A candy and candy store Whether specialized in chocolates or any other sweet and focused on young people or the community in general within a metropolitan area or a rural area, it will always be about the enjoyment of sweets.
The truth is that it will always be a business that can be executed in many ways and is a viable company to be started by both new and experienced entrepreneurs.
Well, it is a profitable item, but to be successful you must plan very well its launch and the growth of your business, so you need …
Business plan for a candy and candy store
To start a candy and candy store Start by creating a business plan by following these steps:
The niche: Choose a niche thinking, for example, of the specialization of the sale of gourmet chocolates, organic candies, traditional sweets or homemade production.
Write the business plan: Write a detailed business plan about your niche, the target market, a budget with the expenses to three years, the projections of profits, the marketing plan, public relations, the analysis of the competition and the demand for your product.
This very detailed and complete business plan will help you if you plan to obtain a loan.
Permits and licenses to open a candy and candy store
You need to obtain the appropriate permits requested by the state to start a retail business.
Depending on where your business is located, you may need a zoning permit, employer identification number, seller’s license, state tax identification number, resale permit, or fictitious name certificate.
Licenses: You should contact your state health department to find out the licenses you need to start your food business.
For example, if you buy candy in bulk, you may not need to obtain a license, but if you plan to produce your own candy, you may need a food certification, a food handler’s permit, or a food business license.
Shopping: For the supply of your store, contact the distributors of wholesale sweets if you will not produce them, because buying sweets in bulk will save money, which will translate into a lower sale price.
Even if you plan to produce your own sweets, also buy the packaging, flavorings and ingredients in bulk.
The physical space: For the physical space for your store you can think about buying or renting a building in a shopping center or a booth at a festival or fair in addition to thinking about an e-commerce store.
Special products: In order to attract your customers, you can think about offering special products such as personalized sweets, bouquets of sweets or fruit sweets.
Marketing: For your candy store marketing, you can post to local media, send press releases, create a promotional website, and open social media accounts to communicate with potential customers.
Tips for Opening a Candy Store
As tips for your candy and candy storeYou should also think about the name of your store and the signage that can be bright, for which you must request permission from your city government.
When starting out, you need to find out about the different possible legal structures for companies as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
When you decide the location of the store think about the space you will need, depending on the type of sweets you will offer will determine the physical size of your store.
Once you have decided on the location, in addition to applying for a zoning permit if the county requires it, you should also start with the design and interior decoration of the store, since good design and decoration will attract customers.
Get advice on the equipment and supplies that are necessary for your retail business.
Activities: According to the structure of your store, certain activities of a candy business will vary, but generally you will be in charge of maintaining the supply of orders and inventory, building relationships with customers, the packaging of chocolates and sweets and their cooking in case you produce them.
Controlling the existence of the goodies on the shelves and their replenishment, the management of the personnel, the maintenance of the accounting records, the new trends in the industry and the investigation of the new opportunities.
Skills: Like any successful company, think about competitiveness with a business vision and work ethic.
Since you will be interacting with clients and managing staff, you must have good interpersonal skills.
In this way you will benefit by identifying what works or not within your business and you will be able to act accordingly.
Also think about your ability to manage and delegate, as it is as essential as experience in sales management, organizational and physical stamina, as well as decision-making skills.
The success: The success of the candy store will be defined by the quality and taste of the products. If your vision focuses on homemade sweets you should be creative.
You can even turn to the national confectioners association for help, as as a member you will receive information on the latest industry trends and tips to grow your business.