the wash to protect the women from possibly abusive customers. armed Bouncers would be on sight to handle any punks.

3. By avoiding the inside of the car, we can increase the CPH (cars per hour) because the inside is the most time consuming.

The hard part would be getting a license for something like this, but like strip clubs, it never fails, men cram into these places and spend money like nobody's business.

I could offer other services too like basic car maintenance checks and repair such as oil changes, and the like (probably done by men).

It's not the quality of the wash that matters here, its the experience the customer gets when he drives up. Like strip clubs, I've seen some nasty a## women, but they get paid cuz guys just wanna see her shake her a## and spread her legs infront of him. Same concept here.

I used to work at a car wash before...it wasnt uncommon to handle 500 cars a day, at 50 to 75 per wash, you're lookin at 25,000 to 37,000 per day...150k to 222k a week, in a year, 7.8 to 11.5 million

of course this is revenue, not profit. ]]> Startups Southern_Lenders http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/strip-car-wash-51176.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/startup-snowboard-outerwear-company-51146.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:06:28 GMT I'm looking to design my own line of snowboard outerwear, however I have no idea how to actually manufacture them. I am currently working on 5-6 different designs in the line the first year. I do have a company name(logo is also currently in the works) and already purchased the web domain. I will be looking to get funding through business loans so proposals will be made to present. The biggest concern is the actual manufacturing side. I don't know who I would need to send my designs to in order to get my products made. Are there manufacturing vendors out there that are experienced and specifically focused on making outerwear using high quality material? If anyone can refer me or shoot me in the right direction, I'd greatly appreciate it. ]]> Startups j_lee http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/startup-snowboard-outerwear-company-51146.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/starting-your-own-daycare-center-51112.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:18:59 GMT Making your own daycare business is a great business venture. It works exceptionally well if you like children. It can be a source of income for you and your family, just like a regular business enterprise. Its size can range from just a small home-based project to a grand commercial establishment.... Making your own daycare business is a great business venture. It works exceptionally well if you like children. It can be a source of income for you and your family, just like a regular business enterprise. Its size can range from just a small home-based project to a grand commercial establishment. It’s all up to you to decide which way you plan your business to go.

But having your own daycare center is entirely different from the babysitting you used to do for your neighbors back when you were just a teenager. A daycare center is a real business just like any other business venture. You need to decide what services you will be offering, the age range of your target clients, and any other aspects that you need to worry about as you make your commercial enterprise.

And since this line of work involves taking care of somebody else’s children, you must be aware of your responsibilities as well as the rules and regulations that govern the business. You need to be aware of the laws and rights and other licenses that you need before setting up your business.

Before anything else, you need to do a market study around your community. Determine the needs of your area. Do they need a daycare center? Are there parents in need of such a business? The site location is another thing to consider. Will it be an extension of your house? Or will it be a separate establishment? Choose the area that you are most comfortable with, accessible and, affordable.

Do a rough estimate of everything you will need to set-up and start the business. You will also need manpower to staff your daycare center, which must also be included in your estimate. You may probably need to get a bank loan, or get a financer to help you out with the capital.

After that, you need to accomplish all the necessary paperwork. The licenses that you need to operate as well as any permits needed vary from state to state. Thus, it is your responsibility to research on the necessary requirements. It may take you several weeks to a few months to accomplish all of this, but it is a necessity to have them before operating.

You and your staff should also get the necessary trainings and seminars to be able to handle emergency situations such as calamities or basic first aid and life support. Make sure that you daycare is fully equipped with all the necessary first aid paraphernalia and fire extinguishers for emergency purposes. It’s better to be prepared for the worst case scenario.

Be sure to adhere to all the protocols and policies required by your state, you never know when they might suddenly give a surprise inspection of the place. Also do a market study on the common prices and packages offered by other daycare centers and think of your own prices and gimmicks to stay ahead. Remember this is no mere child’s play but a serious and heavy business to manage.

For more information: Starting Your Own Daycare Center ]]> Startups dio_mack http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/starting-your-own-daycare-center-51112.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/what-you-need-to-start-a-cleaning-business-51095.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:44:59 GMT When looking upon a cleaning business it is mainly divided into two main market segments, the direct consumer or residential market and the commercial market. The consumer market is not expected to be a frequent market wherein your services are required on a daily basis. It usually comprises... When looking upon a cleaning business it is mainly divided into two main market segments, the direct consumer or residential market and the commercial market. The consumer market is not expected to be a frequent market wherein your services are required on a daily basis. It usually comprises household servicing, maid services, rug and carpet cleaning, window cleaning, and perhaps pool services among some. The commercial market is composed basically of the same general service with a larger scale scope contracted on a regular basis. General services could handle both janitorial and maid services. Establishments that would require this service would be offices, schools, restaurants, hospitals, banks, shopping malls, to name some. It’s a business that can start up with a low investment capitalization and as you learn the ropes, it is one of those types of business where you can start on a small scale.

