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How to Write a School Supplies Business Plan [Sample Template]

Are you about starting a school supplies company? If YES, here is a complete sample school supplies business plan template & feasibility report you can use FREE. School supplies businesses sell and distribute teaching materials to schools, parents, teachers and students. These stores frequently carry a wide selection of educational materials and decorations for classroom teachers such as books, pencils, pens, etc.

With this type of business, you can choose to own a store/warehouse if you have the financial capacity to or you can choose to operate without a store. The bottom line is that you must own your own distribution truck/van, you should know how to source for school supplies and how to get them delivered to your customers.

Come to think of it, starting a school supplies business is profitable, it is a very easy business to start and it is not so capital intensive especially if you get the goods on trust from the production companies. Getting the right products that people want to buy and good networking and stock keeping records are the secrets of running a school supplies business.

So, if you have decided to start a school supplies business, then you should ensure that you carry out thorough feasibility studies and also market survey. This will enable you locate the business in a location with the right demography, network with school supplies retailers and then hit the ground running.

Business plan is yet another very important business document that you should not take for granted while launching your own school supplies business. Below is a sample school supplies business plan template that will give you the needed guide to write yours with ease.

A Sample School Supplies Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Businesses in the School Supplies Wholesaling industry are involved in the sale and distribution of office tools, writing implements, stamps and stencils, stationery and loose-leaf paper, notebooks, binders and organizers and other related items.

If you have been keeping close tabs with happenings in the School Supplies Wholesaling industry, you would have noticed that the industry has struggled over the five years to 2018 with low demand and declining supply-chain relevance.

The School Supplies Wholesaling industry is a thriving sector of the economy of the united states of America and they generate a whooping over billion annually from more than 508 registered and licensed School Supplies Wholesaling businesses scattered all around the United States of America.

The industry is responsible for the employment of over 2,698 people. Experts project the industry to grow at a -2.0 percent annual rate within 2013 and 2018. It is important to state that the company holding the largest market share in the School Supplies Wholesaling industry is School Specialty Inc.

A recent report released by IBISWorld shows that over the past five years, the School Supplies Wholesaling industry has declined by -2.0 percent to reach revenue of $2bn in 2018. In the same timeframe, the number of businesses has declined by -0.2 percent and the number of employees has declined by -3.0 percent.

It is a fact that an estimated two-thirds of the United States’ gross domestic product (GDP) comes from retail consumption of which the School Supplies Wholesaling industry contributes greatly. This is why the United States of America’s economy is measured with the yardstick of how well the retailing business is fairing there.

When there is an unstable economy, purchasing power drops and it impacts the retailing / distribution industry negatively which may result in the closure of some of these businesses.

School supplies business is indeed a profitable business venture and it is open for any aspiring entrepreneur to come in and establish his or her business; you can choose to start on a small scale without a store/warehouse or you can choose to start on a large scale with standard store/warehouse, dozens of distribution trucks and a strong online presence.

2. Executive Summary

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC is a registered distribution company that will be involved in the distribution of teaching resources to schools and retail centers. Our warehouse and store will be located around Los Angeles Unified – California which happens to be the district with the second highest number of schools (646,683 schools) in the whole of the United States.

We have been able to lease a warehouse facility that is big enough to fit into the kind of school supplies company that we intend launching and the facility is centrally located in the heart of town with easy delivery network.

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC will distribute a wide range of school supplies at affordable prices from different brands. We will engage in the sale and distribution of office tools, writing implements, stamps and stencils, stationery and loose-leaf paper, notebooks, binders, organizers and other related items.

We are aware that there are several school supplies companies all around Los Angeles- California which is why we spent time and resources to conduct our feasibility studies and market survey so as to offer much more than our competitors will be offering. We have robust distribution network; strong online presence and our distributors are armed with the various payment options available in the United States.

Our customer care is going to be second to none in the whole of Los Angeles Unified – California and our deliveries will be highly reliable. We know that our customers are the reason why we are in business which is why we will go the extra mile to get them satisfied when they patronize our products.

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC will ensure that all our customers are given first class treatment whenever they visit our warehouse or order school supplies from us. We have a CRM software that will enable us manage a one on one relationship with our customers no matter how large the numbers of our customers’ base and distribution network may grow to.

We will ensure that we get our customers involved in the selection of brands and also when making some business decisions that directly affect them.

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely.

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC is a family business that is owned by Regina Trent and her immediate family members. Regina Trent has a B.Sc. in Business Administration with over 8 years’ experience in the retailing and distribution industry, working for some of the leading brand in the United States.

Although the business is launching out with focusing on Los Angeles Unified – California, but there is a plan to expand our distribution network all across the state of California.

3. Our Products and Services

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC is in the School Supplies Wholesaling industry and we will be involved in the distribution of a wide range of products from top manufacturing brands in the United States. Our products and services offerings are listed below;

• Writing implements, stamps and stencils
• Stationery (Pencil box, Crayons, Colored pencils, Washable markers, Ballpoint pens, Pencil sharpener, Erasers, Glue sticks, Ruler, Blunt-tipped scissors, Plastic folders, Assorted construction paper, Wide-ruled notebook or pad, Index cards, Loose-leaf paper)
• Notebooks, binders and organizers
• Lunchbox or bag

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to become the leading brand in the school supplies line of business in the whole of Los Angeles Unified – California.
• Our mission is to establish a highly reliable school supplies business brand that will distribute a wide range of teaching resources to schools and retail centers in Los Angeles Unified and other cities in California where we intend launching out.

Our Business Structure

Our intention of starting a school supplies business is to build a standard retail and distribution business in Los Angeles Unified – California. We will ensure that we put the right structure in place that will support the kind of growth that we have in mind while setting up the business.

We will make sure that we hire people that are qualified, honest, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all our stakeholders. As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of ten years or more.

In view of that, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions that will be made available at Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC;

• Chief Executive Officer (Owner)
• Warehouse Manager
• Human Resources and Admin Manager

Merchandize Manager

Sales and Marketing Manager

Information Technologist

• Accountants/Cashiers
• Customer Services Executive
• Drivers/Distributors

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results and developing incentives
• Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Reports to the board

Admin and HR Manager

• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defining job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carrying out induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Oversee the smooth running of the daily office activities.

Warehouse Manager:

• Responsible for organizing the safe and efficient receipt, storage and dispatch of warehoused goods
• In charge of planning, coordinating and monitoring the receipt, order assembly and dispatch of goods
• In charge of coordinating the use of automated and computerized systems where necessary
• Responsible for keeping stock control systems up to date and making sure inventories are accurate
• Responsible for producing regular reports and statistics on a daily, weekly and monthly basis
• Ensures that proper records of goods are kept and warehouse does not run out of products
• Ensure that the warehouse facility is in tip top shape and goods are properly arranged and easy to locate
• Supervise the workforce in the warehouse floor.
• Manage vendor relations, market visits, and the ongoing education and development of the organizations’ buying teams
• Responsible for the purchase of office tools, writing implements, stamps and stencils, stationery and loose-leaf paper, notebooks, binders and organizers and other related items for the organizations
• Ensures that the organization operates within stipulated budget.
• Manage external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
• Model demographic information and analyze the volumes of transactional data generated by customer purchases
• Identify, prioritize, and reach out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Document all customer contact and information
• Represent the company in strategic meetings
• Help increase sales and growth for the company
• Manage the organization website
• Handles ecommerce aspect of the business
• Responsible for installing and maintenance of computer software and hardware for the organization
• Manage logistics and supply chain software, Web servers, e-commerce software and POS (point of sale) systems
• Manage the organization’s CCTV
• Handles any other technological and IT related duties.

Accountant/Cashier:

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the organization
• Serves as internal auditor for the organization

Client Service Executive

• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with customers on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the human resources and admin manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to customers when they make enquiries

Distribution Truck Drivers

• Assist in loading and unloading stock
• Maintain a logbook of their driving activities to ensure compliance with federal regulations governing the rest and work periods for operators.
• Keep a record of vehicle inspections and make sure the truck is equipped with safety equipment
• Assist the transport and logistics manager in planning their route according to a distribution schedule.
• Local-delivery drivers may be required to sell products or services to stores and businesses on their route, obtain signatures from recipients and collect cash.
• Inspect vehicles for mechanical items and safety issues and perform preventative maintenance
• Comply with truck driving rules and regulations (size, weight, route designations, parking, break periods etc.) as well as with company policies and procedures
• Collect and verify delivery instructions
• Report defects, accidents or violations

6. SWOT Analysis

Our intention of starting out in Los Angeles Unified and distribute our goods only within the are is to test run the business for a period of 2 to 5 years to know if we will invest more money and then expand all around the state of California.

We are quite aware that there are several school supplies companies all over Los Angeles Unified and even in the same location where we intend locating ours, which is why we are following the due process of establishing a business.

We know that if a proper SWOT analysis is conducted for our business, we will be able to position our business to maximize our strength, leverage on the opportunities that will be available to us, mitigate our risks and be equipped to confront our threats.

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC employed the services of an expert HR and Business Analyst with bias in retailing and distribution to help us conduct a thorough SWOT analysis and to help us create a Business model that will help us achieve our business goals and objectives. This is the summary of the SWOT analysis that was conducted for Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC;

Our location, the business model we will be operating (robust distribution network), varieties of payment options, wide range of products from top brands and our excellent customer service culture will definitely count as a strong strength for Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC. So, also our management team has what it takes to grow a business from startup to profitability with a record time.

A major weakness that may count against us is the fact that we are a new school supplies business and we don’t have the financial capacity to compete with leaders in the industry for now.

• Opportunities:

The fact that we are going to be operating our school supplies business in Los Angeles Unified – California provides us with unlimited opportunities to supply our school supplies to a large number of schools and retail facilities. We have been able to conduct thorough feasibility studies and market survey and we know what our potential clients will be looking for when they patronize our products and services; we are well positioned to take on the opportunities that will come our way.

Just like any other business, one of the major threats that we are likely going to face is economic downturn. It is a fact that economic downturn affects purchasing / spending power. Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a similar business in same location where ours is located. We are not ignoring the fact that unfavorable government policies can also affect our business.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

A broader trend toward ecommerce has been particularly pronounced in this industry, which resulted into encouraging more consumers to circumvent retailers and the wholesalers that supply them. In addition to that, brick-and-mortar retail sales have increasingly shifted to big-box department and discount stores who also retail school supplies.

They have been able to overtime make use of their purchasing power to source products directly from manufacturers, internalizing distribution functions and eliminating independent wholesalers from the school supply chain.

