How to Open a Dive Shop

If your town does not have a dive shop, then it could be a good business to get into. You don't have to be near the water, or even have a pool to run a successful dive shop. Most divers travel to their destinations anyway. Check out these tips before you open a dive shop.

Instructions

1. Become a certified diver yourself or contract the services of a diver to consult you on what kinds of equipment and services you should offer in the shop. Divers typically expect to get advice when they shop for equipment, and the more credentials you bring to the table, the more you will be sought out for your expertise.

2. Offer dive lessons through your shop. These classes will help to attract the newcomers to the sport and give you another stream of income. If you don't have a pool, then make arrangements with the local YMCA or high school to use their pool a couple hours a week for lessons.

3. Purchase a franchise such as Pro Dive or The Scuba Shop. You will receive assistance for everything from finding financing and choosing the right location to buying inventory and setting up the store. Franchises give small business owners a jump-start that could take years to reach as a solo owner.

4. Buy a current dive shop from a private owner who needs to get out of the business for some reason. You will also have a headstart in that divers know where you are located and you'll have some instant inventory.

5. Lease or buy a building that has a pool in it, such as an old school that's closed or an apartment building with a good clubhouse that's for sale.