What steps do I take to open a women's boutique in FL?

[TraeKi]

I would like to open an upscale women's boutique in FL. I already have a completed business plan, what would be the next steps I take to get my business up and running?

[paul s]

Try the Small Business Development Centers in Florida

http://floridasbdc.org/main.php

[postal p]

Step 1

Decide on a name for your boutique. Select something that reflects the level of service your clients can expect, the style of women's clothing you offer, your personality or something chic and simple to remember.
Step 2

Select your business structure. A sole proprietorship is the easiest and least expensive business structure to form and can be registered with an assumed name certificate at your county clerk’s office. Corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) are other common business structures that have certain built-in liability protection and are filed with the Secretary of State’s office.
Step 3

Write a business plan that outlines where you plan to get inventory, how much startup capital you need, your target market and main competition and your projections for future revenue. This plan should define your competitive edge over other ladies boutiques and inform investors of your growth potential.
Step 4

Select your initial inventory from some of the many wholesalers, fashion warehouses, local designers or name brand design houses in the U.S. Look into the cost and various benefits of importing your clothing from other countries.
Step 5

Select a location that boasts popular shops and restaurants, which will attract multiple people each day, or a location that offers a high volume of foot traffic during store hours. Your city’s official website most likely offers demographic data that breaks down the city’s sections by gender, education level, family status and more. Use this information in selecting an area based on the women you wish to target.
Step 6

Choose price points for your merchandise that are competitive with other boutiques in your city. If you choose to stock high-end clothes, then find a pricing structure that reflects the value or unique nature of your items. Women will pay more for items that are marketed as high quality or rare.
Step 7

Obtain all necessary certificates or permits from the city and state in which you’ll operate. Check applicable zoning laws for your store location and get a sales tax permit from the state comptroller.
Step 8

Purchase the fixtures, tables, chairs, counters, in-store signage and outdoor posters needed to complete your store and display your clothing and accessories.
Step 9

Determine your methods of ongoing marketing. Invest time and money in social media and website maintenance and purchase high-quality fliers or ads to distribute where your clientele will likely be, such as spas, salons and other non-competing clothing stores.
Step 10

Host an opening event with incentives such as giveaways, complimentary martinis and food, or coupons for premium items. Consider holding an informal fashion show of your clothes and accessories and inviting clients, local designers and other community members to attend.