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Decision Factors-Locating in sw WA or in Portland metro area?

by hootnhlr, Window Shopper

  • Created: April 7, 2010, 12:12 pm
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2 comments

Hello:  Responses are appreciated.

 

I am looking at the decision points (pros/cons) in deciding whether to locate my start-up small business in sw Washington state or in Portland, OR metro area.  Real estate office rental costs are not my primary concern.  I am more interested in which state is more small business friendly.  Washington has no income tax but does have a sales tax; Oregon is just the reverse.  I'd prefer not to burden my customers with a sales tax but figure there must be other considerations of which I'm not aware in determining which state to locate in.  Any recommendations out there?

Tags: Discuss Popular Topics, Other Business Issues
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NicoleD | Former Moderator | 4/7/2010 - 4:10 pm

In the coming weeks Business.gov will provide guides that show how state regulations and issues affect small business survival across the country. We hope these articles will give business owners a better understanding of what to expect from their state when starting a business. See part one and part two for details on state taxes that affect your small business.

TheKB2010 | Creator | 4/7/2010 - 4:53 pm

I understand the idea of not wanting to charge people sales tax thinking that they will come to your business because it's a cheaper product or service, BUT... You have to look beyond those things: How much 'traffic' can you drive to your business regardless of where it;s located at? How much foot traffic can I get? (are you in Portland, Vancouver, 192nd?) Those places get different ammounts of foot traffic. What type of service or product do you offer? What are the profit margins? What's the demand in the areas you're looking into? What's the competition like in the areas you want to build (HINT: if there are NO businesses like yours there that could very well be a sign that that location wont work for a business like yours) Ideally it's nice to be able to get foot traffic right away and have people that are use to a service or product like yours.
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