A purse store specializes in retail sales of purses and handbags. A specialty shop may sell high-end designer purses, recognizable name brands, specialty or custom bags, or even vintage or antique purses and handbags. Customers shopping at these stores are often searching for unique, one-of-a-kind items.
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Start a purse store by following these 10 steps:
- Plan your Purse Store
- Form your Purse Store into a Legal Entity
- Register your Purse Store for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Purse Store
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Purse Store
- Get Purse Store Insurance
- Define your Purse Store Brand
- Create your Purse Store Website
- Set up your Business Phone System
We have put together this simple guide to starting your purse store. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.
Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.
STEP 1: Plan your business
A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:
- What will you name your business?
- What are the startup and ongoing costs?
- Who is your target market?
- How much can you charge customers?
Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.
What will you name your business?
Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Purse Store Name Generator
If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.
When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:
- Your state’s business records
- Federal and state trademark records
- Social media platforms
- Web domain availability
It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.
What are the costs involved in opening a purse store?
An initial investment in merchandise and the rental of a store space will constitute the majority of initial costs. In addition, you will need to set aside money for:
- Utilities deposit
- DBA vendor’s license
- Appropriate insurance coverage
- Store interior design and decor
- Racks, counters, jewelry cases, mannequins, and other in-store display items
- Advertising and marketing campaigns
- Business cards and marketing materials
- Computers and POS software
- Website hosting and design
- Logo and trademark (if applicable) design
- Grand opening event
Experienced retailers suggest a minimum budget of $50,000.
What are the ongoing expenses for a purse store?
A purse store doesn’t require a large amount of space, but does need a prime location to attract customers. Therefore, rent will be a primary expense. Your employee numbers will more than likely start small, which will keep payroll and payroll taxes lower, initially. Other expenses will include:
- Merchandise investments
- Advertising and promotions
- Marketing and PR
- Insurance
- Travel and market research
- Telephone and internet
- Utilities
Who is the target market?
Specialty purse shops will primarily focus on customers with substantial incomes, who wish to remain fashion conscious. You will also attract customers who are looking to invest in quality or hard to find items.
How does a purse store make money?
A purse store makes money from the sales of purses, handbags, or other related items, such as wallets, tote bags, briefcases, or luggage.
How much can you charge customers?
Most purse stores offer merchandise between $200-750. Depending on the types of purses you’re selling, though, pricing can rise to the upper thousands. Some specialty bags will crack six figures.
How much profit can a purse store make?
Profit margins will always be relative to the size and scope of the business. For a smaller business, with few employees, yet high-ticket merchandise, the margins will improve, as long as customers are purchasing these high-ticket items. An average boutique style business can net anywhere between $30,000-70,000 annually.
How can you make your business more profitable?
A purse shop or other boutique style shop can generate a large amount of revenue through online sales through the store’s website. Being able to reach a buying market that isn’t in your region is key. Additionally, many purse stores offer jewelry, shoes, scarves, gloves, or other related accessory items. By maintaining the same exclusive feel for these items, customers will look to your shop first, when considering such a purchase.
Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!
STEP 2: Form a legal entity
One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your purse store is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.
This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.
In practice, this means that if your purse store were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.
Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?
Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.
Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).
STEP 3: Register for taxes
You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!
You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?
There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.
STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card
Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
Open a business bank account
Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.
Get a business credit card
Getting a business credit card helps you:
- Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business’ expenses all in one place.
- Build your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.
Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.
STEP 5: Set up business accounting
Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.
Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.
STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
State & Local Business Licensing Requirements
Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a purse business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.
Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.
Certificate of Occupancy
A purse business can be run out of a storefront. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.
- If you plan to lease a location:
- It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
- Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a purse business.
- After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
- If you plan to purchase or build a location:
- You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
- Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your purse business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.
STEP 7: Get business insurance
Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.
There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.
Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.
Find out what types of insurance your Purse Store needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Purse Store.
STEP 8: Define your brand
Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.
If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.
How to promote & market a purse store
Social media and the internet are a small business’ best friends. Blogs, fashion forums, and photographs of your merchandise can all be part of a daily routine of promoting your business. And most social media output is free.
