Teach Soap

Hey I have decided to go ahead and open a store front. It will not be until January I think, any advice from any of you who have opened one would be appreciated. It will take me a few months to stock up on product and get all my soaps in a row, get it I am really trying to crunch numbers to see costs etc., I have a pretty good idea on them. My biggest question is check-out, what type works best and the cost of running credit cards, etc., trying to keep start-up costs as low as I can. I wish BB would do whole to me ???????

_________________
Four Seasons Fine Handcrafted Soaps
& Specialties, Inc.
Laugh, Love, Live!

Congrats!
I have had a brick and mortar store at one point. I decided to close due to the building being sold and the rent would have doubled. For credit cards, I would use square-up.com It's much cheaper then having a merchant account. Will you be still doing any shows or craft fairs? If you get sick, will you have someone that can cover for you at the store? Do you have enough in back-up funds to cover you for six months or more if the business doesn't take off right away? Have you done any studies on this location?

_________________
Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I am not sure if I will do any shows or fairs once I open the store. I do have my son and his friend that know retail and my products to cover. I am going to continue to work as a freelance paralegal so I can cover the store if business is slow. The rent is not high at this location and they have great parking and a good mom and pop diner that has been in business forever and a health food hut that has also been there forever. The same people that would shop the health food hut I am hoping will shop my store. The health food store carries very limited soap products so I think it would be ok. Thanks for asking these questions as it keeps me thinking. I am still really afraid, but really want this.

_________________
Four Seasons Fine Handcrafted Soaps
& Specialties, Inc.
Laugh, Love, Live!

Hi, Selena! I don't have any advice on running a store, but I just wanted to say congratulations and best wishes! I am excited for you and wish you and your business much success!

_________________
- Jenny -
My soapy blog:
Follow me on my

_________________
Four Seasons Fine Handcrafted Soaps
& Specialties, Inc.
Laugh, Love, Live!

Congratulations! How exciting! Don't worry about being afraid...it's all part of it.

_________________
Rachel
|

Thank you Rachel!

_________________
Four Seasons Fine Handcrafted Soaps
& Specialties, Inc.
Laugh, Love, Live!

_________________
Four Seasons Fine Handcrafted Soaps
& Specialties, Inc.
Laugh, Love, Live!

_________________
Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

What an exciting time this must be for you. Best of luck!