The state decided to help the unemployed registered on the Labor Exchange. He gives them 58,800 rubles, or even more, “initial capital” free of charge if they provide some kind of formal business plan for their business idea.
Most often, the thought comes to the minds of such novice businessmen: I’ll start trading in the market (in the sense, in the bazaar). Of course, before this, a person dealt with markets only as a buyer. An aspiring entrepreneur walks around the markets, takes a closer look, asks traders, negotiates with the administration about renting a place. The idea of trading on the market becomes more and more firmly established in the head and finally comes true.
At the same time, most newcomers to market labor make 10 typical “strategic” mistakes and go broke. Most, but not all. About 1-2 out of ten trade successfully. It's a shame, they could have done everything.
The first mistake: you look at what the traders already working there trade in the market, how they trade, what sells more successfully, and you want to be like them, trade the same and in the same way.
An increase in the number of sellers, for example of sausage, will not increase the number of sausage buyers and the money in their pockets. Before you, there was a balance between the number of retail outlets for specific products and the consumer flow of the market. You will only ride on the same consumer flow, “biting off” a share of the revenue of the old merchants.
Your share will not be large, because you have not yet “grown” enough regular customers. As a result, the proceeds will not even be enough to pay rent. trading place. Moreover, the old merchants will do petty mischief.
It is necessary: to trade not what is already being traded, but what is missing in this market for buyers who regularly come here. To do this, ask customers, observe and think, think.
Three attractive stereotypes in relation to retail markets (bazaars):
- you can find everything here
- Here you can safely bargain (discount immediately)
- here for each product there is a “own” seller you can trust
And in this “find everything” there may be voids. Look for them. But remember: just because something is not on the market, this does not mean that you should immediately trade it. Perhaps the old sellers tried it and it didn’t work. Having found a promising void in the assortment, carefully find out whether they have already tried to sell this here?
And one more thing: do you want to be “like everyone else,” becoming part of the “general pattern,” or to stand out, to be different from everyone else? Guess 2 times: who will buyers pay more attention to?
Second mistake: you want to trade what you like: “I want to trade elite teas, sweets, cookies - it’s so beautiful! My display (assortment) will be better than those of these traders.”
Trading what you personally like is like death. You need to trade what market visitors like. In this case, see “First mistake”.
Third mistake: you want to trade something that, in your opinion, is not on the market, or is very little represented.
The decision should be based on the customers' opinions, not yours. To do this, you need to study the buyer, get to know him, and observe him (see “First mistake”). You may not personally like the wishes of buyers. What do you want: income or satisfaction of your opinion?
Fourth mistake: you do not adequately assess the location of the retail space that you were offered for rent on the market.
There are “passage” places: usually closer to the entrances, on the central passages; and “non-passable”: in side aisles, along the periphery of the market, in dead-end aisles. No-passing places can also be along the central aisles, but at the end of the shopping row. Buyers are no longer coming. Passage places are always occupied. You, a beginner, will be offered only impassable ones.
Goods for everyday use (gastronomy, bread, cigarettes, for example) or “impulse demand” (household items, stationery, etc.) cannot be sold in closed areas. But you can trade, and successfully, with goods of “special” demand and a narrow range. For example, "only Hunter knives", or "everything for dog lovers", etc.
But remember that in order to form the primary flow of “specialized” clients to your “specialized” place, additional advertising will be required already on the streams: a wall poster, a “folding bed”, etc., but it’s better not to be lazy and distribute simple leaflets with advertising at the entrances for a week your product and location. There is a plus: off-the-beaten-path locations have low rents.
Fifth mistake: you start trading without making deep and detailed calculations on fixed costs.
Fixed costs are not just rent for a retail space. There is a lot more: fees for various market services - use of a cart, or permission to enter your car for unloading; payment to the veterinary laboratory, for the rental of commercial equipment.
Don’t forget about the imputed tax once a quarter. This is how you accumulate a decent amount of little things. Plus fines if payment is late for something.
Fixed costs do not depend on your revenue level. Even if you didn’t make a sale, pay. Will your revenue be enough in the first month?
Sixth mistake: you focus on optimistic (and even rosy) forecasts for revenue and turnover.
Having surveyed or somehow found out the level of revenue and turnover of traders already working in the market, you plan for yourself the same or even higher. Because you think that you will trade better (see “Second mistake”).
When planning any business, always consider “pessimistic” forecasts when calculating revenue, turnover and the level of fixed costs. In most cases, in the first three months (promotion of the place, acclimatization) the net profit is zero. A fixed costs you have to pay.
Have a reserve of primary capital for this case. Persistent traders sometimes also get another job (in the evenings, weekends) in order to pay fixed costs from their salaries while their place in the market is being developed. And they do it right.
Seventh mistake: you do not adequately assess the cyclical nature of trading to start your activity.
