If you've visited our Facebook page then you've heard the news. Bittersweet Soap Company will be opening a new shop soon. The grand opening is planned for the first day of spring! I thought of no better day to launch.
I'm so excited to have this wonderful opportunity.
Lots of things to do before we open. I'm going to paint one of the shop walls with chalkboard paint. The other walls will be painted in a neutral hue. The chalkboard wall will be used as a soap menu. Our customers will be able to easily read the menu along with pricing, etc. I'm also creating a chalkboard sign for the front shop window.
I thought it would be fun for my readers to follow along with the day to day progress of opening a retail shop. I'll toss in some idees and do's and dont's along the way. Things I've learned first hand about shop ownership.
For instance.... When you purchase a cash register never buy one that doesn't have a calculator built in. Trust me. You are going to need that calculator! The cash register I have at the studio does not have a calculator. The one I had at the old shop did. The one I'm in the market for will again!
Then there's pondering shop sign thoughts... If your shop resides in a historic district like mine is going to be, then your sign will need to be in compliance with city sign requirements. Then you will need to get the sign approved by the city. Same goes for any temporary banner. You must get a banner permit before placing the banner. They usually don't cost anything.
Since Bittersweet is not a start-up business we're able to skip the technicalities stuff. City license, Fictitious name, insurance, Tax number, Resale license, etc. Most insurance companies require a shop to have a hefty amount of coverage. Having said that... The cost to the merchant is reasonable I believe.
The excitement of opening a new shop never fades. I believe I'm more excited now than the last time I opened a shop! Little things like the notion of a chalkboard wall excite me!
Some of you also know.... My shop creation is launched on a limited budget. You may remember a past post covering the topic. Some of my favorite memories include lugging my sewing machine to the old shop and sitting in the new space making my curtains. That was ten years ago almost to the day!
Hopefully you will enjoy this shop adventure with me. Maybe you've been pondering thoughts of opening a shop.
Enjoy caring and sharing days.
Warmly,
Jill 00
