{"id":18533,"date":"2020-02-28T11:07:30","date_gmt":"2020-02-28T17:07:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/?p=18533"},"modified":"2024-09-09T17:20:47","modified_gmt":"2024-09-09T22:20:47","slug":"how-to-start-an-online-boutique","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/blog\/how-to-start-an-online-boutique\/","title":{"rendered":"HOW TO START AN ONLINE BOUTIQUE"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

6 Simple Steps to Start & Grow Your Boutique And 4 Common Mistakes to Avoid <\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There is so much excitement when you have a bright new idea, especially one as fun as making a living working in fashion while working from home by starting an online boutique!   But how exactly do you start a boutique?

Let\u2019s talk through the basics of starting your online boutique and how to avoid common mistakes and misconceptions around the boutique business.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 1.  Choose a name for your boutique & secure all handles, domains, and a logo. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before you choose a name, make sure it\u2019s easy to say and spell, and you\u2019ve searched it on every social media platform making sure it doesn\u2019t already exist!  You could be on the hook for infringing on someone\u2019s Trademarked name if you aren\u2019t checking ahead of time. Once you get into your business, consider Trademarking your own name so someone else doesn\u2019t take yours! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2.  Secure your EIN number & sales tax permit.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Using an EIN with the IRS is a smart way to protect your personal information and social security number.  It\u2019s important that you talk to your accountant about setting up the right type of business entity – LLC or S Corp and have your EIN attached to that entity.  Along with your EIN, so you can file federal income taxes, you\u2019ll need to file a state and local sales tax permit so that you can collect and file sales tax. Starting your business without these legal items puts you at a major risk. All businesses must pay taxes, no matter what their size.  Cheers Uncle Sam! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 3.  Research your customer\u2019s needs & create your unique brand.  <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Who will you sell to once you start your business?  Who is your ideal customer, what are her needs, frustrations and where does she shop now?  Knowing your ideal customer and creating your branding around her will help you stand out from the crow as you grow.  Use Canva to create your branding and start creating your unique look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4.  Set up your Shopify<\/a> account. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Making sure you have the right tools to sell online is critical. Shopify is the most robust of all e-commerce platforms for online boutique owners, and very simple to get started with.  Start a free trial here with Shopify, and make sure you\u2019re filling out all of the essential product detail as you add product including vendor, product type, cost, and good descriptions so as you grow, your reporting will be meaningful.  Shopify has endless apps and integrations, and if you go on to add a brick and mortar you can use their POS or integrate into many others with even more reporting! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 5.  Order wholesale products to sell.  <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sourcing quality wholesale brands is critical, and one of the best ways to find vendors is to attend a wholesale apparel market.  We compiled a list of all of the US and global apparel markets here for you. Once at market you can test quality, build vendor relationships and find inspiration.  Be careful ordering from overseas directly or without knowing the vendor or quality. You\u2019ll want to make sure you have products on hand and are not running pre-orders selling to your customers before you even know the quality of the products you\u2019re selling. Pre-orders are a dangerous way to build a business on limited trust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 6.  Get the right business tools. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need Quickbooks to track your income and expenses, this is critical. Next, you\u2019ll choose your e-commerce and point of sale system. We love Shopify, and either Shopify POS or an integration full POS.  You\u2019ll integrate a shipping provider, email marketing program, and start ordering your supplies like a label printer, poly mailers, and storage racks. But as exciting as it is to get the tools, using them correctly for the reports they create is the MOST critical step here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But wait, there\u2019s a lot more to talk about here.  What should you NOT DO? <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There are some things to really avoid when getting started, that are common mistakes new online boutique owners make.  Let\u2019s talk secrets that no one else shares. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Start an Online Boutique || The Boutique Hub<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

AVOID:  Avoid copying other boutiques.  <\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The most successful boutiques we know are that way because they are unique\u2026.and you\u2019ll be successful when you\u2019re the best version of yourself, not the best imitation of another.  Build relationships with other boutiques, but never copy anything including photos, words, poaching customers, posts, terms, brands or displays. Build your own brand! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

AVOID: Using stock photos. <\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Stock photos are the photos vendors provide to you.  Using these is a great way to look like everyone else. Your customer is counting on you to be a style expert, so brush up on those photography skills and help your customers recognize your unique style through your own photos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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AVOID: Avoid pricing too low and creating an expensive hobby. AKA buy-in groups.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Selling your goods just above wholesale or even at keystone (2x) is a sure way to start a really expensive hobby!  The only way this business is long term sustainable is to run it like a business that has a retail markup of 2.5 or more.  If you are hoping to cover your business expenses, pay your team as you grow, or even pay yourself\u2026.you\u2019ll have to have sales to support the business.  Your customers are looking for you to be a fashion educator, leader, and stylist, not a bargain bin. Price shoppers aren\u2019t loyal, so make sure you build your business on a solid foundation with thought out financials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

AVOID: Thinking it will be easy. <\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

It all sounds like a TON of fun right? The buying, the fashion, the social media?  But what no one tells you is just how hard this business can be. The time you invest, the money, the effort\u2026.and sometimes with very little to show. The friends and family you thought might support you, don\u2019t, and you\u2019re left with 2 am anxiety.  Know that any business is a challenge, and before you get in for quick cash, please consider all options and make a solid plan of how you\u2019ll make your boutique rise above and become sustainable. Dreams only work if you do! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Free Guide: 17 Dos & 20 Don’ts Specifically Designed for the Savvy Retailer <\/h2>\n\n\n\n