How to open a shop
So, what does this have to do with opening a shop? It's mainly about defining a destination. The first step to open a shop is desire. Many of us work once a week, full-time and full-time, under the direction of someone else. For some people, it's not a lifestyle they prefer, but a system that pays bills. Sooner or later, many people thought that it would be good to run their own business, which would always provide them with financial security while giving them the opportunity to live a full life while still retaining a salary, and even doing work. they like. With strong market demand and relatively simple operating methods, shop ownership attracts many people and creates the opportunity to get out of a dead-end job and start doing something you love.
Once you have made the decision to create a shop, you can ask yourself many initial questions about how to get started. Taken together, these questions can be overwhelming enough for many people to get back to work and simply dream of what they could have done instead of moving forward. Instead of giving up, take the time to sit down and write your questions. In this way, you can choose the most important aspects and focus on them first. These can be questions such as:
- 1. What kind of shop do I want to run?
- 2. What will I sell and where will I get it?
- 3. Where will I locate my shop?
- 4. How will I finance my shop?
- 5. How will I get customers?
These five questions are among the most important and will be addressed here.
What kind of shop?
This is one of the most important questions to answer as it will determine the answers, or at least the right direction, to look for answers to other questions. For a shop to succeed, it must occupy a niche in the community where it is open. That does not mean it has to be the strangest idea you can think of, but you have to take a moment to look around where you plan to start your shop. What types of stores already exist there? What is missing? Your niche is located in this space of what is missing, offering you the best customer service and the best prices for what you choose to sell. For example, there may be many clothing stores in your area, but nothing that is specifically aimed at teenagers interested in reasonably priced hip hop clothing. It's a niche that you can fill.
Once you have determined your niche, write it on a piece of paper. This will be the beginning of your business plan.
What will I sell?
After determining the niche you want to fill, take a little research to determine which inventory belongs to that niche. Check out the websites and, if possible, talk to some of your potential customers and see what items they are looking for. In our Hip Hop example, some of the elements could be:
- Nike Air Jordan shoes
- Fleece
- Military style jackets
- Jean with multiple pockets
- Multiple rings
- Rag or bandana head
You can not choose to carry everything on this initial list, but it will give you an idea of what you are looking for.
Where can I get it?
There are many options for knowing where you will acquire your inventory. You will need to find out from your local wholesalers and manufacturers what they can invest in. On the other hand, in most major cities there are markets designed to bring manufacturers and small business owners together. A little research will help you determine which cities near you have such markets and when they are open. Cities like Los Angeles may have constantly open markets, while other cities may only offer a specific week-long program.
Get on the lists for these shows and attend. While at the show, take your time to make sure you have reviewed all the possibilities of the show before placing orders and starting to acquire your initial inventory. Think about the colors and cuts you want and order in appropriate quantities. Most manufacturers require that you buy at least four pieces in a given style by color. Do not buy more than that because it will be too much for an opening store and keep your options simple from the first exit. You want to have a full shop but do not break your piggy bank on your first shopping trip.
