View Full Version : Renting an Office for Camming
bigbootyjudy1
02-20-2015, 01:12 PM
I keep a separate office myself and won't go below a two bedroom (I live alone) ever again. Constantly having to put away all of my camming stuff, hide my signs/game boards, and fiddle with my camera/computer is a head ache. My boyfriend and friends know that I cam, but I still don't like to advertise it whenever he or they come over and come into my room. I also really hate having my work space and sleeping space in the same room because it's really hard to relax with all my camming things around. My office became my 'work' space and it really helps keep me in the work mentality. There's not even a computer or TV in my bedroom anymore because that room is for sleeping.
That said, cost is a factor. I'm paying more than I'd like to have this room, but I find it worth it. If you can't swing it without struggling, it isn't worth it. Is your sister coming along and contributing to bills? If she is, I'd talk to her about what she thinks she can reasonably contribute and then look based on that. You might be surprised by what you find if you really hunt. A four bedroom can be done for cheap, but it isn't easy depending on the area (as you know).
All the reason you mentioned are the reason why i want a seperate camming space.Unfortunately my sister dont work so she wont be able to help me financially.I guess ill go meet with a realtor and see whats available in my price range :)
SweetJulia
02-20-2015, 01:37 PM
I either use my bedroom or a bigger closet. If you can afford an office, go for it. Cuz if I do it from my bed too much, I end up feeling like I'm still in work mode when I'm not online.
Magical_Hoohah
02-20-2015, 02:20 PM
I have a camming room, and I love it, but I bought my house long before I started camming, so that wasn't really a consideration when I was house hunting. The biggest benefits to having a cam room, like other ladies mentioned, have been: no set up/take down time, getting better sleep in my bedroom, and not having to adjust my cam schedule around my partner's sleeping schedule.
I think you could do some guesstimation on how much time you lose by camming in your bedroom. How much time do you spend on set up and take down? Do you have trouble sleeping in your cam space? Would sleeping in a separate bedroom reduce the time you spend winding down and falling asleep? Would that mean that you spend less time in bed in order to get the amount of rest you need (e.g. you could sleep well for 8 hours, instead of sleeping 8 hours + 1.5 hours tossing and turning)?
Once you guesstimate the amount of time you'd save, think about whether you could use that time toward making money. Are you already camming as much as you can, or could you use that extra time for camming, too? Would you use some or all of the time for camming? Out of the total hours you save by having a cam room, how many hours would actually be spent camming?
So based on what you typically make, how much would you be earning with those extra hours of camming? What's the monthly total? Remove whatever % you save for paying taxes. Now you know roughly the value of having a separate room, measured in spendable dollars per month. Compare that to the price difference between 3 bedrooms and 4 bedrooms. Does the extra room cost more than it's worth, or would it pay for itself?
Also, this may be different where you are, but where I live, if you want more than 2 bedrooms, it's almost always cheaper to rent a house instead of an apartment.
SweetJulia
02-20-2015, 02:22 PM
Also, having a room dedicated to it 1-reduces the chances of "work supplies" popping up when company is over and 2-makes me want to work more hours.
IvyAdams
02-20-2015, 02:25 PM
Right now I cam from my bedroom, and when My boyfriend and I move in the next 6 months we are DEFINITELY going to be getting a place where I can have a camming room only. For me, I can't wait until I don't have to sleep in the same room I work in, it can already be set up for the day, and I can have more versatility with what areas of the room I can use (since it won't be my bedroom) I say go for it :)
kortneykay
02-20-2015, 02:31 PM
I absolutely believe having an office space/room for camming is a staple for camming. Firstly, it's tax deductible. How awesome is that? You have the option of walking away at the end of the workday. Camming is so erratic and just being able to walk out of my camroom and shut the door until the next work day leaves my mind feeling less cluttered.
Decorating! I love to decorate and a cam room that looks nice goes a long way with earnings. I love having a cute area that I created to relax in and just bank. The compliments don't hurt either. I'm obsessed with Bath & Body Works Wall Flowers so I have a different scent for practically every area of my home and the scent I chose in my cam room reminds me of $$$ and men so if I head in that direction (my office is on the opposite side of the condo) I can smell it and it gets me in the mood to want to hustle.
Back when I had a 2bd apartment I also had a room for an office but I wasn't as motivated to use it as much. I decided to move everything into my bedroom so I could always be reminded to work. That ended up backfiring on me and I loathed work because I didn't have that separation of work and personal space. For me camming must be treated like a job so I can disconnect daily or I'll go insane. This might sound weird but I don't like sharing my personal bedroom with my cam customers even though I could shoot some awesome footage in there because it has a loft and a private balcony, lol.
Last and not least. Safety! An office with a lock is amazing. I don't have any roomies or kids but I can only imagine the relief of not being busted in on in a session. Bedrooms are fine for camming but if your child or sister are used to 'knocking and entering' (like my mom did when I was a kid) then an office is the way to go. Once that door is closed that means mommy/sister is working and to not disturb you unless it's a dire emergency. Sometimes kids like to waltz in a parent's bedroom because it's safe and there's love there. Having an office I believe teaches boundaries.
bigbootyjudy1
02-20-2015, 02:34 PM
Thank you so much ladies.for your response .ill comment back as soon as im done with my camming shift.you guys are so awesome!!!
