I followed my gut instinct

My coworker called me on my day off last week to tell me that a grooming shop was being given away to anyone who wanted it and asked me if I wanted to check it out. I didn't know many details, but I got the address and was out the door in less than half an hour.

The owner of the shop opened a new bigger shop and needed someone to take over her 2 year lease. included was all the clients, the desk and tables and kennels. Also it is in a PRIME location in a very pricey area on a main road! Only thing I would have to pay for was the $1800 damage deposit, and the $1800 first months rent. I've wanted to have a my own shop now for a year, but I haven't done extensive research into it yet. Still, it was a free shop (other than the start up costs) and I was ecstatic at the idea!

She needed to be out by January first though. Only a month away. Short notice, but that's reasonable cause it's free! after talking to her for almost an hour I told her I was 100% about it but I would have to look into my living arrangements (it's a hour and a half drive from where I currently live) and financial situation since I would have to borrow at least a couple thousand. Also I just heard about it less than an hour before and needed to sit on this huge life changing thing. I told her "I'll call you in two days" not good enough she said call tomorrow morning with decision. ok, short notice, but at least I can sleep on it.
Calls me 10 minutes later while driving home and says "I need to know now. Are you going to do this or not. I need to know if you are willing to take this on, if not I'm giving it to someone else who will make this a coffee shop, which is a shame, but she's the only other option" I felt pressured, and suspicious of her hasty behavior, and had to decline the once in a life time offer. She then told me "I guess it's not meant to be then. Good luck starting your own shop from scratch". How's a person supposed to feel after that!?

You're thoughts on what you would do would be great

I think you did the right thing. No one should expect you to make that kind of decision in 10 mins. I don't know the other groomers situation but it sounds like she was just a little too impatient for this to really be the deal she made it out to be. Don't sweat it, the right opportunity will come along when the time is right and you will know in your gut when it does. There are more than enough dogs out there so getting clients should not be an issue. I think you should count your self lucky that you were smart enough to "think about it" before comitting yourself to something that could have been a huge mistake. Owning your own business is a huge responsiblity, do your research first! Good luck

I agree, you shouldn't be pressured into making such an important decision. You did the right thing. In the meantime, talk to other groomers who operate their own shops, take a small business course and get books from the library on operating a small business. Good luck in your endeavours.