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13. THE OPENING OP A NEW PLACE.
The most important thing to he looked after in
opening a new place is its location. The more prom
inent the position, the more benefit you will derive
from it, and the easier it will be for you to obtain trade.
The next step is for you to obtain as long a lease as
possible, provided you have faith in your projected
enterprise. Don't start in on a slrort lease. The
chances are too great against you. Just at the period
your business has become successful, your lease for
a short term may have expired, and the landlord may
refuse to renew the lease or raise your rent to such
an exorbitant figure that there would be little oppor
tunity left you for profit.
Be sure and have the ordinary clause that would
prevent you from sub-letting or selling your business
omitted from the lease contract.
The opportunity
might be offered you to sell your business at a fancy
price, and you want to be in position to do as you
please, if possible, without asking your landlord's con
sent. Still, always try to be on good terms with him.
It should also be definitely stated in the lease who
pays the taxes, water tax and insurance, and .who is
responsible for repairs. You may otherwise find many
extras added to the rent you have supposed covered
the entire expense to you.
Furthermore, the tenant should ascertain whether
the building has been condemnedor whether the Board
of Health has any cause of action against the premises,
or whether there is anything in the neighborhood
detrimental to the success of a respectable business.
Above all, be certain before you sign a lease whether
the Board of Excise or the proper authorities will
license the place.
The next step is to fit up the rooms or building in
a style suitable to the neighborhood. If it is a superior
one, your furnishings must necessarily be elegant and