hello,
i am doing my research to start a retail garden store. i am a garden designer and have a space that i am using for an office until i get my retail inventory in order. i am wondering if any of the other retailers out there would share their advice on finding wholesale suppliers. i am looking online mostly just by googling "wholesale books" etc. and then contacting my personal favorite artists and designers to carry their wares. any tips, great sites to check out? all help is greatly appreciated!
thanks! vanessa
i am doing my research to start a retail garden store. i am a garden designer and have a space that i am using for an office until i get my retail inventory in order. i am wondering if any of the other retailers out there would share their advice on finding wholesale suppliers. i am looking online mostly just by googling "wholesale books" etc. and then contacting my personal favorite artists and designers to carry their wares. any tips, great sites to check out? all help is greatly appreciated!
thanks! vanessa
posted by:
|
Los Angeles
|
-
Re: buying wholesale
Sun, December 9, 2007 - 4:48 PM
Wow.
You are taking a lot on your shoulders.
What exactly are you interested in selling? That'd be a good start.
For that matter, I'd suggest that you check this out: www.score.org/template_gallery.html
There are templates for business plans or start-up businesses.
Check out the basics for what any business needs, and that's a good start.
-
Re: buying wholesale
Sun, December 9, 2007 - 9:41 PMI recommend you read the great business book called "Growing A Business".. it is not only a great overall business book, but it happens to be about Paul Smith starting the highly successful gardening retail business called Smith&Hawken.
www.amazon.com/Growing-Bu.../ref=sr_1_4
I consider this recommended reading for any business person, but it might be particularly interesting to you, vanessa.
-
-
Re: buying wholesale
Sun, December 9, 2007 - 11:36 PMthanks for the tips and book suggestion. paul hawken is one of my all-time heros, so i'd love to read that book.
i've been writing my business plan and source lists. i'm starting very small, and have worked for a few nurseries, so i have seen many of their systems (what works and doesn't for me) which has been very useful.
-
-
Re: buying wholesale
Mon, December 10, 2007 - 7:45 AMOne phrase: : Trade Shows.
Start by attending more than a few trade shows. Many will not sell you an entrance ticket unless you are a dealer some won't - and interestingly those are the trade shows you need to attend.
Start by incorporating as an L. L. C. and print business cards.
-
-
Re: buying wholesale
Mon, December 10, 2007 - 12:31 PMfor cheap business cards, i recommend overnightprints.com
-
-
Re: buying wholesale
Mon, December 10, 2007 - 1:53 PMSince you are in Los Angeles, also go downtown and check out the Flower District. You want to go in the morning on a weekday.
For non plant items also check out the GiftMart and the CalMart. Both require your re-sale permit and a business card, paystub, or other info that shows you are a ligitimate business. You can find more at thier website. www.mmart.com/lamart
One other thing that may seem odd or strange but not really, look at the items other stores are carrying. Look at the backs and write down the names of the manufacturers/distributors and if provided the websites. -
-
Re: buying wholesale
Mon, December 10, 2007 - 2:04 PM
What about SCORE? They probably have a coach that will walk you through the whole process. I mean, a free, very qualified coach that'll help you with the whole process?
Only in America, I tell you. -
-
Re: buying wholesale
Mon, December 10, 2007 - 7:10 PMha ha.
thanks all! i've done most of these things thus far so i guess i'm on the right track :)
-
-
