How to Run a Candy Store

Running a candy store takes know-how

Buffet's Candy, in Albuquerque, New Mexico manufacturers gourmet candies. They ship chocolate bunnies and baby booties, and their world-famous piñon nuts all over the country. Millionaire owner, George Buffet has run the famous chocolate shop since 1955. He offers the following advice for entrepreneurs looking to cash in on America's sweet tooth.

Instructions

Steps to Running a Candy Store

1. 

   Learn from other successful candy stores in your area

   Learn from successful shops in your area. Buffet says he's seen stores last 40 or 50 years and others close after 1 or 2 years. "The ones that closed didn't learn the business--they just set up shop," says Buffet. He advises people who are serious about getting in the confection business to work in an actual store--even if it's for a short while. "I've attended classes over the years," says Buffet. "None (of them) taught me what I learned working in stores."

2. 

   Use the golden rule when working with employees

   Hire good employees and treat them with respect. Buffet owns four businesses, run by managers who've been with him for 20 or 25 years or more. "I run my businesses by the golden rule," states Buffet. "I've always treated my employees the way I'd want to be treated."

3. 

   Keep a daily account of your store's invetory

   Keep a close eye on your store's inventory. Buffet cautions anyone in a business with "spoilage"--inventory that must be sold fresh--such as candy, baked goods, or flowers--to watch the inventory. Keep a daily accounting on your sales and determine what your best sellers are. It's not uncommon for stores with spoilage inventory to order certain supplies every few days.

4. 

   The candy business is seasonal

   Realize the candy business is very seasonal and plan accordingly. "At Buffet's, we do half of our (yearly) business from Thanksgiving to Christmas and 15 percent during Easter," says Buffet. "People think Valentine's is big for us, but men don't shop ahead, so we're only busy that one day. Women shop for candy three to four days in advance. They don't want to do it too early," says Buffet, "because the candy gets eaten before the holiday." To profitably run your candy store, learn the rhythm of your customer flow.

5. 

   Buy good ingredients

   Buy the best ingredients. Buffet says he's stayed in business for over 50 years because he uses the best ingredients. His company's website promises, "even when the true piñon nuts are scarce, we will not substitute any other type of nut." Make sure your ingredients are the freshest and the best and customers will continue to look to you to provide the quality confections they crave.

6. 

   Order your inventory wisely

   Learn how to order inventory wisely. Buffet says most businesses who order too much product end up having the trash can as their biggest customer. Daily inventory will help you keep a close eye on what products fly out the door via paying customer or via the trash can. "Order according to what sales, not what special's the manufacturer has that he's trying to get rid of before it spoils," suggests Buffet.

References

• George Buffet; Buffet's Candy; New Mexico