"Is it appropriate to get advice from similar business???"
I have a business idea, but I have lot's of questions. Is it appropriate to contact the owner of a similar business and ask them questions? I would ask someone that was not near me (probably another state). I want to ask things like, start up overhead, how much of their revenue comes from online sales, how long it took to start making a profit, and how many people work with them. I don't want to contact anyone if I might offend someone or if it is inappropriate to ask these questions. Any advice would be great. Thanks in advance.
#1. "RE: Is it appropriate to get advice from similar business???" In response to Reply # 0
No, it's not inappropriate. However, you may find that getting those answers out of business owners is going to be like pulling teeth.
A better way to get the info you are seeking is to contact your local Small Busines Development Center. They can help you with just about every aspect & it won't cost you anything but time.
Ihave found that business owners guard their numbers like they do their children.