For any product during the year there is a cyclical nature of trade turnover (according to demand). In some months there is very high revenue, in others, on the contrary, there is even a loss. You need to focus not on monthly income, but on the results of the year. For some types of trade, 2-3 months “feed the whole year.”
For example, fresh flowers. Experienced traders set aside part of their proceeds " good months” to pay fixed costs during the “bad months.” When planning your trading, carefully learn about the cyclical nature of this product.
As a rule, opening trade at the end of spring at the beginning of summer is not profitable. But at this time it is easier to get a good (passing) place on the market and endure it with low trade until it picks up in the fall. It is useless for a newcomer to give up the hope of getting a “good” place in the fall.
Eighth mistake: you are a beginner, opening your own trading place on the market for the first time, but you do not trade yourself, but hire a seller.
This is also like death. Firstly, you will never learn to understand the intricacies of market trading. Secondly, the hired salesperson is poorly motivated to “catch buyers” when promoting a new place, and generally keep a smile on his face.
The percentage that you promised him means nothing if the seller simply does not have the ability to promote a retail location. And sellers with abilities have long been employed. Thirdly, there is a whole business: hiring such new people in order to steal decently and disappear.
Ninth mistake: you do not calculate the amount of required working capital taking into account Paret’s law.
Don't know this law? Paret's Law states: of all your products, only 20% of the assortment will bring the main (80%) revenue. The remaining 80% of the assortment provides only 20% of revenue and can take a very long time to sell. But there is a paradox: without this supposedly unnecessary “ballast” in the form of 80% of the assortment, the profitable 20% of the assortment will not be sold. Abstruse?
Read carefully several times. Experienced traders explain this simply: in order to successfully trade, for example, only potatoes, you also need to put on the counter a wide range of other things, including nuts and bottled juice. But only potatoes are not traded.
So, enough working capital is needed to purchase both the main product and “for the assortment.”
Tenth mistake: You are starting a trading business alone.
Without the support and participation of your entire family, or at least one person who loves you, you will not cope. This is the main reason successful work in the markets of traders of “other nationalities” - in the participation of the whole family, from small children to distant relatives.
This is a real business plan.
If you find solutions that allow you to avoid making the listed mistakes specifically in your case, then these solutions will be the true business plan for you. It would be good to write down these decisions (how to avoid making mistakes) and constantly look at the notes, correct, supplement. And then everything will work out for you.
Small business can be started with small retail store. In this case, the risk of bankruptcy is minimal, and this starting option will be the most optimal.
And this article will help answer questions about how to open outlet from scratch, where to open it, how to choose the right range of goods sold, organize a pricing policy and keep records correctly.
To begin with, the amount of starting capital is determined and the products sold are selected. A search is made for suppliers whose conditions are favorable and convenient for those opening office work. At the first stage, it is recommended to select related product groups.
When opening a retail outlet in public places - in a market or in a shopping center, registration of an individual entrepreneur will be required.
Moreover, it is important optimal choice system by which taxes will be paid to the state. The most common tax system is the simplified tax system. 
The selection of the location where the retail outlet will be located is carried out very carefully. Competitors' stores should not be located in close proximity to the opening outlet.
Having decided on the location, you can agree on the cost and rental conditions. When concluding a lease agreement, you should pay attention to the possibility of early termination.
Purchasing retail equipment to create the appearance and design of the store will greatly influence loyalty and trust potential clients.
Hiring a seller is mandatory so that the businessman has time to deal with other organizational issues. The friendliness of the seller and his good guidance in the assortment will affect the success retail and its profitability.
Price policy
The cost of the proposed product should be thought out depending on the capabilities target audience– will it be a budget product, designed for a large part of the population, or an elite one.
Where to start if you want to open your own store? Which store is better to open and how to choose a product to sell? How much does it cost to open your own small store and how to do it from scratch?
Hello, dear readers of the business magazine HeatherBober.ru. This is the entrepreneur and website author Alexander Berezhnov.
When beginning entrepreneurs have a question about what kind of business to start, many choose the simplest and most obvious thing - retail trade, namely opening their own outlet or store, which is essentially the same thing.
The article will be especially interesting for a beginner who has decided to open a store without sufficient experience. After studying it, you will learn about all the secrets and nuances of this business.
The information in the article is universal for opening any type of store.
For example, if you decide to open a clothing store, auto parts store, children's store or grocery store, then you will have to go through the same steps. Here you will also find guidelines for opening the most common types of stores. This will be especially relevant for you if you have not yet decided which store is profitable to open.
Now I will tell you everything in order!
1. What you need to know to open a profitable store
Dear friend, the most important thing is that you must understand that absolute majority people come up with the idea of opening a store as a seemingly simple commercial project.
For clarity, I propose to consider the objective pros and cons of your store as a business. This will make it easier for you to decide which store to open and what to pay attention to.
pros (+) your store as a business
1. Clear for the average person
This is why most budding entrepreneurs consider their own store as their first project. Since childhood, we have become accustomed to seeing markets, stalls and even supermarkets, where today you can buy almost everything.