Magical_Hoohah
02-20-2015, 02:46 PM
I have a different scent for practically every area of my home and the scent I chose in my cam room reminds me of $$$ and men so if I head in that direction (my office is on the opposite side of the condo) I can smell it and it gets me in the mood to want to hustle.
This is pure genius! I have some dark, sexy essential oils and a diffuser, so I should make myself a personalized room scent to turn on when I'm getting ready. Smell is such a powerful trigger, so I'm sure that's an amazing way to get into hustle mode!
CinnimonKiss
02-20-2015, 04:09 PM
Having a cam room is amazing! mine is downstairs away from everything so its perfect. Its set up the way I want and yes not having to take down lights or hide the dildos is a plus lol
Get a place that feels comfortable for you. Being a cam girl u spend most your time at home, so love your place and make it your own!!
smaddy
02-20-2015, 04:55 PM
Having a dedicated cam room will also allow you to take the home office deduction on your taxes.
kortneykay
02-20-2015, 06:01 PM
This is pure genius! I have some dark, sexy essential oils and a diffuser, so I should make myself a personalized room scent to turn on when I'm getting ready. Smell is such a powerful trigger, so I'm sure that's an amazing way to get into hustle mode!
Scent is everything bb! I full well know that it can definitely change a mood. I'm huge on my whole place smelling good. It's awesome to run errands, come home, and be greeted by a nice aroma. Not to mention being confident that your home smells great when guests come over. That's one thing I can't stand is visiting someone's home and it smells like hot dumpster juice.
For my cam room only, I use Sparkling Icicles fragrance from B&BW (BBW, lol). It literally smells like amazing cologne and crisp $100 bills, lol. I call it the VIP section of a strip club scent, lol. They have 2 packs for $8 and sometimes you can catch their sale locally or online at the actual BBW website.
http://www.amazon.com/Bath-Body-Works-Sparkling-Wallflowers/dp/B00FO2UHMA
bigbootyjudy1
02-20-2015, 10:17 PM
Thank you so much ladies.Your input really helped me out.I'm going to be looking for a 4 bedroom house.Hopefully i will find one in my $1500 rent budget if not maybe next year when i'm debt free i can move and get a bigger house.All the reason you guys have mentioned are exactly why i want a seperate cam space.but if not this year i will definitely get a place next year.I wanna be debt free by January 2016 .So after paying all student loans and surgery debt i can raised my rent budget to $1700-1900 a month.I just dont feel comfortable paying for something that high since im renting and not owning.I guess only time will tell.Thanks loves
Issabelle
02-20-2015, 11:37 PM
Heads up, you might try looking for a nice home that's rent to own. A portion of your rent will be used as collateral for a down payment on the mortgage each month. At the end of a set period (usually a few years), you go to the bank and the money that was held back is your down payment so you just get a mortgage. The houses are usually bank foreclosures these days and fairly cheap, rent wise.
KarmaComa
02-21-2015, 01:44 AM
I am a single childless woman who has a place much larger than necessary to accommodate the separate cam room. Sure, I pay more to live here but the amount of sanity it brings me is endless. On my days off, I shut the door. Boundary setting is good for the soul!!
I can keep all my studio lights up all the time and not be tripping over cords. I have all of my camming wardrobe in a large walk in closet. If a guy wants red thigh highs, a blonde wig and a bustier, I can locate it quickly and put it away with ease so it is ready for next time. My last few places I had piles of shit everywhere. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, I always INTENDED to keep organized but my lack of space intimidated me.
I'm also fortunate my 2nd bathroom is attached to my cam room so I made it my glamour station. If I have company, they aren't drowning in the Sephora Ocean. I have all of my toys & fetish gear organized around the bed where it is accessible. I keep a lot of the action figures/knick knack/decor gifts customers have purchased for me over the years in my cam room too so I can enjoy those while I am in there.
Sure, it isn't the most "thrifty" arrangement but I have been camming for so long that I was starting to blur my cam life and my offline life in ways that even my "excessive" personality found to be ridiculous. I have done bedroom camming, office camming and living room camming but this is the bee's knees. I love the feeling of having a space for work and a sleeping space that doubles as a place for drinking tea with a stack of comic books. When I have a rough day, I leave it in the "Prince Purple Rain room" and move on.
You can't put a price tag on your sanity. If you can swing it, I HIGHLY suggest it. I enjoy having an area that my custies are not welcome. Just walking into my cam room helps me strap my game face on just a little bit tighter.. if I'm in it, it's SHOW TIME!
DeepThoughts
02-21-2015, 02:03 AM
I absolutely believe having an office space/room for camming is a staple for camming. Firstly, it's tax deductible. How awesome is that? You have the option of walking away at the end of the workday. Camming is so erratic and just being able to walk out of my camroom and shut the door until the next work day leaves my mind feeling less cluttered.
