There is no such person who would not dream of opening his own business at least once in his life. And a store could very well become this kind of business. Many people don’t even suspect what pitfalls there are and have no idea whether they need a store. This is the question we will try to answer today.
When we think about our own business, a variety of ideas come to mind: from Internet startups to organizing a dance school (although this is not the limit). And each option, of course, has the right to exist.
First of all, you need to weigh the pros and cons and decide whether you are really committed to opening a store. Maybe you really like to become a brewer or provide services to lovely ladies by opening a beauty salon?
Let's think together. Trade is one of the most ancient human activities. From the time of natural exchange to the present day, people buy and sell various goods.
For foreign (in particular, American) businesses, the concept of “retail” also means other types of sales to the end consumer. For example, coffee shops and eateries belong to the retail market segment. But here, when using the word “retail,” we will mean “retail trade.”
From the above it follows that a store is an enterprise retail. The store is the place where the Seller sells the product (what you are ready to offer to your customers). We will consider the process of opening a store regardless of what products will be presented in it. But, of course, there are certain specifics that must be taken into account, depending on the focus of the store.
We have sorted out the definition of what and where we will do. Now let's move on to the details. There are many aspects to such an ancient business, but we will focus on the main ones. These, in a way, are the “covenants” in accordance with which we operate the store:
1. The main purpose of creating a store (and retail in general) is to make a profit.
2. Profit appears as a result of a simple sequence of actions:
- purchasing goods at a cheaper price (usually in bulk)
If you have a production facility (for example, a farm), and you plan to sell the products you produce (for example, milk), then its initial price is unknown (because the cow gives us milk conditionally free of charge), so you need to set it at an acceptable price. you price. In the example with a cow, this is the cost of feed, the work of milkmaids and shepherds, electricity for light and hot water for heat in the barn - calculated per liter of milk, plus your planned profit. The price you offer and the buyer accepts can be called market price.
3. Retail trade is the sale of one to several units of goods at retail prices (the price you set is per unit of goods, not per batch). Simply put, if a buyer wants “two earthenware kitties,” then each of them is sold for its full price. The product is sold to the end consumer, that is, the person who will use the purchased item himself or give it to his friend. Purchasing goods in retail store does not imply its subsequent resale. This is the difference retail sales from wholesale.
4. It is necessary that two people participate in this process: the Seller (you) and the Buyer (a store visitor who has expressed a desire to purchase the product).
From all of the above, we can draw the following conclusion: we open a store in order to make a profit by selling goods to end consumers at retail prices, which, at the same time, are market prices.
Therefore, before starting your long way Before the opening of the store that we have to go through, you need to ask yourself the following questions and try to answer them honestly:
- Are you ready to sell?
- Are you ready to bring joy to your customers?
- Are you ready to lead a sales force?
- Are you ready to constantly improve your skills and knowledge in the field of trading, follow trends and keep abreast of processes occurring in the market?
- Are you ready to invest your money, skills and time in opening?
Now let's look at all these questions in order.
Are you ready to sell?
This is perhaps the most important and fundamental of all questions. You need to think carefully and decide for yourself whether you are ready for sales. In Russia, a certain attitude towards trade workers has historically developed, which sometimes reaches the point where entrepreneurs feel rejected: “How is it that I am a decent person and a “trader”?!
We immediately get rid of such prejudices if you have them, and do not succumb to them if you don’t have them. It is difficult for some people to immediately “sell a pen”, as the characters in Scorsese’s film “The Wolf of Wall Street” did, but this is not required. Many shop owners in Russia were initially very shy, however, they were able to find the strength to stand behind the counter, and later they even liked it.
Are you ready to bring joy to your clients (customers)?
After you have answered the first question in the affirmative, perhaps even overcoming your fear, let's think about what exactly we plan to sell.
Any answer will be correct - sausage, dresses, chocolates or jewelry. But the main product that brings added value (that is, your profit) is joy, a feeling of pleasure from the purchase, even happiness, if you want.
“Starbucks” does not sell coffee with milk, they sell coziness, comfort, a morning smile, and cheerfulness. If they only sold coffee with milk, you wouldn't pay the same price as a pound of coffee beans for a cup of coffee.