You will also be able to personally interact with your customer base, which often is instrumental in growing your base, even if they aren’t regular foot traffic for the store. Signage can also be critical, if you are in a secluded location or share space with other businesses.
For a small store, it may be wise to invest in a marketing and PR firm, who will manage an online presence for you, as well as work to promote your business through multiple channels. Fashion is as much about who you know as it is what you know. Public relations is designed to make these connections. As you make a name for yourself, consider buying spaces on fashion websites or periodicals, both online and in print.
How to keep customers coming back
For a store such as this, your customers will be searching for exclusive and one of a kind styles. Knowing what your competitors offer can help you avoid over saturation and you can carve out your own niche in the industry. Open up a dialogue with your customers, too. Be personable, ask them what they want, and tailor to your clientele.
Strong customer service is always a positive. Many shoppers appreciate the familiarity and individual attention they receive from a favorite store. At the same time, be diligent about studying emerging fashion trends and purse styles. Exclusive shops understand that they are must be thought leaders for their industry. You must also be a confident guide for repeat customers. A trusted opinion is a powerful tool, when influencing customer decisions.
STEP 9: Create your business website
After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.
While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.
STEP 10: Set up your business phone system
Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.
There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.
Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com
Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.
Is this Business Right For You?
For those with an eye for style, experience in retail purse and handbag sales, or potential purse designers and manufacturers, a purse business can be an excellent fit. It is helpful to be aware of current fashion trends and passionate about handbags and purses, particularly as functional fashion accessories.
Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?
Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!
What happens during a typical day at a purse store?
As this is a retail business, interaction with customers will be a top priority. Changing displays and restocking items will also factor into day-to-day activities. Additionally, contacting vendors and ordering more merchandise will be a regular occurrence. If your shop specializes in antique/vintage purse sales or consignment, assessing the value and condition of these items will be necessary.
In addition, you will:
- Clean and organize the store nightly
- Oversee and implement new marketing/advertising
- Compare pricing and merchandise of competitors
- Online blogging and social media updates
- Interact with customers, both in-store and online
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful purse store?
Owners of businesses which revolve around fashion and design will do well to be deeply involved within these same industries. A high-end purse retailer should be familiar with the designers and companies which are popular or on the rise. If you are selling vintage or antique purses, study the history and rare qualities associated with the sought after items. Visit websites, such as Antique Purse Collector’s Society to garner more information and become involved in this community of collectors and sellers. Be a student of your trade and continue to conduct research regularly.
In addition, experience in the following areas will be helpful:
- Retail or commission sales
- Marketing and advertising
- Computers and Internet blogging
- Communications or public relations experience
- An overall love for fashion and design
What is the growth potential for a purse store?
Specialty shops, such as purse stores, can be very lucrative businesses, if location and clientele are researched properly. Understanding the buying potential of your customers is key to success. Purses and handbags tend to be items which aren’t as quick to need replacement as shoes or clothing. Therefore, the store must attract return customers as well as casual retail shoppers. A location which will experience a larger amount of foot traffic will most likely help your store see more frequent sales and a need for expansion.
Take the Next Step
Find a business mentor
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.
Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
Learn from other business owners
Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.
Resources to Help Women in Business
There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:
- Funding
- Events
- Guides
- Support
If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a purse store?
Small business retailers offer the following advice:
- Do not wait to launch your company until everything is perfect. Your business will be ever-evolving. Nothing will ever be perfect.
- Be open to new ideas, techniques, and strategies.
- Research the competition prior to opening your business. Research their: keywords, customers, who their sales reps are, their website, sales funnels, and distribution. This information will prove invaluable for the growth of your own organization.
- Location is critical to your shop’s success. Before you begin looking, conduct your own research to identify the neighborhoods that would best support your shop. Those spaces tend to get rented quickly, so be diligent in your hunt.
- In retail, it’s particularly critical that you define your budget and stick to it.
How and when to build a team
Depending on the size of your store, you’ll probably need at least one or two employees to help shoulder the burden of starting the business. Leave yourself enough open space on the calendar, day to day, so you will be able to take care of the surprises which pop up. Then, once the store is established, consider bringing on additional employees as sales rise or maintain a positive trend.