MY BUSINESS PLAN: Negotiate the rights to make apparel with images from a movie that is coming out in a couple of years. The movie distributor has the authority over these rights. EXAMPLE: So, say the movie was Spiderman, I would want to acquire the rights from Sony Pictures to make Spiderman t-shirts, jackets, caps, etc and then sell them to distributors, wholesalers and retailers. WHAT I NEED: Tips from insiders how to put my best foot forward in making this proposal to the movie distributor. [more inside]
posted by seatofmypants on Jul 1, 2009 - 5 answers

Checklist and Timeline for a moving a business. Wholesale warehouse plus retail business. [more inside]
posted by Gravitus on Jul 1, 2009 - 2 answers

I own a small tech business and have a few accounts that simply will not pay. The amounts owed range from $500 to $5000. I've tried turning the accounts over to collection agencies, but they don't understand tech so they have ignored the delinquent accounts. Any suggestions on how best to get paid, even partial payment or at least tell me how to file a "charge off".
posted by r80o on Jun 29, 2009 - 24 answers

After a year and a half of teaching myself to do balloon art, I bit the bullet and went to clown school! It was a ton of fun, and I am now officially a clown! The problem is that now I have to book some gigs! I have a website, a Twitter account, aFacebook page, and business cards on the way. Still, I don't really know how to market myself effectively. It's a competitive market (NYC) so I'm wondering what I can do to get the word out! [more inside]
posted by iliketolaughalot on Jun 29, 2009 - 10 answers

I am thinking about incorporating my web-based software startup. First, I am not sure if it makes sense to incorporate. Second, if I do incorporate, I am not not sure where in the world ( not just the U.S. ) I should incorporate. [more inside]
posted by jasondigitized on Jun 24, 2009 - 3 answers

As a former scientist, help me gain some faith in economics. What were the great successes of economics as a tool for making better decisions in the last 100 years? [more inside]
posted by zaebiz on Jun 23, 2009 - 20 answers

I have a small Computer Repair and Web Design company and would like to decorate the store front with some cheap or free banners, cardboard cutouts and similar items from companies like Intel, AMD, Asus, and HP. Where can I find such things?
posted by davathar on Jun 22, 2009 - 5 answers

Thinking of opening up a bagel store in a town nearby where there are no bagel stores. Looking for tips, suggestions, advice, and name ideas! [more inside]
posted by firei on Jun 21, 2009 - 23 answers

business management software for a painter [more inside]
posted by jellywerker on Jun 19, 2009 - 1 answer

here's your chance to advise someone famous :) I'm trying to think outside the box, and so looking for ideas from you MeFites to brainstorm my options... [more inside]
posted by Anonymous on Jun 17, 2009 - 18 answers

Vendor sends a quote which unintentionally includes their cost, markup, and gross profit amounts. What action, if any, would be the proper course? [more inside]
posted by Anonymous on Jun 17, 2009 - 14 answers

Is there a list somewhere, of the first things ever sold by major retailers? [more inside]
posted by tylerfulltilt on Jun 16, 2009 - 2 answers

If you're a performer, and a record label tries to release a single (that you had nothing to do with) with your name on it and tries to pass it off as your work, what legal action could you take to stop it?
posted by empath on Jun 16, 2009 - 8 answers

Working in Family Business. What would you consider that "line" where you are no longer dealing with a family member but a co-worker, boss, etc.. [more inside]
posted by Gravitus on Jun 13, 2009 - 5 answers

Help me plan a mutually beneficial, strategic partnership with a sponsor for my podcast. Details within. [more inside]
posted by Anonymous on Jun 12, 2009 - 0 answers

What blogs/sites like Moxie Cinema offer similar insights and real discussion of the business elements of their operations? Cafes, restaurants, book shops, video stores, bars, widget makers, whatever! [more inside]
posted by bystander on Jun 11, 2009 - 5 answers

What are the different ways that I can get a free website for my small business?
posted by sorrenn on Jun 10, 2009 - 10 answers

How do i set up a standard business plan? [more inside]
posted by freddymetz on Jun 10, 2009 - 3 answers

I have a product idea for a regional restaurant franchise that I think would do really well. How do I go about making my dream of untold wealth a reality? [more inside]
posted by shiu mai baby on Jun 9, 2009 - 8 answers

Help me find out if my dream is totally unrealistic! [more inside]
posted by Anonymous on Jun 8, 2009 - 23 answers

Mixing business and pleasure as a small businessperson, I need a little advice regarding taxes and business travel. [more inside]
posted by TungstenChef on Jun 8, 2009 - 1 answer

How do the economics of traveling carnivals work? (I.e. does the host pay a fee to the carnival company or vice versa? Is it a straight fee or a share in the receipts? If its a share, does the host have any right to influence ticket prices?) [more inside]
posted by AgentRocket on Jun 8, 2009 - 6 answers

Business casual or suit to interview? More inside...not as black and white as one would think. [more inside]
posted by mjger on Jun 6, 2009 - 18 answers

I am attempting to reorganize the structure of my business and was wondering if anyone had experience with this or could direct me to some templates. [more inside]
posted by Tavern on May 28, 2009 - 5 answers