Also, “Coca-Cola” does not sell soda, it sells a feeling of joy and celebration, which is very clearly reflected in each of their advertising campaigns.
There is no need to copy 100% of multi-billion dollar corporations. Just think about the fact that a happy and satisfied buyer is not only about today's sale, it is also about tomorrow's sale, and about sales to that buyer's friends.
Are you ready to lead a sales force?
Sooner or later, you will have to manage someone - it could be a student whom you hire part-time in your computer accessories store, or maybe a “seasoned” saleswoman whose type you chose to add flavor to your grocery store. Leading can be difficult, but it can (and should) be learned.
Retail trade, like any other type of business, is constantly improving. It’s hard to imagine how far the store has gone from a shop in which a bearded merchant “sold silks” to a modern boutique designer clothes in a large shopping center.
Constantly learning, attending exhibitions, courses, reading industry publications and books is interesting, but it requires time and involvement.
And finally
Are you ready to invest your money, skills and time into opening a store?
There is one last question left for this little test. This question is about the material, the vital. About money. Because “money = money”, “skills = money”. Because they can be sold. Well, “time = money” is an equation that has long become an axiom.
Let's be honest - the process of opening a store will require money, skills, and time from you. The second and part of the third can be bought, but this will also require money. We will calculate how much money you will need in the following articles.
You need to answer all questions in detail and write down the answers for yourself. This may take time. Take your time and carefully consider what you are willing to do to make your venture successful.
The question “Do I really need a store?” turned out to be complex - it includes your desire, skills, and finances, but even if after answering it you still have any doubts, we will be able to sort them out in the following articles.
Anything can happen in life. If a person suddenly loses his job, then there is no need to despair. Now there are many different ideas to create your own business. For example, if you open a retail outlet in the market (even a small one), approaching this issue competently, this will give a person a permanent workplace and stable income for for a long time. In other words, even if one has no experience in this field, it is still worth trying this one, in fact, interesting view activities. It's better to start small to reduce risks. After all, it’s never too late to expand your business.
Of course, for a business to start generating income, you must first think it through carefully and then invest a lot of work. The owners of successful businesses were also initially inexperienced and started with small trade, but patience, hard work and skill brought them fruit in the form of stability and prosperity. A huge advantage of running your own business is independence from your employer.
How to decide what to sell in the store
To open your point, you need start-up capital. If you don’t have one, you can take out a loan. But before you run headlong to the bank, you need to decide in which market the trading place will be located. Everyone knows that there are food, clothing, construction, automobile, mixed and other fairs.
After a market has been selected and, accordingly, an approximate category of goods (in a clothing market, for example, you cannot sell spare parts for cars), you need to study what is most in demand among the population. You also need to take a closer look at whether the traffic in the chosen location is good (the presence of a sufficient number of buyers), what goods are missing there, you need to study the prices and, using your intuition, decide what exactly will be sold in the planned store.
That is, in order not to burn out, it is necessary to do in-depth marketing research.
An important point is that it is located near the market and how popular the place is.
It is better to sell a product that a person is well versed in. If, for example, someone has a pharmaceutical education, then it is possible. Or the person has extensive experience in construction organization- Then the best option for him there will be an opening of a point exactly at construction market. A win-win option that does not require large expenses is a food outlet. That is, even if the market is new and has not yet gained popularity, there will still be no problems with the clientele. For example, if you open a mini-cafe, then the sellers themselves will eat there.
After carefully segmenting the market and deciding which product will be sold, you need to start looking for wholesale suppliers whose selling price is low and the quality of the product meets high requirements. That is, using the Internet, newspaper advertisements or other methods, it will be necessary to study in detail many manufacturers, negotiate with them and look at samples of what they offer. Only after analyzing everything well can you make a final decision with whom to cooperate. In doing business, this moment is almost the most key factor influencing the success of the entire business.
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Necessary information for opening any retail outlet
So, regardless of what market is chosen and the product that will be sold, there is a basic set of rules that any aspiring businessman needs to know. After making the final decision, you need to contact the market administration and find out the conditions regarding the rental of the premises. It should be noted that in each market they may differ from each other, especially when it comes to rental prices. At the first stage, you can take not the entire room, but, for example, half of the pavilion.
