A retail store in Arizona needs a good location to be successful.
Retailers sell goods and commodities--from food, auto parts and apparel to home furnishings, appliances and electronics. There are many types of retailing opportunities. There is store retailing, specialty retailing, mail order, Internet and vending machine retailing. In order to open a retail store, decide on the type of retailing and products you will sell based on competition in Arizona.
Instructions
1. Choose a location with sufficient foot traffic so that many customers will visit the retail store. Get a list of many options for locations. Check the area zoning laws, since this can change based on your county. Choose the location that best suits your requirements and matches the zoning laws.
2. Ensure that the location is legally permitted by the local zoning board before purchasing the location. Zoning ordinances limit the size of the retail store and the types of products you can sell in the store. Check the types of products you will sell to make sure you are operating in accordance with local laws.
3. Register your retail business with the state of Arizona. All businesses in Arizona need a business license. The Arizona business license fee varies between $10 and $100. You can get an application by submitting business information in the website under "references," or contact them by calling 310-455-6675. You will also need a DBA ("Doing Business As"). This is the official registration of your business company name. You can also incorporate and form an LLC ("Limited Liability Company") instead of getting a DBA.
4. Get a seller's permit, otherwise called a resale, wholesale, retail or reseller's license. Go to the state of Arizona business portal website under "resources" and click on the "All licenses, permits, and licenses" link. Find the appropriate license for your retail business.
5. Obtain a federal tax ID number as well as a state tax number. You will need these numbers if you have employees and want to open a business bank account in Arizona. You can get a tax ID number, also known as a EIN, from the IRS by going to the website under "resources."
6. Obtain a license to serve food (if you will be selling food in the store) from the Arizona Department of Health Services. You can contact them through their website at azdhs.gov.
7. Do a complete search on the available wholesalers and choose based on those who offer the best and highest quality products, reasonable transportation costs and multiple payment methods. Sign contracts and make arrangements for shipping products to your store.
8. Price your products based on the incurred costs and a small profit margin. Use a labeling machine to mark prices on each product.
9. Market your retail store by placing advertisements in local newspapers, radio and TV stations, Internet and any other media outlet in your locality.
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