So I don't have a new job...yet...but what do y'all think about opening a fishing gear shop, with kayak & stand up paddle board rentals with seasonal hunting gear. I currently live just down the street from Lake Belton, and there aren't a surplus of shops(other than Academy) to get any of the above mentioned stuff. Would it be worth it? Would it flop due to having to compete with Academy? There is a location within two miles of the busiest lake park on Lake Belton that I think would be killer, but idk if I have the stones to quit my steady job now to try this. How many of y'all have left a steady job to work for yourself, and if you did was it worth it?

Thoughts and input appreciated!

I'm just kind of tired of what I'm doing now and love the outdoors, so I thought this could be something I'd love to do.

How many dollars do you need to make a day?

I think you would starve

Haven't don't that much research into it really. Just thought with proximity to the lake and nothing else similar around that it may could work.

I've heard before as a gauge to view dollars required to start up and open something, you should have enough capital to be open for business for one year, and not sell one thing.

It would be cool, but man, I'd think you'd have to rely on some sort of big dollar niche to be good, because the random "shoot, I forgot the minnow bucket, or stringer, or treble hooks" won't float ya with Academy and the internet being so close....

If there is an Academy within two miles, I would assume that there is probably a walmart not too far either. You also have to factor in competition from Amazon and the other online order houses. Sounds like a lot of competition for a market like Belton. If it is your dream job though, do market research, find a location (maybe somewhere other than Belton, maybe not), and do it!

If you had a rental on the actual water you'd do better, but the lot being down the street you'd lose revenue because everyone doesn't have a way to tow a paddle board down to the water.

Free donuts and coffee.....Amazon ain't got that. Do it.

And Shane can take your kayak pictures

Very seasonal.

BETTER THINK THAT ONE OVER.
I was told to have another job BEFORE you quit one .
BUT you never know till you try.

Do you have weekends off? Used to be a coupe that rented paddle boards and kayaks on the weekends at Cameron lake in Abilene.

Combine your store with fresh tacos and the best burgers within 20 miles, plus fresh hand cut fries. Dont even open the damn store without hand cut fries. Dont forget your bulletproof waiver and insurance if you plan on renting out any kayaks

Easier just to lease an Amazon van or 2.

although it does sound like a dream type job, I think you would starve ... I just don't see that much demand for stuff of that nature around lake Belton. Additionally, you would need to sink considerable capital money into equipment (paddle boards, kayaks, etc.), supplies (tackle, bait, etc.(, overhead items up front. ...

I know there is a business that schedules appointments for similar on lake Georgetown and brings out a trailer loaded with paddle boards & kayaks, life jackets, helmets, etc. ... people meet at the boat ramp, person(s) get them set up with quick safety briefing, lessons if needed and people take off on the water. at the end of their allotted time, the trailer shows back up, loads up or the next wave of people show up.

I don't know what they charge or how they advertise ... all I know is it's a pain in the rear when trying to load/unload using the ramp with 4-16 idiots on paddle boards/kayaks taking up all 4 lanes of the boat ramp at the start and end of their time.

Bross0, do some research on existing paddle board shops on other lakes or on the coast. Go visit them and see what services they offer and how they operate. Talk to a manager, and if they will talk about expenses and costs, let them. Do some research of the area you plan to be in. A shop like that will rely heavily on location. Source out all your supplies and find places to buy from direct from the manufacture or OEM who reps the equipment for better pricing (better than retail pricing). Draw up a business plan, then work the plan.

Excellent Advise

Belton is Corps of Engineers. In advance you would want to inquire in advance if there are any commercial business rules, regulations, permits, or permissions that could apply operating a commercial activity on corps property/water.

Kayaks and paddleboards are a dying thing.......Shane getting interested is your clue its dying.

Just sell coffee. Drive Thru. Instant millionaire. Maybe.

You’d be working when all your friends would be playing.

And for that reason I’d be out.

SUP Yoga!!!

https://dfwsurf.com/paddleboard-yoga-dallas/

Marc cuban uses that line every freakin nite on sharktank

Add bikini clad baristas to that equation and yes.

Forget it. Ever been near the water in the winter?

Do you wake up angry?