It is now a common phenomenon for distribution companies to leverage on technology to effectively predict consumer demand patterns and to strategically position their business to meet their needs; in essence, the use of technology has helped businesses like school supplies to maximize supply chain efficiencies.

8. Our Target Market

The school supplies wholesaling industry has a wide range of customers. In view of that, we have positioned our school supplies company to service schools and retail centers in Los Angeles Unified – California and every other location we will cover.

We have conducted our market research and we have ideas of what our target market would be expecting from us. We are in business to retail (distribute) a wide range of school supplies from different production companies to the following businesses;

• Retailers of school supplies

Our competitive advantage

A close study of the school supplies industry reveals that the market has become much more intensely competitive over the last decade. As a matter of fact, you have to be highly creative, customer centric and proactive if you must survive in this industry. We are aware of the stiff competition and we are prepared to compete favorably with other leading school supplies businesses in and around Los Angeles Unified – California.

One thing is certain; we will ensure that we have a wide range of products available in our warehouse at all times. One of our business goals is to make Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC a one stop school supplies company. Our excellent customer service culture, timely and reliable delivery services, online presence, and various payment options will serve as a competitive advantage for us.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups school supplies businesses) in the industry meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our aims and objectives. We will also give good working conditions and commissions to freelance sales agents that we will recruit from time to time.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC is in business to retail (distribute) a wide range of school supplies from top production companies to schools in Los Angeles Unified – California. We are in the school supplies wholesaling industry to maximize profits and we are going to go all the way out to ensure that we achieve or business goals and objectives.

We will generate income for the business by retailing and distributing;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain when it comes to school supplies business, if your business is centrally positioned coupled with effective and reliable distribution network, you will always attract sales and that will sure translate to increase in revenue generation for the business.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Los Angeles Unified – California and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from our first six months of operation and grow the business and our clientele base.

We have been able to examine the school supplies wholesaling industry, we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast.

Below are the sales projections for Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC, it is based on the location of our business, the list of school supplies and other factors as it relates to school supplies startups in the United States;

• First Fiscal Year: $240,000
• Second Fiscal Year: $350,000
• Third Fiscal Year: $600,000

N.B : This projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same products and customer care services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Before choosing a location for Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC, we conducted a thorough market survey and feasibility studies in order for us to be able to penetrate the available market and become the preferred choice for schools, teachers, students and parents in Los Angeles Unified – California.

We hired experts who have good understanding of the retailing and distribution industry to help us develop marketing strategies that will help us achieve our business goal of winning a larger percentage of the available market in Los Angeles Unified – California.

In summary, Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC will adopt the following sales and marketing approach to win customers over;

• Open our business in a grand style with a party for all.
• Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to small – scale school supplies retailers, schools, teachers, students, households and key stakeholders in Los Angeles Unified – California
• Ensure that we have a wide range of school supplies from different brands within and outside the United States at all times.
• Make use of attractive hand bills to create awareness business
• Position our signage / flexi banners at strategic places around Los Angeles Unified – California
• Create a loyalty plan that will enable us reward our regular customers
• Engage on roadshows within our neighborhood to create awareness for our school supplies business.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Despite the fact that our school supplies business is well structured and well located, we will still go ahead to intensify publicity for the business.

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC has a long-term plan of opening distribution channels all around the state of California which is why we will deliberately build our brand to be well accepted in Los Angeles Unified School District area before venturing out.

Here are the platforms we intend leveraging on to promote and advertise Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC;

• Place adverts on community – based newspapers, radio and TV stations
• Encourage the use of word of mouth publicity from our loyal customers
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and other platforms to promote our business.
• Ensure that our we position our banners and billboards in strategic positions all around Los Angeles Unified – California
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in and around schools within Los Angeles Unified school district areas
• Brand all our official cars and distribution vans/trucks and ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirt or cap at regular intervals.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Pricing is one of the key factors that gives leverage to distribution companies and retailers, it is normal for retailers to purchase products from distribution companies where they can goods at cheaper price. We will work towards ensuring that all our goods are distributed at highly competitive prices compared to what is obtainable in the United States of America.

We also have plans in place to discount our goods once in a while and also to reward our loyal customers from time to time.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via credit cards
• Payment via POS machines
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for our products without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

From our market research and feasibility studies, we were able to come up with the following financial projections and costing as it relates to establishing a standard school supplies business in the United States of America;

• The total fee for registering the business in the United States of America – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services (software, P.O.S machines and other software) – $3,300.
• Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening of Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC in the amount of $3,500 and as well as flyer printing (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580.
• The cost for hiring business consultant – $2,500.
• The cost for insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $2,400.
• The cost for payment of rent for 12 months at $1.76 per square feet warehouse facility in the total amount of $105,600.
• The total cost for warehouse facility remodeling (construction of racks and shelves) – $20,000.
• Other start-up expenses including stationery ($500) and phone and utility deposits ($2,500).
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $60,000
• The cost for Start-up inventory (stocking with a wide range of office tools, writing implements, stamps and stencils, stationery and loose-leaf paper, notebooks, binders, organizers and other related items) – $100,000
• The cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $13,750
• The cost of purchase and installation of CCTVs – $5,000
• The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, TVs, Sound System, tables and chairs et al) – $4,000.
• The cost for the purchase of distribution vans / trucks – $25,000
• The cost of launching a website – $600
• The cost for our opening party – $7,000
• Miscellaneous – $10,000

We would need an estimate of $350,000 to successfully set up our school supplies business in Los Angeles Unified – California.

Generating Funds/Startup Capital for Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC is a private business that is solely owned and financed by Regina Trent and her immediate family members. They do not intend to welcome any external business partner which is why she has decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital to 3 major sources.

• Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings
• Source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Apply for loan from the bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about $100,000 (Personal savings $80,000 and soft loan from family members $10,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $250,000 from our bank. All the papers and documents have been signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited with the amount.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the number of loyal customers that they have, the capacity and competence of their employees, their investment strategy and business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running. We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to distribute our school supplies a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner.

We know that if we diligently put in place all that is stated above, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Leasing of warehouse facility and remodeling the facility: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Printing of Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of furniture, racks, shelves, computers, electronic appliances, office appliances and CCTV: In progress
• Purchase of distribution vans: Completed
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and around the community: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party/launching party planning: In Progress
• Compilation of our list of products that will be distribute: Completed
• Establishing business relationship with school supplies manufacturing companies within and outside of the United States of America: In Progress

More on Education

6 Tips On How To Start And Manage A School & Office Supplies Store

Many school and office supplies store owners say that this type of business is almost as stable as any food business. While many have closed their physical stores due to the pandemic, shifting to an online store still leads to profits. Even during a recession, students and offices will still need supplies such as paper, notebooks, pens, etc.

If you’re interested in starting a school and office supplies store, we listed 6 tips that could help you.

1. Business Plan

You might be excited to start this business that you’re already full of ideas. To get those ideas working, you need to have a well-research business plan . This will put together all your thoughts, ideas, plans, projections, actions to be done, requirements, and more. Basically, a business plan will be your guide on how to plan, operate, market, and earn. In your business plan, you can include the following:

• Financial statement
• Projected Sales
• List of suppliers
• Marketing and promotion
• Target Market
• Competitors (price comparison, advantage, etc.)

2. Offer Value

Part of making your business plan is researching the market and your competitors. Think of something that your customers will value. Maybe lower price, better customer service, convenience, etc. These are important because they will set you apart from your competitors.

3. Order From Direct Suppliers

Often, pricing and variety are keys to a successful school and office supplies store. The target market for these businesses is often students who are working on a budget. Whenever possible, order directly from a manufacturer or importer, so you can obtain your goods at a lower price. However, keep in mind that they often require a minimum number of items. So, it’s best to research which suppliers suit your budget and funds.

4. Have A Market-Based Pricing Strategy

A tip to help make your business more profitable is to survey the market-based price. Research the market price of your items by knowing the price of your competitors. From there, you can play around with your profit margin. Remember that your customers don’t know the actual cost of your goods from suppliers but they know the price of your competitors.

5. Keep Up With Trends

The retail business is dynamic and always changing, so you still need to keep up with the trends. Research for new items to sell and discontinue slow-moving items in your inventory.

6. Look For Reliable Suppliers

There are tons of suppliers, and stores that offer paper products, school supplies, office supplies, and general merchandise in retail and wholesale. The popular go-to places when looking for the most affordable supplies are:

• Commonwealth Market
• 168 Mall Binondo
• Marikina Riverbanks

You can also reach out to local school and office supplies companies such as:

• JB Merchandising Inc. (JBM)
• Goldwings Stationery Products
• Risco Stationery Trading
• Crown Supply Corporation
• NGBROS Enterprises

If you prefer online stores, there are tons of suppliers on Lazada, Alibaba, etc. You just have to inquire about their rules and requirements.

The school and office supplies business has great potential if you do it right. Like any business, always research and learn. Good luck!

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How to Start a Student-Run School Store

For sale: pencils, T-shirts, and important life skills.

Looking to start a school store? A school store offers the chance to teach students real-world skills like accounting, sales, marketing, and so much more. Here’s how to get yours up and running. It may seem like there’s a lot to do, but we’ve broken it all down into 10 basic steps that will have you and your students selling pencils and T-shirts in no time.

1. Decide who’s in charge.

Although you’ll want to involve students as much as you can, you will need at least one adult to manage things. In some schools, the store is run by a specific class (e.g., a high school accounting or marketing class, a middle school math class, or even an upper elementary class), and the teacher of that class is in charge. In others, the PTA is involved, and a parent or committee oversees the store. No matter who will manage the store, remember that your goal is to involve students in every step of the process.

Pro tip:  Adults will need to ensure that the actual daily cash is handled according to the school district’s policies. Take this into account when considering school-store management.

2. Find a location.

SOURCE: Cypress Elementary

Like real estate agents say, location is everything. Many stores operate in or near the school cafeteria, since every student winds up there at some point during the day. The school library can be another great choice. The lobby or main office is also a prime location. Remember that you’ll need room for all your stock as well as a display area and a space to serve as a counter (a table is fine) for purchases.

Pro tip: Short on space? Use a rolling cart to set up shop anywhere that’s convenient. The cart can be locked up in a supply closet or administrator’s office with the rest of your inventory when not in use.

3. Determine store hours.

What hours will your store be open? Popular times for school stores are lunch times, before and after school, and during school events, like concerts or athletic games. Consider who will need to be available at these times—high school kids may not always need an adult by their sides, but younger kids will definitely need a teacher or parent there when the store is open.

Pro tip:  Offer students and parents the chance to place orders in advance via a paper or online form. This gives them more browsing time and speeds up transactions when the store is open.

