To tent or not to tent

[Mr. Chips]

Almost-New,

Not sure if you were addressing me or Brian with your question. I am not yet in the WSR biz, so I'm not qualified to answer any WSR specific questions. However, I am a commerical real estate appraiser, and I can tell you that zoning can be an issue. My best recommendation is to determine the zoning designation in your city/county and attempt to find the applicable zoning ordinance. Many cities now publish zoning regulations on the internet, but you will undoubtedly need to call the governing municipality to first find out what the zoning designation is. Depending on the socio-economic dynamics in your area, some municipalities can be real difficult to work with regarding roadside businesses or even trying to piggyback your business on someone elses property. I do agree with you though, I too am pretty much a "by the book" kind of person". I wouldn't want to be operating without legal precedence.

Hope this helps.

[Almost-New WSR]

Mr. Chips,

I was pretty much posting to anyone reading this thread. I appreciate your reply, though! That hits the nail on the head. I have gone the appropriate route w/ zoning and am running into a situation where the piggy-backing is being fought pretty hard. They even supplied me with zoning codes/paperwork that they claim to be refrencing, but I am having a hard time seeing the black and white---it just seems that they are trying to stonewall me since there does not appear to be any concrete code talking about a tent set up on someone's property who agrees to it. The funny thing about it is they claim that if they let us set up, they'd be setting a precidence when there are already other companies (cell phones, BBQ, etc) that are being allowed to operate in the same fashion!! Anyway, we are permitted for "mobile" now and are begining the fight against the supposed codes they are quoting. Anyway, thanks for the input. I at least know that we are going down the right road and have identified the road-block!
Thanks!!

[scratchy]

Right now is the time to find a great location if this is what you want to do. All the seasonal vendors will be out selling their wares. Stop at the location you would like to work at and get the details of what needs to be done for that exact spot. Buy something from them out of respect of course and get ready to move when they are out after Christmas!
For me, giving my hard earned money to some already insanely wealthy landlord is not an option. I have a different plan brewing about how I am going to expand my business soon enough. If it works... I will share it.

The root of all effective marketing is focus AND targeting. Repeat as often as possible!!!

[Mr. Chips]

Scratchy said:

For me, giving my hard earned money to some already insanely wealthy landlord is not an option.

scratchy, I hear what your saying, although I think sometimes it's the wealthy landlord that has a premium spot. I don't mind lining some rich guys' pocket with my own hard earned lettuce, so long as the location justifies the outlay. I mean how many more windshields can you do as a result of being on Donald Trumps' land as compared to Billy Bobs corner? Sometimes you gotta spend a little more to make a lot more.

I do see places around town that have seasonal vendors, however, their locations are usually low to medium exposure, sometimes with somewhat inferior access. I'm not sure these would be such a great idea. I guess you really just have to find the right recipe for your particular area. What may work well in Texas may not work well at all on the eastern seaboard.

I am very anxious to hear about your new gorilla marketing plan though. Sounds like you are very excited about it. Hope it works.