How to Start A Skate Shop
Dateline: 4 October 2000
So you want to start a skate shop? An admirable decision. The first thing you should know is that starting a skate shop is just like starting any other kind of business and there are several general starting points the potential skate shop owner needs to keep in mind.
Researching the Industry:
Is there a need for skate shop in your neck of the woods? Research to find out. Ask people who have done it. Talk to shop owners and other professionals. Also subscribe to skate magazines and visit web sites to learn exactly what it is that people want and what they'll be willing to pay for it. Will your customers be young kids who want short boards to ride street and pop all kinds of hardcore tricks, or will they be older folks who want to ride long boards for soul carving inspiration and transportation? Perhaps they'll be both. If you're interested in actually making a buck, you'll definitely want to know this ahead of time.
Writing a Business Plan:
Business plans are a road map to success and a good thing to have if you are seeking a loan. Your business plan should include information on the company, product, customers, market, competition and involved risk. Describe the company and the goals of the company. State in detail the purpose of your shop and what you intend to do with it. Do you want to sell only boards and essential hardware or do you want to break into t-shirts, shoes, backpacks and other types of accessories? Spell it out. Note the market you're targeting and analyze the costs associated with bringing your product to the public. Provide details as to where you will obtain your product and how you will provide it to the consumer.
You'll also need to describe your marketing plan. You can't sell a thing if people don't know you're there. So figure out a way to advertise and write it down before taking any action in that regard. Definitely get it down in writing, think it through, and make mistakes on paper before putting yourself on the line and risking the loss of your capital.
The Money:
They say it takes money to make money and this is no exception. There are plenty of folks out and about who have entered such ventures unaware of the resulting costs and been just lucky enough to get out by the skin of their teeth. So if you're going to invest your time and you don't want to lose a lot of dough, know your stuff. If you're not independently wealthy, and most of us aren't, consider a small business loan or contact friends and family. Partnering is also an option, but be sure to know who it is you're dealing with. These types of ventures are liable to go sour quite easily.
Tax Stuff and Licenses:
You have to get a business license and collect taxes which I hear is an absolute pain. Then you have to do taxes every year. Contact your state's department of revenue for tax information and business-license requirements. You'll also need a name. This might seem like a trivial step but can actually be one of the most important decisions you'll be faced with making. Your name is not only an important marketing tool, but often sets the tone for your whole business image.
Distributors Most companies won't ship you anything unless you are a retail location, meaning you can't just sell out of your mom's garage. You'll need an actual established business location. Nor will they sell an item at a time. You'll probably need to purchase upwards of $1000 dollars in bulk materials before they'll even consider filling your order. Again, know exactly what you want to sell and who you can sell it to before taking the plunge. Business Consultant or Lawyer: It never hurts to consult a lawyer. If you can't afford one or don't know how to go about finding one there are always the following options:

Nolo.com - http://nolo.com/
Askme.com - http://www1.askme.com/ShowCategory.asp?cid=1758
Legal Resources at About.com - http://law.about.com/newsissues/law/cs/legalhelp/index.htm
Finding a Lawyer at About.com - http://lawyers.about.com/careers/lawyers/cs/findingalawyer/index.htm

Last But Not Least:
Be sure to go beyond the scope of this article. Starting a business is a difficult task and there are lots of ins and outs regarding the undertaking. I am no expert. Use this info only as a starting point then study like crazy before finally taking the plunge.
For any questions on starting a business consider asking the folks at SCORE. They are an organization dedicated to aiding in the formation, growth and success of small businesses wordwide and they offer free online counseling for those who are interested in starting their own businesses.
Know finally that it can be done. Good luck.