The truth is that a person is reluctant to take on a task that he does not understand. In the case of a store, it seems to us that we will have the least amount of problems. But this is only partly true.
2. Ease of implementation of the idea
In general, in trade, 99% of all business processes have long been worked out.
It’s not for nothing that, having opened one store, its owner often does not stop even when the right approach to the point, retail outlets are multiplying like mushrooms after rain.
Indeed, all you need is not to reinvent the wheel and follow the beaten path, which should lead to success in your business, unless, of course, you “punch up some mistakes” at the very beginning.
3. Ease of calculations (forecasting income and expenses)
Trade is the most understandable business also from the point of view of calculations. You have the cost of the goods, the trade margin and the expenses that you incur.
4. Stability of the business when it is promoted
A well-established retail outlet is a paradise for its owner. For example, a “brisk” grocery store in a residential area of the city can provide you with a comfortable life, even despite nearby competitors.
5. Opportunity to sell your store as ready business
Having built the entire store management system correctly, you can only occasionally coordinate the main processes; all things will proceed by inertia. So you will become the owner completely autonomous system, making a profit.
Naturally, many people who have capital but do not want to open their own store from scratch will want to become the owner of such a “tidbit.”
Nowadays, selling a ready-made business is as easy as selling a car or an apartment; you just need to notify potential clients that you are selling your profitable store.
Minuses (-) your store as a business
1. High competition
The downside to the simplicity and clarity of opening a store is high level competition. After all, there are a lot of people who want to become the owner of their own retail outlet. Every second entrepreneur wants to open his own store in one field or another. This makes it very difficult to start in this business and its further development.
2. Relatively high barrier to entry into business
If you deal with a product and sell it through regular store, in this case, you will need several hundred thousand rubles or an average of $10,000 to start your own business.
3. Remnants of unsold goods appear
One more weak side The store as its own business contains leftover goods.
They form especially often in grocery stores and in stores selling seasonal goods. For example, New Year's toys and other holiday supplies.
The cost of remaining goods has to be included in the current cost, which leads to a drop in demand, since the final price of the goods increases, and the buyer does not want to overpay.
4. A large number of periodic routine operations
Suppliers and working with them, tracking product balances, updating the assortment, rent, working with personnel (if any), taxes, inspections, inventory - this is not a complete list of what you will have to face in the process of working on your own store.
5. Seasonality of business depending on the chosen niche
Each trading niche has its own seasonality. It can be expressed more or less clearly. For example, in summer construction and Decoration Materials They sell well, but in winter sales drop significantly.
Other stores make super profits in the winter under New Year, and in the summer they “suck their paws” in anticipation of a new profitable season. Pay attention to this factor when choosing a niche for your future store.
6. If the business fails, the risk of losing 80% of money
If suddenly your business does not take off, then the purchased commercial equipment will have to be sold for next to nothing, and the remaining goods will also be sold in bulk or simply given to friends for the holidays (if the goods are not food products).
Hopefully, you now have a more complete picture about opening your store and know what challenges you will face in the process.
You can reduce the risk of financial losses if you approach opening your store, or rather trading activity, a little differently, for example, by starting trading along the lines of “Business with China.”
This is a very trendy and interesting topic for today. My friends are doing it successfully. By purchasing goods in China, you can sell them with a markup of up to 500% without even opening a physical retail outlet. This type of business can also be done via the Internet.
He teaches this business very well - a specialist in “ Chinese theme" Our team knows Zhenya personally and recommends him as a professional in this area.
Watch the video in which student Evgeniy shares his impressions of the training and financial results:
We continue the theme of opening our own store.
2. Opening a store from scratch - sweet myth or bitter truth
If by “zero” we mean a lack of knowledge and experience, then of course such a zero will not be an obstacle to the implementation of the project.
But if someone thinks that you can open your own store without having anything, then you must be disappointed - this is truly a myth!
Let's look at those mandatory elements without which it is simply impossible to open a store in principle.
I will list this minimum, and then you yourself can calculate in numbers how much, according to conservative estimates, it will cost to open and maintain a store.
For example, one of my friends, having opened a store women's clothing premium, invested in it more than 1,200,000 rubles . This amount included the rental of premises, renovations, purchase of goods, purchase of commercial equipment, hiring of personnel, and company registration.
How much does it cost to open your own store?
1. Premises (retail area)
Own or rented.
Naturally, having your own premises (not rented) gives you enormous advantages, but unfortunately, a minority of people have such a bonus at the start.
Get ready for the fact that rent will “eat up” most of the profit, and during seasonal downturns you can work “to zero”, without earning a penny, or even go into the red, shelling out money from your pocket.
2. Trade equipment
In rare cases, you will not need counters or other equipment: stands, refrigerators (if you are opening a grocery store). Depending on the specifics and size of your retail outlet, the cost of commercial equipment will vary.