Enough people suggested it that I have started to do strategic management consulting on my weekends. My clients now are pro-bono until I see a horizon for costs. What are some resources on fees and what should I have them sign so that I can better manage the consultancy?
posted by parmanparman on May 28, 2009 - 2 answers

I just got a new job in a retail store in Toronto, Canada. We want to import items from the USA and Europe in order to resell them. I am concerned about getting hit with customs/duty/taxes/broker fees/etc. What fees am I able to avoid and how can I avoid them. Who do I need to contact in order to get this stuff across the border as quickly and cheaply as possible. [more inside]
posted by You Should See the Other Guy on May 27, 2009 - 15 answers

Our consulting company is doing business in India and we need a way to make sure that our client will not skip out on the last payment in our contract. [more inside]
posted by davidfitzy7 on May 27, 2009 - 12 answers

Items weighing less than 1lb that make you think "WOW that's cool!" or "GOT to buy that!" on first glance? Catch: items already in your home or could do a bang-up job of creating in two weeks. [more inside]
posted by variella on May 27, 2009 - 16 answers

Should I start a photo retouching business? My wife asked me to take a head shot of her with my digital camera. She wasn't happy with the result. I said, "I'll bet someone on the Web does quickie retouching for 20 bucks." But Google turned up no such service. Should I start one? And how would you market it?
posted by markcmyers on May 27, 2009 - 8 answers

Tell me about the best and worst elements of recycling in your town so you can help me set up my recycling (collection) business. [more inside]
posted by HopStopDon'tShop on May 26, 2009 - 31 answers

If you were building a library collection around the history of business—guilds, apprenticeships, royal charter companies, corporations, and so on—what books would you select?
posted by sonic meat machine on May 25, 2009 - 13 answers

What are the internal business processes I should concentrate on when evaluating a clothing retailer? What are some questions I can ask the owner to help me identify where the processes could use some improvement? [more inside]
posted by ttyn on May 23, 2009 - 4 answers

I just graduated from law school on Sunday. I want to open my own law firm and practice criminal law after I pass the Oregon bar. But how can I get up to speed fast enough that I don't give my new clients poor legal services? [more inside]
posted by Happydaz on May 21, 2009 - 16 answers

How am I supposed to make financial projections for a business plan when I don't even know how much money I'd earn in a month? [more inside]
posted by divabat on May 19, 2009 - 11 answers

What efficient systems can one use to report different internal working data generated in a small / medium sized business - excel is too clumsy and a customized database based application feels like an overkill? [more inside]
posted by shalam on May 17, 2009 - 6 answers

Where might I find evidence that there was a surge of wiki startups circa 2005, which has since tapered off? [more inside]
posted by teracloth on May 13, 2009 - 3 answers

How to become a small business food producer in CA? I am a LA bartender that has been creating my own syrups... [more inside]
posted by keame on May 13, 2009 - 3 answers

Help me get my ducks in a row in terms of what business documents and billing method I'll need for launching my new lead generation business! [more inside]
posted by Elminster24 on May 12, 2009 - 2 answers

What's something lucrative we can grow indoors in 4000 square feet of warehouse space besides pot? [more inside]
posted by pallen123 on May 10, 2009 - 27 answers

Businessnamefilter: How similar is too similar? [more inside]
posted by Ctrl_Alt_ep on May 6, 2009 - 8 answers

I have my first "real job" annual review/raise coming up. I have never done this before. I'm looking for advice on what to expect and what to ask for. [more inside]
posted by GilloD on Apr 28, 2009 - 23 answers

I need broadband for my business that is slightly better than what you can get from normal DSL. What are my options? [more inside]
posted by cowmix on Apr 21, 2009 - 8 answers

Is there a realistic business model in personal finance advice/coaching? [more inside]
posted by junger on Apr 19, 2009 - 7 answers

What sort of prevention can I put in place to prevent internal fraud and maximize transparency in a small business? [more inside]
posted by willy_dilly on Apr 18, 2009 - 4 answers

How do I create a YouTube channel to promote my business? [more inside]
posted by mooders on Apr 17, 2009 - 3 answers

Recommend a tailor in the Bay Area to create a custom made suit. [more inside]
posted by Nickel on Apr 14, 2009 - 2 answers

How do I get a mortgage if I'm self employed? [more inside]
posted by Scientifik on Apr 14, 2009 - 11 answers

I am the creator of the largest Facebook Sushi page (with 900,000+ fans); If you were me, what would you do with this power and responsibility? :) [more inside]
posted by cdemay on Apr 13, 2009 - 24 answers

Lately, I've been toying with the idea of buying a used business. It seems like if the business has been running for a while, then it's a proven concept that somebody with resources could just step right into. Has anybody done this and did it work out? Also, any recommendations for a business that is recession proof and that can deliver a moderate amount of passive income (say in the 7 to 9K per month range)?
posted by willnot on Apr 13, 2009 - 18 answers

What would you do if you had a passive income stream which covered your mortgage? [more inside]
posted by lilyflower on Apr 12, 2009 - 29 answers