I'm a optician and want to open my own retail store, where do you begin?

Answer 1

Start with a business plan. This usually makes you think of all of the things you need to think of when you are opening a business. Plus, if you have this already done, it's more likely you will get financing from a bank. They usually require a business plan. Just read everything you can about them.

Answer 2

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Start and Run a Profitable Retail Business by Jim Dion, Ted Topping
* Retail Business Kit for Dummies by Rick Segel
* Specialty Shop Retailing: How to Run Your Own Store Revised by Carol L. Schroeder
* So You Want To Own The Store: Secrets to Running a Successful Retail Operation by Mort Brown

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

Good Luck! With Luxotticas attempt to rule the world, it's hard to make a fresh start. I flirt with this sometimes, too. I guess it depends on where you live. If you live in a major market, it would be very difficult, too much price competition. I think the best bets are an upper end small college town or small upper end resort area. Less chain competittion, and you can build a niche as a high end craftsman, good quality custom work. The only way I see that someone can make it as an independant non-OD in todays market is really in the boutique market in smaller markets. Attract the customers who don't want a chain, but don't have much choice. I currently work in a chain in such a market, and a boutique store would boom here.

Again, good luck! It's not easy to be an independant.

Answer 4

I'd say you need to:

- talk to a bank, venture capital firm, or backer if you don't have the money yourself.

- talk to a lawyer about what form the business will take - corporation, DBA, sole proprietorship, partnership, etc.

- talk to a realtor or leasing agent about finding store space.

- talk to suppliers about getting products in to sell.

- Figure out the other stuff too - advertising, store renovations, utility hookup, and on, and on.

Good luck!!

Answer 5

location, location, location, my friend.

Also--Make sure you look for the best ways to save money on office supplies and expenses. Payroll services, office supplies, shipping....get the best deals.