opening a new business or buying one

German Silver, Nickel Silver, Afghan Silver, Albata, A.L.P., Alpaca, Alpacca, Alpacca Prima, Alpaka, Alpakka, AMS, Argentan, Argentine Plate, Argentium*, Argentum, Austrian Silver, Brasilian Silver, British Plate, Cupro-Nickel, Electrum (not to be confused with a gold/silver alloy of the same name), Insignia Plate, Mexican Silver, Monel, Nevada Silver, Norwegian Silver, Pakfong, Paktong, Pelican Silver, Potosi Silver, Silverite, Sonoran Silver, Spur Silver, Stainless Nickel Silver, Tutenag, Tyrolian Silver, Venetian Silver, Virenium, Virginia Plate
etc

These are all names used for this type of alloy - Argentium is the only trademarked name and must now has at least 80% approx silver content. You could call it copper alloy - anything you like - Argentum is an accepted name in the trade and so is Silverite (this one alludes to its looks but definitely suggests that it is a silver substitute).
I looked back at the older thread and noticed that you cast pieces - have you had any experience of hand working this material?

gparrot,

I am so sorry you were exposed to such negativity for just for trying to help me with some advice.... I really do appreciate your positive comments. I hope all this negativity will not prevent you from offering help and advice to this blog in the future... From what it is title and SUPPOSE to be used for is questions regarding "Relocating" and questions related to that issue... such as mine ... opening a new business.. Old tart and you and a few others have been extremely helpful and kind.... I want honest feedback from local people, which I find invaluable and priceless... thank you to all who offered honest advice and help again. : )

Old Tart,

Thank you so much for the article and helpful advice. Your advice and ability to stay objective and on subject, I do appreciate, and is valuable. Do you know of any investors willing to try a new business in the Cruise Center...? Or what the best avenue is to find one locally? I was so impressed with the captain of B.O.S.S , and how he started out ...when I spoke to him on his charter... I know it is possible ... I just need the right chances and people involved. Thanks for your help in advance.

Excursion businesses seem to be holding up, but retail is definitely declining rapidly. Many excursions appeal to both visitors and locals and sometimes schools and youth groups.

I was wondering if an Amazing Race like in Cozumel would work on St Croix.

Sorry, but I've no clue even where you would start. I can tell you that the people I know here who in the past have invested very large sums of money in local businesses aren't even looking into anything new. They have - as I mentioned earlier - cut way back on their own operations which unfortunately has also resulted in many longtime employees suddenly facing unemployment in a stagnant marketplace. In my opinion, this isn't the time to open any new business as the economy is in terrible shape and there doesn't seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel at least in the foreseeable future. I've lived long enough to know that things eventually do turn around but optimism doesn't change the facts.

It's ironic that a few years ago when the stateside recession was gaining momentum I predicted on this very forum that we were in for a rough road ahead. At that time our economy was still healthy but it's always been the case that we usually lag behind the mainland economy by a couple of years both in the downs and the ups. I was pretty much dragged over the coals by several posters at the time who said I was a "gloom and doomer" who didn't know what I was talking about. Not one of them is here now ...

I wish you luck!

You were absolutely spot on - I remember those times - it is definitely tough times for those who are relying on discretionary spending for their living. I hope you get some apologies 🙂

You may want to contact the VI Charter Yacht League or contact the owners or upper management of a couple of Marinas to see if they can provide you with contact information.

There is allot of competition in the charter industry here, whether it is daysails, term charters, dive trips or excursions and same for the
BVI. There are lots of start up costs and fees involved as well as day to day costs so best do your homework to be prepared for all. BVI
has supplanted the USVI when it comes to charter yachts as the fees are less and more user friendly.

Many USVI companies moved there when the VI Government decided to impose higher rates and fees in order to kill the goose that laid
the golden egg, so to speak as in the 70's and 80's, STT was a charter friendly mecca.

Good Luck and do your research!(tu)

PS/ Contact the STT Chamber of Commerce @ 776-0100 and see if they can provide information you seek.

You may want to contact the VI Charter Yacht League or contact the owners or upper management of a couple of Marinas to see if they can provide you with contact information.

There is allot of competition in the charter industry here, whether it is daysails, term charters, dive trips or excursions and same for the
BVI. There are lots of start up costs and fees involved as well as day to day costs so best do your homework to be prepared for all. BVI
has supplanted the USVI when it comes to charter yachts as the fees are less and more user friendly.

Many USVI companies moved there when the VI Government decided to impose higher rates and fees in order to kill the goose that laid
the golden egg, so to speak as in the 70's and 80's, STT was a charter friendly mecca.

Good Luck and do your research!(tu)

PS/ Contact the STT Chamber of Commerce @ 776-0100 and see if they can provide information you seek.

Allot?

WTF - spell check likes it!

because "allot" has a meaning --- to parcel out, to distribute or apportion. Not what you meant. Not that I am picking on you!! Spell check works again?

Alysen5,

You shouldn't be discouraged. Many long term profitable businesses were started in down economies. The easiest and best chance of starting a successful new business may be to execute a concept that has proven to work in other places with similar population/visitor demographics to the VIs, but simply is not here yet. Duplicating existing businesses would seem to be the more challenging route.

There are profitable retail niches on all three islands that have likely been overlooked. Do lots of research and develop a solid plan.

because "allot" has a meaning --- to parcel out, to distribute or apportion. Not what you meant. Not that I am picking on you!! Spell check works again?

Thanks VIsnorkeler> I stand corrected. And Yes, spell check is working again.

:$) you're welcome

Thanks Independent man,

I appreciate your feedback and trying to stay positive and be honest....
Do you have some suggestions of where there are profitable niches on all three islands? that would be extremely helpful. 🙂 I have a great idea, as you suggested that is not really on the islands yets... I need a great location and financing..... any ideas:S ?? Incorrigible and still trying...

Thanks,

Alysen

Finding connections and networking will be much easier after you arrive on-island. Is coming "blind" and taking any work available an option for you? With a small nestegg, say $5,000, you could come down, get settled and get your foot in the door, so to speak.

You may get lucky, but I think you will have difficulty finding a backer until you are here.