Then you will need to officially register your business. For retail trade, the most profitable is the UTII, or patent system. Until the matter gets worse, it’s best to initial stage, do not hire a large number of salespeople, as it will be difficult to pay salaries at first. Therefore, one assistant will be enough. Working on your own can save you money to pay your taxes.
Naturally, important point is to design a point in such a way that it matches its format. Availability of various advertising banners, booklets, business cards, a varied assortment of the store, promotions and bonuses - all this will attract the buyer. He tends to return to places where he was treated with care. The product must be stored in dry and ventilated areas, otherwise it may become damp and moldy - this will definitely scare away the buyer.
The profitability of the store will be different for each individual case. But approximate calculations can be made. For example, on large goods experts advise marking up no more than 20-30% of the purchase price. You can bet 100% on smaller items. The payback will depend on how much is paid for renting the premises, on the product itself, since it may be of such a format that in some seasons its sales increase, and in others they may fall. And also from other equally important factors. On average, a small retail outlet pays for itself in approximately one year, and a larger one in two years.
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, the 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. Buyer having bought there defective goods, knew who to contact to replace the defect 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 lifestyle. 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 decide a few 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 “resolve” difficult situations. He can create them for you if you don’t find a common 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 space. 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 on the market goes in its own way, some come, some go. 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 on what documents you need to provide to become an 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 his 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 small fixed salary, and make the bulk of his 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
17Oct
Hello! Today we’ll talk about how to open a store. We will consider opening any store, not specific example by type of product sold.
Open your own store- one of the most common options from which novice businessmen choose. A store can generate a stable income and requires virtually no intervention, time or effort. However, many are scared off by not knowing exactly how you can open your own store, how much it will cost and when it will pay off. We tried to answer these and many other questions in this article.
What documents are needed to open a store?
Let's figure out together how to open your own store from scratch. The procedure for preparing for the opening of a store begins with registration as individual entrepreneur or societies with limited liability. Each option has its own advantages, but most often beginners prefer individual entrepreneurs, since in this case there will be fewer problems with reporting, as well as lower taxes. And the sanctions for individual entrepreneurs are much lower than for LLCs.
Unfortunately, such benefits and simplifications result in the fact that the entrepreneur is liable for all obligations with his own property, and the founder of the LLC risks only his share in the total amount authorized capital. Among other advantages is greater anonymity, because not everyone knows who the founders of the LLC are. You should also pay attention to the fact that when working with alcohol, registration as an individual entrepreneur is not suitable.
You should make your choice in advance, since the exact package of documents you will need to collect depends on your legal status.
LLC registration
To register an LLC, you will need to collect the following documents:
- in 2 copies;
- For sole founder– the decision to create an LLC, for co-founders – an agreement and minutes of the meeting;
- photocopies of the passport of the director and founders;
- a document confirming payment of the state duty in the amount of 4,000 rubles (you will need to open a temporary account);
- if necessary – .
If none of the founders of the LLC is the owner of the premises according to legal address, then a letter of guarantee will be required.
On average, the registration process takes about 5 days and as a result, the entrepreneur will receive the following documents:
- charter with a registration mark;
- registration certificate;
- certificate of assignment of a TIN and registration with the Federal Tax Service;
Individual entrepreneur registration
To register an individual entrepreneur, you will need a shorter list of papers:
- receipt of payment of state duty;
- signed and certified by a notary;
- photocopy of passport;
- photocopy of TIN certificate;
- if necessary, an application for transition to the simplified tax system.
An important point: those who deal with the entire process themselves do not require notarization of the signature on the application, which will save on the services of lawyers.
The registration period is also 5 days; upon completion, the entrepreneur will receive an extract from the Unified State Register of Individual Entrepreneurs and a certificate of state registration as an individual entrepreneur. All documents with information from the Unified State Register of Individual Entrepreneurs and the Unified State Register of Legal Entities for registration of LLCs and individual entrepreneurs are sent to off-budget funds every day. The same information is sent to statistical authorities.
