I am interested in opening a trendy specialty retail store and I have never done anything like this so I don't know where to start. What costs are involved. Where to call to get wholesale pricing? How much money should be allocated. If anyone has done this before and has a biz plan or startup cost idea I would greatly appreciate it.
I would like to sell Designer jeans, Tylie Handbags, etc
#1. "RE: Trendy Clothing Store" In response to Reply # 0 Sat Aug-19-06 11:31 AM by bizdev
I have owned a retail clothing store and am in the process of opening a new one. My advice is to start with the business plan. Look through the SBA's website for general guidelines. Or look here for a step-by-step manual that walks you through the process: http://www.smallbusinessstartup.biz/plan/
Typical start up costs for a retail venture are these:
To obtain wholesale info do internet searches on the products you want to carry and go to their web sites. They offer wholesaling info right there. They will require your reseller ID #. Wholesale prices are typically 50% of retail and they require that you buy in lots. Obtaining inventory is very costly. Unless you are independantly wealthy, you will likely need financing. To obtain funding you will need to have from 20 - 30% of the total requirement yourself. You need to come to the table with your own money in order to get a loan.
In addition to the the cash requirement, lenders will also want to see that you have experience in the industry.
For those that are able to afford a franchise, that is a great way for the beginner to jump in. A good franchisor will have most of the start up processes in place including vendors, advertising, site selection, training and ongoing support.
My One Stop Business Startup Kit (see below) contains all the information you need to get you started.
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