Business owners ?

[djgeffers1]

For those of you who might own a gift shop where and from who do you you order your things that you put in your shop ? My husband and I are starting to make plans to open a gift shop due to a life altering accident that it seems is making it tough for my husband to return to his type of work.
Any suggestions and tips would be greatly appreciated on grants for opening a business, stocking a store or anything else you think we might need to know.

 

[mom2boys]

anything else you think we might need to know.

Check out the Small Business/Self-Employed section of the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/ There are a couple of good CD-ROMs for new businesses that you can order on-line. You should also check with your state & local tax offices to ensure complice with their requirements.

Good luck!

 

[battricia]

my boyfriend's mom owns a shop that sells antique things as well as some new 'gift' type things. She goes to shows that are geared toward that, where people set up tables and sell or show their products. I would suggest contacting the closest convention center to you, and asking them about gift shows or something similar, that would be a great place to start, and make contacts. Good luck!

tricia.

 

[mom2boys]

You might also look for a professional association geared towards gift shop owners or independent retailers in general. Try an internet search. There is a professional association for just about every niche out there - you wouldn't necessarily have to join - but at least check out any website they might have & get on their mailing list. They will have info on books, publications, seminars... tailored to your business.

 

[Desnik]

We use to own a craft/gift shop. You need an EIN #. First you have to get a business liscense. After you open an account in the bank in the business name, usually the bank can give you the paper work for you to fill out this form to get you the EIN # and you use this so you can buy your goods wholesale. This # will also intitle you to get into the industry shows. Here in NY the Javits center in the city has a big gift show, they do travel all over. You have to get your tickets in advance. You go and all the venders are there such as TY if you want to sell Beanies. I have a ton of info that I would have to "fish out" if you want more specific info. Just let me know I'd be happy to help you. Also, what kind of things do you want to sell specifically?

 

[Desnik]

For now I did find bills from these two Co.
The first is Pelican Bay. www.pelicanbayltd.com
They have a section for wholesale. They are a great co.
Their products were a big hit in my store. They are just packaged nicely as well. I can't describe it just take a look for yourself. Most co. have a set amount you have to buy as a first time buyer. Usually for most it is around $200-$300. Pelican Bay was less.

Also I got most of my "crafty" decorating stuff from a co. called Transpac Imports Inc. Their website is www.shoptii.com
Another great co. to deal with. Great products.

If you want to sell a few childrens gift items I would reccomend Manhattan Toy co.(they make Groovy girls)or Lights, Camera, Interaction(they make wooden toys/puzzles)or even TY, but I do think they have a minimum you have to buy and it was alot and they wanted you to have a certain display. It could be different now. Also, DH is an artist so he made alot of stuff like hand painted childrens furniture. I handmade greeting cards for all occasions. There are so many co. out there just do a search online. Also when we opened we had alot of local crafters/artists that asked to sell their goods on consignment. We did that too. Also in my area there is a big fair called Applefest that litterally has over 100 venders and we met up with some great people that made things we bought to sell in our store. Such as home made soap and lotions, home made candles, jewlery.

Sometimes for the holidays we would buy little thinks from Oriental Trading Co. for the kids that were shopping with their parents. Things like small bouncing balls, lolipops. Also I would get holiday candles or little cute things I would find. They usually sell things in packs of 12.

I'll post again if I think of anything else.

 

[Desnik]

Sorry I didn't explaine this before!
The EIN# is your Employer Identification Number
It identifies your business account, tax returns, and documents, even if you have no employees. We filled out a form SS-4 to get this #. They will send you all the info on what forms you need and the dates you need to file them for tax purposes.