Starting a small business requires a lot of time, effort, and patience, leaving many entrepreneurs failing at the first hurdle. Yet, with the right resources, these institutions can see high levels of success in their respective markets. If you are planning to open your first storefront in the near future, this article will offer a series of tips and tricks to ensure that you can get the best results.
Table of Contents
1. Check for Mold
When opening your storefront, it is paramount that you assess the building for any signs of mold. ComfyLiving states that mold only takes 24 to 48 hours to appear after water damage, so it is vital that you contact a qualified contractor as soon as you notice any issues. Though it may be easier to ignore these concerns, mold can lead to a wealth of harmful health conditions, so make sure that you eliminate it to help protect your customer base.
2. Keep the Place Clean
A study by BusinessWire states that 93% of consumers would avoid a business if they had unsanitary restroom facilities. In order to avoid these issues in your own storefront, ensure that you keep your establishment spotless. You may also benefit from hiring a cleaner to help you keep on top of these tasks, whilst you manage everything else that your budding business has to offer.
3. Follow Health and Safety Guidelines
The National Floor Safety Institute states that slips and falls are one of the leading causes of compensation claims for workers, and also explains that these accidents are also the main culprit for injuries for workers aged 55 and over. These striking statistics highlight the importance of following health and safety guidelines, as they can help to keep both employees and customers out of harm’s way. These rules also help to protect businesses from any looming legal battles, ensuring that they do not have to spend money on various court cases.
4. Secure the Right Location
Location is a key part of setting up a successful storefront as it ensures that an array of potential customers can accurately find your business. POS Nation advises against choosing the cheapest option, and instead, encourages us to choose an establishment that best reflects the values and esthetics of our business. Thus, although you may have to select a more expensive option, it can help you attract more customers in the long run.
5. Keep the Noise Down
Even though many storefront owners would love to keep the party going all night, doForms reminds us that some states have very strict noise regulation rules. In order to avoid receiving a hefty fine, it is important that you research the noise pollution laws in your area. Plus, keeping noise to a minimum is a good way to respect your local community, which could make you a valuable asset to your respective area.
6. Set up an E-commerce Platform
Storefronts can help to give the high street a new lease on life, but Small Business Trends notes that business owners should not limit themselves to brick-and-mortar stores. A prosperous e-commerce platform can allow customers to purchase your products online, giving you the prime opportunity to expand your target audience tenfold. This is also an excellent resource for entrepreneurs who are looking to expand on an international scale, but are still eager to keep their running costs down.
Opening a storefront is an exciting prospect for any business owner as it enables them to make their mark on their respective market. However, this process includes a lot of steps that could cause many entrepreneurs to struggle. Be sure to follow the advice in this article to help you strive in this incredibly competitive market.
