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Lompoc

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Popularity: 16% [?]

I am a Filipino (hopefully looking for answers from any other filipino experianced in this matter) looking to either obtain a small business loan, state, government, or privatized funded grant, or other acquirable capital to buy into a small business that is essentially a franchise.

Not like a restaurant but a service company requiring $50,000 capital for the equipment purchase. I would also need an additional $25-50,000 for overhead (building lease, advertising, uniforms, etc.).

I live in Texas if that is relevent. I do not have any of my own capital and or collateral. I rent my home and only have a vehicle paid off. I have dark brown curly hair, enjoy strolls on the beach and like to karoake……whoa, ok, now I’m going off on a tangent.

Anyways, any information would be greatly appreciated. And as I do on other questions, smart alecky remarks will be welcome as well….

~jaz~

Popularity: 2% [?]

I see the buildabear store in my comunity always full and i want to open a store that does the same thing but in a smaller scale and sell them cheaper. The thing is i have no idea where to get the merchandise needed. If you can also post a link to see and make an educated estimate as to how much it will cost.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Buying locally not only supports the community, but the environment. I’m trying to find restaurants that are locally owned. These should not be confused with locally operated businesses such as chains or franchises. How would I go about finding out what businesses in my community are locally owned? And does it matter if the business is a franchise? Does the money go to the corporate headquarters of these businesses?

Popularity: 2% [?]

I am applying for a loan and want to list my business as an asset, but I am not sure how determine it’s worth. I bought an Exit Realty Franchise; I paid $30k for the franchise, plus all the office equipment, insurance, ect. I use the money from my commissions to pay the bills and the rest goes as my salary. As of now very little money has gone into the “business” except expenses. My agents have yet to close any deals. So without a real financial statement, is my business worth anything when I am pocketing profit? Yes I know I am not a very good businesswoman, you don’t have to tell me.

Popularity: 4% [?]

I am interested in starting a franchise fitness business that helps women who are over weight achieve their weight loss goals and includes a food program and support. However, I am nervous because the economy is so bad and I fear that I could lose my shirt with this endeavor. What do you think?

Or, I also have the chance to purchase a Children’s Gym. I am trying to figure out what would be the most lucrative to purchase. Both businesses are franchises. The first is a start-up frnachise and there is nothing like it in my area but seems to be doing well throughout the U.S.A.. If I purchase the The Children’s Gym I would be purchasing from someone who wants to sell but there is a small profit being made but a very high monthly overhead.

I would love some feedback from anyone with some knowledge about the economy and what they feel is best to do at this point. Do you feel that I should do nothing and hold on to my money or go ahead and buy a franchise. Which one?

Popularity: 3% [?]

My Uncle has taken a buy out from the company he was working for, and wants to take the money and open a business. What are some good small business / franchise ideas?

Popularity: 2% [?]

I mean, it’s just little kids butchering songs.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Couple months ago, my family purchased a small yogurt shop in California. It was the first business purchase in the U.S. and we bought this business through a realtor who her husband is the previous owner of this yogurt shop.
During the process of it, we asked the previous owner and the realtor if there will be other yogurt shop coming, and their answer was ‘no.’
We purchased the business, trusting them 100%. We increased the sale for the next three months. That is, until a bigger/cheaper yogurt shop opens few blocks away from our store. Our sales dramatically decreased exactly from the day that store opened.
We contacted the previous owner and the realtor (because they are husband and a wife) to demand for an explanation.
They kept saying ‘honest God’ that they did not know, and actually accused us of killing the business (remind you that we increased the sales for three months).
We tried to resolve this matter in amicable way possible, but the realtor and previous owner refused to cooperate in any matter.

So, we did our own investigation.
We found:
- the bigger yogurt store started construction on two months before our purchase of the business.
- the manager of the yogurt shop (who also worked for the previous owner) told that other yogurt shop was coming.
- the bigger yogurt shop was using billboard to advertise its coming and we have material evidences and witness that the previous owner did know that the other yogurt shop was coming.
- recently found out that this couple had fraud history in another state (NV).

Their reaction:
- they have indirectly accused me by publishing an article of the bad management kills the business.
- they are false advertising that our store earns a lot to sell other yogurt franchise (the previous owner has the license to sell franchise in the location we live).
- they are telling other people that this does not affect because the flavor of our yogurt is different from the bigger/cheaper yogurt store.
- they are going to the court if we are going to the court.

We have sent a letter for an investigation to DRE to suspend realtor’s license.

We are also seeking an attorney help to unwind the deal and filing for a fraud, but we also want to receive some of your professional comments and suggestions of what we should do.

Our biggest concern is that they have previous fraud history and they may run away again. Attorney fee is also very high. We believe that they may know all these and may use it for their advantage that not many people really pursue the case to the court. Also, if they hide their assets, we heard it’s difficult to recover the fees.

Popularity: 2% [?]

I am trying to buy into a franchise with a friend and my husband. We have a 4 year old bankruptcy and are looking for less than $100,000 to open. The problem seems to be that there are no tangible assets in the type of business that we are looking to open. Are there any suggestions of lenders that may be willing to loan or a direction that we should go toward? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Popularity: 2% [?]