Notification of completion of registration and a letter from Rosstat can be received either in person at the institution or by mail.
Rospotrebnadzor
Thanks to latest changes According to the legislation, aspiring entrepreneurs no longer need to submit a huge pile of papers to various authorities. Instead, to open a store, it will only be necessary to notify one specific authority.
For individual entrepreneurs and LLCs opening trade according to OKVED 52.1, 52.21-52.24, 52.27, 52.33 and 52.62, this body is Rospotrebnadzor. The same applies to those who plan to study wholesale supplies products or non-food consumer goods.
The notification must be submitted in the form specified in the relevant Rules. It can be delivered either personally, or by mail, or at in electronic format, certified electronic signature. In the latter case, the government services portal is used. Upon completion of the process, you can open the store for the first customers.
Which store is profitable to open?
Almost all retail outlets are in demand among buyers. However, some of them bring more income than others, and the initial investment pays off faster. Next, we will look at various ideas for opening a store, and estimate how much money you need to open your own store. It is also worth understanding which store is profitable to open during a crisis.
Flower shop
Open flower shop always profitable, but you need to choose the right place and delve into flower business so as not to incur losses due to damage to the goods. You need to know how to sell flowers!
Produse store
A reliable and popular option, especially attractive to those new to the business. The demand for products will never subside, which guarantees a constant income if the outlet is located in a good location. However, it requires special equipment, including quite expensive refrigerators. The volume of required investments will be about 600 thousand rubles, and the payback period will be about a year.
Household goods
Such products are also consistently in demand. To open a store you will need certificates for varnishes, paints, etc. It is most profitable to open household goods stores in small populated areas and villages. Payback period is 1-1.5 years.
Children's store: toys, clothes, shoes
This product will always be in demand, because no one will save on clothes and shoes for activities.
Also, many parents are simply unable to refuse their child when he asks. new toy. The furnishings in such a store should be appropriate - the shelves are slightly lower so that children can reach all the goods, and the interior is best decorated in bright rainbow colors.
Furniture store
In times of crisis, it is worth paying attention first of all to more affordable solutions, and not to luxury furniture. It is also worth paying attention to domestic manufacturers. The quality of their products is not inferior to numerous foreign competitors, but at the same time they are much more affordable.
Hardware store
People always build – in times of crisis and beyond. A variety of construction and finishing materials are in stable demand. The profitability of the business, according to experts, is about 20%.
Auto parts store
Ask any car owner and he will tell you that there is always a shortage of spare parts in stores and you have to wait a long time for them after ordering delivery from another city or country. Auto parts stores will always be relevant. The main thing in this direction is to find your niche.
If you live in the province, think about which store to open in small town. All of the above options are certainly suitable. You can also consider, for example, opening a pet supply store, a car accessories store, a fabric store, etc.
Selecting commercial equipment for a store
No real store can do without the appropriate equipment. The choice of specific models should be made based on the assortment of the retail outlet. Particular attention should be paid to refrigeration equipment - it is this that takes up the most space, and prices can cause a serious blow to the budget.
The selection of display cases is made based on turnover and assortment. For example, for refrigerated display cases you should choose models with deep narrow display, and temperature regime for them must be maintained within the range from -6 to 0 degrees Celsius for fish and meat and from 0 to +8 degrees for cheese, sausages and confectionery.
After refrigeration equipment, it is worth moving on to the selection of racks, which will become the main element for displaying goods. Today on sale you can find models with sections with lengths from 600 to 1250 mm. The price varies depending on the length. For bakery products the display cases are additionally equipped with wooden baskets, and the confectionery sections are supplemented with limiters that do not allow the goods to spill.
Particular attention when choosing commercial equipment You should pay attention to the following points: stability, functionality. Quality, durability and design. Before purchasing a specific model, you should pay attention to analogues, compare their parameters and only then opt for a specific option.
Choosing a room to open a store
A significant role in the question of how to open your own store is played by the competent choice of premises for it. There are a number of requirements and aspects that you should pay attention to when choosing.
- Product type. Selected species goods are required to be sold in certain places. For example, a grocery store or simple household goods should not be placed in large shopping centers– preference should be given to more accessible premises. An excellent option would be a building on a busy street in a residential area.