4. Choose your stock.

SOURCE: Washington Township High School

This is the fun part! Students of any age should definitely be involved here, because they know what is likely to be popular. Items with the school logo are always a big hit—think pencils, folders, notebooks, and T-shirts. If you don’t already have a supplier for these items, there are plenty of sites online that do promotional printing at reasonable prices. Other popular items for a school store include novelty items, like small toys, scented pencils, or colorful erasers; snacks and bottled water; and basic school supplies, like pens and crayons.

Pro tip:  Try selling gift certificates—parents can buy them for their kids, or teachers can offer them as rewards for good work.

5. Gather other supplies.

Other school-store supplies you might need include calculators, signage, and shelving. You’ll need a cash box that locks and some small bills and change to get things started. Will you issue receipts? You’ll need a receipt book and pens. Remember to get an account and inventory ledger, too, or use QuickBooks Online —it’s free for teachers and students (more on that below).

Pro tip: Give your school-store staff name tags or even an official T-shirt or badge to wear when they’re on the job.

6. Price the items.

First things first: It’s entirely okay for your school store to make a profit. In fact, that makes it a better learning experience for the students involved! Raise money for something your school needs or plan to donate proceeds to charity. Ask kids to help determine the prices for items; understanding how market prices and markups work is a great entry into the world of business.

Pro tip: Try to have items at a variety of prices, but remember that you’ll need to have the correct change on hand if you price things at a nickel, dime, or quarter.

7. Set up a financial management system.

Calling all future entrepreneurs and accountants! This is where math and business skills really come into play. Teach students the importance of financial management as they keep track of inventory and sales and then balance the books at the end of the month. You can go the old-fashioned paper ledger route, but students will benefit more from learning how to use accounting software. QuickBooks Online is popular with small business owners everywhere, and your students and school can receive free licenses to use the program. These are real-world skills students will appreciate now and down the line.

Pro tip:  New to QuickBooks? With  online courses and tutorials , the program is easy to learn for students and teachers alike. Plus, educators who register with Intuit Education can access additional free curriculum plus one-on-one guidance from the Intuit Education team.

8. Staff your store.

Try to have your school store staffed by students when possible, with adults there to oversee and guide when needed. Handling money, making change, serving customers, keeping track of sales … these are all valuable skills that students can learn, even in elementary school. Rotate students through different jobs (front-line sales, inventory and bookkeeping, and so on) so they have a chance to build a variety of competencies. Appoint older students as assistant managers and have them help create and maintain the school-store staff schedules.

Pro tip:  Have older students apply for the jobs, giving them résumé and interview practice.

9. Advertise your store.

This is another great cross-curricular learning activity. Have students write persuasive ads or commercials in English class. Then get the art students to design posters to post around school. Bring in the drama students to act in the commercials then play the ads during morning announcements or school news reports.

Pro tip: Don’t forget parents—place ads in school newsletters and on the school website, too.

10. Open the doors!

You’re ready to go! As with any small business, expect a few bumps along the road as you get started. Meet regularly with the student and adult staff to talk about what’s going well and what might need to be changed. Remember to be flexible as you tweak the process for your school’s needs.

Pro tip:  Each quarter or semester, publicly announce profits for the store and share what those profits are being used for. This gives the whole school a sense of ownership and pride.

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Start a School Supply Store

Rekindle Your Inner Child: Dive into the World of a School Supply Store

SCHOOL SUPPLY STORE

Related business ideas, discover your perfect domain, school supply store mini business plan, expected percent margin:, earnings expectations:, required actions to achieve these numbers:, inventory management:, marketing and customer acquisition:, sales and customer service:, cost control:, business operations:, not what you had in mind here are more ideas, grab your business website name, step 1: determine if starting a school supply store is the right endeavor, breakdown of startup expenses, breakdown of ongoing expenses, examples of ways to make money, step 2: name the business, step 3: obtain licenses and permits, apply for necessary licenses and permits, maintain licenses and permits, seek professional assistance, step 4: find a location, researching the local market, negotiating a lease, securing the location, step 5: create a business plan, step 6: secure financing, cost of financing, other considerations, step 7: purchase supplies, tips on what supplies to purchase, step 8: market the business, step 9: open the store, explore more categories, take the next steps.

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Bussines service or coronavirus bulk supplies buy directly from china factory.

Start a school supply store by following these 10 steps:

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 are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

What will you name your business.

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What are the costs involved in opening a school supply store?

A store space must be rented or purchased. Alternatively, you can launch the business online in the form of a website. If you take the online route, you must pay for the domain name and website maintenance. School supplies ranging from staplers to paper, book covers, pencils, pens, markers, binders, and beyond are necessary. Budget money for marketing along with a website, point-of-sale systems, retail display fixtures, inventory tracking software, a business license/permit, insurance, and labor. A handful of laborers will be necessary at the company’s launch. Laborers include cashiers and those who stock the shelves. You can add more people to the payroll as the business grows.

What are the ongoing expenses for a school supply store?

Ongoing expenses include store rent, employee wages, supplies, insurance, utilities, high-speed internet, and marketing. If you opt to rent your store rather than purchase the site where it will operate, you will likely spend between $700 and $1,500 or more per month in rent. The exact figure hinges on the location of your store and its size. Most employees will earn $8 to $12 per hour. If you hire a marketing professional, store manager, or accountant, they will earn a salary in the range of $30,000 to $50,000 or more. The cost of supplies hinges on the size of your store and the number of customers you attract. Budget at least a thousand dollars per month for supplies and adjust the figure accordingly as time progresses. Budget at least a couple hundred dollars per month for utilities including high-speed internet. Allocate at least $200 or more per month for marketing efforts.

Who is the target market?

The preferred client is a parent with multiple school-age youngsters. In some instances, teachers shop for classroom supplies on their own. Both of these customer types are inclined to spend a significant amount of money at your school supply store business.

How does a school supply store make money?

The business makes money by selling school supplies to students, parents of students, teachers, and schools.

Your school supplies will sell at a wide range of prices. Something as simple as a bookmark will sell for as little as fifty cents. A fancy binder portfolio will cost upwards of $30. However, most school supplies fall in the price range of a couple of dollars to $10.

How much profit can a school supply store make?

A school supply store has the potential to earn a profit of $20,000 to $50,000 or more in the first year. Grow the business, add another location, and profits can double in the ensuing year(s). Develop the business across the region and it is possible to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars or even a profit in the million-dollar range.

How can you make your business more profitable?

You can branch out by selling academic texts, backpacks, and toys like fidget spinners. Consider offering sales through your website. Customers can either pick up their online orders in-person at the brick-and-mortar location or you can deliver the items to the local purchaser. You can also try to sell office supplies along with holiday and party items to keep your store busy during the months in which school is not in session.

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  School Supply 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.

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common  business structure  types are the  sole proprietorship ,  partnership ,  limited liability company (LLC) , and  corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an  LLC  or  corporation  protects you from being held personally liable if your school supply store is issued.

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!

Learn how to get an EIN in our  What is an EIN  guide or find your existing EIN using our  EIN lookup  guide.

Small Business Taxes

Depending on which business structure you choose, you might have different options for how your business will be taxed. For example, some LLCs could benefit from being taxed as an  S corporation  (S corp).

You can learn more about small business taxes in these guides:

• Sole Proprietorship vs LLC
• LLC vs Corporation
• LLC vs S Corp
• How to Start an S Corp

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 .

Additionally, learning  how to build business credit  can help you get  credit cards  and another financing in your business’s name (instead of yours), better interest rates, higher lines of credit, and more.

Open a business bank account

• This separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• It also makes accounting and tax filing easier.

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.

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 school supply 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 .

For more information about local licenses and permits:

• Check with your town, city or county clerk’s office
• Get assistance from one of the local associations listed in  US Small Business Associations directory of local business resources .

Certificate of Occupancy

A school supply store is generally 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.

• 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 school supply 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.
• 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 school supply 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.

Learn more about  General Liability Insurance .

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.

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 aren’t feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners, we’ll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Step9: The True Flame Logo

Recommended: Get a logo using Truic’s free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker.

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.

Step10 How to promote & market a school supply store

Market your school supply store across an array of mediums. Advertise in the local paper and on local radio. It is also advisable to build a highly polished, easy-to-use website that appeals to youngsters, parents, and teachers alike. Optimize all of your online content for search engines (SEO). This means the website should be laden with keywords and key phrases pertaining to your locale, your inventory, and your customers. The website should also feature a regularly updated blog and links to your social media accounts. Update your social media accounts several times per week with information about sales, new inventory, special offers, and links to information that relates to academics.

How to keep customers coming back The best way to attract customers is to position the business by several schools, universities, malls, and other businesses/organizations that attract youngsters. If your store is located far away from prospective customers, it will prove awfully difficult to attract a steady stream of business. Once you pinpoint the perfect location, get your name out there through a wide-ranging marketing push. Advertise in the local paper, on local radio, in flyers, on billboards, and on the web. In terms of retaining customers, make sure your inventory is high-quality and your prices are competitive with other local school supplies stores. Make sure you have a wide array of supplies that appeal to grade school students, junior high school students, and university students.

Wrapping up

We at ShopShipShake have been working with businesses like yours with fulfilling experiences. We offer one-stop services, including an efficient supply chain, over 10 thousand of China’s suppliers, and more. With a successful track record of over 20,000 clients, we are sure to deliver your orders requirements. Let’s get in touch to build, sustain, and grow your businesses.