Decorating! I love to decorate and a cam room that looks nice goes a long way with earnings. I love having a cute area that I created to relax in and just bank. The compliments don't hurt either. I'm obsessed with Bath & Body Works Wall Flowers so I have a different scent for practically every area of my home and the scent I chose in my cam room reminds me of $$$ and men so if I head in that direction (my office is on the opposite side of the condo) I can smell it and it gets me in the mood to want to hustle.
Back when I had a 2bd apartment I also had a room for an office but I wasn't as motivated to use it as much. I decided to move everything into my bedroom so I could always be reminded to work. That ended up backfiring on me and I loathed work because I didn't have that separation of work and personal space. For me camming must be treated like a job so I can disconnect daily or I'll go insane. This might sound weird but I don't like sharing my personal bedroom with my cam customers even though I could shoot some awesome footage in there because it has a loft and a private balcony, lol.
Last and not least. Safety! An office with a lock is amazing. I don't have any roomies or kids but I can only imagine the relief of not being busted in on in a session. Bedrooms are fine for camming but if your child or sister are used to 'knocking and entering' (like my mom did when I was a kid) then an office is the way to go. Once that door is closed that means mommy/sister is working and to not disturb you unless it's a dire emergency. Sometimes kids like to waltz in a parent's bedroom because it's safe and there's love there. Having an office I believe teaches boundaries.
YES all this exactly! You will thank yourself in the long run! You know you need to spend $ to make it and this is so worth the investment!
Flickdreams
02-21-2015, 02:34 AM
That seperation of space is so important- i remember having my pole set up in the living room; worst idea ever.
Glamourmilf
02-21-2015, 03:21 AM
I know my advice is going to be the opposite of all of the above, but I would keep your low rent, and don't worry about a separate cam room.
I am homeless now (for the first time in my life), because I couldn't afford my $1700 per month apt., with cam income fluctuating the way it has been.
(I.E.-read my thread on how to cam from a closet since I am now forced to be a roommate in someone else's home.)
For 4 years since I started camming, ALL I did was work to pay my rent. (plus other bills as well).
I NEVER left my apt., felt bunt out and isolated, and couldn't even enjoy the perfect SoCal weather, or see any of my friends because I was tooo talked out, and exhausted by the time I turned off the cam.
Even though I hate being a roommate, just the short time I have been here, I feel happier, and freeer about my much lower bills/rent.
I actually have been out more in just the short time I've been here, than in all 4 yrs. combined that I have been camming from that high rent apt.
My friends are commenting how relaxed and happy and calm I look.(they don't know I cam).
I also now live outside of the very expensive city, and everything is much cheaper than when I was in the city.
I love this area so much, and it is a comfort to know that I can look for my own apt. around here, and pay way less than I would if I had stayed in the city.
I would hate for You to move, than be hating Your 'cam room', like I did, because it would remind you that that is all there is to your life.
xoxo Glam
Maybe if you and Glam are in the same area you could rent a room to glam? Then you don't have to hide it from each other. You can still have your separate room to cam from and I know she wouldn't mind camming from her room. Even if it's only a temporary set up until you can both get on your feet? No doubt roomates can suck. But, paying more rent than you want to sucks double. Paying the bills off= freedom.
Glamourmilf
02-21-2015, 06:08 AM
@Mare...im not the roommate type. Ive lived alone for over 30 yrs. Im getting an apt of my own.
Nikki_Fox
02-21-2015, 10:27 AM
Heads up, you might try looking for a nice home that's rent to own. A portion of your rent will be used as collateral for a down payment on the mortgage each month. At the end of a set period (usually a few years), you go to the bank and the money that was held back is your down payment so you just get a mortgage. The houses are usually bank foreclosures these days and fairly cheap, rent wise.
I would not advise a rent to own or contract for deed situation - to many horror stories - it is a legal nightmare if things go wrong and the buyer is usually on the short end of the deal - If the seller has an existing mortgage and does not make the payments and they foreclose - your money is gone and you have to sue the person to get it back - heard this story over and over - it was so problematic in my state that they have limited the number of these type of transactions a single person can make in a year - investors were taking advantage of buyers with terms that favored the seller - for example if you are late once you could forfeit the entire deal with no refund of your down payment - if anyone does decide to do this please have an attorney look over your contract first - If you have the time to wait out a transaction a short sale or foreclosure can be a great option - the foreclosure sales have pitfalls of their own but nothing close to the lease/contract deals
Issabelle
02-21-2015, 11:17 AM
I would not advise a rent to own or contract for deed situation - to many horror stories - it is a legal nightmare if things go wrong and the buyer is usually on the short end of the deal - If the seller has an existing mortgage and does not make the payments and they foreclose - your money is gone and you have to sue the person to get it back - heard this story over and over - it was so problematic in my state that they have limited the number of these type of transactions a single person can make in a year - investors were taking advantage of buyers with terms that favored the seller - for example if you are late once you could forfeit the entire deal with no refund of your down payment - if anyone does decide to do this please have an attorney look over your contract first - If you have the time to wait out a transaction a short sale or foreclosure can be a great option - the foreclosure sales have pitfalls of their own but nothing close to the lease/contract deals
Nikki does bring up a really good point I didn't clarify whenever my sleep-addled brain posted that last night. My current area has a lot of legitimate lease-to-own options and many of those are actually bank-owned properties they couldn't sell at auction. It's definitely not a good idea to get into it without a damn good attorney, agent, and owner, and even then it isn't guaranteed. So maybe just scratch that particular 'Issa was half-asleep' comment.
bigbootyjudy1
02-21-2015, 12:24 PM
I know my advice is going to be the opposite of all of the above, but I would keep your low rent, and don't worry about a separate cam room.
