How to Start a Beauty Supply Business

Beauty supply businesses stock different types of hair, skin and cosmetic products. Such stores are common all across the country in cities large and small, and they can also be found via the Internet. In addition to serving consumers, some beauty supply businesses also stock products for professionals, such as cosmetologists, makeup artists and aestheticians. If you're interested in starting a beauty supply business, you can do several things to grow your venture into a success.
1. Target a niche, or specialty. For instance, your beauty supply store can specialize in selling professional-grade products, organic beauty lines or wigs and hairpieces.
2. Obtain the permits needed in your state to start a retail business. You may need a fictitious name certificate, or doing business as, resale permit, Employer Identification Number or sales and use tax permit.
3. Open wholesale accounts with beauty supply distributors and manufacturers. Call or email the companies with products you want to sell and ask how to obtain a wholesale account. Typically, you will be required to provide proof of being in business to get a discount.
4. Lease or buy a venue for your beauty supply business. If retailing to consumers, options include a brick-and-mortar building, mall or shopping center kiosk or online storefront. If selling on a wholesale-only basis, you can rent a commercial warehouse or open an e-commerce store.
5. Organize your beauty supplies in a logical, attractive manner, if you will be opening a physical shop. Doing so will help customers easily find what they're looking for. For instance, place all haircare products in one area, makeup in another and have shelves specifically for displaying wigs.
6. Subscribe to beauty industry publications geared toward professionals to keep yourself up on current product trends. Such knowledge will allow you to serve your customers better and know which products are the most profitable.

7. Market your beauty supply business. Place coupons and fliers in complimentary stores, such as beauty salons and clothing stores, sponsor a fashion or hair show, launch a promotional website or blog or open social networking accounts to connect with new potential customers.
Source: Chron

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