- Availability and Visibility. Remember: even the largest traffic does not guarantee a large number of visitors and buyers. The retail outlet should be located in such a way that there are as many target customers on the street as possible. You also need to take into account the location of the sign - it should be visible to everyone passing by. Remember: than better store visible, the less advertising it requires. It is very important that there are sufficient parking spaces nearby. Experts believe that the best option would be 5-8 places for every 100 square meters of retail space.
- Competitors. The presence of neighboring firms can play both a positive and negative role. Here it is important to take into account their clientele: a hypermarket and an expensive boutique will not bring each other new clients, but a beauty salon may well contribute to the growth of the client base.
- Price. One of the most important factors. It is worth noting that here we're talking about not just about the cost of rent. Any premises require periodic repairs from the owner. In addition, this amount should also include marketing costs when the store is located away from the main flow of visitors. Don't forget about monthly payments: public utilities and others. In some cases, additional redevelopment may be required, which entails considerable costs.
- Personal preferences. If you yourself plan to work in your own store, when choosing a premises it would be useful to take into account your own preferences - the distance of the place from home and the like.
It is very important not to rush when choosing a location for a store. Try to explore the area in advance, look at potential clients and competitors. In some cases, you should not be afraid to postpone the opening date for this purpose, because the wrong choice will result in a whole host of problems.
Choosing a supplier for the store
Just as a seller fights for every client, so suppliers fight for their customers. At its core, a supplier is the same store, but a wholesale one. You should choose your supplier especially carefully. Particular attention should be paid to the following criteria:
- Reliability. Of course, reliability is the most important criterion. It includes how obligatory the supplier is in terms of fulfilling the order, how honest he is during payments, and how timely he makes deliveries.
- Price. It is completely logical that everyone wants to purchase goods as cheaply as possible. Under equal conditions, preference should be given to the supplier with the lowest prices.
- Range. Another very important criterion is that the wider the product line is displayed, the more interest it can attract.
- Brand recognition. Everyone knows that trading is inextricably linked with psychology. To quickly gain a reputation, you should work with the most famous and popular brands. In addition, there are much fewer problems with working with them - returning or replacing a product under warranty is much easier.
- Additional nuances. Important details include discounts, bonuses, deferred payments, issuance of goods for sale, and other similar ones. They will allow you to get additional profit, so you definitely shouldn’t neglect them.
Don't limit yourself to working with just one supplier. The best option is to purchase from 2-3 wholesalers at once. This way, if problems arise with one, the others can close the gap.
It is also necessary to take into account such a nuance as logistics. To do this, you should find out in advance how the delivery network is built, which transport companies operate in the supplier’s city and your own. The best option would be delivery by rail.
Finally, communication with suppliers is most often carried out through Email. All you have to do is select the items you are interested in, and the supplier will issue an invoice in response. After payment selected transport company will deliver the goods.
Search for personnel for the store
Each employer can take two paths when searching for employees. He can try to find high-quality professionals who will immediately show the highest results, or he can hire promising talented people who have yet to learn the art of trading. As always, there are pros and cons in both cases.
In the first case, the employer will face the problem of a shortage of such specialists. In addition, they will also require appropriate wages, which not everyone can afford. And each such employee has experience and a number of unique attitudes, so first you will need to rebuild them to new conditions. Among the advantages, it should be noted that it will be possible to save on training, and employees will be able to work on the day of hiring.
Talented newcomers will become clay in the hands of a master. With proper guidance, they can become professionals of the highest class, but there is a chance of getting nothing but problems instead. But the salary of such an employee may be lower. At a minimum, at the stage of gaining experience, training and internship. Similar people It is possible to grow in a team successful and dedicated employees who fully correspond to the specifics of the job.
Unfortunately, talent is not always revealed, and loyalty to the company may not come. Training a new employee invariably involves costs, including attending courses and training. And you just need to learn the range of products - find out their features, advantages and disadvantages. When hiring a talented newcomer, you should pay attention not only and not so much to his presentation and communication skills, but also to his intelligence, because in a short time he will need to remember a lot of characteristics of various products.
