I know I know, yet ANOTHER question about moving to Alaska (to live, shop)

[karfar]

Originally Posted by cobolt

That is what I was going to suggest....find a job and where you're going to start out, get up there, get a feel for the land and people, observe, and decide what your niche will be from there. When I was up there, there were two businesses my SO and I were thinking of starting..because of his work, etc, we had an inside to the industry, connections, etc, although we eventually parted ways. The other business idea which I also got when I was up there, I might actually do one day.....but my point is, establish yourself first, the rest will fall into place.

You're right, it's just I wish I knew beforehand, you know? Going there is scary enough w/out having a plan. But yeah, I should definitely feel things out & see what's what. What were your business plans? Or are they hush hush

[karfar]

Originally Posted by akck

The only thing I can think of would be one of the cottage industry businesses that make jewery, artwork or pottery that can be sold to the tourist shops or at craftfairs. It would be one of those businesses where you don't quit your day job until you get established. The only other business I think would be neat would be a micro-brewery. We already have one brewery that grew about two steps above the micro level, but it would be neat to have another one. Capital intensive though.

Unfortunately, I am not creative in ANY way, so artsy stuff would be out for me. Which sucks because that would be the easiest thing to start up! A brewery is a cool idea, unfortunately I don't know anything about that stuff, I just love to drink it! I've been wanting to open a bar for some time now, but it seems like that wouldn't be wise. Can I ask why other businesses would be against something like that? Is it just the competition or something else?

[Barkingowl]

Are there any adult " toy " stores there?

[Metlakatla]

I'm sure there are plenty in Anchorage, but that's just MORE LOWER 48 contamination that we DON'T NEED here.

[cobolt]

Originally Posted by karfar

You're right, it's just I wish I knew beforehand, you know? Going there is scary enough w/out having a plan. But yeah, I should definitely feel things out & see what's what. What were your business plans? Or are they hush hush

Well, try not to freak about it too much. Sometimes people make moving to AK much more like moving to another country or to Pluto. I mean the geographical distance is a big thing and a factor in cost of living, the spirit of the land and people, etc...so keep that in mind, but don't treat it like this great, big "other." It's a state. You're moving to another state. You wouldn't move to another state where you didn't have ties or connections without securing employment, researching, hopefully visiting, etc. Just use common sense. I would really hope you would get up there for a visit. It takes away some of the heebie jeebies and puts you in more of a "common sense" state of mind. Walk into the grocery stores to get a feel for prices. Talk to people. But that's just me.

[Xa'at]

Originally Posted by karfar

Thanks! Man, there is definitely a lot of research to do before moving there. I was wondering about women setting up their own businesses...I don't even know what I would do yet, but what sort of needs is there for certain things? I'm sure opening a bar would be pretty successful, what about computer based things. Do you make a living w/your photography?

Actually, we could really use a good quality computer store that does repairs and such. As of right now, we only have Juneau electronics and they are never open, it seems. If you are really good with computers and know how to fix them and such, get your booty up here STAT.

[Rance]

I think my Dad want s to sell his pizza place. It includes a small with bar with beer and wine license.

[Barkingowl]

Originally Posted by Rance

I think my Dad want s to sell his pizza place. It includes a small with bar with beer and wine license.

Now that sounds like a golden opportunity. Can you get pizza with muktuk toppings?

[Xa'at]

Originally Posted by Barkingowl

Now that sounds like a golden opportunity. Can you get pizza with muktuk toppings?

That sounds absolutely disgusting, "Barkly". . . Where's this pizza place, Rance?

[karfar]

Originally Posted by Rance

I think my Dad want s to sell his pizza place. It includes a small with bar with beer and wine license.

Wait a minute, for real? That sounds almost just right up my alley! Where is his place??