A cleaning business doesn’t require that much on technical know how or gadgetry. It is a service oriented kind of business that focuses mainly on a good staff that has to share your vision of the business, understand that it is accomplishment and end results that determine your viability in the market and put you ahead of the competition. You need to find a staff that is honest, hardworking and finds happiness in accomplishment of the outcome of their work

The cleaning business is a business that allows you to find a niche market, thereby making your efforts well paid for. It is a very profitable and sustainable market. And with the economy nowadays that require most households to do extra work and be out of the house more often opens a window for this kind of business. Here are some examples of what a basic cleaning business has to offer:

1. Maid services – This includes dusting of tables, chairs and shelves, mopping of porch, stairs and floors, taking away of cobwebs, vacuuming the floors, carpets, rugs, curtains and stairs, straitening of linen and taking away of the garbage. They can cover the bedrooms, recreational rooms, the dining area, bathrooms and kitchen.

2. Carpet and Upholstery cleaning – Aside from basic vacuuming, the rug and carpet as well as the upholstery tend to have deep amounts of dirt stuck in the fabric, acquire stains from food and beverages, other household materials and odors from other various things as well as pets. Cleaning services offer restoration aside from basic cleaning. They can treat and solve certain materials which have discolored. This may also include ceiling and wall cleaning, curtains and drapes, and the application of a fabric or surface protector, like a flame-retardant.

3. Janitorial services – This is a service which starts when the normal traffic of the commercial establishment has left and gone home. This is so that the cleaners don’t get in the way of the office work that has to be done during the daytime. This may include maintenance of lighting, garden or ornamental plants and trees, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, landscaping and pest control services.

For more information: How to Start Your Own Cleaning Business ]]> Startups dio_mack http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/what-you-need-to-start-a-cleaning-business-51095.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/would-it-be-a-crazy-idea-in-this-economic-climate-to-start-a-temporary-staffing-agency-51094.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:59:22 GMT It dawned on me tonight with so many people laid off, eventually things will turn around and companies are going to be looking to hire again. I figured by starting a Temporary Staffing agency one would be able to build up a huge pool of potential employees right now, given so many talented people... It dawned on me tonight with so many people laid off, eventually things will turn around and companies are going to be looking to hire again. I figured by starting a Temporary Staffing agency one would be able to build up a huge pool of potential employees right now, given so many talented people are looking for work.

And also given the fact companies are going to be more selective right now, they would look forward to the services a staffing agency could provide.

I would love to hear the communities feedback! ]]> Startups MarvinEason http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/would-it-be-a-crazy-idea-in-this-economic-climate-to-start-a-temporary-staffing-agency-51094.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/auto-repair-shop-computer-repair-venue-and-parties-every-2-weeks-please-comment-51045.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:47:41 GMT something different...1 location multiple services
35 car garage - 2500/month plus utilities. 2x 240v receptacles, multiple 120v outlets & lights. Successful auto repair business was held there for 34-35years and now its my turn. It is in a highly populated area.

Credentials: Comptia A+ certified (computer tech), ASE automotive engine repair & med/hvy duty trucks electrical/electronic systems, 2-3years welding mig/stick (not certified), fabricator & extremely quick learner

clientele: small at the moment but once business is open it will expand quickly

I am looking to take this location and split it into 2 businesses main focus auto repair. Other one will be computer repair. We will also be hosting a party once a month and a venue for bands to come and play once a month. The venue has a successful history & the promoter is a friend who is eager to take on the opportunity. For the parties we have an excellent dj who is known throughout the area.
Est. profit for parties will be: $800-$1000
Est. profit for venues will be: $650-$850
So 2 parties a month and I will have an est. $1500.
The venues will host 4bands and charge $10/person. Run from about 7:30-10:30pm. Parties dj and charge $15/guy and $20/guy if things are crowded.

Business will be run from monday thru friday. Friday we will clean up early in prep for parties & venues. No alcohol served at all. No food. Same way these guys have been doing it and been successful at it before.