The picture that emerges is that high-quality specialists are a better option if you can afford them. Otherwise, you will have to make do with promising newcomers.
Who is responsible for recruiting employees? In all more or less large companies this role is assigned to the HR department. The search for new specialists is most often carried out in the following ways:
- Relatives and friends. As practice shows, this option is common, but often one of the worst. No matter how close an acquaintance is, this does not mean that he will be a good employee and seller. Unlike people on the street, it is more difficult to objectively assess a relative’s skills. Very often we subconsciously smooth out obvious shortcomings and biasedly encourage our relatives.
- Posting advertisements in stores and on the street. One of the least expensive, but at the same time effective methods, which is why it is attractive. Those who contact the ad found in trading floor, you can immediately send it to the HR department, which will save a lot of time. Unfortunately, this turns into too much traffic - the manager’s office is very close, so simply curious people can enter it, hoping for luck.
- Ads in printed publications and the Internet. There are two main paths here. You can study the existing offer or submit your own ad. In the first case, you will have to spend a lot of effort and time to study applicants and consider their candidacies. As a result, even finding one employee can take several days. Your own advertisement has a number of advantages - if you compose it correctly, then unsuitable candidates can be eliminated immediately. You don’t have to call those interested - they will come to your HR department themselves.
- Working with recruitment agencies. The main advantage of this option is that all the work of studying the resume, searching and interviewing is transferred to a third party. As a result, only those people who fully match the given profile will be sent to your company. The disadvantages of the approach are obvious: the work of a recruitment agency requires its own payment, sometimes quite a lot. And despite all the precautions, acquiring a “pig in a poke” is quite possible. You can avoid risks if the contract with the recruitment agency mentions the payment of a fee only upon the employee’s enrollment upon completion of the probationary period.
- Talent hunt or Headhunting. This method of personnel search is one of the most current developments. It consists of luring high-quality specialists from other companies. The main advantage of this approach is the opportunity to observe employees in action and evaluate their skills and abilities. The main disadvantage is heavy expenses, because you need to do enough profitable proposition, which he cannot refuse. And once an employee has been lured away, you can always lure him back again: you can hardly expect any kind of unconditional loyalty from such a person.
The methods mentioned above are equally suitable for finding experienced specialists and promising newcomers. The only exception is headhunting. Experts recommend that when looking for a professional, contact recruitment agency, since the chance of finding a truly experienced employee increases many times over. You can also look for newcomers using other, less expensive means. Experts believe that the optimal team will be one that combines experienced specialists and young beginners. This will make the store more efficient and reduce wage costs.
Finally, when hiring, you should not focus only on your diploma and resume. It is also worth paying attention to the applicant’s charm and appearance. Remember that sellers will become the face of your company and this face should be beautiful and cheerful.
Store business plan - tasks and goals
An important point in the question of how to open your own store is drawing up a business plan. Despite the opinion of some entrepreneurs, it is simply impossible to do without drawing it up.
Drawing up a business plan must satisfy the following goals:
- It should help a potential investor understand whether the project is worth investing in.
- The information in it should be decisive for the bank if a loan is required.
- The plan becomes the source of all information about the project. This information will be useful not only to the founders, but also to outside observers.
Accordingly, the business plan should solve the following tasks:
- Determining the circle of persons responsible for implementing the plan.
- Identification of target markets, determination of the store’s position in the market.
- Setting short- and long-term goals, forming tactics for achieving them and development strategies.
- Evaluating profitability and possible costs.
It is important to remember that a well-drafted business plan is the key to the prosperity of the store. In no case should you ignore this point, since a business plan is necessary not only big companies, but even to the most modest shops.
Choosing a form of taxation
The issue of choosing the form of taxation plays important role when the store opens. Not only the tax burden, but also the volume of penalties for various offenses depends on this. It’s worth saying right away that there is no universal answer here, everything is strictly individual. However, there is an algorithm that will help you make your choice:
- Prepare general characteristics companies: where will the store be located, will there be any customers legal entities, what is the value of the assets and the planned annual revenue.
- Make an analysis of all forms of taxation and select taxes that are common to all.
- Select your preferred option.
