Opening a private store, even a small one, is rather troublesome. But if you approach the process deliberately, then in the future you will be able to avoid many problems. The main thing is not to whip a fever and grab the first options and ideas that come across.
Instructions
Step 1
Do some preliminary research. Walk around the area where you previously plan to open a store. Take a closer look at which goods are presented in abundance, and which, perhaps, are not on the shelves at all, and people go to another area for it. What are the needs and purchasing power of the population living in the area. Based on the data received, decide what you will trade, that is, determine your niche. At this stage, you can also think about how big your store will be. Perhaps you buy or rent a very small space, or perhaps you need a fairly spacious room for your business. Find out the cost per square meter for rent or purchase.
Step 2
When considering options for premises for a store, do not forget to carefully check everything: are the access roads convenient, is there a parking lot nearby, what is the state of communications in the building (telephone and Internet lines, electrical, heat and security systems), are there enough utility rooms etc. A carefully chosen trading location is the key to your future success.
Step 3
Make a business plan. Particular attention should be paid to the financial side. Everything should be taken into account - from the determination of the actual (planned) costs to the designation of the amount for unforeseen expenses. Experts emphasize that it is precisely the disregard for the item of unforeseen expenses that often reduces all efforts to organize a business to nothing. A good business plan will visually "show" you whether your start-up capital is enough to open a store or whether you will have to take out a loan, how quickly your business will pay off, how much the initial advertising will pour out, and so on. The business plan should also include an item on the suppliers of goods, the cost of their services, transportation, etc.
Step 4
Next, go to the tax office. Seek help from a consultant (his services should be free) and find out what documents you need to prepare in order to obtain permission to trade. Take the necessary forms and then try to follow all the recommendations and instructions of the consultant accurately and in a short time. It largely depends on how much a complete package of documents you receive, and how often checks by various authorities and departments will be in the first days of your store's operation. Please note that the ready-made package of documents must contain a positive opinion of the fire service, sanitary and epidemiological station and many other organizations.
Step 5
Think carefully about your store name. If you do not have creative options, seek help from naming specialists. Their services are not cheap, but the business is worth the cost, because a good name can further determine the effectiveness of your business as a whole. Keep in mind that it is not easy to get permission to sign the store name. You will be required to submit an application, a registration card, copies of documents on the opening of 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.
Step 6
Order shop equipment and furniture. As soon as they arrive, take care of decorating the interior of the store, arranging furniture and laying out the goods. For these purposes, it is better to invite a professional designer and merchandiser, because relying on your own taste is quite dangerous, you may not know all the subtleties and tricks, but experts will do everything right.
Step 7
Form a staff. Approach the selection of personnel with the utmost circumspection and consideration. Read your resume, check documents, conduct an interview. Weed out people who are narrow-minded, poorly educated and sloppy. Remember that future employees are the face of your business and must be pleasant in every way.
Step 8
Organize an advertising campaign. Let local newspapers, radio and television advertise the opening of a new store and interesting promotions in connection with this event. Decorate a festive room, organize gifts and bonuses for the first customers.