I am homeless now (for the first time in my life), because I couldn't afford my $1700 per month apt., with cam income fluctuating the way it has been.
(I.E.-read my thread on how to cam from a closet since I am now forced to be a roommate in someone else's home.)
For 4 years since I started camming, ALL I did was work to pay my rent. (plus other bills as well).
I NEVER left my apt., felt bunt out and isolated, and couldn't even enjoy the perfect SoCal weather, or see any of my friends because I was tooo talked out, and exhausted by the time I turned off the cam.
Even though I hate being a roommate, just the short time I have been here, I feel happier, and freeer about my much lower bills/rent.
I actually have been out more in just the short time I've been here, than in all 4 yrs. combined that I have been camming from that high rent apt.
My friends are commenting how relaxed and happy and calm I look.(they don't know I cam).
I also now live outside of the very expensive city, and everything is much cheaper than when I was in the city.
I love this area so much, and it is a comfort to know that I can look for my own apt. around here, and pay way less than I would if I had stayed in the city.
I would hate for You to move, than be hating Your 'cam room', like I did, because it would remind you that that is all there is to your life.
xoxo Glam
Thank you so much !! your so right.I think i might even bring my budget down to $1200-$1500.when i move i plan on going to the beach and just living a more relaxed life.right now all i do is work,work,and oh yea workkkkkkkkk! im a single women .Its time i start doing more things so i can find my life partner hehe.J/k.but really though i do want to travel and get out instead of working my youth away.so i dont want such a high rent to take all my money and not to mention im goin to have other bills.ALL YOU LADIES BROUGHT UP GREAT POINTS :) THANK YOU
sorry to hear about the unfortunate event that happened in your life .Im so happy your a lot more happier .
kortneykay
02-21-2015, 01:21 PM
I am a single childless woman who has a place much larger than necessary to accommodate the separate cam room. Sure, I pay more to live here but the amount of sanity it brings me is endless. On my days off, I shut the door. Boundary setting is good for the soul!!
I can keep all my studio lights up all the time and not be tripping over cords. I have all of my camming wardrobe in a large walk in closet. If a guy wants red thigh highs, a blonde wig and a bustier, I can locate it quickly and put it away with ease so it is ready for next time. My last few places I had piles of shit everywhere. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, I always INTENDED to keep organized but my lack of space intimidated me.
I'm also fortunate my 2nd bathroom is attached to my cam room so I made it my glamour station. If I have company, they aren't drowning in the Sephora Ocean. I have all of my toys & fetish gear organized around the bed where it is accessible. I keep a lot of the action figures/knick knack/decor gifts customers have purchased for me over the years in my cam room too so I can enjoy those while I am in there.
Sure, it isn't the most "thrifty" arrangement but I have been camming for so long that I was starting to blur my cam life and my offline life in ways that even my "excessive" personality found to be ridiculous. I have done bedroom camming, office camming and living room camming but this is the bee's knees. I love the feeling of having a space for work and a sleeping space that doubles as a place for drinking tea with a stack of comic books. When I have a rough day, I leave it in the "Prince Purple Rain room" and move on.
You can't put a price tag on your sanity. If you can swing it, I HIGHLY suggest it. I enjoy having an area that my custies are not welcome. Just walking into my cam room helps me strap my game face on just a little bit tighter.. if I'm in it, it's SHOW TIME!
BB, you're a woman after my own heart haha. I'm single and childless too, glam station, etc. My 2nd bedroom is attached to my office which is attached to my 2nd bathroom. I have so much space I almost feel guilty for being the only one living here but then again I like space and I believe I deserve it. I have 3.5 bathrooms but I only use that one to get ready in. We also have the same "purple" theme, lol. I have my studio lights set up permanently (unless someone sleeps in the guest bedroom) so when I walk into that room it's on. All I do is click on the studio lights and I'm ready to go.
Flickdreams
02-21-2015, 06:56 PM
I dont cam (?yet?) but I would def need to set up a seperate room etc (let alone for the tax writeoffs) but for all the above mentioned reasons.
Busygirl
02-21-2015, 07:40 PM
A cam office is even better, if it's not connected to your home. You have to go there, and you can do only one thing there.
Too many distractions and excuses to find at home.( for me :)
JackAlexander
05-08-2015, 05:22 PM
So I am relocating and will be staying with family until I figure everything out. I am beginning to get anxiety about not being able to cam (it is 100% not happening at grandmas house, not an option).
I have found 3 offices that look like very good options, under $300 per month, one was cement walls, internet included and month to month. I cam about 4 days a week and I have also found an Extended stay for about $50 a night give or take, so my 4 days would be $800 a month.
