backpackingdeals.com...

“im in college right now and starting a business major with hopes to open an outdoor store..i figured the guy running backpackingdeals.com might have some advice/tips...thought the rest of you would have some good ideas and tips as well”

“oh boy, you have tapped into what could be good, or it might be a nightmare, lol

no seriously there is a TON of experience on this board. these guys buy a lot of gear and use it in real life applications.

usually they'll answer questions too.

good luck with school and whatever you take on afterwards.”

“Hey, I love the entrepreneur spirit and all, but REI WILL BURY YOU! Just kidding. Or am I? Hmmmm. You might just wanna own both an outdoor store AND a frosty stand or something. Maybe a frosty stand that sells hot soup during the slow winter months? Go get 'em, kiddo! :Þ”

“A backpacking cafe...now that's an idea.”

“and a good one, kinda like the barnes and nobles of the outdoor world. You could sell topo's too, nobody ever has a good stock of what I'm looking for.


Hey, I think binks started out as a web only and then after a while (don't know how long) opened the brick and mortar version.”

“Okay, seriously, I'm all for people living and following their dreams. In all honesty an outdoor store may be tough, but it may also make you wealthy. I work part-time at REI in Roseville, CA and I know the Cascade Designs rep in our store used to own his own outdoor shop and guiding business. He says it was tough and stressful (though rewarding in it's own ways, but not really financially) and enjoys being an outdoor company rep much more. But it's dreamers like you that make this country so great. Also, if you make it big, just think of all the great jobs you can ship overseas! :^D”

“Also, I think most outdoor retailers are missing a big market. Polypro lingerie. If you need a department manager, I'll shoot you my resume. I'm even willing to relocate to China or Bangladesh and work for 42 cents an hour on this stuff. Thank you for your interest.”

“Actually, I think that's a great idea about the cafe. One that would serve coffee, health/natural foods would be fitting.

As with any ambition, keep a positive attitude and shun out the negativity. Best of luck.”

“I think an outdoor super-mega store with some combination of elements from REI/Starbucks/Hooters would go well in some markets. Maybe with a smoothie shop in there too. And you can have paintgun wars in the isles. I'm just thinking out loud.”

“polypro lingeire, that's got some real potential.


you could even maybe arrange "shows" on the trail at larger campsites.”

“I'm thinking of going back to college and majoring in Dressing Room Management. It's either that or Cheerleader Management. I just can't decide. I hate this. Oh, the personal anguish.”

“the "happy hiker" in Gatlinburg used to have an area where thru-hikers could take shower and stuff.... that would be a good way to "advertise" your business almost for free. Only extra you would have to pay would be the water cost and the free coffee you'll hopefully be offering.

Of course your store would need to be near the AT.”

“Dang, that's a good idea, Gem. Even if the potential shop wasn't near the AT but at least near a popular backpacking destination I see a good niche. Every time I come down from the mountains I smell like a dead elk, unfit to be near clean humans. At the same time, I've generally found a new idea for gear but don't dare go into REI or STP. So, combine the two needs (a shower and new gear) and I think that'd be a winner.

Buck, go for the Dressing Room Management. I don't need any more competition in Cheerleader Management. Its a tough job market as it is.....”

“I guess Buck's still healing from his last hike (LOL).

The MEC stores (Canadian REI) have cafés in them. Everything is natural etc. and the stores have all the latest eco-friendly features as of when they were built. The new one in Montreal is really impressive.”

“I am still working to perfect the dehydrated beer.

I figure once I have that in production, I can quit my day job.”

“It's been done, Chili. It's called whisky.”

“Gee Wiz Chili!
No comment on Bucks REI/Hooters store ????
Or Are you being a good boy!
I tell ya what anystore that had hot 1/2 naked babes, or even better totally nude business would get my $$$.

BBinks, started out of his house and on ebay and has grown like Roam sez to the brick version! I know from talking to him many times he has zero time to do anything he likes, especially hiking. He is very dedicated and hopfully can expand his business to a point where he can hire a some help to free him up. When he was working out of his home a year ago, I would call him and he said he was working 12-14 hours a day none stop.... Good luck on your venture and don't forget to give all of us TTer's a discount, say 50%, when you get started. This reminds me I gotta go buy some schit from binky!
PS

Think Skin! I bet if you hire Lex (from survivor) Maple would mortgage her house to go buy schit from your place!”

“GREAT idea, if you're in the right location.

In the Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit (Wisconsin) there is a store/deli that caters to the mountain bikers that frequent some of the trails--bikes are not permited on some of the trails. After a day hike we often stop there.

Gear is limited. They also sell a variety of organic foods.

Across the highway is a parking lot where people who are going to bike the forest can park their cars for free, pedal down the road 3/4 of a mile to the trailhead. (That way they don't have to pay the $5.00 entrance fee or buy an annual permit.)

They do a BOOMING business.

During the Winter, they cater to cross-country skiers who use the same trails.”

“Email comes back undeliverable, no one answers the phone...is he still in business?”

“Hiya Fritz!

Hope everything is ok in the bbinkley world!”

“Last I talked with him he was so busy with his store front he hardly had time to talk, or take an order. I think he's doing very well. I wouldn't worry.”

“I just got through to them by phone. They have what I want in stock but can't get it to me in three days. :(”

“Hey Fritz, get one of the Nashville gang to swing by the store and then drop it in Fed Ex for you!

How ya been bro?”

“Wow, Fritz, did you talk to Brandon himself? He's always gotten stuff out to me whenever I needed it. 3 days sounds like he could get it done. I know I called him the morning before I left for a trip and there was a new tent at my door the next day at 9:30am once.”

“He is The Man.”

“Yeppers, Brandon took care of me. Thanks for encouraging me to speak with him directly.

DHutch and Roamy, Hiya back. :)”

“i thought he would. he takes care of his peeps, even if he doesn't come around here anymore.”

“I was just in the store last week.”