Starting a specialty business for teachers provides them convenient access to needed supplies. Often-times teachers do not have time to run to big stores to purchase the items they need, or they find that specialty items are not available in regular retail outlets. A store with classroom inventory carries the teaching tools needed. These stores carry items ranging from learning toys used in daycares to syllabus kits for college professors.
Instructions
1. Write a business plan. In this road map for success, outline the specifics of the business. A teacher store business plan includes the type of teachers targeted such as elementary, high school and college. The foundation and success of this enterprise relies on careful planning. Software programs such as Bizplan and Palo-alto help you build your store's business plan with templates.
2. Purchase your merchandise from wholesale distributors. Price shop to ensure you receive the best quality product at the best price. Many specialty wholesalers set up shop locally and have ecommerce sites and catalogs. In many cases, negotiation skills come in handy to get a better deal. Search out popular specialty items that sell fast and that are typically hard for teachers to find locally.
3. Secure startup capital. You need funds to stock your store with writing utensils, learning materials, artwork and assignment schedules teachers use. Seek out a loan from a bank, friend or family member. Using personal savings is another option. Garner enough startup capital to pay all initial costs.
4. Secure business licensing. Contact your county clerk's office to register for a retail business license. The government website Business provides general state-to-state licensing guidelines. The county clerk's office will guide you through the registration process and provide details on any tax permits you require.
5. Create a catchy name for the business that attracts teachers. Use this name on all the paperwork for the business, including the business license. Put a lot of thought into the name--once the name is committed to the business license, it cannot be easily changed. Beyond the Blackboard, The School Box, Teacher Heaven and The Learning Zone are some examples of online stores selling specialty supplies.
6. Locate a good retail spot. A strip mall is an ideal location, since other stores surround you. Renting a store is a better option than buying. The space should be ideal for selling to teachers. A store with schools nearby is in a potentially profitable location.
7. Start advertising. Start at local schools and known teacher "hot spots." Contact the local chapter of the teacher's union, and ask that it include information about your store in its mailings to local teachers.
8. Design an attractive website. Make shopping convenient for teachers, who often work long hours. This allows teachers to view your products and place orders. It also helps the business expand beyond local customers. Promote your website by inserting flyers into shopping bags when teachers purchase items from your store.
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