need help for starting a small business?

[Vivien]

I have an assignment for writing a 10-page business plan, and small business run by myself only. I am planning to start a vintage clothes stall and online shop business. Does anyone have some good ideas about this business? like good suppliers, maketing plans, just anything you think it is good to put in a business plan or good to consider. Thank you.

[Rob]

marketing plans are simple.
buy clothes at low price.
advertise clothes.
sell clothes at price higher than above expenses.
pay taxes.
put profits in to more clothes.
Repeat above.

the rest of info can be found in library - books.

[Jo W]

Lots of help at https://www.gov.uk/browse/business

[raysor]

Good answer Rob. Why do you think a business plan is something mystical? This is an assignement, not a real business. If you get it wrong you lose nothing and you will have exercised your brain.
A plan for anything is noting how things are done, at what cost and at what outcome.
What is a plan for having breakfast?
Buy necessary food items and somewhere to keep them.
Locate cooker and utensils.
Locate clean plate and cutlery.
Locate suitable environment to eat, preferably with table and chair.
Establish facilities to clean up afterwards.

[Andy]

I started a business selling designer clothes, cheaply. I must stress also: legitimate designer clothes! Anyhow despite our differences in product and the consumer base, here's some advice.
(I no longer run the business it was a summer project to bring some extra money in; it wasn't a massive earner but it kept me in the green.)

1) Networking, networking, networking: It's so important. You need to be on Facebook. You need to be on Twitter. You need to get yourself a weekly video blog on Youtube, show the people what you're getting up to. Networking is absolutely crucial. You may not think your target demographic wont use these websites, you'd be surprised- they do! Just network until you're bored, then network some more.

2) Word of mouth: Self explanatory- Tell everyone what your doing. Always. And carry business cards.

3) E-Bay and Gumtree and Craigslist: Get on here to get your stock. Esp. if you're selling vintage clothes, these places are gold mines for cheap yet good quality stock sourcing.

4) Integrate: Get involved with other people doing what you're doing, learn from those doing it well, and learn what not to do from those... not doing well! Compare your website to others... Is mine as good? Does mine have a feedback page? Does mine have blah blah? Build up your contacts in the same business. Contacts are always useful.

5) Get invovlved with local projects and charities: You'll turn over some of your profits to those guys, but a) it's for a good cause, b) you attract a large number of customers already involved with said charity- so when you consider the volume your still turning more profit, c) it looks good on your website and marketing.

That should be a good starting point for you, feel free to mail me though- hey I could be your first contact!

Best luck!

[Rev]

vbvnv

[Anna]

Hi Vivien,

You have a good plan but finding a good suppliers is a big task.
For finding suppliers online, I would suggest you to visit eSources.co.uk. It have a large selection of suppliers and wholesalers registered with them from all over the world.

You can visit their Apparels and Clothing section for your search.

Good luck.!!!