How To

How to Start a Boutique

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(69 Ratings)

Starting a boutique can be an exciting adventure. Planning and a good eye, along with these tips, will help you succeed.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Business Licenses
  • Business Loans
  • Business loans
  1. Step 1

    Decide what type of boutique you want to open. Do you want to specialize in accessories, cruise or vacation wear, sportswear, elegant clothing or consignment?

  2. Step 2

    Get a resale number from the Franchise Tax Board. This will get you into trade shows and allow you to purchase their goods.

  3. Step 3

    Contact the city or county department that handles business licenses and get an application. Ask what other requirements there are for opening a business in the area.

  4. Step 4

    Find suppliers. Go to trade shows and join organizations to get lists of suppliers for the products you want to carry.

  5. Step 5

    Select a location. You will need a storefront that has good street visibility and easy access.

  6. Step 6

    Design the store to be inviting. Select special items to put in windows to entice customers to come inside.

  7. Step 7

    Advertise. Hold mini-fashion shows to create publicity for your store and attract customers.

  8. Step 8

    Try something new. Order items that you think the public might like, even if you don't like them personally.

  9. Step 9

    Listen to what your customers are asking for and try to fill their needs.

Tips & Warnings
  • You might have to try several different looks for your merchandise until you hit on the perfect combination of goods for your customer base.

Comments  

jnhuver said

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on 5/5/2009 This is so informational. I am not even sure where to begin.....Any advice, information, I am all ears....Thank you....

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on 3/7/2009 I would love to have a consignment clothing store. I know it is a lot work to get started up. Thanks for the great information.

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on 1/28/2009 Im so desperate I want to open up my own accessory boutique..Can someone tell me where to start.. :-) Any infromation will be greatly apprectiated...

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on 1/9/2009 My mom has thought about opening her own boutique for a long time. It does take sometime to get your warehouse inventory together and your clientele. This is a dream of my moms and I want to make this happen for her. This is some awesome info!! I'm passing it along to her right now. She's gonna be so excited!

Jenn
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They're Accepting Applications!! I got a call back!!
http://www.document-do-it-yourself-service.com/jobs.html

shunwms said

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on 10/29/2007 Do you have to be in business before you join an organization or locate trade shows?

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