Perhaps the Extended stay is a very temp option until I find an office and until I find a perm. home and I NEED 24 hr access.
Questions to you is
1. Have you cammed from an Extended stay and will the internet handle the Encoder? I am worried about privacy, but what can I do?
2. If you have rented and office, what did say you do as I know they need to know what is going to go on in their property. I mean, sure I can say art studio, but what art studio has a bed in it? I was thinking of saying boudoir studio. What are your thoughts on this? Do I just not put a bed int here and change my cam style?
I feel like my head is cloudy and may ot be thinking straight so your thoughts and ideas are very valuable to me dears. I am not comfortable with strangers so renting someones room doesn't to be a suitable option. Unless you are a sex worker, should I put up an ad? This is for the Denver area.
Thanks luvs,
Jack
LaylaLovely
05-08-2015, 05:29 PM
I know in craigslist I found al day charging 20$/hour for camming out of her house, so maybe you could put up an ad in cl specifying just that?
For renting an office space you could say your a writer and put a pull out couch that can turn into a bed or start camming from a couch.
JackAlexander
05-08-2015, 05:34 PM
hmm, pull out couch would work well! Thanks luv
Issabelle
05-08-2015, 06:08 PM
I'm looking into renting a cheap studio apartment this fall when I move to go back to school. I'll be staying with relatives to drop my living expenses down as the cost of pet-friendly housing is too high for me to swing where I'm going, but I can't work with them around (and they are always around). Since it cuts into my income way too much to just work from their home, I had to look into renting a space. Options:
Office space: cost includes the office, cleaning, shared common areas, utilities, and internet. However, the cleaner may come in at times you want to work (shit!), the bathroom/kitchen areas are all shared with the rest of the building (double shit!), and it may be harder to come in and work nights (building may close early, etc.). Also, the internet isn't in your control, so if it's not high enough speed, you're screwed. I just don't like the idea of that many people having keys/access to the office space. May as well be like having roommates all over again!
Renting a room (from a close friend): cheapest option by far, but my friend has a young child and it's really not easy to work with a screaming 2 year old. Would have to chip in a bit for utilities + also pay to ensure the internet is fast enough to use with a gamer in the house (husband of friend). They know what I do, but the child is a bit of a deal breaker.
Studio apartment: a bit more expensive than an office, as I have to pay for utilities + internet separately, but these are fairly cheap and it would probably run me $450-$500 total for the apartment/utilities/internet. No people to work around. No restriction on days/times I can work. My own private bathroom/kitchen (for shows and for getting ready).
Relatives' home: nope nope nope! Can only work late night when they're sleeping, which are not prime time hours for me and mean I'd be a zombie for classes. Totally not sustainable, besides them not knowing what I do for a living. I'd easily lose 2/3s of my income by working where I'll be living.
DeepThoughts
05-08-2015, 08:24 PM
Simple, Studio Apartment. All yours, All your business, Only have to answer to yourself.
I would pay twice as much as what your looking at to have that!
JackAlexander
05-08-2015, 09:11 PM
Simple, Studio Apartment. All yours, All your business, Only have to answer to yourself.
I would pay twice as much as what your looking at to have that!
Thanks for the the input ladies.
See, I lived in a studio once, the walls were paper thin and I spent a lot of money to block the noise. It is somewhere it the top 10 worst experiences of my life. I only lasted 2 weeks and I had to break the lease as it was absolutely unbearable. I could not sleep due to the noise, no matter what time of day. I also recall while I was here on SW trying to research how to soundproof the walls another person said not to rent a studio and cam out if it as she had a horrible experience as well.
I do not want to be tied to a lease either (if it was only $300 a month, ok I'll live with that - but not at the $800 per month I am finding in Denver for the studios) or set up utilities, for all of that I might as well live in the studio. Living in a studio would make me depressed and I would end up in a mental meltdown like I did the last time I rented a studio.
I plan in getting my own place within 2 months and am looking for a quick, cheap temp solution. A studio apartment is not going to be my answer in this scenario. The offices I have found are only about $300 a month opposed to $800 for the studios I am finding anyway.
The question I need answered is if you have rented an office, what did you tell the landlord your business was so you could explain the furnishings and needing 24 hr access. I am not looking for a corporate office type place. I have found lower key type places with no foot traffic. Some have month to month leases. I have been an office manager for several businesses. You usually have to hire your own cleaning crew unless it is in a corporate environment, which I am not looking for anyway. There are different types of office facilities. However, if the landlord stops by and sees my bed and is like, I thought you were a writer, then I have issues. Unless I can pull off a boudoir type setting.
I am liking the idea of the pull out couch or something of that nature. Maybe an over-sized chair/love-seat with an ottoman. Thanks for getting my wheels turning.
hyori
05-09-2015, 07:35 AM
If I were in this situation, I would just rent a basement apartment. They are cheap, almost always naturally soundproof and come with utilities included because it is hard to find tenants for basements. I am pretty sure that basement office spaces would also be very affordable since they won't have large windows.
whirlerz
05-09-2015, 09:29 AM
If I were in this situation, I would just rent a basement apartment. They are cheap, almost always naturally soundproof and come with utilities included because it is hard to find tenants for basements. I am pretty sure that basement office spaces would also be very affordable since they won't have large windows.
