Business Advice

I am thinking of going into the Stationary business. On the side of course. I am a little nervous about it. Does anyone know anybody who has done this.
I am not good with making major decisions like this.

I am not going to give up my desk job of course. (not yet anyway)

What do you guys think?

I think you should do a lot of research on it first.
Its a big step. The only thing I know about opening your own business is what is very important and that is Location Location Location.
I don't have my own business so I don't really have much advice but I know location is very important.

I don't know anyone that's done this. Do you know any attorneys - even a friend to get some basic advise from? Or check the NYS boards about creating a new company. There will be forms & filings to become incorporated and getting a tax id, etc.

I think it's a great idea to go for something on your own, esp something like this that can be done during off-business hours, with the guidance of a friend and security of your current job.

But a business like this is very time consuming since it is based on customer service and more importantly PERSONAL service.

There's also things to consider like advertising, inventory, supplies etc.

Good luck if you decide to do it and definitely keep us posted

I say go for it - but just don't let it interfere at all w/ your paying job. Rmember - everone has to start somewhere...PC Richards had to start out w/ just ONE location...

Good luck

Read through the blue pages of a NYC phone book - I remember some sort of organization of retired business men and women that offer free advice - you can make an appointment to meet with them and they will have some good advice.

Once you get started, look into AWED (American Women's Economic Development) Years ago I took an 18 month course on running your own business and it was invaluable. You have to be already established, though, so it won't help if you're just starting.

Are you planning a storefront operation, or creating stationary that you'll sell? You may want to find out about the stationary show - I think it may run in conjunction with the gift shows (wholesale trade shows) If you can't rely on walk-in traffic, one of the most difficult things to juggle will be prospecting for new business while fullfilling current orders - when you are small you tend to bounce back and forth - prospecting, getting the order or job, filling it then the lull while you look for more business.

I had my own fashion jewelry business for 10 years - send me FM if you have any specific questions.

The organization Karen H referred to is called SCORE - Service Corp of Retired Executives. SCORE Web Site

You should also contact the Small Business Administration. They are also great and will review all of your first business steps of your new venture. SCORE is a partner of SBA. SBA Web Site

Good luck!

The library is great source for information. The IRS website has great info on starting a business and getting a tax id. The state website would provide you with information on any necessary licenses. Good luck.

If you are doing this as a side business, I am assuming you do not mean opening an actual storefront, but rather an online store. Is that correct? If it is, then the financial investment is not very large. Consider starting to make some samples and figure out costs. Start to investigate printing services, paper suppliers etc... Remember to start considering a business name and work on website design. Look into advertising on this site and other bridal sites.

Also, you can always call LA Productions- Laura also started her own business. Maybe she can give you some pointers. Also, some of the community colleges run 'Starting a Small Business' courses. Get to the library and start reading about the subject.
I think if you love this line of work, you should Go For It. The worst that will happen is that you try and don't do well, but atleast you tried. So many people just never even give their dream a shot! Don't be afraid to make your dream come true.

It depends on what sort of stationary you are thinking about. A friend of a friend sells standard invites (rexcraft, etc..) out of her home and makes virtually nothing. She really does it as something to keep herself occupied more than anything.

But if you are using your own designs and materials - you can do really well if you have a talent for that. The real investments for that type of business is the printing equiptment which is really expensive but only is a one time thing so you can recoup the costs if you get enough clientele.

Good LUCK :D