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I have been fortunate to have been able to visit a number of stores over the years, sadly, most are not in business anymore. But they all have common points from a customer's point of view. They were greet everyone who came in, knows the regulars and keeps a good inventory. They also need to be ready to assist the family or person who wants to get into the hobby. As with any business, upfront funds to survive 6 months to a year until you get a established customer base is needed. I dont think there is a pot of gold to be made, but with careful attention to security, customers, and ensure availibilty of needed items such as a 1.00 caboose window set to a 700 dollar Locomotive that will be never made again. Some items will sit on shelf for a long time. Others are needed reguarly such as paints. And there are those that will be put on the discount shelf because perhaps no one wants them and there are new inventory that needs the room. I find that some will offer a small discount on very "Pricey" items it has enabled me to acquire some inventory on a very small budget that otherwise I may not be able to afford. I keep the Owner busy with a ceaseless stream of emails sometimes with questions that I may have forgotten to ask on my last visit. But more importantly emails with orders. Decals, Paints supplies and occasionaly a freight car kit or two. For the really big purchases such as engines, I go down in person. In return I see updates on new arrivals several times a week and can keep watch for certian items that I may want. The internet is a good tool for communication. I posted this from a customer's point of view, at one time I was prepared to open my own operation in a unrelated field and backed off due to lack of operating captial. The bottom line is, if you enjoy something of this magnitude and have the resources, go for it!! Lee
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