How to Start a Business to Store Records for Businesses
Storing records for businesses is an enterprise that can be started with little capital. Needing little more than storage space and a system in place to maintain chain-of-command security, you can start a business that stores records for local businesses and organizations.
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Things You'll Need
- File boxes
- Filing cabinets
- Marking pens
- Labels
- Electronic scanner
- Computer
- Shredder (business-class)
Instructions
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How to Start a Business to Store Records for Businesses
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1
Set up an area specifically to store the records. Initially, you will not need a large area, but as the business expands, your space needs will grow, as well. This area must be dry and secure.
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2
Use appropriate storage boxes. When first starting off, cardboard boxes can be acceptable -- assuming that you're working with small businesses. Naturally, you can't expect to take on a large corporation and store their records in cardboard boxes.
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3
Contact local small businesses and visit them in person. Explain to them that you are starting a new business to store records and offer your services. Explain how storing their business records off-site will give them more room, as well as provide greater security.
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4
Set up a delivery route to pick up the records. Most businesses will want you to pick up the records, rather than bring the records to you.
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5
Label each box with the date that it was given to you, as well as whatever information the box contains.
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6
Provide receipts for each item given -- such as a ledger, an electronic file with sensitive information, etc. This provides a chain-of-custody for reference.
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Designate a section for each client's records.
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8
Electronically scan the documents so that you can convert the paperwork into an electronic format and store it on an external hard drive.
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Store the electronic data on an off-site server. This will provide you protection in the event of a catastrophic incident on your site.
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10
Shred any documents as instructed by your clients. Some clients require shredding to take place after the records have been stored electronically.
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References
- Photo Credit Hospital Files image by PinkSony from Fotolia.com