Also will be starting up welding classes. Very small and private charging $25/hr and only having 1-2 students at a time. I will host the first class and then my employee will be there while they practice and guide them along. As they progress I will get them to the next level & employee will guide them along. I have a bunch of people who want to learn how to weld and startup for this is only $600 bucks to teach stick welding. This is going to be real hands on. Teach them how to scratch & run a bead, then get into detail on arc length & amperage, speed, electrode positioning, feel. Just let them practice this for a while. Metal will be free bc we will recycle it from other companies and just use it for these sessions. Only cost is electrode and electricity & gas to pick up metal.

Ok now to the actual business not what is going on behind the scenes.
Auto/Motorcycle Repair! NJ has a lot of auto businesses. Not a lot of places people actually recommend! We don't like going to dealers bc they are overpriced. Don't like bringing it to a new mechanic bc there is a trust factor. I have worked for about 3-4 companies who did mechanic work and have seen some sketchy things myself. Its so bad I get nervous when people do a damn oil change on my car. Watched the guy pulling on an AC line thinking it was the oil dipstick :-(. Couldn't open the oil filler cap on my car either. My clients - very small bc I don't have a location yet love my work. I fix their vehicle - charge a fair amount. Definitely not street prices but still save you at least 100-200 bucks from other repair places. Follow up calls and just keep in contact to make sure they are satisfied. I have about 4 people waiting for me to get some type of location to fix their motorcycle as well. They need some parts fabricated. Profit is $150+ for each person. Also have a transmission waiting to be done $200-$250 profit. Recently fixed a leaky coolant system along with a few other jobs, electrical and brakes. So I have a very very small clientele base but once the door opens it will spread like wild fire.
We will do tune ups, brakes, exhaust repair, electrical work, cooling system failures, headgaskets, transmissions, wheel bearings, struts/shocks (will need to get mounted elsewhere), radio/speaker installations, not sure if I want to do tints as well (probably not), diagnosing no starts/hard starts, fabrications for motorcycles (crash cages, 12 o clock bars, I know a lot of people in the stunt scene who need parts asap!) The fabricating will be done on weekends when there is no parties b.c. the profit per hour is going to be small (20-25/hr) in the beginning until we have templates to duplicate. Will also be selling these custom parts on ebay/craigslist. And also offer welding repair if someone comes in and asks but won't be a main part of business bc I don't see it in high demand. This is going to be managed and run from a friend who will be working for free until clientele is built up. Employee will also be promoting parties on spare time and will be making money from that for the first month.

Computer Service & Repair: high demand and only 12 computer repair shops in area. I remember working for a computer company driving an hour just to get to this location to fix a companies computer bc no one was local. Will offer spyware/virus removal, residential setups, small business networking, bsods fixes, partitioning setup, backups, etc. Everything will be on a drop off or pickup & deliver basis when we first start. No on-site work unless it fits into weekend schedule or at the moment I have time. But this will not be offered yet until things are booming and I hire someone.

Marketing: PARTIES AND VENUES! This is where they come into play. A minimum of 200 people per month will be receiving business cards & asked to drop off a business card in a box & home address & email address. Later research the company and write them a letter about what we offer if I see they might need computer service or a welder. The parties and venues will also be hosting some of our work done. Maybe some type of art work made from welding, a little go-kart, or neon lights/tints nice audio system installed in a car, to promote even further. I want these people to be active with my actual auto repair business. See what is actually going on. Also have some videos of people crashing their motorcycles and proving MY CAGES HOLD UP TOUGH playing on a big screen or projection.
Hand written envelopes will be sent to everyone & added to a list so we don't spam people & also emails sent. (Will budget this to x amount per month towards marketing so we don't go crazy with it.) Also will be promoting everywhere I go by word of mouth. See if any new businesses are opening and see if they need a computer tech. Call up construction companies, heavy duty equip. companies, auto repair places, etc. & send letters stating there is a welder in town if they need work with pictures of some work already done.
Marketing will also be done by internet on popular sites (no fees associated).


Goals for Month #1:Party and Venues - $1500 profit. Market to them. MARKETING..MARKETING MARKETING..welding classes. fabricate some crash cages

Goals for Month #2:Party and Venues - $1500 profit. Market from word of month and bring in $1000 in revenues
Month #3: $2000 in revenues
Month #4: $3000 in revenues
Month #5: $4000
Month #6: $5000

I will not be quitting my day job until I have 6-9months of rent/expenses saved. We will be running this like some poor dirty bastards. Making only economical investments.

