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So I've been unemployed against my will for 3 months now and the outlook isn't promising. I've always wanted to run my own business again as I had a small Sole Proprietorship that sold car parts online 20 years ago and I've gotten two degrees in Business Administration since then (AA and BA).

I love hobbies. Always have, always will. I'm into just about all of them and have basically a hobby store in my house right now, including a complete Tamiya paint rack. I have sold hobby stuff on ebay since 1998 and am a PowerSeller. I have bought out closing hobby stores multiple times and many many lots of items from individuals that I then cataloged and re-sold.

I want to open my own hobby store with a retail presence and online sales. I'm scared and I don't know where to get start up capital. I am medically retired from the USCG, so I have full health/vision/dental for me and the family for life. I think I'm ideally suited to small business ownership, I just need advice on making the plunge.

I would love any and all advice from the hive mind.

As a long time small business owner (in 4 different industries), my only advise is always take the calculated risk. It pays off. Good luck. Text me if you need anything.

Opening a hobby shop with both retail and online sales could be an exciting adventure, especially with your background in selling. Since you’ve had success on eBay and have a good inventory already, you’re in a better position than most to get started.

For startup capital, consider looking into small business loans or grants for veterans, which might be available to you. Sometimes local community programs offer assistance as well. You might want to sneak a peek here for some tips on launching a business; there are lots of helpful resources out there.

When starting a small retail business, one of the key things is understanding and setting up a payment system. It is very important that your customers can easily and securely pay for their purchases, whether it is cash, credit cards or online payments. This will help increase trust in your business and improve the customer experience.

I recommend paying attention to convenient online payment solutions, such as paykassma.com. This is a platform that provides a wide range of tools for accepting payments, which is especially important if you plan to expand and work with customers in different regions.

Starting your own hobby store sounds like an exciting venture, especially with your passion and experience! Begin by creating a solid business plan that outlines your vision and target market. Consider options for startup capital, like personal savings, small business loans, or crowdfunding. Research your local market to understand demand and competition, and think about the best location for your store. Since you have a background in selling online, building an online presence alongside your retail space will be key. Network with other business owners for insights, and remember to stay adaptable as you learn what works for your customers. With your passion and experience, you're well-equipped to make this leap! Good luck!