3. Product
You can take some of the goods from suppliers for sale on deferred payment terms. That is, you will pay money for it after the sale. But the other half of the goods will most likely have to be purchased.
It is especially difficult for beginners in this market. So, if you are a newbie, then not every supplier will agree to give you the goods for sale due to a lack of trust.
4. Seller
At first, you yourself can act as a seller, and this will even be useful, because it is the owner who is primarily interested in the success of his business.
This way, you will study the most popular products, work with customer objections, and be able to pass on your findings to future hired employees.
5. Legal and accounting nuances
In any case, you will need to officially register your commercial activities, as well as periodically submit reports to the tax office and the Pension Fund.
In addition, you will deal with delivery notes, invoices and contracts. You have to deal with all these points sequentially.
How much does it cost to rent a retail space (real life example)
Let me give you an example of rental prices in the city of Stavropol, where I live. About 500,000 inhabitants live here.
In Moscow and St. Petersburg, respectively, the numbers will be much higher.
As of 2015, the average rental price for retail premises (space) is 1,000 rubles per sq. m. m.
The amount of rent is significantly influenced by the size of the premises - the smaller it is, the higher the price per square meter.
3. How to open your own store - 7 simple steps for beginners
Next simple steps will make this difficult but interesting path as easy as possible for you.
Try not to miss a single detail of this step by step instructions and I am sure that your chances of success of the enterprise will increase many times over.
These steps will help you open a store even in a small town and still make it profitable.
Step 1. Assess the available resources to start
First of all, look at what funds you have to open your store. All the resources you have can one way or another be divided into tangible and intangible.
Material resources:
- premises (retail area);
- cash;
- retail store equipment.
Intangible resources:
- a practical friend (a successful entrepreneur with his own store);
- own business experience;
- communications with the administration (tax office) of your locality.
For example, if you have your own premises, but it is not suitable for you to open a store, say, you are not satisfied with its location, then you can rent it out and use the proceeds to rent a suitable retail space.
This general principle. He will help you, among other things, with choosing a niche, that is, the direction of trade.
Step 2. Decide on a niche and product
Your success will largely depend on the chosen niche (area of trade).
How to choose a niche:
- Assess the level of competition where you want to open a store. If there are already large players in the area where you plan to trade, then these are additional risks. In this case, a niche strategy will make sense. Russian billionaire, founder of the Magnit retail chain Sergei Galitsky speaks about this: “If you decide to open a grocery store next to a giant, then do not try to overtake it in all positions, it will be very difficult to do. Choose more narrow niche, for example: meat products, sweets, bakery products and work it out perfectly. This way you can get regular customers for your trade segment.”
- Calculate the starting budget for the project. Always expect to spend 30 or even 50 percent more than you originally planned. This is also confirmed by the experience of my entrepreneur friends. The rule of leaving a cash reserve for unforeseen expenses is one of the key ones not only for a store, but for any type of business in general.
- Determine if your niche has a strong seasonality. If you assume that the niche you have chosen has a pronounced seasonality, then be sure to take this into account when planning your business. What will you do in the slow months and how to squeeze out as much profit as possible during good trading.
- See if there are stores in your chosen area on the market. This is important so that when you open a store that has no analogues, you are not faced with a complete lack of customers. Many aspiring entrepreneurs are faced with the following misconception: if there is no product on the market that I will sell, then due to the lack of competitors I will quickly get rich.
But! The truth is that these same analogues often do not exist because this product not in demand at all.
Therefore, do not rush to become a millionaire overnight, but start your business in a clear niche with a product that is familiar to people. So, having earned your first money and gained the necessary experience, you will have more opportunities and funds to experiment with “exotic” niches.
Step 3. Draw up a business plan for the store
Don't treat this step as a formality.
This does not mean that you need to write out hundreds of pages of Talmuds, taking into account every penny and dozens of options for the development of events. However, make sure you have a written plan of action with rough estimates for three possible scenarios:
- pessimistic scenario;
- realistic scenario;
- optimistic scenario.
This approach is guaranteed to save you up to 30% of money at the start and give you a clear understanding of the existing picture.
I have already described in detail how to draw up a business plan in an article of the same name, consisting of three parts (,).
Step 4. We find a premises for trading or 99% of the success of the store - location, location and location again!
Even not the best product will sell very well where there is a large flow of target buyers.
This is precisely what the statement about the importance of location when opening a store is based on.
It’s not for nothing that the concept of “red line”* is often used in retail trade.
Red line– a retail outlet located near a road with large pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
3 main rules for choosing the ideal retail location:
Rule #1. Large flow of potential clients
This means that your store location should be a walk-through area. After all, the more potential clients see your offer, the greater the chance that they will buy from you.
Remember:
Clients only pay for what they see!
Your cool products, huge assortment, bonuses, discounts, and so on are worthless if the client simply doesn’t know about you.