The choice of taxation form should be made based on your net profit, and not on the amount of tax burden. In some cases, it makes sense to choose a system with high taxes, which will allow you to save money in the future or achieve a certain goal - occupying a certain market segment or similar.
General taxation system or OSNO
Applicable to individual entrepreneurs and LLCs. This is the default option - if there have been no statements about switching to a different form, then OSNO is used. Requirements include maintaining accounting, maintaining a ledger of expenses and income.
OSNO taxes for LLC:
- The main tax is corporate income tax in the amount of 20% of profit.
- Value added tax VAT – 0, 10 or 18%.
- Corporate property tax of up to 2.2%.
- Insurance premiums for employees – 34%.
OSNO taxes for individual entrepreneurs%
- Personal income tax in the amount of 13% of income.
- VAT – 0, 10 or 18%.
- Insurance premiums.
The main disadvantage of OSNO is the complexity of the calculations - only experienced accountants can cope with them.
Simplified taxation system simplified tax system
LLCs under the simplified tax system do not pay taxes on property, profits and VAT. Individual entrepreneurs are exempt from VAT, personal income tax and property used in their activities. The simplified tax system is not available to everyone.
Requirements of the simplified tax system for LLC:
- Less than 100 employees.
- Income less than 60 million rubles per year.
- Lack of representative offices and branches.
- Income for the last 9 months is less than 45 million rubles.
There are no restrictions for individual entrepreneurs.
Tax rates of the simplified tax system: 15% for taxes on income minus expenses and 6% on income. The latter option is preferable for stores with low expenses. Most often, entrepreneurs choose the first option with a simplified tax system of 15%. However, you should not consider this option the best - before making a choice, it is better to analyze both options.
Single tax on imputed income or UTII
Is single tax on imputed income, that is, a fixed tax for a specific type of activity. This tax does not depend on income; it is paid even if there is no income. Payment is made every quarter.
Conditions for switching to UTII:
- Suitable activity.
- Less than 100 employees.
- Must be permitted in the territory where the activity is carried out.
- For LLC - share third party organization should be no more than 25%.
The transition to UTII is not possible for individual entrepreneurs on a patent basis, and for those who pay agricultural tax.
Patent system or PSN
Currently, there are 47 types of activities that fall under the patent tax system. You can find them in section 346.43 of the tax code. The rate for individual entrepreneurs is 6% of the possible annual income. To transfer, the company must have no more than 15 employees, and annual income must not exceed 60 million rubles. The validity period of a patent ranges from a month to a year.
The main advantage of PSN is the lack of reporting, the need for cash register and a fixed tax amount. This option is optimal for entrepreneurs whose activities are seasonal in nature and are of little use for stores.
How much does it cost to open a store?
Many people are wondering how much it will cost to open own store? Which store to open with minimal investment? It is simply impossible to answer this question with any certainty; there are too many factors at play. What exactly are you planning to sell? In which city will the store be opened, and in what area? Because of this variety, prices vary very, very widely. More often than not, something definite can be said already at the business planning stage, and then a new, even more interesting question arises: where to find start-up capital to open a store?
Experienced entrepreneurs begin searching for funds after registering a business. In this case, it turns out that detailed business plan, in which you can see the entire project indicating the amount for its implementation. It is possible that the required amount could have been found much in advance and now there are no problems with the issue of payment.
Otherwise, you can refer to the following sources:
- Investors. After you have ready business plan, you can try to find an investor for the project. Unfortunately, this path is one of the most difficult - not everyone will be ready to invest their own money in your business.
- Banks. A bank loan is also a common method of solving the problem. However, you should not think of it as a panacea - it often falls on the shoulders of a beginning entrepreneur like a yoke, significantly slowing down the development of the business.
- Friends and relatives. You can always try to involve friends or relatives in the matter. Moreover, we are talking here not only and not so much about a loan, but about a full partnership. After you develop, you can simply buy out the share.
Attracting first clients
After opening a store, the question of attracting the first customers arises. Currently, marketers have come up with many recipes for success, but the simplest and at the same time effective are:
- Distribution of leaflets. The main thing here is a bright, attractive design that would make a person not only take the leaflet, but also become interested in its content. It must contain important information regarding the products you offer, as well as address, contact numbers, etc. You can distribute leaflets not only on the streets, but also scatter them through mailboxes and place them on tables in supermarkets.
