Guidelines For Establishing Thrift Stores In PA

By Jennifer Hall


You cannot miss finding a thrift store anywhere that you go. These stores provide an excellent opportunity where clients can sell their second-hand goods when they want to do away with them. You can make good returns through such an establishment if you decide to set one up. Here are guidelines for establishing thrift stores in PA to ponder on.

Establish the right type of thrift shop. You can decide to establish a resale shop as a flea market, consignment store, garage sale or a charity store. You can set a charity store to raise funds for church missions. A flea market works as a mall whereas a garage sale works in an informal setting. A consignment shop allows the store owner to share the amount raised on the deal with the owner of the property.

Develop a business plan. You should have a business plan to keep track of your business. A good business plan should identify specific items that one will be dealing with, a detailed overview of the target clients and marketing strategies. Make a business plan that you can refer to when your business fails to achieve your expectations. It should offer a contingency plan or work as a way to get into a different venture.

Choose a strategic area to set up the business. Identify a location that has a high customer potential. A place that is common with other businesses suits best for your selection. Locate the level of competition within the area that you have identified to determine the best items to include in your inventory. A store that deals with a wide range of goods can make a good return.

Look for different financing options. The amount required to establish this kind of store can be way above your financial ability. In that case, you need to look for an alternative financing option to raise enough capital. You can consider options such as getting a loan from a local bank, getting into a partnership and getting a soft loan from a friend.

Apply for licenses and insurance. You cannot operate your establishment unless you have the right permits. Reach out to your local authorities and apply for a business permit or other permits needed for your operation. You also need an insurance cover to safeguard all your properties from damage or burglary. Your establishment must meet all the requirements that the authorities have established to get their permits.

Set up an online store. Online stores are convenient options that one can establish apart from the local stores. You must meet all the services such as home delivery and online payment to succeed in such consideration. Create an interactive website that your clients can quickly navigate through and get to enjoy your services.

Beware of your marketing methods. You have to advertise your business to make it renowned in the market. There are varieties of marketing methods that one can use such as allowing offers on an occasional basis, recommendations among clients and social media.




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