Rule #2. Convenience for customers (availability)
This point is directly related to the previous one. If your store is easy to find, has convenient parking, and prominent advertising signs nearby, then you can be sure that business will go well.
Rule #3. Correct positioning
If you sell high-end goods, then choose your location with this in mind. For example, in the city center or in a famous business center.
On the contrary, if you sell consumer goods, there is no point in being located in the same building with expensive boutiques, where there will be a crazy amount of rent and a minimal presence of the target audience.
These simple rules will help you choose perfect place for a future outlet.
Step 5. Select suppliers
Now every seller fights for his client and suppliers are no exception.
After all, a supplier is essentially the same store, only a wholesale one.
Several years ago I was lucky enough to work in famous company"Coca-Cola" as a marketing specialist in the city of Stavropol.
In the process, I learned a lot about retail trade and now, based on this experience, I can tell you which supplier can be considered good and by what criteria it should be selected.
Supplier selection criteria:
- Reliability. This is the most main criterion. Reliability combines such parameters as the obligatory fulfillment of your order, honesty in mutual settlements, timely delivery of goods;
- Price. Naturally, every normal person wants to buy a product at minimum price. Compare prices from different suppliers and choose the best one, all other things being equal;
- Range. This is usually an important criterion, because a wide range of products attracts more buyers;
- Recognition (brand). Trading is psychology. Selling goods famous manufacturers, you will gain a positive reputation much faster, and there are usually fewer problems with a proven (brand) product. After all, it can be easily replaced under warranty, returned if defective, or quickly repaired in service center supplier (in case of working with non-food products);
- Flexibility in calculations. Deferred payments, delivery of goods for sale, discounts and bonuses - this is an additional level of service that you will like and will allow you to work with additional benefits. Don't neglect this criterion.
Step 6. Register the activity (open an individual entrepreneur or LLC)
If you can still trade from home without registering your activities, then it is better not to do this in front of everyone, so as not to get yourself into trouble with clients and regulatory authorities.
To conduct trading activities in the form of a retail outlet (store), an individual entrepreneur ( individual entrepreneurship) or LLC (limited liability company).
Now I will not go into details and compare these two forms of doing business.
All this is in my articles on the topic: “”, “”, “”.
Step 7. Launch the store and analyze the results
Here I deliberately do not talk about how to choose commercial equipment or design a store, since this is individual for each specific store. To select commercial equipment and decorate the premises, I recommend contacting specialized specialists.
Let's revisit the steps you need to follow before opening a store:
- Define a niche;
- Rent and prepare premises;
- Purchase commercial equipment;
- Purchase goods;
- Register your activity (open an individual entrepreneur or LLC);
- Hire staff if necessary;
- Conduct an advertising campaign for your store.
After this, you can colorfully decorate the façade of the store, purchase balloons, and even invite a professional presenter, staging a whole show. But this is optional. If your budget allows it, then fine.
As a last resort, the official opening of the store can be done on your own.
If you have experience in holding events, then you can act as a presenter yourself, while developing a program with competitions and small prizes.
In addition to the presenter, a DJ (sound engineer) with powerful speakers and other necessary equipment must be present at the opening.
After opening the store, after working for a month or two, see what works for you and what doesn’t. Most likely, in the process you will have “hot” and “stagnant” goods.
Remove illiquid items and focus on relevant products for your customers.
This approach can be applied to all other business processes.
Main principle
Strengthen what is already working well and get rid of what is not working as quickly as possible.
If you have ambitions and do not intend to stop at one store, then after working out the entire scheme at one outlet, you can later create your own retail chain.
4. Cash register – in what cases is it needed and which one is better to buy?
Under current law, in most cases you will have to use a cash register, but there are exceptions.
In order not to write here long text all the nuances, watch the video from the leading expert of Internet accounting “My Business” Margarita Grinya.
Margarita talks about in what cases the use of a cash register (cash register is mandatory, and in what cases you can do without a cash register):
How to choose a cash register for your store
When choosing a cash register a necessary condition is the inclusion of this cash register model in the state register. You can find out this when purchasing it. Also, the cash register must be equipped with a secure electronic control tape (EKLZ).
ECLZ(protected electronic cash tape) is a fiscal memory block for storing information about ongoing operations.
Once a year it is necessary to change this unit (ECLZ). The cash register itself will remind you of this. Once this memory block is removed, it must be retained for five years.
5. Which store is profitable to open - 10 popular ideas for opening your own store from scratch
All types of stores described below by trade profile can be opened in both large and small cities.
The features of each of them are presented in an easy-to-read table. They will help you decide which store is best to open.
1) How to open a clothing store
One of the most popular trading options is for fashion and style lovers.
2) How to open a lingerie store
This is more of an option (for girls), but men can also do it if they place a female salesperson in such a retail outlet.
3) How to open a grocery store
You always want to eat, so such a store will be especially popular if it is located in good location, for example, at a transit stop or in a densely populated residential area.