Don't forget, they can leak/flood too. Also easily broken into. J/S
Anyway, in my area, I see reasonably priced office rentals, although I've never tried renting one.
laurielegs
05-09-2015, 09:41 AM
The question I need answered is if you have rented an office, what did you tell the landlord your business was so you could explain the furnishings and needing 24 hr access. I am not looking for a corporate office type place. I have found lower key type places with no foot traffic. Some have month to month leases. I have been an office manager for several businesses. You usually have to hire your own cleaning crew unless it is in a corporate environment, which I am not looking for anyway. There are different types of office facilities. However, if the landlord stops by and sees my bed and is like, I thought you were a writer, then I have issues. Unless I can pull off a boudoir type setting.
I am liking the idea of the pull out couch or something of that nature. Maybe an over-sized chair/love-seat with an ottoman. Thanks for getting my wheels turning.
I would tell them I do affiliate work and work all hours of day and night. My mom is a court reporter and often works in the middle of the night. I would try to rent from a large property management company rather than a nosy one-owner person who might get into my business. The property management companies seem to only care about you paying on time and not bothering other tenants (and of course leaving no damages when you are done renting)
Melonie
05-09-2015, 10:04 AM
Another thing to consider is that renting brick and mortar office space to operate a business may also bring into play existing laws regarding local business operation ... such as zoning restrictions regarding permissible locations for 'adult' businesses !!!
JackAlexander
05-10-2015, 05:31 AM
@Melonie ugh, had not even considered that. But now I am paranoid, I do not think my house is zoned for an adult business. How does one even approach that. Head spins....
@whirlerz I am ok with flooding, breaking into. I have insurance for that, and anything I left in the place would not be of much value anyway. My laptop I take with me and protect like it is a child. But it too is easily replaceable.
@hyori That is a good idea and I have been looking into this. I'd be the perfect "roommate" as I wouldn't be there much and you'd probably never see me. hmmm.. I am going to push this to the top of the options list.
@laurielegs I had no idea a court reporter would be up all hours of the night.
I just need to hurry up and get my own place :-)
Kitcatt
05-10-2015, 10:10 AM
Hi! My two cents:
I started at a studio my friend opened, he was also concerned about the adult business zoning laws but after discussing it with many MANY lawyers, cam studios can't be considered adult businesses because you don't have patrons who actually physically enter the property, so I wouldn't worry about that part of it. I live in Idaho and even here where they would shut the business down first and ask questions later he never had a problem, and that includes a visit from the police once from a noise complaint who just looked at the bedroom/ offices and shrugged and left.
When he rented the office complex he told the owner that he was doing customer service overseas so his employees would be there at all times of the night, but the cleaning lady came in and saw the set up, ratted him out and quit, so he just told her what it was. She was a serious alcoholic who hadn't been able to rent the place for months so she didn't really care as long as the bills were being paid.
As to the renting an office space, you will be amazed how often you use the bathroom if you rent one that has a shared bathroom down the hall. Having to get completely dressed to wander down and do this can be an enormously frustrating waste of time. If it's a large studio set-up that takes up an entire small complex it works well, but not so much if there's more than one business there. Also, the walls at most businesses are as bad as studio apts. I remember turning up my music volume so my patrons couldn't hear other girls screaming and moaning though my walls.
Personally I would go with the studio apt because sexy sex noises are more tolerated in a residence than in an office complex. Also, you could go with a furnished apt, so less work on trying to create a set-up.
Melonie
05-10-2015, 10:51 AM
I do not think my house is zoned for an adult business. How does one even approach that. Head spins....
Generally speaking, residential areas aren't zoned for the operation of businesses of any kind, let alone 'adult' businesses which tend to have very strict zoning laws. When renting a house or apartment, the landlord will assume that no business will be conducted from that address. This is a different scenario from renting commercial office space, which implies that some sort of business is going to be conducted from that address.
The commercial landlord is probably going to be 'nosier' about your business activities up front, since commercial landlords do have a duty ( at least an implied duty ) to vet potential tenants' ability to conduct business legally from the commercial landlord's building. This is typically centered on illegal immigrant businesses etc. but could easily apply to an 'adult' business as well. Residential landlords have no such duty ( or implied duty ) ... thus probably won't 'nose' around too much unless activities conducted in your rented house or apartment attract 3rd party attention.
Generally speaking, if a zoning violation is detected or reported by a 3rd party, it is the responsibility of the property owner to remove the zoning violation ASAP, lest the property owner himself face fines and potential charges. With 'adult' zoning violations typically carrying higher fines and penalties, its likely that both commercial and residential landlords would immediately kick out the tenant responsible for the 'adult' zoning violation ... probably keeping the tenant's security deposit, and perhaps seeking additional payment for whatever amount of time still remains on the term of the lease. Or stated another way, a tenant caught breaking 'adult' zoning laws effectively throws any 'tenant's bill of rights' which might have applied to an ordinary landlord / tenant relationship out the window.
