How to Start a Sporting Goods Store

Just about everyone who engages in athletics requires sports equipment of some sort. From little league baseball to street hockey, junior varsity teams, and the weekend golfer, there is ample demand for sports equipment. Sporting goods stores stock the necessities for sports participants, whether it is baseball bats, hockey sticks, basketballs, golf clubs, ice skates, footballs, or hockey pucks.

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)

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Start a sporting goods store by following these 10 steps:

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

We have put together this simple guide to starting your sporting goods 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:

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 Sporting Goods 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 sporting goods store?

The entrepreneur must rent a retail space for his sporting goods store. Alternatively, he could purchase a website for his store. Additional costs include purchasing the initial inventory, paying employees to man the registers and stock the shelves, obtaining a business license and insurance, and connecting/running the utilities. A computer and high-speed Internet connection will also be necessary for inventory research purposes.

What are the ongoing expenses for a sporting goods store?

Ongoing expenses include the cost of employee wages, workers’ compensation insurance, utilities, rent, and inventory. The typical sporting goods store clerk makes around $8 to $10 per hour. If you do not want to manage the business, a sporting goods store manager will require a salary in the range of $25,000 to $35,000 per year. The monthly Internet connection will likely run between $40 and $60. If you do not want to clean the store yourself, a cleaning service will be necessary. Such a service typically costs about $120 for 1,000 square feet and upwards of $175 for a 3,000 foot space. Monthly utilities will likely run between $100 and $200 per month depending on the time of year. If you decide to rent your retail space instead of purchasing, monthly rent will likely cost between $700 and $2,000 per month depending on the size of the space and the specific location.

Who is the target market?

Sporting goods store business owners typically prefer selling to coaches of youth sports teams, junior high school teams, and high school teams. These coaches buy sports equipment in bulk so each player on the team has enough gear to make it through the year. Customers who prefer high-end sports equipment are also coveted as they are willing to pay a premium for high-quality items. Such items usually carry a larger profit margin for the business owner.

How does a sporting goods store make money?

Sporting goods stores make money by selling sports equipment at a profit. Once inventory is ordered, the price of these goods is then marked up so the business can make enough profit to cover overhead expenses and continue operations.

How much can you charge customers?

Sporting goods have a wide price range. As an example, shock absorbers for tennis rackets will sell at $5 for a pack of two. A baseball mitt can sell for upwards of $150 or more. A set of golf clubs will retail for several hundred dollars. Sports drinks will sell for $1 to $3. Keep your prices in line with the competition and your customers will remain loyal.

How much profit can a sporting goods store make?

The profit ceiling hinges on the size of your sporting goods store as well as the size of your market. If your business is operating like a well-oiled machine, it is possible to make a profit of several thousand dollars per month. If you grow at a rapid pace and reach the level of success achieved by sporting goods chains like Dick’s Sporting Goods, it is possible to make several hundred millions or more in profit each year.

How can you make your business more profitable?

One of the best ways to make money as a sporting goods store owner is to purchase used sports equipment from customers and re-sell it for a profit. Accept items in decent shape, clean them up and you will eventually sell them for more than you paid. If you are particularly knowledgeable or skilled as an athlete, you can pitch your services as a sports instructor to clients. Another idea for a related side business is to set up batting cages, an electronic golf simulator or sports-related arcade games in or near your sporting goods store.

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 sporting goods 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 sporting goods 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.

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

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a sporting goods store. 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 sporting goods store is usually 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 storefront:
    • 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 sporting goods store.
    • 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 a storefront:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for you business’ location to ensure your sporting goods store 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 Sporting Goods Store needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Sporting Goods 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 sporting goods store

Take advantage of a wide array of advertising methods. Establish a strong web presence with a search engine optimization (SEO) push that makes use of keyword-laden content, guest blogging efforts, social media, and a website that is regularly updated with insightful content. It is also prudent to advertise in the local paper, on the radio, and possibly even on local TV programming. Some sporting goods store owners enjoy success by sponsoring a local youth sports team. Such sponsorship places the store’s name and/or logo on the team’s jerseys and/or sections of the stadium in which games are played.

How to keep customers coming back

The best way to attract customers is to provide excellent deals to your initial customers. They will spread the word to fellow coaches and athletes about your competitive prices and high-quality inventory. Regularly update your social media profiles, website, and blog to skyrocket up the search engine rankings. Spread out your marketing budget across various mediums, and you will retain customers across posterity.

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?

This is the perfect business for individuals who have a sports background or are interested in athletics. Those who are particularly knowledgeable about sporting goods brands and the merits of particular sports equipment will thrive in this business.

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 sporting goods store?

Sporting goods store business owners perform varied activities throughout the day. The morning is spent preparing inventory for the day’s sales, opening the store, and preparing cash register drawers. Mid-day activities include assisting customers, fielding phone inquiries from prospective customers, researching potential purchases, and placing orders for new inventory.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful sporting goods store?

The entrepreneur must have knowledge of sports, excellent people skills, and they must enjoy the presence of youngsters. If the sporting goods store owner is unable to discuss the nuances of particular sports equipment, customers might opt to do business with a businessman who understands the intricacies of his inventory. The entrepreneur should also be a savvy marketer. He should understand marketing strategies that will connect him to target customers, with a special focus on developing a rapport with coaches and players of local youth leagues. As noted above, young athletes purchase a larger portion of sports equipment in comparison to other types of customers.

What is the growth potential for a sporting goods store?

Sports have never been more popular. An entrepreneur who sets up shop in a bustling suburb or urban environment will undoubtedly enjoy a steady stream of customers. This business has fantastic growth potential, especially if it is located in an area where families reside. A large portion of sporting goods are sold to youth sports participants.

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 sporting goods store?

It is prudent to load up on youth sports equipment as many of those who visit sporting goods stores participate in little league baseball, pee wee football, youth tennis and other sports leagues. Inventory should be wide-ranging in terms of price, style and utility. Your inventory should also cater to the sports seasons. For example, displays in early spring should cater to baseball and softball plays, and football equipment should be your main concern as fall approaches.

How and when to build a team

You can’t operate an entire sporting goods store on your own. You will need help from at least one other employee when the business launches. This individual will assist with customer service, sales, stocking the shelves, ordering inventory, and even some marketing efforts. Once the business receives a steady flow of customers and you begin to make money it is time to add more employees. Add new employees on a gradual basis as there is no guarantee the business will continue to attract new customers on a consistent basis in the months and years ahead. However, it is prudent to keep enough people on board so you don’t have to work an employee more than 40 hours per week. The goal is to avoid potentially crippling overtime pay by balancing out the hours across several employees.

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading