New business: what are the advantages or disadvantages between Vancouver, WA to Portland, Ore.? (Starbuck: for sale)

[trinah]

I am opeing in Coffee shop and am torn between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. I am trying to decided what would be in my best interest. Taxes, property costs, licensing,ect. I am a new business owner and need some HELP!

[StealthRabbit]

Do some serious research for market and cost of doing business.

go to free seminars offered by DoR
Department of Revenue

check out OR dor
State of Oregon: Department of Revenue


I would avoid most business opportunities in Vancouver, as it is a tough market and WA business taxes are burdensome, but maybe less than Multnomah County, as they really get a piece of the Portland action. For the right venue and a superb location Vancouver could be fine. As a commercial property owner in Clark county, I have not had great longevity of my tenants in food service, but that is the nature of the business + the difficulty of the market. It is really tough to sell enough product to cover expenses and I'm really concerned about Clark County property taxes. You will likely have a NNN lease and the increased property tax costs will get directly bore by your business. Margins are tight, hours are long, employees cost you A LOT of paperwork, UI, and hassle (plus wages). So be wise, ask A LOT of questions to everyone, especially your competition. There are tons of food business for sale, so don't make it an objective to build a business and sell it.

[Balco9]

Nothing personal, but there are coffee shops everywhere in the State of Washington....
Starbuck and Peets coffee is eveyone's favorties which will never change.
Maybe you can prove i am wrong, but wish you all the luck in the world.