Short of actually renting office space in an area which is properly zoned for operation of 'adult' businesses ( which often means someplace on the edge of town, in an industrial park, deep downtown, etc. ), the only practical way to deal with the issue is to keep your 'adult' business activities a complete secret from the landlord, fellow tenants, neighbors, friends etc. However, as long as you don't actually own the property in which 'adult' business activities are taking place in violation of zoning laws, your landlord will wind up taking most of the official 'heat' from local cops / gov't.
However, if the camgirl DOES own the house or condo where 'adult' business activities are taking place in violation of zoning laws, the official documents are going to appear under her name ... and will thus find their way into the 'public record' of that city. That fact might be picked up on by anybody from prospective future straight job employers to CPS to the state tax agency / IRS.
cam studios can't be considered adult businesses because you don't have patrons who actually physically enter the property
To keep things in perspective, I personally only know about one specific instance where a fellow feature entertainer was 'caught' operating an adult pay website / cam studio / adult merchandise sales business out of her ( mortgaged ) suburban house in violation of local 'adult' business zoning laws. Ratted out by a ( jealous ) neighbor, she wound up spending one night in jail, followed by a misdemeanor charge on her record, a big fine, and being forced to shut down her business operations for about a month until she could find a new ( and obviously more expensive ) 'legal' location to conduct her 'adult' business from. My industry acquaintance didn't have patrons physically entering her property, and she actually tried the 'not open to the public' angle in her defense, but was still convicted. That may be due to differences in state / local laws, or due to cops lying about what they actually discovered when they searched her house as my industry acquaintance claimed, but who knows.
While the above worst-worst-worst case scenario is a remote possibility, in the vast majority of cases I would imagine that operating an adult webcam on the down-low from a residential address is not going to be noticed as long as noise etc. is kept to a minimum, as long as 'visibility' is kept to zero, as long as there's no tell-tale parade of UPS package pickups, as long as she doesn't leave 'incriminating evidence' set up for a landlord, repair man, visiting neighbor, local cops etc. to see, as long as the girl doesn't have any pissed-off ex's, family members, neighbors, or other 3rd parties harboring a desire to make her life difficult, etc.
Kitcatt
05-10-2015, 05:05 PM
Awesome ad-on/ answer Melonie!
I know that my friend who owned the studio talked with someone who is a lawyer for the pornography industry because he was trying to open a studio without an adult business permit in Tampa, Florida and that was the response he was given. Of course, said lawyer probably doesn't specialize in this form of adult entertainment so I think your advice is much more sound.
He had one other run in with the police here in Idaho because a janitor who was cleaning the office complex he later downsized too saw him come in earlier in the day when his business was closed to do paperwork with his 6 year old daughter and after seeing the set-up reported him for possible child pornography. Shockingly the police investigated and, meh, nothing happened, all charges dropped and he kept running the studio for another year before he permanently shut it down. Weird that Idaho would just look the other way when other states would be more likely to persecute.
JackAlexander
05-10-2015, 07:40 PM
Thank you ladies, this was the info I was looking for. After your insightful posts I am going to steer clear of commercial facilities at this time. It seems like too much to deal with and I am all about the path of least resistance.
Studio apt it is, even if I just live there, it is only temporary until I get my footing after relocating.
Great stuff.
JackAlexander
10-15-2015, 08:51 PM
Sooo... just an update if anyone is ever desperate and wanting to rent an office space.... against the great advice and my better judgement, I panicked and rented an office. $200 a month for 120 sft, enough for a desk and a small futon.
I spent 2 weeks monitoring the office activity thinking I could go in late at night through early am and no one would be there. I asked about the cleaning crew and brushed off my paranoia as "I used to work for hackers, sorry they made me this way" and the Landlord then referenced Mr. Robot and totally understood.
So, I finally get the nerve to go in (place was no where near sound proof), it is about 11 pm and I have never been so paranoid. I kept hearing sounds and thought one of these self employed people was in the office unable to sleep trying to accomplish work.... It was not worth it and was able to talk my way out of the lease and broke the cable contract within the 30 days so i was free and clear. I did decide to move somewhere where I could cam from home, I will never do that again.
I knew better, but my desperation got the better of me... never again
whirlerz
01-22-2016, 03:58 AM
Bumpie thanks
carmen-may
02-04-2016, 11:56 PM
Has anyone thought about canning from a campervan? I'm thinking of doing that, getting an ee 4g doublespeed WiFi thgie and locating a mast they use that's somewhere hardly anyone goes/canning at night
Blovely
02-05-2016, 06:58 PM
Has anyone thought about canning from a campervan? I'm thinking of doing that, getting an ee 4g doublespeed WiFi thgie and locating a mast they use that's somewhere hardly anyone goes/canning at night
Someone actually posted about that on here a few years ago. Here's the post....
My house is always full of people, so I went out and bought a camper- that's where I've been doing my cam for the past year now. It's comfortable enough, and close to the house so it can still get a good wireless signal. Not for everyone- but still a great alternative if you've got the place to put it!
