Category: Shop Insurance

Even though retailers have had a hard time over the past few years there are signs that the economy is on the mend, which means that shop owners are expecting a brighter future. This is why it may be a good time to start thinking about getting into the retail business, however for many this may seem a bit daunting as they don’t know where to start. This is why Nova Insurance is here to help with our four top tips for becoming a shop owner:

Think about what you want to offer

The first thing you need to decide when getting into retail is what type of services and products you want to offer your customers. Most people will already have an idea of this before they begin the buying process, however just because you have an idea it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be a successful one. For instance, if you are planning on selling clothing you need to look at other shops in the area and see if you can realistically compete.

Getting to know your local area and its high street is a great way to help you decide what type of business you want to start, as not only will it give you an idea of the amount of demand in the area but also the type of shops that are already popular. For example, if you want to open a shop in a quiet rural area you should think about the types of products that would appeal to those that live there; instead of a high tech music store maybe focus on selling vintage radios and records instead.

Research the market

Even though the economy is improving it will still take a long time for shops in Britain to see the success they did pre-recession, which is why it is important you understand that investing in a shop is still risky. In order to reduce the amount of risk you should research the market to understand what issues you may face in the future. Don’t forget that the rate of success for businesses vary from area to area, so make sure you get information not just from the national papers but also your local council.

Another thing to keep in mind when thinking about opening your first shop is that there are a number of outgoings you will have to pay for even if business isn’t doing well. Rent, shop insurance, and even the products themselves all cost a considerable amount of money, so it is advisable that you have some sort of contingency fund in place in case you go through a rough patch.

Future proof your business

Many people claim that the demise of the high street has been partially caused by online shopping, especially as it has become increasingly popular over the years. However, there are still enough people who like the option of physically seeing a product before buying it, so as long as you give your customers the choice you can protect yourself for the future.

It is essential that when planning on buying your first shop you think about how you are going to market it online. It is very rare these days for any company not to have a website at the very least, however if you go further you could improve your business. Offering your customers the ability to order products online is just one way of doing this, however you can also utilise social media platforms in order to get to know your customers, build an online community and further advertise your store and products.

Be Passionate!

If you are still on the fence when it comes to deciding whether to open your own shop then you need to think about what you truly want. Putting time and effort into your business is the only way that it will have a chance of succeeding, and so you need to make sure that this is something you really want to do.

Owning your own shop can be great fun, especially if you have a real passion for the products you sell and want others to enjoy them as much as you do. As long as you make sure you plan ahead and give it your all you should enjoy your new career path!

For any business, finding the right premises can be challenging. Business premises are one of the biggest expenses for a business, so it is important to find the right one at the right price, in the right location. It can often take longer than you think and you might need to look at many places before finding the right one, but it is usually worth it.

Here are a few tips to help with the process:

Decide On What You Need

Do you want to buy or lease? Both have their pro’s and con’s, it depends on your situation. If you are just starting up, it may be wise to lease somewhere until your business has proved its-self, before making the commitment to buying a property. However, if you are an already established business looking to grow, then buying premises could be a long term investment.

Whatever you decide on, you will still need to work out what you need, based on a combination of both your business’s current and future plans. A few things to consider are: what size of premises, what layout, and the length of time you require the property if you are renting. Your location of choice will depend on your business type, and you may need to be near your customers if your business requires it.

Set a Budget

The most important thing here is to make sure you can afford whichever premises you are interested in. Look at your business financials to get an idea of how much you can afford to spend, and do some research about the various costs you are likely to incur. For example, there are costs to get the premises, such as deposits, equipment, furnishing, renovations, moving, and any professional fees. Then there are also costs to run the premises on a monthly basis, such as rents, heating, business insurance, business rates, etc. Once you have a realistic idea of your budget and the costs, then you can start the process of looking for your ideal premises.

Get Professional Help

Now it’s time to get professional help for your search. You need to make sure you seek professional advice before agreeing to any terms, signing any paperwork, or paying any deposits, so you don’t make any mistakes. Your accountant would be able to double check your budget to see if it is affordable.

Commercial property leases can be complicated, and so there is a good chance you will require a commercial property lawyer. Also, you will need a commercial property agent to find a list of vacant premises for you to look at.

Start Searching

At this stage, it is important to try to see as many properties as you can. It may help to make up a schedule so you know in advance when you have to view properties. Setting up a checklist can be a great way to compare the properties you see, so you can make a better decision about which is best.

The list could contain all the elements that are important for your business. You can then score each property you see based on your criteria. At the end of your search, the ones with the highest scores can be put on a shortlist for further consideration.

Purchase The Premises or Sign The Lease

Once you have found your ideal premises, one that fits all your requirements and meets your budget, then it’s time to sign agreements and hand over deposits. Your professional advisers will help to guide you through each step of the completion process. After all that is done, then it’s time to renovate, move into your new premises and carry on with business as usual.