I would like to start a small Scrapbooking business in my town. There is already one store, but I would like to start one thats has more items for sell and where people can come to crop as well. What all do I need to do?
I think the first thing you would need to do is to work out a business plan and try to establish whether or not your town is big enough to support 2 Scrapbook businesses.
Consider whether the reason they do not stock what you deem to be enough items is that they are not making enough money to purchase more stock.
If you feel there is sufficient scope you will need to:
a) find suitable premises
b) consider refitting to suit your stock
c) purchase stock
d) consider if you are going to work alone or employ staff – if you are going to employ. you will have to check up on current employment legislation.
e) Consider all relevant health & safety legislation
f) take out appropriate public liability insurance in case some one has an accident on your premises.
g) make sure you have sufficient funding to continue in the business when trade is slow.
h) sort out a marketing plan – if people don’t know you’re there they won’t come.
i) establish an internet presence, either just to publicise the business or consider whether you want to sell over the internet.
j) if you have never run a business before check out tax rules, book keeping methods etc.
This is just a list of things which jump into my mind – there will be lots more ot consider but this should give you some food for thought.
If you decide this is too big a jump at present why not offer to run crops and classes in the existing scarp book shop. You could charge for the classes etc and the shop would benefit as it should result in more sales for them.
Whatever road you decide to take I wish you lots of luck.