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My best friend and I are both elementary teachers and although, we love our students, the "rat race" of administration, the state department, and No Child Left Behind have stressed us out and made us reevaluate our current employment. Since both of us hold a degree in Elementary Education My wife is very interested in starting a school supply business. She is a stay at home mother, also attending nursing school. A couple days ago she helped a young mother supply her child with school supplies. Create a business plan Calculate start up cost Back in the day teachers and students were supplied all the items they required for a quality education, however, those days are well behind us and now teachers and students spend a lot of their own money on workbooks, antibacterial wipes, scissors, pencils, markers, construction paper, lined paper, crayons, glue sticks and last but not least; tissues. Before opening your teacher store, you will want to consider your business plan and ensure you have adequate financing. You will need to ascertain what support your teachers and students require and if you have enough teachers in your immediate area to supply. Check our office locations, apply a sensible budget and line up a reliable wholesale supplier. Do you need a website for this business and if so how much of your budget is needed for the setup? Try and make sure your business name reflects your goals, what is your target audience, is it elementary school or are you aiming for higher education? If you are aiming at elementary then you can have a more fun company name but if you are targeting higher education then your name should have a more professional edge. Once you have hashed this out have a quick check with your state office to make sure the name isn't already taken and you may also need to check with the US Patent and Trademark Office online. If you are going to need financing for this new venture you will need a well presented business plan to present to your bank manager, this plan will help them determine if your business if a high or low risk, you should outline your goals, your mission, your potential teacher market, the marketing strategy on how you will reach your potential audience, your competition and your operating plans. Nobody likes to walk into a cluttered store and this is your first impression when your customers walk through the door. A well stocked and well laid out shop floor will allow your customers to find what they need and quickly., this applies to a brick and mortar store or an online store. Location, location, location, this is absolutely vital, are you wanting walk in business or will you be mainly online? If you are depending on walk in business then a store at the back and beyond of an industrial estate won't cut it so you need to ensure your location is near schools, campuses and training facilities. Check out your local malls and where the local fairs or expos generally take place. Once you have chosen your desired location you can apply for your license. Check out a few local suppliers and some which are more national and compare prices and deals, usually when you buy in bulk you can apply for a better discount or perhaps you need to set up a trading account where they will ask you for references, now would be a good time to get those in order. Do you need staff for your store, there are many challenges you will face when hiring staff, it all depends of course on the level of skill you require, retired teachers could be a valuable option for you as they will also come with knowledge which is great for your customers, You could also consider other support resources such as an accountant or book-keeper or an inventory specialist. You need to determine how you will reach teachers in your area, could you approach the schools and ask for an inclusion in the teacher association newsletters, network with educators and tutors linked to the schools. Contact your suppliers and ask to be included in any of their mailings or newsletters. Contact as many local business owners as you can find, you will find someone who is willing to share their knowledge. Three Things to Know to Start a Successful School Store Private School News // June 27, 2018 Starting or managing your school store can be a large undertaking. What items should you sell? How do you price them? Should you have a physical location or offer items exclusively online? How do you market your inventory? Will people actually buy? Which department should manage the store? These questions and more may run through your head as you contemplate potential customers—your students, parents, faculty, and staff. You’re not alone. Many private-independent school administrators have questions when it comes to running a successful school store. To provide assistance, Jerry Chambers, BCP-E, ISM Consultant, and the Chief Financial Officer at The First Academy, recently hosted a webinar titled “10 Things to Know to Start a Successful School Store.” He shared many firsthand tips from his experiences starting a school store in 2009, when sales totaled $6,000, to bringing in over $200,000 from sales in 2016. We’re sharing some of his advice below. For his full presentation on branding, managing inventory, tips for driving foot traffic, the best software systems, and more, watch the webinar on-demand here . Learn from others. When it comes to your school store, learn from what others have accomplished. Don’t be afraid to visit other local school stores in person, and look online to see what similar schools do. Many leaders don’t mind sharing what they’ve learned, and what has worked and not worked for them. Also consider college websites for ideas and inspiration. Start small. Don’t attempt to offer a ton of products across different categories when you’re first starting. Select one item that’s easy to create and has mass appeal. See how it performs, make follow-up decisions accordingly, and continue to grow. Develop a five-year business plan. A business plan is crucial. Where are you starting? What are your long-term goals? What products do you want to offer? Create this plan and follow it to ensure everyone is on the same page. Watch the full webinar on starting a successful school store here for tips on employee management, selecting the right items to sell, brand equity, and more. Additional ISM resources: The Source for Business and Operations Vol. 10 No. 3 Virtual Bookstores Share this article: | | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL LEADERS Explore ISM’s professional development events. Develop new skills, gain confidence in your role, and lead with clarity. Be mentored by leaders who are experts in their field, many currently working in private schools today. Get hands-on experience, network with fellow school leaders, and walk away with an action plan you can use the minute you return to campus. SEE ALL EVENTS Upcoming Events 10/9/2024 - 3:00pm ET Leading Admission & Development Campaigns From the Marketing Communications Seat Status: Open 10/3/2024 — 10/4/2024 Rethinking Student Assessment: Collecting Authentic Evidence of Learning More Events webinar • 10/17/2024 - 3:00pm ET Improving Your Coaching Skills to Foster Staff Growth workshop • 10/9/2024 — 10/10/2024 For Teachers: How to Succeed When You’re New to Teaching in Independent Schools webinar • 10/23/2024 - 3:00pm ET Winning Development Operations Through Effective Management How to Set Up a School and Office Supplies Store   A school and office supplies store is almost as stable as the food business, because students and offices will continue to consume needed supplies even if there is a recession. Even better is that the products sold are non-perishable.   Below are some of the important things to note if you plan to get into this business:   • A suitable location. Remember that school and office supplies stores sell convenience goods. People will buy from the nearest outlet that sells at a reasonable price. Your location must be near your potential consumers, and so being near schools and commercial establishments is an advantage. While malls are the best locations, a start-up may find it hard to meet the rental rates. There are smaller malls that may still be affordable for a small business.   • Negotiate the lease contract. If you will be renting your store spaces do not just accept the contract given by the landlord. In most cases there is room for negotiation. Do not be shy to haggle with the rental rates, escalation clause, repairs, etc.   • Invest in display fixtures. Some display fixtures are expensive but they are your silent sales force. Not only do they make your merchandise more attractive but they also serve to secure against theft.   • Plan your layout. For those with self-service, this is critical. Study similar stores and see where they place the different categories of merchandise. Plan where to place your merchandise to induce the largest sales and profits. This is why some place the most sought after items at the back so that consumers will see the other items first.   • Buy direct whenever feasible. It may be more convenient to buy from a wholesaler but, generally speaking, the fewer middlemen, the cheaper you can obtain your goods. So try buying directly from the manufacturer or importer if you can meet their volume.   • Always be sourcing new items to sell. Retailing is a dynamic business and you must always be on the lookout for new items to sell. You should also be prepared to discontinue slow moving inventory.   • Have a market-based pricing strategy. Survey your competitors continuously regarding their pricing. Consumers do not know your cost but they know the price of your competitors.   • Have a Point of Sale (P.O.S.) System . Do not be left behind by technological advances. With the rapid decrease in prices in POS equipment, even the small entrepreneur can afford this now. Since you will be dealing with thousands of items it will be impossible to track each one without a computerized system. Buy software with an inventory management and purchasing module integrated with your POS.   • Have a planogram for your merchandise display. A planogram is a drawing or diagram that shows the ideal placement of merchandise. It may be done manually or with a computer program. Having this template will enable you to maximize revenue and profits from your display. Not only will your store look more orderly but this will assist in inventory control as the location of an item will be easier to determine.   • Protect against both internal and external theft. Deploy CCTVs at strategic locations and have rules and procedures to minimize the risk of theft. It is important to have these control measures in place as early as possible because applying them later may cause employee resentment and resistance.   The school and office supplies business has great potential but there are many other things to learn if you want to start a school and office supplies business.   If you want to know more, BusinessCoach Inc., a leading business seminar provider, is conducting seminars on this venture.   Click here to view details of the training program on: How to Start and Manage a School and Office Supplies Store »   *Originally published by the Manila Bulletin. Written by Ruben Anlacan, Jr. (President, BusinessCoach, Inc.) All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or copied without express written permission of the copyright holders. Stationery Shop and Office Supplies Business Plan [Sample Template] By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero Home » Business ideas » Wholesale and Retail Industry » Stationery Shop Are you about starting a stationery shop? If YES, here is a complete sample stationery shop & office supplies business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE . Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a stationery shop . We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample stationery shop marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for stationery shops. So let’s proceed to the business planning section . Starting a business comes cheap to some people, whilst to other people it is a herculean task. If you fall amongst the latter and you truly want to become your own boss, then one of the many businesses that you can launch with little stress is a stationery shop and office supplies business. Suggested for You Video Game Store Business Plan [Sample Template] Souvenir Shop Business Plan [Sample Template] Mall Kiosk Business Plan [Sample Template] Electrical Shop Business Plan [Sample Template] Head Shop Business Plan [Sample Template] Simply put, a stationery store and office supplies business is a place where books, magazines, newspapers, text books, writing pads, greeting cards/postcards and stationery are retailed. Some book stores even go ahead to secure license to operate a mobile money center or a money transfer center. Starting a stationery shop and office supplies business is just like starting any other retailing business; it will require startup capital, planning (feasibility studies, market survey, budgeting), and of course time. Stationery store and office supplies businesses have become an essential part of our world. The items that are sold in stationery stores are in demand all over the world, making them a good and profitable business to start. If you are considering starting this type of business, then you must hunt for the right location, especially in a school cum office environment; a location with the right demographic composition. With the right location, items in stock, and good pricing structure, you can start making profit as soon as possible after opening your stationery store and office supplies business. Below is a sample stationery shop and office supplies business plan template that will help you successfully write yours without much stress. A Sample Stationery Shop and Office Supplies Business Plan Template 1. industry overview. The office supply stores industry comprises of stores that predominantly retail stationery, school supplies and office supplies. It is important to note that some stationery stores and office supply business may also sell a combination of new computers, office