Many people dream of opening their store. Whether it is a boutique, a wine shop, a sportswear store, or a bookstore, presenting customers with interesting products is tempting. However, setting up a company should always be done carefully. â
Own store: plans
For most people on luminablog who want to start a business, it is very early what their own business should offer. But the exact business model requires time and care. A new store has a better chance of success if it has a unique promotion offer. After all, there is competition in most cities from which the retailer must stand out. Some online retailers are also attractive to customers. In the beginning, there should also be an analysis of the current competitive situation. Define your target group and use it as a guide when choosing a product.
Of course, the design of the store and the presentation of the goods must match. Also, dare to look to the future: how will this area develop in the next few years? Where is the threat of increased competition and where are the new opportunities? Also, if you still don’t have the money to open a new store check American loans reviews.
Estimate costs realistically
Before you start, you need a business plan: it shows the income and expenses you can expect. This way, you can also see how high the funding requirement is. Because equity is often not enough to cover costs. The founders then need a loan or an investor. Also important: you need a separate account for your business.
When you open a store, the cost can be quite different. Consider these factors, among others:
- Are extensive renovations needed?
- What does the installation cost?
- How much money do you need to buy goods?
- Do employees have to be paid?
- What kind of taxes do I have to pay?
- What does the necessary insurance cost?
Products and prices
At this point, you should start thinking about both the price and the product policy. Certainly, as a small retailer, you can’t offer many products as cheap as large chains that get incredible discounts on shopping. But you can open a store that can offer very special products due to its independence. You can make up for much of what big chains can offer with an individual ambiance, personal service, and unique branding.
Location
The location question is directly related to the issue of funding because of course, you should keep fixed costs as low as possible. However, the position of saving price is not a long-term solution, as it is crucial for your profits.
Do the district where you want to open the store and your target group fit? In a suburb with many single-family homes, gardening and decorating shop would certainly be easier to set up than a hipster record store or a student antique shop. Infrastructure is also important.
Personal
A second major position is employees. Depending on the size of your store, it is unlikely that you will be able to do everything on your own. The sales staff is very helpful here, but it also costs a lot. Depending on the complexity of your products, it may be helpful to hire a specialized and/or trained professional. For some industries, it is even mandatory. So you should weigh if and how much support you need. Be honest with yourself. No one is helped if you burn after three months because you try to do everything yourself.