Absense Of Equity!!

[sensei8]

I've spent a lot of time doing Martial Arts outside (I'm doing that currently and it just freezed in DFW) and it can be fun but there is a very definite want of climate control. It's difficult, however, finding a space that you can afford without the income of students for the first couple of months (if you're lucky) much more thinking about advertising. In short, I definitely get training outside but inside is definitely worth it if you can swing it.

Good points!!

Yeah, nowadays it appears that landlords don't want to lower there rental prices, espectially in the wake of our latest financial downturn. However, rent can be negotiated, it's not set in stone. Make them want to rent to you and that's the key. Provide them some type of incentive. That could be from, for example, I'll pay for the whole year, but I want half, to almost nothing for the second year. Hit them in their wallets, that'll get their attention. Make them the one who comes up with the fantastic idea. Place the thoughts in them by showing that you're trying to go long term, but they've got to want to meet you half way.

[sensei8]

I've trained in parks, garages, small church halls, community centers, warehouses, and some modern dojo in commercial building suites. Having space is important, but where that space is doesn't matter as much, in my opinion

How can something be important, like space, but not matter much to you?

[sensei8]

We're having to deal with the cold, hard reality of high rent for small space right now. We have a choice location at the front of a strip mall next to a major chain store, and the strip mall we're in is next to a Walmart superstore. So, rent is pretty high.

But, space is barely adequate, and our student body isn't the largest. We're actually in talks with the land management company to renegotiate rent because we're not sure how much longer we can pay it...

We might be forced to find a community center or the like very soon...

Great points!!

Your location is probably why your rents so high. "Location, location, location", these words speak about high rent prices. If its tanable and the location is idea for the bottom line, then it's worth the risk of paying the continued high rent.

There you go...renegotiate the rent!! Each and every year!! Landlords will bend over backwards for their loyal longterm residents. Landlords make money when the building spaces are all rented, and they lose mightly if they've more empty spaces than not. Get them where they live...in their wallets.

[sensei8]

Nothing wrong with community centers. The first school I trained at happened in a trailer park rec center, then a church, then a park, then another church, then a gym.

Moving on up!! Love it!!

[devil dog]

The first teacher I had was teaching out of his garage. I have trained in basements, churches, gymnasiums of schools and commercial spaces.

To be honest it's all good as long as you have adequate space for your students to train. When my rent got to high and the land lord would not negotiate because he had a better offer waiting in the wings I started teaching out of my basement in the winter and during bad weather and outside in the summer and good weather.

My students did not mind because they were not paying what I had to charge them while renting a space.

I abuilt a pole bard 40x50 two years ago and use it know. One of my advanced students (Sandan) teaches in a commercial space and from time to time and I will come in for testings and to instruct his senior students but to be honest I much prefer the pole barn. Much more room and a heck of a lot cheaper (free).

The best part is I can make any changes I want to without the permission of a landlord.

The only down fall is advertising. I am in the country and not close to highways so all advertising comes from students word of mouth. It is not the best case scenario but I do not depend on teaching to make a living so it doesn't really affect me that much and again the rent is free.