Starting a high-end audio shop... Am I crazy?

Sdcambell,

I'm familiar with the 2-3 high end guys in town and bought from them but not sure I would want to approach them. I really need to start online and would love to find someone online who would not be threatened my presence, like the local guys might. I do understand they are going into home theater quite a bit and there is probably a lot of money in that which is OK by me. There are more Ferraris/Porshe/Maserati's dealerships in my neighborhood than decent high end audio shops - if that is worth anything... there is plenty of disposable income round these parts.

Thank you all for your comments (and keep them coming if you have more to add).

I think high end is another business where the internet will continue to move ahead of brick and mortar - so starting online would be key - a retail store may or may not ever materialize. More manufactureres will continue to allow/embrace online sales. There are so many brands that have very limited distribution - I don't think I'll have trouble finding 10-20 good brands (good/mediocre...?)

I have no intention of quitting a good day job until a side busines sarts flourishing. But I have been very underhappy in the high pressure field of insurance and finance. But I do have this sinking feeling that its a little crazy to enter a field that seems to not be too financially healthy to begin with. Hi end audio is in general poorly marketed, poorly understood by consumers.

I understand I would have to subsidize the high end stuff with home theater installs, mid-fi stuff and even an ipod or two (and even continuing to sell insurance on the side) Anyboy need life insurance out there? (Like insurance salesman aren't a dime a dozen.)

I think the first step is to think about builind g a website and lining up some good brands that need distribution - my wife can fulfill mailorder/internet orders while I'm at work!! Just wait till I give her the good news...!!!!