equipment, furniture and supplies. IBISWorld estimates that in 2017, 63.8 percent of total industry operators will be non – employing, including family-owned, individual proprietorships and partnerships. This high share of smaller firms within the industry indicates that capital costs of establishing a retail outlet are not substantial relative to other retail industries. Furthermore, there are no licensing requirements to enter the industry and as such, the Office Supply Stores industry has limited barriers to entry. However, industry competition and market awareness, while not regarded as formal barriers to entry, can pose a threat to new potential entrants. Currently, the top two players (Office Depot, Staples) are estimated to account for about 80.9 percent of the total revenue. Research shows the concentration level for the office supply stores industry has wavered over the last 5 years resulting to some businesses in the industry closing shop or creating additional source of income alongside running a stationery store and office supply business. As the revenue generated in the book industry continues to nosedive over the last 5 years, many small businesses in the industry struggled to remain profitable, and eventually had to consolidate or exit the industry all together. Larger businesses have also struggled to stay in business, as revealed by the 2011 Borders bankruptcy. The office supply stores industry is indeed a very large industry and pretty much thriving in all parts of the world. Statistics have it that in the united states of America alone, there are about 10,613 legally registered stationery stores and office supply businesses responsible for employing about 72,499 employees and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $13bn annually. It is important to state that the industry experienced a – 7.4 percent growth. Office Depot and Staples have the lion share in the USA market, but no single operator has control over the pricing trend, advertising trend, distribution model or customer loyalty et al in the industry. Over the years, stationery stores and office supply businesses are active in all cities in the United States of America. In response to the ever-growing demand for items sold in stationery stores, players in the industry are now opening additional stores thereby creating chains of stores across different cities. They are always ready to expanded into new markets and of course adapt to the changing trend in consumer tastes and increase sales. 2. Executive Summary Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. is a neighborhood stationery store and office supply that will be located in a centralized area in-between a busy educational district and business office district in downtown Phoenix – Arizona. We conducted our feasibility studies and market survey and we came to the conclusion that Phoenix – Arizona is the right location for us to launch our stationery shop and office supply business. We are in the stationery store and office supply business to make profits and at the same to give our customers value for their money. We want to give people who patronize our stationery store and office supply business the opportunity to choose from a wide range of office supplies and stationery. We will engage in retailing office supplies, stationery, books (including e-books), newspapers, magazines and other periodicals and we will also trade books, religious goods (including books), textbooks and other merchandise. Aside from retailing items, we will secure license to carry out money transfer and mobile money services. We are aware that there are several small stationery stores and chains of stationery stores all around Phoenix – Arizona, which is why we spent time and resources to conduct our feasibility studies and market survey so as to enable us locate the business in an area that will support the growth of the business and also for us to be able offer much more than our competitors will be offering. We ensured that our facility is easy to locate and our outlet is well secured and equipped with the various payment of options available in the U.S. Beyond retailing quality and affordable items in our stationery store, we will ensure that our customer care is second to none in the whole of Phoenix – Arizona. We know that our customers are the reason why we are in business which is why we will go the extra mile to make them satisfied and get what they are looking for whenever they visit our store. Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. will ensure that all our customers are given first class treatment whenever they visit our store. We have a CRM software that will enable us manage a one on one relationship with our customers no matter how large the number of our customer base may grow to. We will ensure that we get our customers are involved in the selection of brands that will be on our racks and also when making some business decisions that will directly or indirectly affect them. Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. is owned by Olivia Jason and her immediate family members. She has successfully managed several stationery stores and office supply businesses both in Phoenix and New York prior to opening her own stationery store and office supply business. She has a Degree in Business Administration and she will run the business alongside her immediate family members. 3. Our Products and Services Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. is going to operate a standard and registered neighborhood stationery store and office supply business that will retail a wide range of items from both local and international manufacturers just like any other standard stationery store in the United States. Aside from retailing items, we will secure a license to carry out money transfer and mobile money services. We are in the office supply stores industry to make profits and give our customers value for their money. These are some of the products that we will retail in our stationery store: Retailing of stationery Office supplies and other related merchandise (Pens – blue, black, red, Highlighter Stationery for small or home office Permanent marker (Texta/Sharpie) Pencil and pencil sharpener Colored pencils, pens and markers Eraser, Correction tape/fluid/Liquid Paper Mechanical pencil and spare leads Plain paper (for printer) Notebooks, ruled paper, binder books, Scrapbook, art book, Ruler, Glue, Sticky tape + dispenser Packing tape + dispenser, Bulldog/Fold back clips Stapler and staples Rubber bands, Paper clips, Hole punch, Drawing pins Plastic pockets, Manila folders, Storage pockets, Arch folders Folder dividers, Hanging files, Filing trays, Sticky labels (e.g. Avery) for addressing or filing, Post-Its/yellow stickies Index cards, Label maker and spare tape, Scissors, Box cutter/utility knife/Stanley knife Guillotine, Calculator, Printer toner, Tissues, Paper towel, Postage stamps Envelopes, Rubber stamps (return address, entered, paid), Laminator and spare pouches USB memory sticks Batteries (for electronic equipment, for wireless keyboard and mouse), Calendar, wall planner, Desk pad Blu-tack /green tack, Wall hooks (e.g. ‘Command’), Whiteboard/dry erase markers, Whiteboard eraser and cleaning fluid et al). 4. Our Mission and Vision Statement Our vision is to establish a one stop stationery and office supply business in Phoenix – Arizona and in other cities in the United States of America where we intend opening chains of stationery stores. Our mission is to establish a stationery store and office supply business that will make available a wide range of office supplies and stationery from top brands at affordable prices to the residents of Phoenix and other cities in the United States of America where we intend opening our outlets and selling our franchise. Our Business Structure Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. do not intend to start a mom and pop business around the street corner; our intention of starting a stationery store and office supply business is to build a standard store that will be a one – stop shop for stationery and offices supplies which is why we will ensure that we put the right structures in place that will support the kind of growth that we have in mind while setting up the business. We will ensure that we only hire people who are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all our stakeholders. As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more especially when we start selling our franchise or running chains of stationery stores. In view of that, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions; Chief Executive Officer (Owner) Store Manager Merchandize Manager Sales and Marketing Manager Information Technologist Accountants/Cashiers Store Attendant/Customer Services Executive 5. Job Roles and Responsibilities Chief Executive Officer – CEO (Owner) Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities. Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals In charge of  providing direction for the business Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy. In authority of signing checks and documents on behalf of the company Evaluates the success of the organization Responsible for managing daily activities in the store Ensures that the store facility is in tip top shape and conducive enough to welcome customers Checks stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products Interfaces with third – party providers (vendors) Controls the sales floor inventory Ensures that goods and products are properly arranged Supervise the entire sales staff and workforce Handle any other duty as assigned by the CEO Manages vendor relations, market visits, and the ongoing education and development of the organizations’ buying teams Helps to ensure consistent quality of stationery and office supplies on our rack Responsible for the purchase of stationery for the organization Responsible for planning sales, monitoring inventory, selecting the merchandise, and writing and pricing orders to vendors Manages external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones Models demographic information and analyze the volumes of transactional data generated by customer purchases Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al Answerable to supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients Changes, execute and evaluate new plans for expanding sales Documents all customer contact and information Helps to increase sales and growth for the company Manages the organization website Handles ecommerce aspect of the business Responsible for installing and maintenance of computer software and hardware for the organization Manages logistics and supply chain software, Web servers, e-commerce software and POS (point of sale) systems Manages the organization’s CCTV Handles any other technological and IT related duties. Accountant/Cashier Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions. In charge of financial forecasting and risks analysis. Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies Responsible for administering payrolls Ensures compliance with taxation legislation Handles all financial transactions for the organization Serves as internal auditor for the organization Store Attendant/Client Service Executive Ensures that all contacts with customers provide the clients with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level Through interaction with customers on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services Manages administrative duties assigned by the store manager in an effective and timely manner Consistently stays abreast of any new information on products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to our customers when they make enquiries Responsible for cleaning the store at all times Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock Cleans both the interior and exterior of the store facility Handles any other duty as assigned by the store manager 6. SWOT Analysis Our intention of starting just one outlet of our stationery store in Phoenix – Arizona is to test run the business for a period of 2 to 4 years to know if we will invest more money, expand the business and then open other stores all over Arizona and perhaps also sell franchise. We are quite aware that there are several stationery stores all over Phoenix – Arizona and even in the same location where we intend locating ours, which is why we are following the due process of establishing a business. We know that if a proper SWOT analysis is conducted for our business, we will be able to position our business to maximize our strength, leverage on the opportunities that will be available to us, mitigate our risks and be welled equipped to confront our threats. Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. employed the services of an expert HR and Business Analyst with bias in retailing to help us conduct a thorough SWOT analysis and to help us create a Business model that will help us achieve our business goals and objectives. This is the summary of the SWOT analysis that was conducted for Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. Our location, the business model we will be operating (one stop physical store and online store), varieties of payment options, wide range of office supplies and stationery from local and international manufacturing brands and our excellent customer service culture will definitely count as a strong strength for Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. A major weakness that may count against us is the fact that we are a new stationery and office supply business in Phoenix – Arizona and we don’t have the financial capacity to engage in the kind of publicity that we intend giving the business. Opportunities: The fact that we are going to be operating our stationery store and office supply business in one of the busiest business and school districts with the right demographic composition in Phoenix – Arizona provides us with unlimited opportunities to sell our items to a large number of people. We have been able to conduct thorough feasibility studies and market survey and we know what our potential customers will be looking for when they visit our store. We are quite aware that just like any other business, one of the major threats that we are likely going to face is economic downturn. Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a new stationery store in the same location where ours is located or even the arrival of a mall where office supply and stationery are retailed. 7. MARKET ANALYSIS Market Trends One notable trend in the stationery store and office supply industry is the ever-changing consumer behavior and of course increasing competition from e-commerce and alternative retailers like mass merchandisers et al. This trend is part of what is responsible for the decline in the revenue generated by stationery stores. Although these trends are forecast to continue over the next 5 years, some stationery stores will benefit from increasing demand for new technologies, such as e-readers. Beyond every reasonable doubt, the stationery store companies that can successfully flow with the trend and keep up with consumer and technology trends will definitely fare well in the coming years, while the continued decline in physical book sales will keep the overall industry in steady decline. If you keep tab with stationery store and office supply business, you would have noticed that it is now a common phenomenon for stationery stores to leverage on technology to effectively predict consumer demand patterns and to strategically position their stores to meet their needs; in essence, the use of technology help retailers to maximize supply chain efficiency. Another common trend in the stationery and office supply stores industry is the pricing system. Asides from having varieties of items in a stationery store, one of the easiest ways for players in this line of business to sell their supplies is to ensure that the prices of their items are a bit lower than what is obtainable elsewhere. For example, it is common to see office supplies or stationery with prices in this format; $3.99, $99.99 and $199.99 et al as against $4.00, $100 and $200. 8. Our Target Market When it comes to selling stationery, there is indeed a wide range of available customers, so our target market can’t be restricted to just a group of people, but all those who reside in the locations where we intend opening our stationery stores. One thing is certain, we will ensure that we only retail quality and affordable items in our store. In view of that, we have positioned our stationery store and office supply business to service offices and the residents of Phoenix – Arizona and every other location where our stationery stores and office supply business will be located all over the United States of America and Canada. We have conducted our market research and we have ideas of what our target market would be expecting from us. We are in business to retail items to the following groups of people; Schools and Students Corporate Executives Business People Government officials Our Competitive Advantage Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. is launching a standard stationery store and office supply business that will indeed become the preferred choice for offices in Phoenix – Arizona. Our stationery store is located in a corner piece property on a busy road directly opposite one of the largest residential estates and office district in Phoenix – Arizona and few meters away from a busy school district. We have enough parking space that can accommodate well over 10 cars per time. One thing is certain, we will ensure that we have a wide range of quality and affordable items available in our store at all times. It will be difficult for customers to visit our store and not see the items that they are looking for. One of our business goals is to make Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. a one stop stationery store and office supply business. Our highly experienced and qualified management, customer service culture, online store, various payment options and highly secured facility with enough packing space will also serve as a competitive advantage for us. Lastly, all our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives. 9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY Sources of Income Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the office supply stores industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to sell a wide range of stationery and office supply related products to a wide range of customers. Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. will generate income by retailing the following items; 10. Sales Forecast It is important to state that our sales forecast is based on the data gathered during our feasibility studies, market survey and also some of the assumptions readily available on the field. One thing is common with the stationery store and office supply business, the larger a stationery store, the larger the number of customers that will patronize them. Although we may not be as large as the biggest stationery stores or retailers in the United States, but we will ensure that within our capacity we will make available a wide range of items from different brands both local and foreign in our store. Below are the sales projections that we were able to come up with for the first three years of operations; First Fiscal Year: $120,000 Second Fiscal Year: $250,000 Third Fiscal Year: $450,000 N.B: This projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and the arrival of a competitor in the same location as ours within the period stated above. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher. Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy Before choosing a location for Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. we conducted a thorough market survey and feasibility studies in order for us to penetrate the available market and become the preferred choice for offices in Phoenix – Arizona and in every other city where our chains of stationery stores will be opened. We have detailed information and data that we were able to utilize to structure our business to attract the number of customers we want to attract per time. We hired experts who have a good understanding of the stationery stores industry to help us develop marketing strategies that will help us achieve our business goal of winning a larger percentage of the available market in Phoenix – Arizona. In other to continue to be in business and grow, we must continue to sell the products that are available in our store which is why we will go all out to empower or sales and marketing team to deliver. In summary, Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. will adopt the following sales and marketing approach to win customers over; Introduce our stationery store by sending introductory letters to schools, residents, business owners and organizations in and around Phoenix – Arizona Open our stationery store with a party for people in the community Advertise our business in community based newspapers, local TV and radio stations List our business on yellow pages ads (local directories) Leverage on the internet to promote our business Engage in direct marketing Encourage word of mouth marketing (referrals) from satisfied and loyal customers 11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy Despite the fact that our store is well located, we will still go ahead to intensify publicity for the business. We are going to explore all available means to promote our stationery store and office supply business. Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. has a long-term plan of opening chains of stationery stores in various locations all around the United States of America and Canada which is why we will deliberately build our brand to be well accepted in Phoenix – Arizona before venturing out. As a matter of fact, our publicity and advertising strategy is not solely for winning customers over but to effectively communicate our brand to the public. Here are the platforms we intend leveraging on to promote and advertise Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc.; Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms Sponsor relevant community programs Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, twitter, et al to promote our brand Install our billboards in strategic locations all around Phoenix – Arizona Engage in roadshows from time to time in and around the location of stationery store Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in the community where our stationery store is located Position our Flexi Banners at strategic positions in the location where our stationery store is located. Ensure that all our workers wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our organization’s logo 12. Our Pricing Strategy Pricing is one of the key factors that gives leverage to stationery stores and retailing businesses generally, it is normal for consumers to go to places where they can get items at cheaper rates which is why big player in the stationery stores cum office supply stores industry will attract loads of consumers. We know we don’t have the capacity to compete with other bigger stationery stores, but we will ensure that the prices of all the items that are available in our stationery store are competitive with what is obtainable amongst stationery stores within our level and in our location. We are aware that there are office supply contracts from corporate organizations and government agencies, we will ensure that we abide by the rules and pricing model governing the bidding processes for such contracts. Payment Options The payment policy adopted by Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America. Here are the payment options that Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. will make available to her clients; Payment via bank transfer Payment with cash Payment via credit cards Payment via online bank transfer Payment via check Payment via mobile money transfer Payment via bank draft In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for our products without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials. 13. Startup Expenditure (Budget) When it comes to starting a stationery store and office supply business, the major areas that you should look towards spending the bulk of your cash is in renting or leasing a standard store facility. Aside from that, you are not expected to spend much except for paying of your employees and the stocking of your store. These are the key areas where we will spend our startup capital; The total fee for registering the Business in the United States of America – $750 Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services (software, P.O.S machines and other software) – $1,300 Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening of Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. in the amount of $3,500 and as well as flyer printing (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of – $3,580 The cost for hiring Consultant – $2,500 Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $2,400 The cost for payment of rent for 12 months at $1.76 per square feet in the total amount of $105,600 The cost for Shop remodeling (construction of racks and shelves) – $20,000 Other start-up expenses including stationery ( $500 ) and phone and utility deposits – ( $2,500 ) Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $60,000 The cost for startup inventory – $70,000 The cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $13,750 The cost of purchase and installation of CCTVs – $5,000 The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, TVs, Sound System, tables and chairs et al) – $4,000 The cost of launching a Website – $600 The cost for our opening party – $7,000 Miscellaneous – $10,000 We would need an estimate of $250,000 to successfully set up our stationery store and office supply business in Phoenix – Arizona. Generating Startup Capital for Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. is a family business that is solely owned and financed by Mrs. Olivia Jason and her immediate family members. They do not intend to welcome any external business partners which is why she has decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital to 3 major sources. Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings Source for soft loans from family members and friends Apply for loan from the bank N.B: We have been able to generate about $100,000 ( Personal savings $75,000 and soft loan from family members $25,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $150,000 from our bank. All the papers and documents have been signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited with the amount. 