- Posting advertisements. The method is as simple as it is effective, but not without its drawbacks. Not many people look at notice boards (unless they are located at public transport stops). In addition, such a method can spoil the reputation in the future - “advertising on poles” is perceived negatively by many.
- Display advertising. Perhaps the most optimal method to date. You can place an ad in newspapers, on television, but, above all, it is worth advertising in World Wide Web. The last option is especially good because it will not require much investment, and the audience reach will be simply huge. In addition, you can choose literally any convenient format for your advertising.
- Recommend to friends. You can tell your acquaintances, friends, relatives, relatives of friends, etc. about your product. This option will be the most in a simple way advertise your product without spending any money at all. At the same time, it is also distinguished by its effectiveness, because we all trust our own surroundings much more than even the most beautiful advertising leaflets. The effect of “word of mouth” should not be discounted. Even experts admit that it is one of the most effective methods advertising.
Finally, it’s worth giving a few tips that may be useful to novice entrepreneurs thinking about how to open their own store.
Instead of developing completely your own trademark, entrepreneurs prefer to work as a franchise. Similar phenomenon is called franchising and is a special type of relationship between entities in which the franchisor transfers the rights to conduct business without limiting either the basic principles or business model of the franchisee.
This approach has its pros and cons.
Advantages:
- Saving money;
- Product certification;
- Ready soil for business (no need to develop a strategy, concept, etc.);
- More acceptable lending conditions;
- Reduced advertising costs (you won’t have to promote your brand again);
- Centralized marketing strategy;
- Support from the copyright holder in terms of procurement, supply, design and staff training.
Flaws:
- Difficult conditions for both sides due to shortcomings legislative framework RF.
- The contract is concluded for a period of 5 years. Termination is subject to penalties.
- Expenses in the form of monthly royalty payments.
- Constant control by the copyright holder of the brand and some restrictions.
- Franchising does not eliminate the need to go through numerous bureaucratic procedures, including registering an LLC or individual entrepreneur.
You can find franchises of many stores in ours.
Conclusion
As you can see from the above, if not everyone, then many can open a store today. You need to know where to start to open your own store. The main thing in this matter is careful planning and understanding of the store’s operating processes. Of course, no business at the beginning is complete without a lot of troubles, but if you follow the tips given above, within a year or two your own retail outlet will begin to generate a stable income. We hope that we were able to help you, and now you can easily answer the question of how to open your own store!
Are you thinking about starting your own business? Great! We will tell you step by step how to open an online store from scratch with examples and additional materials.
Online trading is suitable both for those who are testing themselves as entrepreneurs for the first time, and for those who already have business experience behind them. Creating an online store can be divided into several steps:
Step 1: Choosing a niche - deciding what to sell in the online store
This is the most critical stage. The success of the entire enterprise as a whole depends on what you trade. There are two nuances here: choose popular destination- you won’t be left without profit, but you will get crowds of teeth-clicking competitors who have long been firmly established in the market. Choose a little-known or new direction - there will be almost no competitors, but you will have to invest in advertising to popularize your product on the market. So think about it.
True, there are several loopholes. If you choose the first method, choose a narrow topic. For example, not women's clothing in general, and specifically dresses. Yes, not simple ones, but, let’s say, self made. This way you will attract more clients. The second loophole - if your budget does not include advertising costs, use social direction. Connect word of mouth, give bonuses and discounts for good feedback- in a word, make people talk about your store.
You’ve chosen a niche - great, now check whether these products are in demand.
For example, now hardly anyone will be interested in spinners, but just recently they were incredibly popular. The Yandex.Wordstat service will help determine the volume of demand.- enter a query and see how often it was typed in search engines. You can also look at statistics for a specific region (this will help you understand which city to focus on and why) and time. Let's say seasonal goods They sell best during the peak season, the rest of the time the number of requests drops.
The most popular niches in which online stores are usually opened:
Read also:
- Single product store: advantages and disadvantages, sales tips.
