rent space, build or retail

[jmain]

I have my instructors packet in and I am trying to figure out which is best from the experienced instructors what students would respond to more...

I have property with a private range built. It is about 40 miles from where I live. The question is what would be the best from a students perspective, and if you had a choice, what do you think would be the best scenario for chl classes: the drive takes about 35-40 min one way.

1. rent a conference room as needed. The closest I can find is about 15 miles away. I think the best would be to have students meet at the range first, then go to classroom.

2. rent a retail space. I could do this within about 10 miles of the range, but the class would be in a smaller town and 40 miles from where I live (and most students).

3. rent a retail space in town, again - about a 40 mile trip to the range.

4. build a metal building at the range. students drive 40 miles, but get class and shooting at one place.

My thought is with a retail space in town, better traffic, but a long haul. Will this attract more or less students given the initial convenience, but with a drive.

Retail is expensive. I thought about getting a van for shuttling, but again another huge expense.
Having a structure built on my property will require more up front, but will be an asset and much cheaper in the long run.

I also plan on getting an ffl, so that plays in a bit. I think an ffl in town will do much better than in the sticks.

If you could do it all over again in the beginning, which scenario do you think your students would use you the most?

Thanks in advanced.

[Wes]

I know you are looking for instructors feedback, but where the class was played a major part in where i chose to go. I'm sure I'm not alone. I found several places close to me and then looked them up. The one I chose had class 5 minutes from me, but the range was a 30 min drive. If the class would have been at the range, I wouldn't have even considered him.