Here's the oringial thread if you want to read it >>Should I rent a office? (https://www.stripperweb.com/forum/showthread.php?159130-Should-I-rent-a-office&p=2181597)<<
JaceyLynn
09-30-2017, 03:47 PM
Okay right now I am living in a 2 bedroom 750sf apartment and my Mother will be moving into my second bedroom which has been my office for the past 4 years. Now I either try and cram my large ass desk, printer stand, bookselves, computer, etc. into my room along with my bedroom furniture. It would be a tight fit and I really do not want to do that. I always used my spare bedroom for work because it only shares a ceiling with an upstairs apartment and no neighbors on that side of me so my walls are free. My Mother knows what I do so I am not worried about her hearing me, but my neighbors are another thing.
My question is, have you ever considered renting a warehouse/office just for work purposes? And if so how has/did it work out for you? Would you recommend it? I know there are a lot of different factors to consider such as, rent, utilities, insurance, location, does sound travel, type of neighbors, etc.
PhatGirlDynomite!!!
09-30-2017, 04:38 PM
Okay right now I am living in a 2 bedroom 750sf apartment and my Mother will be moving into my second bedroom which has been my office for the past 4 years. Now I either try and cram my large ass desk, printer stand, bookselves, computer, etc. into my room along with my bedroom furniture. It would be a tight fit and I really do not want to do that. I always used my spare bedroom for work because it only shares a ceiling with an upstairs apartment and no neighbors on that side of me so my walls are free. My Mother knows what I do so I am not worried about her hearing me, but my neighbors are another thing.
My question is, have you ever considered renting a warehouse/office just for work purposes? And if so how has/did it work out for you? Would you recommend it? I know there are a lot of different factors to consider such as, rent, utilities, insurance, location, does sound travel, type of neighbors, etc.
I put some threads together about renting an office. And then also there's this one about sound proofing that may help with the neighbor situation if you decide against an office https://www.stripperweb.com/forum/showthread.php?173887-Soundproofing
JaceyLynn
09-30-2017, 04:46 PM
Thank you :) I knew there was one I must have missed it with my search.
BlondebombGA
09-30-2017, 05:04 PM
@JaceyLynn, my Mom moved in with me last year, and although she knows what I do, I don't feel comfortable working with her in the next room...or anyone for that matter. She is retired, and always home so I decided to get one. I found the perfect space for my needs.
PROS:
I love having a place to go everyday as well as leaving work at work when I lock that door and go home.
I feel like I am more apart of the world by going to an office everyday. Even having neighboring businesses to give the occasional hello to is kinda nice. (I'm in a triplex with a smoke shop and a barber)
It has given me a huge tax write off compared to writing off a home office.
You have access to business level internet which is more expensive (another write off) but awesome.
I find it easier to make a schedule and stick to it with no home issues sidetracking me.
It has helped me with my work/life balance which was causing major problems in my health before.
I have plenty of space. I have a room that I soundproofed for my recordings and a livingroom type space for when I am taking calls and doing admin and editing.
I have time away from my Mom. Lol (That 24/7 would have been tough)
CONS:
People are nosy. I have a pretty chill landlord and he was happy with my explanation that I do video and audio editing on the internet. (which I do) Then, of course, he asked if I would let his stepson intern with me and I had to let him know that some of the projects I received are adult oriented (they are, lol) so it wouldn't be a good idea. I'm an excellent tenant so he didn't care one bit. Neighboring businesses, repairmen, installers...everyone asks and I told them the audio/video thing and they let it go. But yeah...people are nosy.
Be sure to take into account street traffic, foot traffic into other offices and the bass from music of neighbors when picking your place. (I didn't and have had to make some adjustments like the soundproofed room) Also, be sure you can't hear too much of your neighbors noise and convos and such, because if you can hear them then they can hear you. I picked an end unit so that my room where I say most of my dirty words and give out spankings is furthest from the shared wall. Lol.
Sometimes I want to work late into the night, but don't because of being alone in an office complex. I live in a pretty safe town, but it's just a personal thing and weirds me out.
Even though I have made my space pretty comfy, it still isn't home. I can't do chores or cook a meal during slow times so all that is waiting for you when you get home.
So as you can see, there are quite a lot of pros and most of the cons can be handled in some way. Finding the right space is super important so look at plenty of spots before deciding. I think you will really like the change! Good luck!
whirlerz
07-17-2018, 03:43 PM
Bumped
whirlerz
10-23-2020, 04:25 PM
rent a room from someone. they'll most likely be happy with this option. after all the best roommate is the kind who isnt around 24-7. also i doubt you would need to say you are a cam girl. just say you need piece and quiet to work.
Hi there All,
Bumping this, but I must take issue w/this!
As someone who's rented rooms (for 3 years), very few people are going to be like the above.
Everyone seems nice or ok at first, but wait.
9 times out of 10, they will:
• get in your biz, one way or another,
• cause drama
• be a disgusting pig
• pester you
• be loud, especially at crucial times
• beg, borrow, or steal
• fuck you over some way or upset you
Maybe even all of the above? + many more (negative)
Its possible (but rare) to find a good roomie.