When you start a business you have a choice: You can form a limited liability entity (such as an LLC or corporation), or you can file a fictitious name statement (also known as a DBA), which simply... (more)

Yes, it is feasible to do anything. U.S. auto parts are a need in Dubai, and the phones over there also work very well. So get on the phone and do some "mystery shopping" -- pretending to... (more)

1) Cash flow. 2) Uncertainty about customers. 3) Uncertainty about what outside and political influences in Washington D.C. and Detroit are going to do to make a larger mess for us than they... (more)

No, it's a great idea. People who need any kind of car service will be looking in your general area knowing that is where those types of shops are. You might also be able to create cross promotions... (more)

There are two ways to do it--find them yourself or have them find you. In the first case, you will need to go to the industry trade sources for lists of names and products. In the second case,... (more)

You can start yourself and test the market. If you can prove you can get sales, the big companies will be interested in your product. You can always go to the "big boys," but you also... (more)

You will need to see the rules and regulations in your area, as in most states there are specific licensing requirements for your particular type of business. As for product purchases, you'll... (more)

Generally, if you're going to install anything in a public space, you need permission of some sort. Otherwise, you can imagine the clutter that would appear in every park and sidewalk in the city... (more)

If you plan on starting small and incorporating a business that operates primarily within your state, speak with an attorney in your state who can assist you with your state's incorporation... (more)

You're probably going to dislike me for this answer, but I really believe that after having completed a degree in finance you should hold off before deciding between JD or MBA or anything else.... (more)

Since individual banks issue their own letters of credit, take a look at the bank's letter of credit form, and you will see what specific documentation they require. Invoices, shipping... (more)

There's an important question that you haven't answered: Does anybody involved make money on this? I see the reference to city-owned land and adoption by a local nonprofit. If the business is... (more)

We don't comment on specific companies but let's expand your question to reflect on all franchise opportunities because this is a great question in general. There are many published rankings... (more)

This is the 64 dollar question for many landlords! The answer is that your efforts should be layered in multiple approaches based on cost and effectiveness. The least expensive approach is to... (more)

Think of it as a reverse phone tree. You're going to start calling people. I'll explain below where you get the names and numbers. First, though, is your information strategy, as follows: For each... (more)

You can't sell an idea because you don't own the idea. Try this link for a seven-minute web video interview on exactly that question. And (more)

Should I become a partner or a subcontractor in a new business venture? In reality, this isn't an either/or question. You could always start out as a subcontractor with an option to become a... (more)

There are three main components to this question, and they would be 1. who are the people involved, 2. what is the product and 3. what is the plan? Is the company a member of the Direct... (more)

The simple answer is that it depends on what your franchise agreement contract says. If the contract says yes, then the answer is yes, but that doesn't have to be the end of the discussion.... (more)

Generally, restaurants and other food-service businesses must obtain a food service permit. Retail food stores--including vending machines--and food manufacturers, processors and wholesalers must... (more)