That's a KILLER deal.. retail space is 25-40$ per square foot in the optimal areas around here.. even in the not-so-optimal areas it's still $20+/sqft. The idea of $10/sqft or less is INSANE to me.
If you can make it work.. that's awesome. If you will just be baking there.. you'll have no cash on hand and there will be no incentive to break in. Think long and hard on it. 
i been thinkin about you, and what you decided.
Hi,
It sounds like a wonderful deal and opportunity, but... as soon as I saw all the metal, all I could think was how unsafe the neighborhood must be. It isn't on there for decoration.
Do you think you would be decorating after dark? At some point you would have to go from the building to the car. Is it a place you would feel comfortable taking your children to?
-Debbie B.
I would totally jump on something like this. Build your business up and then move to another location.
I'm about to pay over $5K/mo. Plus another $1200/mo. NNN. Add in utilities, insurance, etc... I would KILL to find a place for only $400! What have you got to lose?
I agree you need to insure that you speak to the area police to see what the actual crime rates are. If your area that has high crime and drugs any bride that knows that area will associate your business with that type of activity. You say this is an up and coming areas is it part of a revamp of that area? We have local project here is charlotte that do that enter an area that is just awful and bring new business and life to the area. If thats the case and you can take it contact you city council and see if they have opportunities to assist you in your business. Advertise well and see if there are any other restaurants around that area that would sell small cakes cookies or breads this could sub your income on slow months. I also agree that if you are taking your kids you need to install an alarm system that has a panic remote that you can carry to your car with you late at night . Also install high beam flood lights around the building to stay on that does deter some crazies.
Indy is right on all of the above...She's our resident expert!
As far as the rent, good God...I wish we could even touch that...Most of the places here in central Florida are running 2200-4800 per month for 1,000 square feet. Then, on top of that, you have to pay the 6.5% sales tax. I still can't figure out how Florida justifies a sales tax on renting space.
Paul (& Peter)
Wow, sales tax on rent???? Don't tell the Gov. of Illinois! I thought they had already figured out all the unique ways to tax us here in IL.
Hi Polekitten,
6200.00 per month plus utilites are going to keep you busy each month.
What does NNN stand for?
Do you specialize in large items like wedding cakes?
-Debbie B.
NNN is also referred to as "triple net" - which are things like building maintenance and such (I don't know exactly - only that I have to pay for it! LOL!)
I'm opening up a bakery cafe, so I'll have breakfast and lunch service to supplement my income. I do want the focus to be on my cakes though.
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