14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy The future of a business lies in the number of loyal customers that they have, the capacity and competence of their employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business, then it won’t be too long before the business closes shop. One of our major goals of starting Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running. We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to sell our office supplies, stationery and other merchandise a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while. Olivia & Jason™ Stationery Store, Inc. will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our organizations’ corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams. Check List/Milestone Business Name Availability Check: Completed Business Registration: Completed Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress Application for business license and permit: Completed Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed Leasing of facility and remodeling the store: In Progress Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed Generating capital from family members: Completed Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress Writing of Business Plan: Completed Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging and Promotional Materials: In Progress Recruitment of employees: In Progress Purchase of furniture, racks, shelves, computers, electronic appliances, office appliances and CCTV: In progress Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress Creating Awareness for the business both online and around the community: In Progress Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured Opening party planning: In Progress Compilation of list of products that will be available in our store: Completed Establishing business relationship with wholesale suppliers of various brands of products that we intend retailing: In Progress Don't bother with copy and paste. Get this complete sample business plan as a free text document. Office Supplies Retail Business Plan Start your own office supplies retail business plan Green Office Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">. Green Office addresses the market need of environmentally-friendly office supplies. Green Office has been formed as an Illinois Corporation with Stan Cooksey as the main shareholder. Green Office will service a wide range of customers including corporations and government agencies. Products Green Office will sell eco-friendly products that use recycled materials, reuse “recharged” existing parts, or use non-toxic alternatives. Green Office will sell recycled paper ranging from notepads to envelopes to copier paper, a wide range of laser toner, inkjet cartridges and common office supplies such as correction fluid. Customers Green Office has identified three market segments. The first is corporations, with an 8% growth rate and 12,000 potential customers. The second is government agencies, with a 11% growth rate and 7,886 possible customers. The last category is assorted customers with a 7% growth rate and 56,888 possible customers. Competitive Edge Green Office will offer a complete range of office supplies, to become a one-stop shopping place for supply needs. Green Office will offer an unprecedented level of customer attention. It recognizes that shopping must be the the most trouble free, pleasant experience if it expects to form long-term relationships with customers. Management Green Office will be lead by Stan Cooksey. Stan received his undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago. Stan worked for Symantec Software as the Regional Sales Manager for the Government Agency Unit. While working at Symantec, Stan received his Executive MBA. Green Office is supported by a proven business model, carefully identified market segments, and a top notch management team. Green Office has forecasted sales for year two of $818,000, rising to $1,004,000 in year three. We will become profitable in the second year. 1.1 Objectives To become the premier source of environmentally-friendly office supplies. To offer green office supplies that cost no more than a 10% price premium, often at the same price as non “green” supplies. Quickly grow in size and become a profitable business within the first two years. 1.2 Mission It is Green Office’s mission to become a leading vendor of environmentally-friendly office supplies. Green Office will become a market leader offering a wide, price competitive selection with the finest customer service. 1.3 Keys to Success Offer environmentally-friendly office supplies at competitive prices. Secure large contracts with corporations and government agencies. Ensure fiscal efficiency through strict financial controls. Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure."> Green Office is an Illinois corporation founded by Stan Cooksey. 2.1 Start-up Summary Green Office will incur the following start up expenses: Office desk sets with chairs and assorted supplies (6) Workstations and a central file server, two laser printers, and Internet connection (6) Copier, fax machine Assorted pieces of office furniture Assorted shipping material Unit phone system with answer service (7) Shelving units for storage Used fork lift Intercom system Warehouse build out Start-up funds will be supported predominantly through equity investment, but in addition Stan will obtain a $50,000 SBA backed loan to assist in the purchase of start-up inventory. Start-up Requirements Start-up Expenses Legal $3,000 Stationery etc. $500 Brochures $500 Insurance $300 Web Site Development $5,000 Research and Development $2,000 Other $30,000 Total Start-up Expenses $41,300 Start-up Assets Cash Required $128,700 Start-up Inventory $46,000 Other Current Assets $3,500 Long-term Assets $43,500 Total Assets $221,700 Total Requirements $263,000 Start-up Funding Start-up Expenses to Fund $41,300 Start-up Assets to Fund $221,700 Total Funding Required $263,000 Assets Non-cash Assets from Start-up $93,000 Cash Requirements from Start-up $128,700 Additional Cash Raised $0 Cash Balance on Starting Date $128,700 Total Assets $221,700 Liabilities and Capital Liabilities Current Borrowing $0 Long-term Liabilities $50,000 Accounts Payable (Outstanding Bills) $0 Other Current Liabilities (interest-free) $0 Total Liabilities $50,000 Capital Planned Investment Investor 1 $95,000 Investor 2 $68,000 Other $50,000 Additional Investment Requirement $0 Total Planned Investment $213,000 Loss at Start-up (Start-up Expenses) ($41,300) Total Capital $171,700 Total Capital and Liabilities $221,700 Total Funding $263,000 2.2 Company Ownership Green Office is a privately held corporation owned by Stan Cooksey. Green Office has been incorporated in Illinois. Green Office offers a wide range of office supplies, all of which are environmentally friendly, they either use recycled content materials, sustainable products, or substitute toxic chemicals with non-toxic substitutes. Products include: Recycled clip boards Non-toxic correction fluid Recycled note pads (small and legal size) Recycled paper clips Recycled copier and printer paper Recycled envelopes Erasable boards Reusable coffee filters Recycled, refillable laser toner cartridges and inkjet cartridges Solar calculators Refillable pens and pencils made out of recyclable materials And many other items Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan."> Green Office believes that it faces a market with many opportunities and significant demand. Green Office’s three main customer segments will be corporations, government agencies, and others which is a “catch all” category. The office supply industry operates with several different large companies and many small ones. Within the office supplies industry there exists a niche of environmentally-friendly companies that Green Office competes against. Some of these companies serve local markets, others are Web-based for broader coverage. 4.1 Market Segmentation Green Office has identified three customer segments that it will go after: Other: This is a catch all segment that contains a wide range of entities such as small companies, individuals, school districts, etc. Market Analysis Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Potential Customers Growth CAGR Corporations 8% 12,009 12,970 14,008 15,129 16,339 8.00% Government Agencies 3% 7,886 8,123 8,367 8,618 8,877 3.00% Other 7% 56,888 60,870 65,131 69,690 74,568 7.00% Total 6.77% 76,783 81,963 87,506 93,437 99,784 6.77% 4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy As mentioned previously in the Market Segmentation section, three customer groups have been identified. Two of these, corporations and government agencies are quite attractive as customer segments. The third is used as a “catch all” category. The strategy will be the use of a targeted sales campaign that uses specific sales agents each of whom are responsible for a specific customer group. The hiring process for these sales agents will be done with the specific group in mind. The agent responsible for the government agencies will be chosen based on his past experience and proficiency in selling to government agencies if possible. Green Office will therefore provide each experienced sales person with an exclusive territory, assisting them in achieving high sales marks for the respective customer group. 4.3 Industry Analysis The broader industry that Green Office competes in the office supplies industry. Within that industry there are several market leaders: Office Depot 4.3.1 Competition and Buying Patterns Competition comes from two sources, direct and indirect competitors. Direct competitors are companies that offer similar lines of environmentally-friendly products. The main companies are: EcoProducts The Good Humans The indirect competitors are companies within the office supplies industry who offer eco supplies, but do not concentrate on these products. Customers’ buying patterns are based on two main factors: Price: Both a relative comparison to standard office supplies as well as eco-friendly ones. Convenience: Ease of ordering, shipping schedule, variety of products. Strategy and Implementation Summary Green Office’s goal of becoming a major vendor of environmentally-friendly office supplies is an ambitious but achievable goal. Green Office will leverage its two part competitive edge to achieve this goal. The first edge is an unbeatable selection of green office supplies. This all inclusive product catalog creates a compelling one stop shopping venue. This wonderful product selection will be supported by a customer-centric company culture. The marketing and sales strategies support these two competitive edges. The marketing strategy seeks to develop an awareness of Green Office and its ability to offer a wide selection of eco-friendly office products. All products will be priced competitively, often at the same low price as non eco-friendly products. The sales strategy will use specially engineered economic incentives that channel account manager behavior into the mode of ensuring, happy, long-term customers. This entire strategy is based on the company’s philosophy that it is far cheaper to maintain a current customer than it is to attract new ones. 5.1 Competitive Edge Green Office competitive edge is two fold, a wide selection of office supplies making it a one stop shopping place and a strong customer service oriented organization where the customers are assigned a specific sales agent/account manager to assist them. By offering a strong product catalog, customers are able to place all of their office supplies orders at one place instead of having to contact multiple vendors each week or month, whatever the interval may be. Creating the perception that all of the company’s office supply needs can be met by one company, Green Office has a competitive edge. The second edge is Green Office’s focus on customer service. The company recognizes that if long-term sustainable growth is desired, the customers must feel like that they are being offered the finest service. This will ensure the building of a loyal customer base that will assist Green Office in becoming a sustainable operation. 5.2 Marketing Strategy The marketing strategy will be based on a communication effort that announces Green Office’s two competitive edges, their selection and customer service. To be able to order all of an office’s supply needs from one easy-to-work-with vendor is a significant value. Backing up the extensive product catalog with top rate customer service will retain customers. Green Office will undertake a marketing campaign that communicates its competitive edge. The campaign will rely primarily on print advertising. The media outlets to be used will be determined based on the readership levels and targeted companies. The campaign will develop an awareness of Green Office to the targeted customers. The development of an awareness or image of Green Office is the first step in the implementation strategy, the second step is the sales strategy detailed in the following section. 5.3 Sales Strategy Green Office’s sales strategy will be based on the conversion of qualified sales leads into paying customers. The key emphasis here is customer service. Green Office recognizes that customers desire that their needs are taken care of. Additionally, customers want a seemless experience where their expectations are managed. Green Office will accomplish these lofty goals by assigning a specific account manager/sales agent to each customer (assigned by the customer type). The sales agent receives a commission not just for the individual sale but also using a complex formula that takes into account long-term customer satisfaction of the client. Green Office therefore has developed an economic incentive for its account managers to develop long-term customers. This incentive based system is key to the sales strategy because it creates an incentive for the sales agent to take into account Green Office’s strategic survival, not just the agents short-term compensation. In addition, long-term customers are more profitable than new customers. 5.3.1 Sales Forecast Green Office adopted a conservative forecast for the business plan. These conservative estimates will help ensure that the company does not face any cash flow shortages within the first couple of years The sales forecast also takes into account that Green Office is a start-up organization and it will take time to generate a level of sustainable sales. Sales will increase at a slow but steady rate. Please see the three following table and charts for graphical representation of the sales forecasts. Sales Forecast Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Sales Corporations $92,892 $298,887 $366,544 Government Agencies $107,470 $358,664 $439,853 Other $59,362 $161,399 $197,934 Total Sales $259,724 $818,950 $1,004,331 Direct Cost of Sales Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Corporations $47,380 $194,277 $238,254 Government Agencies $56,856 $233,132 $285,904 Other $25,585 $104,909 $128,657 Subtotal Direct Cost of Sales $129,821 $532,318 $652,815 5.4 Milestones Green Office has identified four specific milestones that will serve as goals for the organization to achieve. While the milestones are lofty in terms of qualitative standards and the timeline deadline, they are achievable. Business plan completion. First major government agency account. $200K in sales. Profitability. Milestones Milestone Start Date End Date Budget Manager Department Business plan completion 1/1/2004 2/15/2004 $0 Stan Business Development First major government agency account 1/1/2004 4/1/2004 $0 Sales Manager Sales $200K in sales 1/1/2004 2/15/2005 $0 Sales Manager Sales Profitability 1/1/2004 6/1/2005 $0 Stan Entire company Totals $0 Web Plan Summary The website will be developed to offer customers a product catalog for online orders. The overriding design philosophy of the site is ease of use. Green Office wants to make the process of placing an order as easy and fast as possible thereby encouraging increased sales. Green Office will incorporate special features such as a section that is specific to each customer so the customer can easily make purchases of repeat items. Instead of going through the website every month and locating their monthly needs, the site captures regularly ordered items for that specific customer, significantly speeding up the ordering process. This ease-of-use feature will help increase sales as customers become more and more familiar with the site and appreciate how easy it is to place an order. 