How to open a private store

Opening a private store, even a small one, is quite troublesome. But if you approach the process thoughtfully, then in the future you will be able to avoid many problems. The main thing is not to flog the fever and clutch at the first available options and ideas.

Instruction manual

1

Do a preliminary study. Walk around the area where you plan to open the store. Take a closer look at what goods are presented in abundance, and which, perhaps, are not on the shelves at all, and people go after him to another area. What are the needs and purchasing power of the population living in the area. Based on the data received, decide what you will be trading, that is, determine your niche. At the same stage, you can think about how big your store will be. You may buy or rent a very small space, or you may need a fairly spacious room for your business. Find out the cost of square meters of rent or purchase.

2

When considering options for a storeroom, do not forget to carefully check everything: are there easy access roads, is there a parking lot nearby for cars, what is the state of communications in the building (telephone and Internet lines, electric, heat and security systems), are there enough storerooms etc. A carefully selected trading location is the key to your future success.

3

Make a business plan. Particular attention should be paid to the financial side. Everything should be taken into account - from determining the actual (planned) costs to indicating the amount for unforeseen expenses. Experts emphasize that the neglect of unforeseen expenses often reduces all efforts to organize a business to nothing. A good business plan will clearly “show” you whether your starting capital is enough to open a store or whether you will have to take a loan, how quickly your company will pay off, how much initial advertising will cost, etc. The business plan should also include an item on suppliers of goods, the cost of their services, transportation, etc.

4

Next, go to the tax office. Ask a consultant for help (his services should be free) and find out what documents you need to prepare in order to get permission to trade. Take the necessary forms and then try to comply with all the recommendations and instructions of the consultant accurately and in a short time. How much you receive the full package of documents, and how frequent the checks of various authorities and departments will be in the first days of your store’s work, will largely depend on this. Please note that in the finished package of documents there should be a positive conclusion from the fire service, sanitary and epidemiological station and many other organizations.

5

Carefully consider the name of the store. If you don’t have any creative options, contact naming professionals for help. Their services are not cheap, but it’s worth the cost, because a good name can further determine the effectiveness of your business as a whole. Keep in mind that obtaining permission to sign with the name of the store is not very simple. They will require an application, a registration card, copies of documents on opening a store and a lease agreement (certified by a notary), a sketch of the name (image), permission from the owner of the building, etc. etc. Be patient.

6

Order trade equipment and furniture. As soon as they arrive, take care of the interior design of the store, the arrangement of furniture and the layout of the goods. For these purposes, it is better to invite a professional designer and merchandiser, as relying on your own taste is quite dangerous, you may not know all the subtleties and tricks, but experts will do everything as they should.

7

Form a staff. Approach personnel selection with the utmost discretion and weight. Read the resume, check the documents, conduct an interview. Sift out people who are narrow-minded, uneducated and sloppy. Remember that future employees are the face of your business, and it should be enjoyable in every way.

8

Organize an advertising campaign. Let local newspapers, radio and television announce the opening of a new store and interesting promotions in connection with this event. Decorate the room festively, arrange gifts and bonuses for the first buyers.