4) How to open a children's clothing store
This type of trade is for people who love children and show interest in our “colors of life.”
5) How to open a consignment store
A good and clear view of the outlet for those who understand a wide range of used goods. Opening a second-hand shop - good way start a business from scratch.
| № | Item name | Description |
| 1 | Required Investments | from $7,000 (rent, staff salaries, cash register) |
| 2 | Features of a consignment store |
|
| 3 | Required Equipment |
|
6) How to open an auto parts store
Do you love cars and have an eye for detail? Then this area of commerce and opening your own auto store is for you!
7) How to open a flower shop
Flower trading is for lovers of aesthetics, emotions, celebration and subtle sensual details. A flower shop will bring you not only profit, but also the joy of “communication with nature.”
| № | Item name | Description |
| 1 | Required Investments | from $5,000 (rent, staff salaries, cash register) |
| 2 | Features of a flower shop |
|
| 3 | Required Equipment |
|
8) How to open a draft beer store
If you want to start a beer retail business, you can open your own beer store and do it practically from scratch. Where to start such a business and how much money you need to open it, see the table below. This type of business does especially well in areas with a corresponding consumer base.
| № | Item name | Description |
| 1 | Required Investments | from $9,000 (rent, staff salaries, cash register) |
| 2 | Features of a draft beer store |
|
| 3 | Required Equipment |
|
9) How to open a hardware store
This type of sales is especially relevant during the warm season. Very cost effective male appearance business.
10) How to open a franchise store
For those who like to follow the beaten path along a clear and clear diagram. Suitable for both beginners and experienced entrepreneurs.
| № | Item name | Description |
| 1 | Required Investments | from $50,000 |
| 2 | Features of a store opened under a franchise |
|
| 3 | Required Equipment |
|
6. A true story about opening a store from scratch
A couple of years ago, one of my friends, his name is Alexey, decided to start a business. At this time, the guy was 24 years old and he wanted to open his own store selling premium Italian dresses and accessories for women.
Alexey persuaded his father to go to Italy and buy goods right there. Everything was bought and cost about 300,000 rubles, or $10,000 at that time.
He rented a room in the city center, but the place was rather nondescript.
About 200 meters from his store there were large shopping centers with the bigwigs of this business - its direct competitors.
When the renovation was ready, a friend of mine ordered an advertisement and called his store with the fashionable word “boutique”. The prices there were appropriate.
Alexey reasoned like this:
“I sell goods for about 2 - 2.5 times more expensive than I bought them, my goods are expensive, which means that rent, wages and taxes will soon be repaid.”
As expected, he arranged a colorful opening of the store with sales of goods at low prices to lure customers. Alexey invited his friends to the opening and made a good profit that day, but on other days sales began to fall and soon disappeared altogether.
Then he decided that the problem was an unpresentable renovation and invested about $8,000 more in updating the appearance of the room. But, despite this, sales remained low and remained low.
I remember very well how, before starting his project, Alexey told me:
“Imagine, Sanya, when I open my store, they will say about me that I’m not just some guy Lyosha, but Lyosha is the owner of the boutique.”
From this phrase I concluded that he is not inclined to work and overcome difficulties, but only wants to increase his status by opening a business.
Unfortunately, my fears came true and 5 months later the store closed due to a shortage working capital and high operating expenses with scanty revenue.
That is, the store operated at a loss and “ate” all the young entrepreneur’s money.
As a result, Alexey lost about 1,200,000 rubles on this project. Fortunately, his father gave him this money for this business experiment and it was not the last.
Imagine what would happen if he took this amount on credit...
That is why, before you start, weigh all your risks again and ask yourself first, how much will I lose if I fail?
What thoughts are spinning in your head? Think about it!
7. Useful tips for beginning entrepreneurs when opening a store
These tips will help you open a profitable store and not close when hard times come, and you will have them, trust my entrepreneurial experience.
Tip 1: Conduct a detailed market analysis before starting a project
You shouldn't rush headlong into the pool. Network with successful retail entrepreneurs you know. I'm sure you can find them if you want. Take the advice of these people and do not neglect them.
Research the specifics of the niche in which you are going to open your store. Visit your competitors' stores and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
Tip 2. Have a cash reserve and be prepared for unexpected expenses
As practice shows, most newly opened businesses in the process of operation and especially in the first time after the start experience the need for additional financing.
The store here is no exception. Be sure to keep in mind that you will need at least 30% more money than you planned. And under no circumstances should you open your business with your last money or with borrowed money, even if you have no experience!
Tip 3. Delegate non-core tasks
Often an entrepreneur, when starting a business, tries to do everything himself. After a while, he breaks down and quits his job halfway.
Do only the most important things.
For example, if the premises where you are going to open a store need to be repaired, entrust this to specialists by paying money.
Remember that routine operations that you do not delegate to other people eat up your time and bring the collapse of the project closer.
Focus on the main thing - working with suppliers, planning a business strategy, and so on.