I will be working my other job and will get to this business by 3:30pm every day and work til about 10pm. Hopefully things will get too busy and I will hire someone. I know a few good candidates already so that will not be a problem. Obviously during the day while at my job I will be handling some phone calls, etc. If I have to leave my job early that will not be a problem. My manager will be on location from 8-4:30 everyday or longer if needed working for free until business climbs. My other employee will also be working for free if needed on-call basis. Weekends I will be there to finish any work or marketing.

This is definitely a high-risk startup and something out of the wild. I understand I am asking a lot from myself and my employees with all these different services and venues going on, but this is just who I am. Ability to adopt and adapt to any situation makes me dangerous. Tired of working for businesses who you can see just aren't doing it right and always learning as much as I can from their positives. My manager is psyched about this opportunity, my party and venue promoters are psyched. By February we will have the funds to startup and would like advice. Don't hold back the fire ;-). We already have all the necessary tools for all the services I will offer. Laptop and monitor/keyboard to work on computers, etc. Close to 10k in tools to work on vehicles. I am just waiting for a call back for insurance. Small business insurance not property insurance. I am starting with minimal coverage (enough to cover my ass "just in case"). We will not be working on cars worth more than 40-50k so a small policy will suffice. Since they are working for free I don't have employees :-P. So its off the books once they are and later will work on changing that. ]]> Startups The_Prototype http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/auto-repair-shop-computer-repair-venue-and-parties-every-2-weeks-please-comment-51045.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/name-for-cell-phone-company-51033.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:08:47 GMT I am trying to come up with a name for a cell phone company. It would be nice to have either Mobile or Wireless at the end of the name. Any thoughts for a name? I am trying to come up with a name for a cell phone company. It would be nice to have either Mobile or Wireless at the end of the name. Any thoughts for a name? ]]> Startups zorveo http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/name-for-cell-phone-company-51033.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/inspirational-ambitious-people-in-the-uk-51018.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:08:08 GMT anyone from the UK keen to discuss opportunities?? would be great to speak to a few people and try and come up with something worthwhile. reply with some details if you could. anyone from the UK keen to discuss opportunities??

would be great to speak to a few people and try and come up with something worthwhile. reply with some details if you could. ]]> Startups Lee Billing http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/inspirational-ambitious-people-in-the-uk-51018.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/vending-business-comparing-eur-usa-with-rus-51008.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:03:26 GMT Good day, I want start vending business in my city and i want to know what is happining with vending in foreign countres now, which machines (goods) more profitable. We have only 10 years vending business history in Russia instead more than 20 years of experience in Europe/USA Main amount... Good day,

I want start vending business in my city and i want to know what is happining with vending in foreign countres now, which machines (goods) more profitable. We have only 10 years vending business history in Russia instead more than 20 years of experience in Europe/USA

Main amount vending machines in russia is coffee and services and this market already booked and very hard go in with small capital,

Do you have any else vending machines (popular)?

For example: snacks, water/juices or condoms

King regards, Alexey. ]]> Startups mag_russia http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/vending-business-comparing-eur-usa-with-rus-51008.html http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/looking-for-startup-business-partners-50999.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:24:14 GMT Hello fellow YE members,

I've been visiting this forum for many months now. I have always enjoyed interacting with folks here. It is a great site. However, at present I have shifted focus from investing and other things to starting a business. I have some ideas and I'm basically on the lookout for reliable, trustworthy, hardworking and dedicated business partners. My initial consensus is to start off with a web business as I'm technically well versed myself. The advantage also being that the startup costs are very low. Hence, I'd like to begin my business venture in this field. However, I'm also open to other business opportunities, given the numbers and possibilities are worthy to be considered.

So if there is anyone out there with the same kind of passion and enthusiasm to start a business and someone who lives in the Bay Area (San Francisco - Silicon Valley) then do reach out to me. I can assure you that I am extremely serious about pursuing this dream and reaching my goals.

A little about myself: I'm an IT Professional (Software Engineer) working in a large IT firm in Silicon Valley. Besides the usual engineer's life, I'm actively pursuing business opportunities to leverage my technical skills in bringing out a product/service that helps the community as a whole.

Cheers!

- Mel ]]> Startups knightrider007 http://www.youngentrepreneur.com/forum/f45-startups/looking-for-startup-business-partners-50999.html