paintball store

[lutioush]

I live in Illinois and I'm trying to start some kind of internet business for paintball. I just registered for an Illinois business licence and i'm waiting for that to be confirmed. I was wondering what would be the next step or if anyone has an advice. I'm guessing i'm going to have to send applications into each of the companies in order to become a dealer. I know I'll need some kind of storage space and a web site which I have some ideas for. I guess one question I have is how good are the prices for dealers. I mean what would be the difference from say buying a tippman from the company rather then from another dealer.

[GranDream]

The next step would be to write a business plan, they sell guides that can help you out, with that you can get a loan to fund your business. And no, you don't want to buy from other dealers, because then to make a profit you have to sell things for a higher price than the people you bought it from, which wont get you very far.

[CountyPaintball]

Quite honestly, your profit margin will be very small.

If you want to compete with the hundreds of existing shops (walk-in and internet) then you'll be making a few bucks on guns, a few pennies on smaller parts. (after you figure in expenses)

You should start with a large distributor, like National Paintball Supply or American Paintball Supply. That will enable you to carry a wider variety without opening a bunch of different accounts. They will probably want a first order to be a minimum of about $1500. You'll have to send them a dealer application form, copy of your TAX ID and business license, and most likely some credit references.

The rest is hard work and knowing what items to stock. My biggest problem is deciding what and how much to stock. People rarely place orders for something I don't already have. That means I have to spend my money up front to stock the items. The problem is if I guess wrong, I'm stuck with merchandise instead of money.

Good luck to you.

[lutioush]

can i order from both companie?

[wordf0o]

You need to make sure you set up the inventory right. Usually most stores go first in, first to go.

You'll need a big warehouse if you want to store of inventory.

Go to yahoo and get a website from them.

[lutioush]

any idea what my average sales per month would be if it was halfway successful?