How to Start a Skate Shop

The skateboarding culture was first introduced in America in the mid-1940s. Today, the culture encompasses the values of artistic expression, mutual respect for fellow man, social networking, and respect for our Mother Earth. Despite its popularity across the globe, the skating community is always in need of positive role models, committed to pass on the values and traditions the skateboarding culture embodies.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee.

Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

DIY: How to Start an LLC

Start a skate shop by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Skate Shop
  2. Form your Skate Shop into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Skate Shop for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Skate Shop
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Skate Shop
  7. Get Skate Shop Insurance
  8. Define your Skate Shop Brand
  9. Create your Skate Shop Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your skate shop. 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:

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 Skate Shop 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 skate shop?

There are a number of investments you’ll need to make before opening your doors. First, you’ll need a storefront. Location is critical to the survival of your business. Pick an area that’s easy to get to, has foot traffic, and is close to your local skate park. Depending upon size and location, rent can run anywhere from $1000/month to several thousand. When budgeting, plan on setting aside first and last month’s rent as a deposit for your space.

Once you know the size and layout of your new space, it’s time to start purchasing the necessary items to set up shop. A few items you’ll need are:

  • Slat walls for displaying decks
  • Tools for working on skateboards – skate tool, razor blades, Allen wrenches, screwdrivers, and sockets
  • Workbench
  • Glass display cases for accessories
  • Fixtures and shelving for clothes and shoes
  • Music system
  • TV/DVD player for skateboard videos
  • Credit card machine
  • Cash register

The biggest mistake new entrepreneurs make is carrying products in only one price range. While you’ll need to carry some complete sets, the bulk of your clientele will want their own custom board, so stock your inventory with all the necessary accessories. Your inventory should include decks for all experience levels, which wholesale for $10-$25, wheels, which will put you out about $7/set, and trucks which start at $12/set. Build a relationship with a brand that manufactures products you believe in, ensuring you deliver a quality product every time.

Your inventory should also include a small selection of skater apparel and shoes. Inventory will be your biggest startup expense and can range anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000, depending upon how much merchandise you want to start out with.

What are the ongoing expenses for a skate shop?

Your biggest monthly expense will be maintaining a suitable selection of inventory. If you decide to maintain an online store, there will be fees to host and maintain your site. Hosting skate events at least twice a year will get your name out in the community. June 21st is Go Skateboarding Day, so mark your calendar and host a special event that day. The costs associated vary depending upon how large your event is and how much support you’re able to get from other businesses in the community.

Many skate shop owners also sponsor a skateboard team, showcasing the top local talent. Team participants should be supplied with team shirts and free products. Schedule them for demos whenever possible and reward them for a job well done. As the team progresses and funds become more readily available, you’ll need to consider paying them as well.

Who is the target market?

You’ll welcome the novice seeking advice and products to help get them started. The shop will also attract a customer base who, while not skaters, appreciate a specific shoe or clothing brand that you carry. Your bread and butter will be the individuals who have found a common bond with others in the community through skating. Each of these clients are critical to your business’ survival.

How does a skate shop make money?

Revenue is generated through each sale you make. Because your profits are tied directly to sales, you’ll want to maintain a full service operation, offering your customers more than just the standard skateboard. Remember, you’re supporting the culture and all that it represents.

How much can you charge customers?

Skaters recognize the value of a quality product and understand the costs associated. Beginner boards retail for approximately $50 and pro boards customized for the experienced skater retail as high as $500. Be sure to stock your shelves with a variety of options for every skill level; the novice skater will likely not be willing to shell out $150 for their first board.

How much profit can a skate shop make?

Skate shop owners report a profit ranging from $30,000 to upwards of $200,000 annually. Revenue generated is largely dependent upon the community you’re a part of, the location you decide on for your storefront, and the quality of products you maintain.

How can you make your business more profitable?

While opening a skate shop has probably been a longtime dream, it’s more than just hanging out with like-minded individuals each day. Let’s look at a few ways you can ensure your business yields the profit you desire.

  • Many small skate shop owners shy away from maintaining a website, but an online store has the potential to almost double your income when managed properly.
  • Make space in your store for skaters to gather and talk. This backs your claim that you support the skating community and will generate additional sales.
  • Have snacks and drinks available for purchase. Why send them somewhere else to buy refreshments when they can purchase them from you?
  • Adjust your hours to fit your client base. Many skate shops maintain hours that fit their client’s needs. Consider opening from 10-7 to accommodate those who work or are in school during the day. Saturdays are a must, as that’s the busiest day for skateboard shops.

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 skate shop 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 skate shop 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.

More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We’ve negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.

FORM YOUR LLC

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:

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

State and Local Licensing and Permits Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a skate shop. 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.

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 Skate Shop needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Skate Shop.

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 skate shop

Word of mouth and being active in the skate community will be your greatest advertising, but there are a few other, low-cost things you can do to get your shop’s name recognized.

First, design a logo that is unique and recognizable. Have t-shirts and stickers made. The skaters will wear your t-shirt and cover their decks with your stickers, essentially providing you with free advertising.

Be proactive within the skate community by hosting local events. This provides something fun and positive for the skaters to do, as well as generates excitement about what you’re trying to do with your shop.

Lastly, get yourself set up with social media accounts. Social media is the perfect tool for keeping your customers apprised of store specials and upcoming events. And it’s free!

How to keep customers coming back

The best way to attract and retain customers is integrating yourself within that community. Getting to know them on a more personal level offers insight into what products and services they’re looking for. It also creates a loyal customer base that will continue to grow.

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: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, 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?

Successful skate shop owners are fully immersed in the skating community. They are passionate about sharing their wisdom and love of the sport, as well as offering skaters a place to interact with like-minded individuals.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a skate shop?

As the owner of a skate shop, your daily activities will extend beyond the mundane tasks it takes to run a business.

Some of the most critical daily tasks required of a skate shop owner:

  • Maintain accurate inventory of products
  • Place product orders as needed
  • Maintain online store (if you choose to have one) and ship orders as they come in
  • Keep up-to-date on the latest trends within the skating community

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful skate shop?

Experience in the sport itself is critical. Customers will come to you for advice about the specifics of a board or the feel of a shoe. When a skater moves to a new area, the first place they’ll find is the local skate shop. They’ll want to know where the best places are to skate, what type of events are in the area, and what type of support skaters receive from the community.

The second most critical skill you’ll need is the ability to listen and observe. Understand your audience and get to know their ever-changing needs. Listen when they tell you about a product or brand they desire. Offer them the support they need when a community issue arises. Skate parks and shops are often the only community support skaters receive.

There are a number of great resources for skateboard store owners to take advantage of IASC and Board Retailers Association both offer memberships with invaluable benefits. They help build relationships between retailers and business owners and conduct research for the skateboard industry. Additionally, memberships often come with discounts on products and events happening across the nation.

What is the growth potential for a skate shop?

Most skate enthusiasts make a conscious choice to support the small, local skate shop over the big chains or online stores. With that in mind, you will likely want to keep your skate business small and personal. Your success will come from the types of products you sell and the access your customers have to other skate products in your immediate area.

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.

How and when to build a team

Many skate shop owners hold off on hiring employees for the first couple years. When you’re ready to take on employees, you’ll likely have a number of customers who’ve inquired about a job with your store. Build a solid team by choosing applicants who show a genuine interest in building up the skating culture and are knowledgeable in the profusion of product options.

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading