4.
Re: Looking To Start a Collegiate Apparel Retail Business Feb 19, 2009 12:22 AM
Hello carolinafan82,
I too went to USC but it's the one out in the west! First things first, like the previous post, you need a business plan. Now don't let that scare you, it's just a road map of all the things you'll need to do to start this business. If you do not require investors, bank loans, etc. then your plan can be as informal as writing on a napkin.
Here is an overall view:
Should start by knowing how much you will need to start the business and know how much you can put in.
Locate vendors (people selling your merchandise).
Survey locations for your shop.
Register your business, get a reseller permit, talk to accountants, etc.
Lease your shop and install furniture and fixtures, etc.
Buy your inventory
Do pre-opening marketing for your shop (post flyers on the campus, ads in school paper, email school club presidents, fraternities, sororities)
This is just a general outline, your plan could be longer depending on what you want to do and after factoring in unexpected events. But it should give you an idea where to start.
Good luck and don't lose to Florida next year!!
