I am openning a shop. What equipment should I sell

Does this imply you have no faith in the hardware you advertise through your web presence?

As one who represents himself as a dealer, your questions frighten me. Nevertheless, if you'd like to spend some consulting dollars, I'd be happy to sell you my opinions.

It's called a "business plan" for a reason.

Wow! If you are asking this question you need to rethink your plan to open a store. Be prepared to lose your investment. It is a tough business even for those with grat passion and knowledge. Good luck.

Seriously, Jim.........

As much stuff as you have sold here, I would like to think that you are knowledgeable enough not to even think of starting a retail store front.

All of my dealers went belly-up years ago. A few friends tried to hang onto their stores, but only after they went "HT". They eventually migrated into installation to prevent going belly-up.

Betting on black is around 50% chance of success. Opening a retail outlet is damn near 100% chance of going bust.

Vacume cleaners.

If you want to make real money, stick the the Pyramid Principle. "There are more people with money to spend on the lower end of the price scale, than at the top."

I'm sure you've done some research and know what the surrounding stores offer. Next, BE VISIBLE. Don't rent a store at a cheap rent in an out of the way location. You can not spend enough money on advertising if people don't see you.

Next, offer some high end products to test the waters. There's bigger margins here. If it works, increase the line. Ask the manufacturers to work Co-Op advertising deals with you. Some will. Some won't. But either way, you must convince them why they should.

Lastly, make your war chest has a heavy advertising budget. You need to advertise heavy in the beginning to get your name out. Do quickie 10 second radio spots with programming geared to your target market. If your selling ipods... that is a way different radio station. Figure at least a modest $10,000 in media advertising in the first 6-8 months, minimum, if you want to do it right. Don't take short cuts. Hire quality people. And finally, be honest with your customers and yourself. Good luck! :)