Customers purchase stationary to personalize their letters to others
Professionals and individuals that would like to ensure they send letters that are professional and personalized may need special stationery specific to their personality or business. Starting a stationary business allows customers to choose the correct envelopes, letterhead and other materials for their letter-writing needs. You can choose to either operate your stationery business out of your home or at a physical storefront. If you choose to work from home, your overhead will be low.
Instructions
1. Legally establish your business. In order to properly pay taxes to your state or federal government, you will need to have a legally structured business. Contact your attorney or certified public accountant to incorporate or form an LLC. You can incorporate yourself by going to your Secretary of State's website. You can also check with your county clerk to obtain a business license if you choose to be a sole proprietor.
2. Obtain a tax ID number from the IRS. A tax ID number--also known as an EIN (employer identification number)--is used to open a business checking account, establish corporate credit and/or hire employees. Visit the IRS website to apply online or contact an IRS agent over the phone. There is no cost for a tax ID number. You can also print out form SS-4 from the IRS website and mail it in to obtain a tax ID number.
3. Determine if you would like to operate online or at a storefront. Choosing to operate online or from home is the most inexpensive way of running your stationery business. If you choose to purchase a storefront, contact your local real estate agent to help you find a property to either purchase or lease.
4. Order supplies wholesale for your stationery business. For stationery you will need paper, envelopes, writing utensils, stamps and other secondary materials. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce to determine if any wholesale suppliers are in your area that sell stationary material. Otherwise, visit online import and export sites like tradekey.com or EC21.com.
5. Create a website for your business. Whether you choose to operate online or off, having a website will attract customers to your business. Hire a freelance web designer to create your website if you are unsure of design your own website. Based on your budget, freelance web designers around the world will compete for your business. Popular freelance websites include Elance.com and Guru.com. Your stationary website should list all of the different colors and types of paper you will sell. Make sure you categorize your website for various types of individuals that may need stationary. For example, offer stationary products for college students, corporations, weddings and teachers.
6. Advertise your business. Visit office supply stores and your local Chamber of Commerce, and place ads in the newspaper or local publications advertising your business. Consider hiring a freelance graphic designer if you are unsure of create your brochures and other advertising supplies. When contacting the Chamber of Commerce, you can solicit new businesses that have started up that may need stationary. Also advertise in specific industries like college campus websites, online forums for teachers, home business owners and housewives. Advertise to stationary-related magazines as well (see resources).
Tags: your business, Chamber Commerce, operate online, stationery business, your local, your stationery