Opening a store - tips?

Moonchild

Moonchild

Registered Guest
Hi! I've already made a post asking for help regarding stock keeping and such. I was really happy with all the tips and advice, and I got a really good system now!

I'm opening in less than a week, and I guess I would like to know if there are small details I might be missing..

I'll be using my laptop by the counter so I can keep track of items. I don't have a cash register, as I use my laptop.. What's the best way to keep cash? My grandpa suggested a fanny pack lol, but I feel like that looks more like a garage sale, and not an actual little store.. Any ideas?

I will be having signs by the window to please wear a mask and to stay home if there are any symptoms. Anything else I should have by the door?

There will be a changing room, but I would like to advice somehow to my costumers to please not force themselves into clothes that might not fit. That there are ways to see if the garment might fit, by putting armpit to armpit on like a dress or a shirt. And the bellybuttom to spine method with skirts and pants.. Is there any way to do this without being disrespectful or making it more complicated than it needs to be?

What are good items to have in the store? For example, I'll have my pricing gun with price tags ready in a drawer to price new items or if tags fall of clothing. I'll also have a notebook for writing down the stock numbers of items so I can enter it in the system without stressing. Anything else?

Thank you so much in advanced. I'm super excited to do this, and all your help from my earlier post, really helped me!1
 
good morning, Moonchild, and good luck with your new venture!!

I don't have a cash register, as I use my laptop.. What's the best way to keep cash? My grandpa suggested a fanny pack lol, but I feel like that looks more like a garage sale, and not an actual little store.. Any ideas?
Click to expand...

I doubt you'll have a lot of cash sales, but you might, so it's good you're thinking ahead. And, as garage-sale-y as you may think it might look? that fanny pack is a really good idea if you don't have a lockable cash box...even those can be easily lifted and walked off with if you're busy and can't keep track of everyone in your shop all at once.

Anything else I should have by the door?
Click to expand...

we were in a college town, so we requested all back packs and totes be left at the desk. We were fortunate, we had a ton of room to stash them. if nothing else, it lets your shoppers know you are aware of the possibility of lifting.

unfortunately, there will always be shoppers who want to try on garments that would never fit them. good luck with that!
 
Good idea to lock the changing room (if possible) so you can keep track of people going in and coming out, and have it in good view of the front desk area. You probably already have a sign, but a reminder to "Please ask for assistance if trying on garments" or similar. Also, a ringer or bell at the front door so you can know when people come in or go out is a good idea.

Best of success! The world needs more brick and mortar vintage shops.
 
Really helpful advice, thank you so much!

I found a little lockable cash box :-)

The changing room is in the basement, the desk is upstairs, so unfortunately I don't have a clear view of the changing room... I am considering adding a sign that says that bigger bags and backpacks are now allowed in the basement, I just need to have a place where they can feel safe leaving it.

I have something like Venmo, it's called "Mobilepay" which is widely used in my country. I can't get ahold of a QR code unless I register my business as an actual legit business. Which is reeeeally complicated, and not necessary to do just yet, as I don't earn over 50.000 DKK a year yet (roughly 7.600 USD) .. So I will have to give people my actual number until then.
 
If the payment works via your mobile number (we have something similar here in Switzerland), you could just print a larger sign with the number so it's visible for people to use for payment.

And I agree, a fanny pack is not a bad idea at all - it's pretty much the safest way to keep your cash safe.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top