Where to Get Supplies for a Storefront?

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Where to Get Supplies for a Storefront?

by Diane Halbert
(WA)

I have started to do a business plan but have no idea how to price out my products or where to order from.

Everyone I speak to is excited for me to do this as am I. Can anyone give me an idea of what kind of funds I would need to start a store and where to order supplies from.

I appreciate any information.

Thank you
Diane Halbert, WA

Comments for
Where to Get Supplies for a Storefront?

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Getting a storefront started
by: Rena

Hi Diane,

I'd love to help - but I need some more info so I can understand what your business idea is. So first can you please explain:

What do you intend to sell in your storefront?

Is this an online storefront, or a physical store?

Who are your intended customers?

What kind of supplies are you looking for? Are you looking for a source for the actual items you'll be selling? or fixtures to display your items on? or store furniture, cash register, etc.? or packaging supplies for your sales? or are you intending to sell some sort of supplies, and need a source for them?

The more info you can share about your business idea, the more we can help you with specific tips and strategies! :o)

Where to Get Supplies for a Storefront?
by: Diane

Rena
I am attempting to start a bead store. Actual storefront to start and maybe online later.
I just don't know how much inventory (beads and supplies) to start out with. I need to get funding to start and a need to price out what my starting inventory would be. Also, where would i get the inventory for the bead store.
Diane

Suppliers I've used
by: Lauren, 4 Daughters Creations

For Displays and general "store stuff" I've used FetPak- www.fetpak.com
For Beading sullpies and also some displays I've had the best luck with both prices and availability with www.firemountaingems.com
Another place I've used for Store supplies for my "day job" ;o) is www.storesupplywarehouse.com

Hope those help. and All the best luck to you!

Sourcing quality silver items
by: Alyson

Hello Rena

I'd like to thank you for providing such good quality useful information for all to share.

I live in Australia, and have been trying to source specific silver chain, and blanks to hand stamp. It appears to be difficult than first thought. Do you know of any wholesalers or manufacturers that are reputable, and don't ignore you because you are not an established business (yet).

With thanks
Alyson.

Network...
by: Ann Nolen

Hi,
Your question is a huge one, but one that I have been through so I thought I would share my experience. In my case, I wanted to open a sewing and fabric store.
My mentor gave me the task of approaching and interviewing two store owners in my area. I was planning to move 500 miles away, so I would not be competition. They were both very kind with their time and openly shared the good things and the bad. The bad: The cost shocked me to the core! Once I started breathing again, both shop owners (women) told me that the business had been a disaster for their marriage. One went through a divorce, and the other was selling the store to prevent one. I did not expect to hear this, and seriously reconsidered my options.
So, I would recommend finding someone who has already done this, even if it means calling out of the area you live. I live by Murphy's Law #37: "Learn from the mistake of others, because you can't possibly live long enough to make all your own."
Ann
www.AnimalCoin.com

buying inventory
by: Anna

Buy in bulk at a local bead show; the price and variety can't be beat! Savings over retail/commercial wholesale is worth the road trip if you live in a town that doesn't host a bead show. Large cities often host 3-8 shows a year. Good luck!
annas-arrays.com

Thank you
by: Anonymous

Thank you for the input on my questions.
Diane H.

Try another way.....
by: Cindy C.

As a new business start-up consultant. You can open a business with very little up front cost. The easiest way is to find a great location. Once you find it go after the smallest store possible. Then negotiate a 1 year lease with an option for longer. Ask for 3 to 4 months free with a deposit. Get in and get open asap. Remember it doesn't have to be perfect. The key is to open and get known and make money during your free months to give you a head start. If there isn't any small store available than investigate larger independant stores. Oftentimes they will be willing to divide or lease you a nook or room or even a section. Ask for a month to month lease. Also offer to "work" and cover their shop for discounted rent.
Now for inventory. Begin with your own products. Bag up loose beads into groupings and price accordingly. Start off with a specialty niche like vintage findings. These can be had for very little investment and you can chop them up into various marketable components. Go to garage sales, flea markets, local thrift stores to find items. Anything old can be new again with an updated design. While you are there look for old champagne glasses, wine glasses, pottery things, candy dishes etc. These are useful to arrange for beads. Also look for old muffin tins as these are great for keeping beads straight for check out by your customers simply by labeling each bin a set price. Also when pricing remember to keep your beads affordable and use a set pricing structure or it will be too difficult to monitor. Lastly look online for a simple POS program. There are many that are about 50 to 75 dollars that you can use to keep track of inventory most even allow bar code printing for your plastic bags or bead strands using a mailing labels and a standard printer.
Finally, take jewelry and beads on consignment. Lord knows I have a ton of beads that I had to have and will never use. I recently found a store to take beads on consignment. I package them and we price them. I get paid monthly. Hope this helps. All the best to you!

Thank you....
by: Alyson

Thank you to all who took the time to share. I still have not been able to source silver bead/ball necklaces yet. So if anyone knows of a good supplier/wholesaler I would be most grateful.

Cheers Alyson.

Store front supplies
by: Anonymous

Thank you so much for all the input. I know have an idea of where to get my start up products. Can anyone tell me about how much money I should be spending just to get the doors open on my bead store. What are the most important items to have on hand. My thoughts are to have a small amount of everything. I appreciate everyone's input.
Have a great Sunday.
Diane H. WA

problem with materials
by: nickesha

ok here is my problem...i live in trinidad and the beads here are really expensive,especially compared to what they sell for in the states,i would love to find some where that sells beads ad beading supplies for a good price ad tha ships to trinidad.also what are the must have tools for a semi beginner?

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