Posted by Frank Chin on May 28, 2004 at 07:37:17:
Bill:
There are several problems with this approach:
1- If you secure a residential lease, a sharp landlord will place restrictions on running a business out of an apartment.
2- As you recognize, its also prohibited by zoning.
How you’ll be found out is some neigbor will turn you in. And often, its not based on noise, its because visitors come by and park their cars in front of other residents homes. Sooner or later, keeping an eye on you, they’ll find out what’s going on.
You could try these approaches:
a- Why don’t you be a personal trainer and go to people’s homes??
b- Find related businesses and sublet some space where you can complement the other business. Subletting is often more informal, and you’re not laying out 6 months for security deposit, and commit for a long period.
I own a biz and was chatting with a customer running a “sign” shop up the street. He’s actually subletting his space from the print shop guy operating in the back.
Then, I had an attorney who subleased a room in the front of his storefront office to someone operating a “real estate” brokerage. They have one girl answering the phone for both businesses.
In your case, you might be able to do something for the other biz, and get the rent reduced.
c- Find some space that’s off the beaten path with a motivated landlord. As you plan to do marketing anyway, then you don’t need a prime retail area. All your customers need is a place to park and work out.
Frank Chin