ForumsStarting a Business

The business is not actually up and running at this time. However, the business will be a fine cigar and cigar accesories only retail store, no cigarettes or chewing tobacco. We have determined that there is a "quite demand" for fine cigars, a niche market with opportunity to grow. We may be starting backwards, but we are going start as online and telephone only to avoid the startup costs of brick & mortar. We will take orders through our website as well as by telephone, and will deliver by hand within a certain radius and for free with certain purchases. Outside of our delivery area we will deliver by either usps or ups. We are in a location that does not have a dedicated cigar retailer, only cigarette shops that sell some cigars. These stores offer neither the selection nor the expertice and appreciation that the valleys cigar smokers deserve. This idea has been in our heads for several months, and the feedback we have received has been very positive. We have questioned local business owners, including resorts, restaraunts and golf courses, all of whom have expressed interest in allowing advertising/marketing at their locations, as well as personal interest. We have our tax id and name registered with the state (mt) and are in the process of getting our tobacco license. We have determined a web site provider & merchant services provider and are in the process of getting that rolling. Our targeted customers to start will be local, middle age, middle & upper class males, and tourists in season. Eventually, of course, we would like to expand this to include non-local customers, and introduce new demographics to the world of fine cigars. Our marketing plan will take advantage of social networking sites such as twitter & facebook, local advertising and heavy word-of-mouth and business networking with an emphasis on the difference between "smoking" and enjoying a fine, imported, hand-made cigar. Some of my concerns are how taxes work and making sure we dont break any laws.We do not have an accountant or attorney, and would like to avoid getting them if at all possible as all startup money is going into equipment, inventory and advertising. Any help or advice in these two areas would be greatly appreciated, as well general feedback on the idea. And yes, I am in the process of contacting my local SCORE branch for advise! Thanks