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Topic starter
Hello,
I am always so nervous about posting on message boards since I often find myself either in the wrong forum or something to that effect resulting in some form of flaming .. lol
I have always been in love with St. Thomas and Charlotte Amalie. I have spent the last 5 years saving enough money to move there and I am so excited that I have reached my goal. A few years ago I started dabbling (as a hobby) in photography, then videography and finally flying unmanned remote control quad prop flyers and taking video for realtors, restaurants, ski vacationers, etc. I am very interested in continuing this small business on the Island and could really use some advice, contacts, guidance regading doing business there. One of my biggest concerns is to find out if any tourist related business needs approval of the cruise ship companies. They conduct so many of the excursions and events, I would not be surprised if they "decide" what is ok and what is not.
I hope to make lots of friends when I arrive and would greatly appreciate any thoughts or guidance.
Thx,
Jeff
Posted : July 21, 2010 4:16 am
Jeff, you only need the approval of the VI government to start a business, but depending on the business, you may need the cruise ship business to make a living. Many of the excursions are almost 100% cruise dependent.
There's a very active advertising association, but I'm not quite sure of its exact name, and can't find it in the phone book. Advertising Club of St Thomas? St Thomas Ad Council? Maybe if you google advertising st thomas you'll find references. You should definitely contact them.
You should also contact the St Thomas/St John Chamber of Commerce. Their phone number is 340-776-0100. Last time I checked, their website hadn't been updated in over a year. They sponsor frequent "Business After Hours" networking socials, and that's an excellent way to meet people and introduce your services.
Good luck!
Posted : July 21, 2010 12:03 pm
Topic starter
Thank you for the reply and the advise.
Jeff
Posted : July 21, 2010 3:42 pm
I agree with MS411. The type of business you are trying to enter will require that you get some linkage to the cruse business. There is simply not enough business here otherwise. This is not like the main land were you have a large demographic section of people.
billd
Posted : July 21, 2010 7:42 pm
The business license procedure can be time consuming and trying. Most of the tourist places pay BIG $ to advertise on the ships and pay off people to bring the tourists to your place. Be prepared to be a pirate and deal with pirates. The island is not for softies! A nice couple I know came here and both went back home in a couple of months with dengue fever. They must have had no resistance to bugs. If you have more than average guts, it could be well worth a try.
Posted : July 21, 2010 8:03 pm
Topic starter
lol sounds fun....
I am a tough cookie. Thx for the warnings and advice ( I see I spelled it wrong earlier...oops. Late night typing).
Jeff
Posted : July 21, 2010 9:16 pm
