Thank you, everyone, for the replies. I particularly appreciated 7star and JASFLALMT's comments regarding certification. Based on those replies, and also what I've been reading elsewhere, I'm going to hold off on certification.
I've done a few shops since I posted my original message. I've learned quite a few lessons already.
To Irene_L.A., I live in the East Bay (Contra Costa County, hence my screen name), nowhere near the places you mentioned.
The Bay Area is a big place, and it would take me a good hour to drive to Stanford Shopping Center with no traffic (ha ha, like that ever happens) or probably more like an hour and a half.
Thanks again for the replies. I really appreciate it!