If 15 years ago the phrase “personal computer (PC)” was just beginning to come into use, today today there is a computer, laptop or tablet in almost every home. And often in families there is more than one such device. In this regard, the population regularly needs components or programs for their PCs. And, as you know, demand creates supply. Therefore, a good idea would be to open a computer store. We’ll talk about how to do this today.
Main
Before you begin to draw up a business plan for a computer store, you should understand a couple of fundamental factors. First of all, keep in mind that today there is quite high competition in this area. After all, even in small towns, as a rule, you can find more than one computer store.
In this regard, it is necessary to somehow stand out from its direct competitors. First of all, the highest quality of customer service will contribute to this. After all, a satisfied buyer, as a rule, not only returns to the store himself, but also brings relatives, friends and acquaintances.
It also makes sense to think about the stylish design of your outlet. As for the documentation of your business, it is enough to register as an individual entrepreneur or LLC (in case you start a business with a partner). Obtaining any certificates or licenses is not required.
Choosing a place for the salon: center or outskirts?
When developing a business plan for a computer store, you should decide in advance whether your salon will be focused on corporate customers or end users. The choice of premises will directly depend on this.
So, if you plan to work only with the end user, then the territorial distribution of your store will not be of great importance. This will only affect the range of goods: for example, in sleeping areas, more emphasis should be placed on video games and home appliances, and in the center, on the needs of office workers.
It is quite another matter if your business is focused on wholesale buyers. In this case, much attention should be paid to both service support and the organization of supplies of consumables. And if you open your store on the outskirts of the city, the delivery and service process will be significantly complicated. And, on the contrary, the closer geographically you will be to your customers, the better you will have business relations with them.
What should be the room for a computer hardware store?
So, with where it is better to place your salon, we figured out. As for the room itself, its area should be about 80-100 square meters. The showroom will account for 50-60 square meters. meters. The rest of the area should include a repair shop, a warehouse and administrative premises.
In addition, when drawing up a business plan for a computer store, think about the possible additional income in the form of copying, laminating, printing from digital media, etc. Of course, you won’t make a lot of money from this. However, these services will attract additional potential customers to your salon.
Computer interior design and advertising
It is very important to equip your store with a bright and noticeable sign with a clear and accessible inscription, the semantic load of which reflects the essence of the activity of your outlet.Experts are sure that the best advertising for such a business is the appropriate design of the building's facade.
Place stickers on the walls and windows with a list of available goods and services, contact details, and attractive promotional offers. As for additional methods of promotion, the business plan of a computer hardware store should also include the creation of your own website on the Internet, which you can promote through contextual advertising. In addition, you should take care of the production of promotional flyers, as well as discount and bonus cards for regular customers.
Showroom decoration, merchandising
For those people who are asking the question “how to open a computer equipment store”, experts recommend paying attention to the following fact: in addition to a correctly drawn up business plan, the lion's share of the company's success depends on the work of consultants and sellers, as well as on the layout of the goods. We offer more details on the second paragraph. So, the basic merchandising rules for a computer hardware store:
- In the showroom should place the entire range of available products.
- The product is recommended to be placed according to the following principle: small-sized products are placed on the lower shelves in large volumes, as well as large-sized ones. Volumetric, but rather light goods (bags and backpacks for laptops, etc.) should be located on the upper tiers. Medium-sized products must be placed on the middle and upper shelves.
- Promotional goods should be placed in the most prominent place of the showroom.
- Each unit of goods must be necessarily equipped with a sign indicating the basic information and price.
- Products that fall under any ongoing promotion should have a bright sign indicating both the new and the old prices.
- An inherent merchandising rule for a computer store is the grouping of goods by type (laptops with laptops, printers with printers, etc.) or by purpose in accordance with customer motives.
- Pay attention to how your product is illuminated. After all, the buyer should be able to consider it in detail.
- This rule follows from the previous one. Indeed, on well-lit shelves, dust will also be very noticeable. Therefore, pay particular attention to maintaining cleanliness in your store.
Staff
If you plan to open a computer salon, a business plan must necessarily include the hiring of qualified and experienced employees. Indeed, the success of your business will largely depend on their work. We bring to your attention the basic rules for the staff of your computer salon:
- The client is always right. This rule is unshakable and not discussed. The buyer should always be treated with respect, even if he manages to make five mistakes in the word "hard drive".
- If the seller sees that the client is not an expert in computers, then in a conversation with him one should not use specific and obscure terms for ordinary people, so as not to embarrass him.
- Each seller of your salon should be well versed in the main types, brands, specifics and components for all products available for sale.
- In addition, all employees must know exactly where a particular product is located, what is its price. Also, the seller should always be aware of why the price of promotional products is reduced.
As for the salaries of the employees of your store, in addition to the basic salary, it should also include a percentage of sales. Such a system will serve as additional motivation for sellers.
Range
When drawing up a business plan for a computer store, it is very important to carefully consider what exactly you will sell.If your salon is aimed at a wide range of consumers, then you should take care of the assortment that meets the needs of each group of potential customers.
Computer Store Suppliers
If you are just starting to work in this direction of the business, then it makes sense to find suppliers in your city or region. It is likely that in this case the price of the goods will be higher than, for example, the manufacturers themselves, but thanks to the proximity you will be able to quickly update the assortment of your store. As the business develops, you can begin to collaborate either directly with manufacturers or with their dealer networks.
Computer store financial plan
If you plan to open a small outlet, then you need a starting capital of $ 50-60 thousand. A full-fledged store with a wide assortment will require investments in the amount of from 100 to 200 thousand dollars. As for the profitability of this business, it is at a level of 10 to 25%. You can recoup the initial investment with the right approach to business in one and a half to two years.
