They say location is everything when going into business. And for bricks and mortar retail establishments, location is probably the most important decision a business owner will make in the beginning stages of opening a business. Building a fancy high-priced restaurant in amongst dirty factories is probably going to be the kiss of death. Likewise, a children's clothing boutique on the outskirts of town might never see any customers. Indeed, no-one disputes that choosing a location for your business should be undertaken with thorough research and considerable thought.

Although location refers to the best place customers can find you, there are other issues that factor into the equation when choosing a place to do business. The cost of rent versus your budget will seriously impact your location decision. The reality is if you cannot afford to put your store in the most popular mall in the city, your decision must be to choose elsewhere. And, can you find a location that you can afford, while at the same time has the draw or appeal for customers?

Additionally, city taxes will influence your decision. Property taxes are going to be higher in certain areas than others, and you might be able to benefit from the savings in lower tax areas depending on your type of business. Various states offer tax concessions in order to attract new businesses, so if you are in a position to relocate, this might prove to be the perfect opportunity.

You might even decide that you prefer to work out of your home, knowing that the budget does not permit paying rent, and that your bottom line would be much healthier to start. But, when making this decision, there are other serious factors that impact the reality of running a business from your home address. If you never see your clients or customers, and if you do not employ on-site staff, then this situation is ideal. But once you allow the public onto your property, you open up another set of concerns. For example, will your insurer permit you to upgrade your house insurance to cover liability for public access? Does the city even allow businesses in residential subdivisions? If yes, what permits and licenses will you need? Will your neighbors accept the continual parade of strangers around their homes and families? And even if customers do not come to your home, but you do employ others, you will be required to abide by all workplace standards, as well as pay the associated government remittances.

Next, you will want to make your location decision based on your comfort level. For example, you decide to work outside the home because it gives you clear boundaries between work and personal time. You know that when you leave the office or warehouse, that you have left work for the day. Also, do you really want employees in your personal space? Lastly, when choosing a location, you need to look at things like available parking, handicap access, and the security of the area or neighborhood.