If you are looking for a do-it-yourself type of business and have an artistic flair, you might consider starting a business creating candy bouquet gift arrangements. Candy bouquets are becoming very popular and are the perfect unique gift for all occasions. Everybody loves sweets and everybody loves these sweet treats.
Getting started at a candy bouquet gift shop is simpler than it sounds and getting started online is a lot easier than opening a full-service retail store. To get started online, there are 10 general steps I used that I will identify below:
Step 1: Choose your form of business organization. You can choose from sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, etc.
Step 2: choose a name for your business. You will need to keep three things in mind here. First, choose a name that is appropriate for your product and, if possible, include your product name in the company name. Second, keep it simple and make it something a customer can remember. For example: if someone was selling widgets, you might choose a brand name “Sam’s Widgets” or maybe “Great Website Widgets”. Third, your name must not only fit in, you need your own brand or identity to differentiate yourself from your competitors.
Step 3: Obtain business licenses and permits. Each state has its own requirements, so contact your state’s business licensing department. In my state of Minnesota, you fill out a form and pay a business license fee, and you list it in a newspaper as a new business. Other states may require additional steps.
Step 4: Create and write a business plan. You can find many templates to help you create and write a business plan online. They will identify all the areas you need to consider, such as the products you sell, the market, demographics, financing options, goals, etc. This document is essential to develop a plan of what you are going to do and how you are going to achieve it. You will also need a business plan in case you need financing. If you choose to go the route of an online candy bouquet shop, the initial investment is minimal. Your initial investment would generally be to start with inventory and office equipment or supplies.
Step 5: Determine the financing and financing needed. Bring the business plan you created to a bank or seek investors if you’ve determined you need financing. Every investor will want a copy of their business plan to see all the details of their business. If you have determined that it is a minimum investment for which you have financing, you will not need to go to a bank or look for investors.
Step 6: Determine the insurance requirements. Contact a local insurance agent for quotes and determine which one you think is best for your business needs. They will work with you and keep you informed of your options.
Step 7: Set up a business checking account with your personal bank. Since you already bank with them, you should be able to set up an account fairly easily and at minimal cost.
Step 8: buy your starting inventory. Your business plan should have identified the products you will sell, the vendors, and the associated costs. Determine and order your starting inventory needs.
Step 9: Create commercial products. You will need to create your candy bouquet arrangements, brochures, business cards, etc. You may want to start small, and as you expand, add products to your business.
Step 10: Set up your website online or hire someone to do it.
Advertise your business. You can choose to advertise locally through the newspaper or the radio. You can advertise through internet marketing. All forms of advertising should be considered.
In conclusion, these 10 steps should help you start your own candy bouquet business. Here I cut it down into 10 smaller, more manageable tasks. These steps are a guide to help you get started and started.