I think if you were to do this right...
List all the pro`s and cons and the level where you need to be compared to your competitors - and the cost`s that is left unsaid like inventory.
If there is a easy way to remove your inventory without trouble then you are in the green.
I guess you have the point with that and I just want do add that he must study first what are things that his competitors still doesn't have. It is just like getting some advantage from your competitors since you are still going to create a new one. You must have something that is going to attract a lot of potential of customers even you are just newly established.
selling somethimg unique and rare that other people not yet have doesn't guarantee a success
there a lot of factors can bring to a success
just sell something familiar and frequently to use , like a fastfoods , clothes, accessories etc
if you don't mind to take a look to my small business thread here
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1079356.msg11524535#msg11524535 , and you can take it as example, Goodluck