If You Opened a New Dive Shop, Where and Why?

[A Chanster]

If You Were to Open a New Dive Shop, Where and Why?

I ask these questions because in about 3 years I would like to open a new dive shop with a small bed and breakfast type place. In the meantime I want to take the time to research possible locations.
I'm from the states but have been living in Asia for 6+ years. I want to "own" the investment and don't want to get into too risky of a location. For Example: I think the Philippines or Thailand may be a bit sketchy with the threat of the local government taking back the land(investment) or giving a hard time to foreigners living/working there full time. My goal is not to get rich, just to keep the nut going, enjoy life diving and mixing it up with folks like you.

I appreciate what you have to say...
Thanks,
A Chanster
Love warm water and palm trees

 

[Tom Winters]

Good luck with this. I ran charters for years and had lots of fun and made out well when I sold out. I staryed away from the retail end - what time I spent in dive shops bored me to tears.
It's a business like anything else. If that's what you want to do, go for it and have fun. You actually won't have that much fun, but I always tell that to people. Soon enough, they learn the realities.

 

[daniel f aleman]

Texas Gulf Coast; Oahu; NE Florida Coast; Virgin Islands.

Or if you want Caribbean, buy someone out; but stay away from any country, anywhere, where you can't get residency.