Beauty supply businesses will stock all types of products for hair and skin, as well as cosmetics. These types of stores are common in most cities large and small, and are on the internet as well. If you are interested in starting your own beauty supply venture, follow these steps to help with your success.
Have a Business Plan
This is what should be done first and foremost. Plan the first, third, and fifth years. The business plan needs to be in depth and needs to be reviewed every year. A good business plan is essential if you need to borrow money, and it also comes in handy to remind you of your business goals and to see just how much you have achieved.
Business Type
Will you be acting as a sole trader or will this be a limited company? Will the business be mobile, home-based or on a rented commercial spot? Depending on where the business is based, you will find different considerations. For example if working at a home-base you will need to notify the mortgage provider and insurance company to ensure that it is legal to set up a business at home. You will need to also register with the local counsel and apply for business license.
Name
What will your business name be? When you choose a name you must check with the IPO (Intellectual Property Office) that it is not already registered or has a registered trademark. Remember that your company should have a long-term plan, so the name should be quirky and memorable. When the name begins with the letter that is earlier in the alphabet, the higher it will be listed in directories.
The Budget
Will you be needing a loan? If this is the case, how are you afford to pay it back, are you aware of the loan terms, do you know what the interest payments will be? What equipment do you already possess? What will you need to buy? You’ll need to factor in equipment costs and budget outlay when you are compiling a cash flow outline.
Insurance
Having the proper insurance is extremely important and necessary in order for you to work. It is there for not only your protection but the protection of the clients. You have to obtain public and product liability insurance as well as professional indemnity. In order to keep this up-to-date, you have to send copies of any new qualifications that you have obtained, so that you can remain covered for everything that you are offering.
Treatments, Pricing, Products
Decide which treatments you will offer and price them accordingly. Choose the products that you will be using, and stock up on any retail that you will carry. It is suggested to only have a small about of retail as it is “dead” money.
Finance
Be sure to set up a bank account and consider which types of payment you’ll be taking and how you will keep a log of the transactions. Register for the HMRC within the first few months of trading. Get a good accountant, and set up a cash book to record daily income and expenditures.
Customers/Managing
Think about how you will advertise and manage the business. What about a website? The best way to build a website is to utilize free templates. There are plenty of companies on the internet that provide free templates, which is very cost-effective especially for someone who is just starting out and funds are tight.
Web-based applications also assist business owners to automatically manage their businesses online and give them freedom to utilize additional time to do other important tasks. A web app developer can assist in this case, or there are plenty of app development platforms persons can use to build a DIY mobile or web app in minutes.
Competitors
Stay aware of the competitors, products, services, promotions and offers, new trends, new treatments and techniques, etc. You should have a unique selling point. This is what will set you apart from everyone else. You should be aware of this when you’re writing your business plan.
Wholesale Accounts
You should open wholesale accounts with the distributors and manufacturers of beauty supplies. You can call or email the companies with a list of products you would like to sale and ask how to obtain a wholesale account. Generally you’re required to provide proof of being in business to get the discount.
