Dropshipping Us - the home business portal

Are you hesitant in creating your own business shop? Don’t’ be.  There are a lot of factors to consider in doing so.  Sure it is not that as easy as one plus one and abc's.  But these helpful tips will definitely give you more encouragement. 

A.      IDENTIFY YOUR PREFERRED SHOP TYPE

a.       Online shop – selling of products through internet

b.      Conventional store  - displaying of items/merchandise in a certain (rented or owned) commercial establishment

If you are choosing the conventional store, then you must give importance on the following:

1)     LOCATION - your place should be strategic enough to be able to reach out more customers/buyers.  Always bear in mind that not all people have cars to use in going to your shop. Give special emphasis on those who are taking PUVs (Public Utility Vehicles) such as buses, or taxis/cabs. 

2)    WHO ARE YOUR TARGET CUSTOMERS/CLIENTS – you should give emphasis on this as this is very critical in your decision as to what merchandise to sell.

3)    KIND/TYPE OF PRODUCTS TO BE SOLD – yes you have a long list of items to be displayed in your store.  But, the question is, are they ALL going to be SALEABLE?  As a beginner in the business world, being enthusiastic about it is a big advantage.  But then again, you must start operating “SLOWLY, BUT SURELY”. Meaning, pick only those products in your list which you think will cater to the needs or even wants of your target customers/clients.  By doing so, you will be able to avoid stocking “slow moving” items.

4)    STAFFING OR HIRING OF EMPLOYEES – post your job openings (sales personnel, cashier, accountant, stock clerks, warehouse clerks, guards and others) outside of your house or even of your friends/relatives’ house or business establishments.  Maximize the mobile phone and internet technology.  And, never ever BELITTLE the power of “word of mouth”.   Those actions will somehow lessen the costs of placing an ad for your job openings.

5)    WHO TO HIRE? – After receiving several resume’s and bio-data, segregate those whom you think will best suit your standards in looking for employees.  Having many job/work experiences is one of the best qualifications of an applicant but, being watchful of their WORK ATTITUDE.  Sometimes it is better to pick those people with NO work experience at all rather than getting the ones with lots of job exposures and yet will not stay long in your company due to their NEGATIVE WORK ATTITUDE. 

6)    BE READY FOR PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE/TRAINING OF EMPLOYEES – do this prior to your store opening.  This plays a vital role in your whole operation.  Each employee, regardless of his job description, must be fully equipped with all the information needed regarding the merchandise/items being sold.  What if one of your sales personnel doesn’t know how to handle customer queries about the product?  He/she will not be able to convince that particular customer to buy since he/she cannot present the product’s features and benefits.  Result? NO SALE. This can “MAKE” or “BREAK” your business.  You don’t want that to happen right? So, invest TIME, EFFORT, and even some MONEY (just in case you need to hire a professional trainer) on this.  Customer Service training/workshop aspect is also relevant to an employees’ competency.

7)     CREATE FINANCIAL, ADMINISTRATIVE and OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS – sound tiring?  Well, it’s not.  You just have to be very systematic on your simple yet easy to understand financial, administrative and operational systems. 

Ex: FINANCIAL SYSTEM – daily recording of sales, cash count, expenses, collectibles, receivables, cash and check deposits can also be done every day.  It is necessary for full monitoring of your finances.

ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM – memos/letters to do (such as letter to the supplier, clients, building administrator/owner, and others).

OPERATIONAL SYSTEM – sales and marketing strategies such as promotions, blitzkrieg, and continuous trainings for the employees to be competent enough.  This aspect likewise includes inventory of the products.

8)    MAKE YOUR STORE APPEALING/VERY CATCHY TO THE EYES – a shop that looks “bare” or “messy” will not surely become successful.  People will not be enticed to go inside since there is nothing extra ordinary or something special displayed.  Arrange items in such a way that will pull the person to go inside your shop.  Put decorations.  You might need the help of an interior designer or anybody expert on this, that is if your budget permits. 

So what are you waiting for? Take that first step now and be counted as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world! J