8. Conclusion
If you decide to open a store, then contact practical advice and the steps described in this article.
The advantages and disadvantages of this type of business were discussed here, as well as the main points that novice entrepreneurs face when organizing their own retail outlet.
However, I would not open my own store as my first entrepreneurial project.
If you are drawn to selling something, whether wholesale or retail, then sometimes it would be nice to work in the area of trade in which you plan to open your business.
Having acquired the necessary experience for this and having seen the trading “kitchen” from the inside, it will be much easier for you to implement your plans.
That's all. I wish you high profits and satisfied customers!
Don't forget to like the article and share your opinions and experiences on the topic in the comments.
A point on the market in the dashing 90s was considered a profitable and prestigious business. You could call yourself a businessman or entrepreneur, get up at 8 in the morning, when factories in the country were already working at full speed, and earn as much as your energy would last. Over time, demand for market goods began to fall. This was facilitated by covered pavilions, tents, and departments in supermarkets and hypermarkets. Essentially, the goods have moved under the roof, where it is dry and warm. The buyer, having bought a low-quality product there, knew who to contact to replace the defective product or return the money. And these are difficult times for market traders.
Does it make sense to open a retail outlet in the market?
Those who have worked in the market for many years, and some even decades, say that trading is addictive, and work quite quickly begins to shape your new image life. Trading requires a certain type of character and qualities that you cannot do without: communication skills, entrepreneurship, and an analytical mind. And, of course, you must be able to count well and quickly. No matter what difficulties market traders encounter, this type of activity still brings money, and the owner of the outlet himself determines how much time per day, week, month he will work. So, there is a certain sense in trading on the market. When you are your own boss and boldly manage your time and finances, it is always pleasant.
Tips before...
You still have time to bargain, so you shouldn’t rush headlong into market relations. First, you need to resolve several important issues. Decide what you will sell. It doesn't have to be clothes, shoes or food. You can also sell services, for example, repairing shoes and boots, making keys for locks, or mending clothes. Whatever interests you, do it. Is the child growing up? Trade children's shoes and clothing. Do you like to eat delicious food? Sell food products. Do you like gardening? Sell seeds, seedlings, vegetables and fruits. The main thing is that you enjoy the process. In addition, there is a small plus: you can always use goods that were not sold on time.
Now regarding the markups. There is a simple rule: the greater the turnover, the lower the markup, and vice versa. Money must work, be constantly in circulation. Only on cheap small things you can throw 200-300%. In general, previously all over the world, on average, they traded for 10% profit. And this was considered the norm. Now everything has changed. The margin percentage has become much higher. That is why when you buy two products you will be offered a third one for free. It is not difficult to calculate how much the seller makes.
Do not sell goods that are already overstocked on the market. Firstly, they will not sell well, and secondly, you can have a serious conversation with your competing neighbors. Since we are talking about them, we must honestly note that no one is waiting for newcomers in the market with open arms. All spheres there have already been divided, so “a place in the sun” will have to be conquered. It is important to find good suppliers to purchase goods at a low price. The greater the difference in wholesale/retail costs, the greater the opportunity to reduce the price if the product suddenly does not sell. It is also necessary to take into account such a factor as seasonality. Some products are better purchased in the summer, while others are more actively sold out in the winter. Plan your assortment to make a profit at any time of the year.
Some useful tips
One of the main figures in the market is the administrator. It can influence various events. He wants it, and your point will be in the most passable place, and if he doesn’t like it, you’ll trade in the outskirts. Therefore, you need to be friends with the administrator. This person will help “settle” difficult situations. He can create them for you if you can’t find them. mutual language. If you have already decided which market you will trade in, do some research. Walk around the market, see where people are mostly crowded, and see if there are any empty seats there. Talk to the merchants about topics that are important to you, but do not admit that you are going to trade here.
At first, stand behind the counter yourself. This way you will get to know the market better from the inside, see what the daily revenue will be. In the future, if things go well, you will not be able to do without a seller. But never trust them. These are the kind of people who will gladly cheat not only customers, but also you for company. Therefore, occasionally you need to check them, sending reliable people under the guise of buyers. These could be your relatives, friends, acquaintances. Let them see if the seller is raising prices in your absence, pocketing the difference, or cheating buyers. Otherwise, the seller needs to be changed. Don't be afraid to experiment and offer new products. Prepare for the holidays in advance and thoroughly. If things go well, you can make a month's income on such a day.
Organizational aspects
So, you have thought about everything and are ready to trade on the market. It's time to meet the administrator. Introduce yourself with a smile and ask if there is free place. If the answer is positive, find out the rental price and inspect the place. By now you should already know its approximate cross-country ability; it was not in vain that you went on reconnaissance. If the conditions suit you, you can draw up an agreement. You shouldn’t immediately count on a “bread” place. Life in the market goes on as usual, someone comes, someone leaves. Over time, you can improve your conditions. The main thing is to try not to quarrel with anyone.
