Floating Convienience Store

**snowswap** · 12-29-2008 05:39 PM

So I have an idea for a floating convenience store. In the center of my town is a large lake. It is surrounded by houses, businesses, an amusement park and on the weekends it has a huge amount of traffic. Specifically, at the sandbar (the main place many boats anchor on the lake) there may be upwards of 30 boats at any given time. Plus other the many other boats around the lake.

I grew up on this lake, spending the majority of my free summer time on the boat, and it seems like every time I'd go out, I'd always forget something. This is where my inspiration came from.

I want to start a floating convenience store. What I'd do is get an old pontoon boat and outfit it for all of my needs. Have a grill on it, a generator to power a refrigerator and any other appliances I may need, or just have coolers. We sell all kinds of snacks, candy, soda, as well as necessities for the lake such as sun screen, shirts, hats, swim trunks, inflatable rafts, etc.

How do you think this idea sounds? Is it legal? Now me being only 17 are there any complications I may run into?

Thanks!

**rejoice** · 12-30-2008 12:44 AM

i have no idea but sounds like a plan... i don't see any legal issues... maybe your local government/council representative might need to give you some kind of permit... probably a straight forward process as long as you don't plan to sell alcohol

**snowswap** · 01-02-2009 08:09 PM

Ok. I'll have to check with them. Would I need a permit for this?

**discountedclothing** · 01-03-2009 04:56 AM

Yes. Any business whether small or large need to secure business permits.

**awayoflife** · 01-03-2009 07:41 AM

You should advertise it as a place to get a cold drink and relax aswell though, try and create a relaxing environment around your boat and then other boats will gravitate towards you. Make it a place/area to hang out, maybe organize games or something to make it fun, depending on the amount that go out on the lake

**fthom** · 01-03-2009 08:28 AM

sounds like a great plan!...but yes, you'll require some kind of a permit, though this should be simple enough for just selling what any shop would. However, you're likely to require a different kind of permit if you plan to use the grill and have cooked food - this would entail health and safety checks etc. from some kind of food standard association.

It's a great idea though, best of luck with it!

**TylerBakerllc** · 01-03-2009 09:10 AM

I have thought about this before as well. I actually tried and failed to be honest, but failure was only becuase the Tennessee Valley Authority and Army corps of engineers raised hell with me (it was at Dale Hollow Lake on the border of ky and tn.) They denied my application on the basis that, since the lake is half in one state and half in the other, they couldnt be sure which state my sales were occuring in).

I've been a boater for years and I think you have a great idea. One that could be a huge hit with a little cooperation from the local govt. Let me know how this pans out! -Tyler

**snowswap** · 01-04-2009 05:59 PM

Thanks for the help everyone!

As far as creating a relaxing environment around the boat, I was thinking about maybe having a live DJ maybe once a week to play some tunes. Like you said, organize some games and competitions, etc.

**snowswap** · 03-21-2009 09:40 PM

Can anyone direct me to what local authorities I would contact first?

**ScottPalmer** · 03-21-2009 10:23 PM

This could be a very cool idea if pulled off right. When you get it up and running, contact me! Poolside Pong (Poolside Pong | Inflatable Beer Pong Table) sounds like it would be a great fit. I wish you the best of luck!

**GriZzly** · 03-22-2009 02:54 PM

Haha that's brilliant! If and when you do set this up you have to send us pictures! I was a bit sceptical when I saw the thread title but you have changed my opinion. As for the profitability of such a business I wouldn't like to guess but I don't see why the same aspects of a typical 'land-based' business wouldn't apply to this. If you do your research properly you will find that out.

I really wish you the best of luck with this, let us know how you get on.

**Crysco** · 03-22-2009 03:17 PM

The small business association has a lot of free information you can probably use.

Make a contact with the authorities who patrol the lake and run your idea by them. They will be able to give you an idea of what you can and cant do, and who to contact. Maybe offer to donate trash cans to the local beaches and loading docks in case of increased trash (this is also a good advertising opportunity).