Kerry-- In advance of your course this month, I have an option to rent space 13.5' x 13.5' for $150.00/mo in the gallery I once displayed artwork. There is a large unused attached room with exit doors and bathrooms across the hall from this space. I can use this space for free for large group shots. The double glass doors exit to the back of the store, so loading and unloading equipment is a straight shot and convenient, and convenient for customers as well.
I just lost a sale from a woman who preferred to go to a studio. I can understand the reluctance of a woman to want to go to a strange man's house, or have a stranger come to their house. Thus my 2 questions:
- This business closes at 7 PM. What frequency do you experience shooting clients in the evenings? They trust me (having worked there) and would give me a key and access to alarm codes, but I would rather not press the issue at this point.
- I have a home studio that I custom built to shoot product being 12 x 24. Clearing out my Manfrotto product tables and cabinetry, it would be perfect for portraiture and head shots. It has nice cabinets, tile floor, white walls, and 14' ceiling. Access is through the garage, so I don't have to parade people through my home. I could also cut in a door from the driveway if necessary. Currently thieves would have to break into the garage and into the studio, and with no windows, one really cannot see what is in there.
My dilemma in making a decision centers around all the traffic of people in this business with space for rent, versus the expense of rent with sporadic business. Since your course will take us through the marketing of starting up a new business, is there any advice you could give me in advance? $150 is not a lot of money, but it buys golf and cigars 🙂 Thanks.
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