How would you go about opening a gift shop.?

Question

Besides getting the shop, how would you get your inventory? What would be the starting point? How much financing would you need?

Answer 1

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:

* Starting A Flower And Gift Shop by Millicent Gray Lownes-Jackson,
* Specialty Shop Retailing: How to Run Your Own Store Revised by Carol L. Schroeder
* Start and Run a Profitable Retail Business by Jim Dion, Ted Topping
* Retail Business Kit for Dummies by Rick Segel

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 2

Have a very good business plan that you have had at least 3 other objective people look at. You may want to look into a business coach for advice.
For inventory you need to really look at who your buyers are going to be. Don't spend to much and find some local wholesalers that will allow you to return any unsold inventory.

Answer 3

first i would ask myself, "self what kinda gifts are you wanting to sell?
' because that would determine the amount of financing required to build the begining inventory, then i would say "self why are you doing this to me?"