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A good friend of mine is going to try and open a bow shop.I Was hoping you guy's could enlighten me as to how much money it would take. He will start off small and already has a shop. Now he needs inventory, insurance etc. Whats the process? What kind of insurances does he need to protect himself. The nearest bow shops are twenty miles each way from where his will be located in woodland washington. It's been a dream of his and it look's like he is going to go for it. Any advise, personal experience I would love to hear about. How do you all feel about this? Thanks CD

I travel to and from Portland frequently so keep me informed even with a PM or Email. I could always use a few things including service for new strings cables and release loops. If I drop off my bow on the way down I can pick it up on the way home. It would be a great deal for me to use him. I hope this works out well and I would sure patronize his business.

With the growth in the South end of Cowlitz County as it is, particularly in the Woodland area, it should do well. He needs to give Bob's some competition. I was in there last Summer, their higher then a kite on many items.

I don't know how much money it might take, but I know it takes customer service. I went to 3 different private bowshops in search of a new bow for my girlfriend. I could not get waited on in one(he was talking to the only customer in the store besides me). At the second store, I told the guy I was compound illiterate and he talked way down to me. The third guy went on and on about he knew more about bows than God. I went to Sportmans Warehouse in Spokane, they knew their stuff, they were helpful, and in the end I spent over 900.00.

JJ and hunter, thanks for your comments. He also will have a range of coarse. I told him that I felt it was very important that he had a range that you could shoot out to 50 or 60 yards. So many shops only have a range out to maybe 25-30 yds. I feel that with a longer range people could walk away with the sighting in process all ready done. To me that's a big plus. Lot's of hunter's with nowhere to practice. Any bowshop owner's that would feel better about sending me a PM please do so with advice or comments. The good part is that he isn't scared to fail. I also think the area need's a good shop. I always hear about people driving north or south of our area for thier bowhunting need's. Thanks CD

i hope he does well, good luck

Lots of contributing factors to consider: Inventory, facilities and service. First, I hope 1) he does well and makes it and 2) he plans of giving up hunting himself (the demand for archery sales, service and support are at the highest just before and during most hunting seasons). Does he plan to lease, buy and / or build? Indoor and outdoor ranges? An indoor translates into a significant build / lease cost of essentially �unusable� space but is much sought affair by the �year-around� archers. Is he going to have to hire someone to watch range while he takes care of sales or service? Ranges incur an additional insurance cost as well � but there are ways to deal with that. Start up inventory is a tough one; who (or more appropriately �whose� is he going to carry) and you got to have enough of everything (even a bow ready for those occasional �lefty�s). Some of the company�s will cut a break; some won�t until he has established himself. Service, accessories and range time is where he will make his money. Bows are not like guns in that not everyone (although I think it�s a crime) has 2, 3, or 6 bows. So if he turns some coin on a bow � count that customers major purchase gone for the year (maybe 4-5 years). Can he provide basic service himself or will he need to hire someone for that?

Lots to consider, and to come up with a dollar figure is tough. Have him run his business plan past a couple local small businessmen (doesn�t have to be archery related, square footage, insurance, rent, utilities, etc. all run about the same). There also should be a small business help line locally. Then approach other archery shops (away for his area) and solicit their input.

From what I have seen and read, it�s underestimation of capitol and time that take a bow-shop out. Things may be lean for 3-4 years until the client base is steady. And 3 years is a long time when momma wants vacations and the kids want trendy shoes!

I provide all this, as I am in the planning process of doing exactly the same thing. It�s scary, lots of contributing factors. The above is a generalization, I�d be happy to share what I have learned over the last 8 months in my �planning process� off line. Maybe to take some of the pressure off � would he consider investors? Other people�s money is much easier to bet <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. Let me know if I can be of help and please pass that I sincerely wish him the best of luck!