The second step will be going to the tax office to obtain a work permit. There you will be advised what documents you need to provide in order to become individual entrepreneur. While the permit is being issued, you can start selecting an assortment of goods so as not to sit idle. Think about appearance your trading place. Even if it is small, but tastefully decorated, buyers will immediately appreciate it, because most of them are constantly at the market, so they will immediately notice the new point. When the permit is ready, show the administrator all the documents, pay the rent and get ready for the working day. Don't forget to give a bonus to the very first buyer. He, like his first love, is remembered for a lifetime.
When you have a salesperson, set him a fixed salary of small size, and make the bulk of your earnings dependent on revenue. This will be a great incentive for your assistant. The seller must have a good understanding of your product in order to help the buyer professional advice, be polite and courteous. Your profit will depend on many factors, all of which need to be taken into account. Experts say that if a market outlet is organized correctly, the initial investment in it will pay off within a year. So, everything is in your power. Good luck and prosperity!
Mikhail Vorontsov
A retail outlet on the market is becoming an attractive idea for those who want to try themselves in a new type of business and understand how they make money in the markets. Perhaps this will be the first step towards a new life, on the path to big business. Despite its simplicity, having a retail outlet requires from the first days attention and consideration of the product, the ability to communicate with customers, and decide on organizational issues. questions, and feel in the flow, which is important. Sometimes the situation develops in such a way that a person suddenly loses his job. Our time is a time of opportunity for enterprising people. If you try to open a point, you can be sure that you will start running your own business, make a profit, and gain new experience. There will be certain risks, but there will be no bosses over you, and you will create your own work schedule.
How to open a point on the market?
How to open?
- Register as an individual entrepreneur or legal entity. face.
- Decide on the type of taxation. It is best to stick to a simplified system.
- Conduct marketing research for the outlet - what group of products you will sell.
- Find suppliers with favorable conditions cooperation. You can minimize costs if you negotiate correctly with suppliers.
- Find a place to sell. Appropriate place– away from competitors.
- To sell correctly - have an assistant with a health certificate, work experience, and responsibility for the result.
Trading Features
Start-up capital will be needed in any case. You can take out a loan, you need to decide in which market you will do business and what to trade. There are clothing, construction, automobile, mixed, and food markets. And everywhere has its own specifics and rules of trade. Perhaps you already have some ideas and preferences. Or, for example, a time of crisis suggests which goods will be in high demand and which should be abandoned.
After the market and product category have been selected, it is necessary to study the demand of the population. Pay attention to how customers walk between the rows, what they are missing, study the prices and decide what will be sold, in what form, and how best to arrange the goods. The point of sale should attract the attention of the buyer, even if he just stopped. How to detain him, how to attract him - the seller’s ability to find the right words and convince him that the product is necessary, and only now there are discounts.
Many traders don't do this in the beginning, so they get into a lot of trouble. There may be a popular place for trading near the market. It's better to sell what you know. If you have a medical education, you can open a pharmacy or a point of sale of massagers and applicators. If you understand building materials, it is better to open a point on construction market. But one thing is clear, the most popular point is selling food. Even if the market has recently opened, there will be no problems with customers. For example, if you open a mini-cafe, sellers will eat there, and you will always have an influx of customers.
After you have made a decision, you need to enter into agreements with wholesale suppliers who have low prices for their products and high-quality goods. To do this, you will have to do the work - find options on the Internet, advertisements in the newspaper, look at samples, analyze and make the final decision with whom to cooperate. This will determine your activities many steps forward.
Trading Rules
There are trading rules that a seller needs to know. After making a decision, you need to contact the market administration and inquire about rent. Each market offers different variants. For example, you don’t need a room on the ground floor, but part of the room will be fine. It is necessary to persuade the tenant to give you half, or a part at a suitable price.
After registering a business, you need to recruit sellers. But if you have not yet promoted the point, it will be difficult for you to pay everyone salaries. It is enough to first hire an efficient assistant and work on increasing profits. Either expand the range of products, or make marketing moves - offer discounts, organize sales.
Point design
How to attract a buyer? Colorful design of the point, signs, showcases, banners, business cards, flyers, and they can be distributed at the entrance to the market, all this will attract the attention of the buyer with its originality. An individual approach is what can attract customers to your location these days. If the buyer was treated attentively, was not deceived, and was advised what he needed, he will definitely return. Store the goods in places suitable for this purpose, do not sell perishable or stale products.
Profitability
For each point, profitability may be different, but approximate calculations can be made. For large items, you can mark up up to 30% of the purchase price. To small household goods– all 100%. Payback depends on the rent, the purchase price of the product, and the level of sales for the product. The product may be seasonal or perishable. Experts say that the point can pay for itself in a year, provided that the trade was organized correctly and you did not make mistakes anywhere.
Watch also the video “Basic steps when opening a retail outlet”
