You may start a clothing store business with little money, no retail ownership in your background, and still be successful. You can resell like-new clothing to the public, or you can choose to sell new merchandise. All you need is good business sense, an excellent heavy traffic area, and a business license. "Second-hand" clothing stores are rapidly becoming popular and are a great way to become self employed.
Instructions
1. Decide on a store name, and apply for a business license. You will need small business insurance to cover any damages to your new business. It is beneficial to you and your customers that you also apply for a credit card machine, so that your customers can pay via debit or credit card.
2. Find a location for your new clothing business, and either contract someone to create a business sign or make your own using a good-quality wood. You can also buy premade blank business signs and write your store name on it. If you decide on the type of store that features used clothing, it is in your best interest to offer consignments. Once you decide on what type of clothing you will sell, you should begin to set up your building.
3. Add plenty of clothing and display racks so that you can successfully carry a wide range of clothing items. If you're selling like-new items, shoes usually sell well. If you carry a variety of sizes, that will help draw business to you. You may want to consider mixing used and new merchandise in your resell store to draw more customers. You may also take custom items as consignment, and this will draw many new customers that enjoy boutique items.
4. Ensure ample parking and that there is nothing blocking the entrance and exits to your building and parking areas. Keep the parking lot clean and litter free to encourage customers to shop your store. Customers get discouraged when they see a dirty parking lot, and consider this an indication that you run a poor business.
5. Keep the prices comparable with other competitors, and advertise often. You can advertise through business cards, handing out coupons, leaving flyers at gas stations, and through media opportunities. Offer a refund policy that is fair and considerate to customers. Customers are more likely to shop your store if you guarantee your items.
6. Post your hours and be there when you say you will be. Customers don't like arriving to a store and finding that no one is there to service them even though they arrive within the posted hours. Arriving late or not at all is a sure way to not be successful in your new business.
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