6.1 Website Marketing Strategy The marketing strategy for the website will begin initially with a simple strategy of search engine submissions and the use of pay-per-clicks which is a service of Google and Overture where the company pays the search engine every time a surfer clicks through to the Green Office site. 6.2 Development Requirements Green Office has secured a start-up website design company to design and develop the site. As a result, the company is able to negotiate a favorable rate for the development and maintenance of the site. Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans."> 7.1 personnel plan. Stan: Operations, business development, some finance, some accounting. Willma (Stan’s wife): Procurement, marketing. Sales: Account manager functions. Accounting: Part-time accounting clerk. Shipping: Responsible for order filling. Administrative/customer support. Personnel Plan Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Stan $20,000 $22,000 $24,200 Willma $20,000 $22,000 $24,200 Sales $15,000 $16,500 $18,150 Sales $12,000 $13,200 $14,520 Sales $9,000 $9,900 $10,890 Accounting $6,400 $7,040 $7,744 Shipping $15,000 $16,500 $18,150 Shipping $12,000 $13,200 $14,520 Shipping $7,000 $7,700 $8,470 Admin/customer support $10,000 $11,000 $12,100 Admin/customer support $4,800 $5,280 $5,808 Total People 11 11 11 Total Payroll $131,200 $144,320 $158,752 Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan ."> The following sections will outline important financial information. 8.1 Important Assumptions The following table details important Financial Assumptions. General Assumptions Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Plan Month 1 2 3 Current Interest Rate 9.00% 9.00% 9.00% Long-term Interest Rate 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% Tax Rate 30.00% 30.00% 30.00% Other 0 0 0 8.2 Break-even Analysis The following table and chart show our break-even analysis. Break-even Analysis Monthly Revenue Break-even $31,303 Assumptions: Average Percent Variable Cost 50% Estimated Monthly Fixed Cost $15,657 8.3 Projected Profit and Loss The following table will indicate Projected Profit and Loss. Pro Forma Profit and Loss Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Sales $259,724 $818,950 $1,004,331 Direct Cost of Sales $129,821 $532,318 $652,815 Other Costs of Goods $0 $0 $0 Total Cost of Sales $129,821 $532,318 $652,815 Gross Margin $129,903 $286,633 $351,516 Gross Margin % 50.02% 35.00% 35.00% Expenses Payroll $131,200 $144,320 $158,752 Sales and Marketing and Other Expenses $2,400 $2,400 $2,400 Depreciation $8,700 $8,700 $8,700 Rent $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 Utilities $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 Insurance $2,400 $2,400 $2,400 Payroll Taxes $19,680 $27,180 $28,080 Website Maintenance $5,500 $6,500 $7,500 Total Operating Expenses $187,880 $209,500 $225,832 Profit Before Interest and Taxes ($57,977) $77,133 $125,684 EBITDA ($49,277) $85,833 $134,384 Interest Expense $3,854 $3,731 $3,500 Taxes Incurred $0 $22,021 $36,655 Net Profit ($61,831) $51,381 $85,528 Net Profit/Sales -23.81% 6.27% 8.52% 8.4 Projected Cash Flow The following chart and table will indicate Projected Cash Flow. Pro Forma Cash Flow Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Cash Received Cash from Operations Cash Sales $64,931 $204,738 $251,083 Cash from Receivables $151,445 $520,877 $722,308 Subtotal Cash from Operations $216,376 $725,615 $973,390 Additional Cash Received Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Received $0 $0 $0 New Current Borrowing $0 $3,000 $0 New Other Liabilities (interest-free) $0 $0 $0 New Long-term Liabilities $0 $0 $0 Sales of Other Current Assets $0 $0 $0 Sales of Long-term Assets $0 $0 $0 New Investment Received $0 $36,000 $0 Subtotal Cash Received $216,376 $764,615 $973,390 Expenditures Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Expenditures from Operations Cash Spending $131,200 $144,320 $158,752 Bill Payments $130,946 $601,459 $748,773 Subtotal Spent on Operations $262,146 $745,779 $907,525 Additional Cash Spent Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Paid Out $0 $0 $0 Principal Repayment of Current Borrowing $0 $0 $2,234 Other Liabilities Principal Repayment $0 $0 $0 Long-term Liabilities Principal Repayment $3,403 $3,302 $3,324 Purchase Other Current Assets $0 $0 $0 Purchase Long-term Assets $0 $0 $0 Dividends $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Cash Spent $265,548 $749,080 $913,083 Net Cash Flow ($49,173) $15,534 $60,308 Cash Balance $79,527 $95,062 $155,369 8.5 Projected Balance Sheet The following table will indicate the Projected Balance Sheet. Pro Forma Balance Sheet Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Assets Current Assets Cash $79,527 $95,062 $155,369 Other Current Assets $3,500 $3,500 $3,500 Total Current Assets $141,788 $269,506 $368,509 Long-term Assets Long-term Assets $43,500 $43,500 $43,500 Accumulated Depreciation $8,700 $17,400 $26,100 Total Long-term Assets $34,800 $26,100 $17,400 Total Assets $176,588 $295,606 $385,909 Liabilities and Capital Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Current Liabilities Accounts Payable $20,122 $52,060 $62,392 Current Borrowing $0 $3,000 $766 Other Current Liabilities $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Current Liabilities $20,122 $55,060 $63,158 Long-term Liabilities $46,597 $43,296 $39,972 Total Liabilities $66,719 $98,356 $103,131 Paid-in Capital $213,000 $249,000 $249,000 Retained Earnings ($41,300) ($103,131) ($51,750) Earnings ($61,831) $51,381 $85,528 Total Capital $109,869 $197,250 $282,779 Total Liabilities and Capital $176,588 $295,606 $385,909 Net Worth $109,869 $197,250 $282,779 8.6 Business Ratios The following table shows common Business Ratios, specific to Green Office as well as to the industry as a whole. Ratio Analysis Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Industry Profile Sales Growth 0.00% 215.32% 22.64% 1.50% Percent of Total Assets Accounts Receivable 24.55% 46.24% 43.44% 38.65% Inventory 8.73% 11.59% 10.89% 28.15% Other Current Assets 1.98% 1.18% 0.91% 18.82% Total Current Assets 80.29% 91.17% 95.49% 85.62% Long-term Assets 19.71% 8.83% 4.51% 14.38% Total Assets 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% Current Liabilities 11.39% 18.63% 16.37% 43.40% Long-term Liabilities 26.39% 14.65% 10.36% 11.10% Total Liabilities 37.78% 33.27% 26.72% 54.50% Net Worth 62.22% 66.73% 73.28% 45.50% Percent of Sales Sales 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% Gross Margin 50.02% 35.00% 35.00% 22.64% Selling, General & Administrative Expenses 96.00% 31.88% 28.47% 13.42% Advertising Expenses 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.26% Profit Before Interest and Taxes -22.32% 9.42% 12.51% 1.70% Main Ratios Current 7.05 4.89 5.83 1.77 Quick 6.28 4.27 5.17 1.07 Total Debt to Total Assets 37.78% 33.27% 26.72% 5.52% Pre-tax Return on Net Worth -56.28% 37.21% 43.21% 59.64% Pre-tax Return on Assets -35.01% 24.83% 31.66% 13.69% Additional Ratios Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Net Profit Margin -23.81% 6.27% 8.52% n.a Return on Equity -56.28% 26.05% 30.25% n.a Activity Ratios Accounts Receivable Turnover 4.49 4.49 4.49 n.a Collection Days 56 53 74 n.a Inventory Turnover 5.91 21.43 17.12 n.a Accounts Payable Turnover 7.51 12.17 12.17 n.a Payment Days 27 21 28 n.a Total Asset Turnover 1.47 2.77 2.60 n.a Debt Ratios Debt to Net Worth 0.61 0.50 0.36 n.a Current Liab. to Liab. 0.30 0.56 0.61 n.a Liquidity Ratios Net Working Capital $121,666 $214,446 $305,351 n.a Interest Coverage -15.04 20.67 35.91 n.a Additional Ratios Assets to Sales 0.68 0.36 0.38 n.a Current Debt/Total Assets 11% 19% 16% n.a Acid Test 4.13 1.79 2.52 n.a Sales/Net Worth 2.36 4.15 3.55 n.a Dividend Payout 0.00 0.00 0.00 n.a Sales Forecast Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12 Sales Corporations 0% $0 $0 $7,645 $8,212 $8,455 $8,747 $9,212 $9,454 $9,987 $10,112 $10,414 $10,654 Government Agencies 0% $0 $0 $8,774 $9,454 $9,746 $10,096 $10,654 $10,945 $11,584 $11,734 $12,097 $12,385 Other 0% $0 $0 $5,048 $5,354 $5,486 $5,643 $5,894 $6,025 $6,313 $6,380 $6,544 $6,673 Total Sales $0 $0 $21,467 $23,021 $23,687 $24,487 $25,761 $26,424 $27,884 $28,227 $29,054 $29,712 Direct Cost of Sales Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12 Corporations $0 $0 $3,669 $4,038 $4,196 $4,386 $4,688 $4,845 $5,192 $5,273 $5,469 $5,625 Government Agencies $0 $0 $4,403 $4,845 $5,035 $5,263 $5,625 $5,814 $6,230 $6,327 $6,563 $6,750 Other $0 $0 $1,981 $2,180 $2,266 $2,368 $2,531 $2,616 $2,803 $2,847 $2,953 $3,038 Subtotal Direct Cost of Sales $0 $0 $10,054 $11,064 $11,496 $12,016 $12,845 $13,276 $14,225 $14,447 $14,985 $15,413 Personnel Plan Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12 Stan 0% $0 $0 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 Willma 0% $0 $0 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 Sales 0% $0 $0 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 Sales 0% $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 Sales 0% $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 Accounting 0% $0 $0 $0 $0 $800 $800 $800 $800 $800 $800 $800 $800 Shipping 0% $0 $0 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 Shipping 0% $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 Shipping 0% $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 Admin/customer support 0% $0 $0 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 Admin/customer support 0% $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $800 $800 $800 $800 $800 $800 Total People 0 0 5 5 8 9 11 11 11 11 11 11 Total Payroll $0 $0 $8,000 $8,000 $11,800 $12,800 $15,100 $15,100 $15,100 $15,100 $15,100 $15,100 General Assumptions Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12 Plan Month 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Current Interest Rate 9.00% 9.00% 9.00% 9.00% 9.00% 9.00% 9.00% 9.00% 9.00% 9.00% 9.00% 9.00% Long-term Interest Rate 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% 8.00% Tax Rate 30.00% 30.00% 30.00% 30.00% 30.00% 30.00% 30.00% 30.00% 30.00% 30.00% 30.00% 30.00% Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pro Forma Profit and Loss Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12 Sales $0 $0 $21,467 $23,021 $23,687 $24,487 $25,761 $26,424 $27,884 $28,227 $29,054 $29,712 Direct Cost of Sales $0 $0 $10,054 $11,064 $11,496 $12,016 $12,845 $13,276 $14,225 $14,447 $14,985 $15,413 Other Costs of Goods $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Total Cost of Sales $0 $0 $10,054 $11,064 $11,496 $12,016 $12,845 $13,276 $14,225 $14,447 $14,985 $15,413 Gross Margin $0 $0 $11,414 $11,957 $12,190 $12,470 $12,916 $13,148 $13,660 $13,779 $14,069 $14,299 Gross Margin % 0.00% 0.00% 53.17% 51.94% 51.46% 50.93% 50.14% 49.76% 48.99% 48.82% 48.42% 48.13% Expenses Payroll $0 $0 $8,000 $8,000 $11,800 $12,800 $15,100 $15,100 $15,100 $15,100 $15,100 $15,100 Sales and Marketing and Other Expenses $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 Depreciation $725 $725 $725 $725 $725 $725 $725 $725 $725 $725 $725 $725 Rent $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 Utilities $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 Insurance $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 $200 Payroll Taxes 15% $0 $0 $1,200 $1,200 $1,770 $1,920 $2,265 $2,265 $2,265 $2,265 $2,265 $2,265 Website Maintenance $0 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 Total Operating Expenses $2,625 $3,125 $12,325 $12,325 $16,695 $17,845 $20,490 $20,490 $20,490 $20,490 $20,490 $20,490 Profit Before Interest and Taxes ($2,625) ($3,125) ($911) ($368) ($4,505) ($5,375) ($7,574) ($7,342) ($6,830) ($6,711) ($6,421) ($6,191) EBITDA ($1,900) ($2,400) ($186) $357 ($3,780) ($4,650) ($6,849) ($6,617) ($6,105) ($5,986) ($5,696) ($5,466) Interest Expense $332 $330 $328 $326 $324 $322 $320 $318 $316 $315 $313 $311 Taxes Incurred $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Net Profit ($2,957) ($3,455) ($1,239) ($694) ($4,829) ($5,697) ($7,894) ($7,660) ($7,147) ($7,025) ($6,734) ($6,501) Net Profit/Sales 0.00% 0.00% -5.77% -3.01% -20.39% -23.26% -30.64% -28.99% -25.63% -24.89% -23.18% -21.88% Pro Forma Cash Flow Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12 Cash Received Cash from Operations Cash Sales $0 $0 $5,367 $5,755 $5,922 $6,122 $6,440 $6,606 $6,971 $7,057 $7,264 $7,428 Cash from Receivables $0 $0 $0 $537 $16,139 $17,282 $17,785 $18,397 $19,337 $19,854 $20,922 $21,191 Subtotal Cash from Operations $0 $0 $5,367 $6,292 $22,061 $23,404 $24,225 $25,003 $26,308 $26,911 $28,185 $28,619 Additional Cash Received Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Received 0.00% $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 New Current Borrowing $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 New Other Liabilities (interest-free) $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 New Long-term Liabilities $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Sales of Other Current Assets $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Sales of Long-term Assets $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 New Investment Received $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Cash Received $0 $0 $5,367 $6,292 $22,061 $23,404 $24,225 $25,003 $26,308 $26,911 $28,185 $28,619 Expenditures Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12 Expenditures from Operations Cash Spending $0 $0 $8,000 $8,000 $11,800 $12,800 $15,100 $15,100 $15,100 $15,100 $15,100 $15,100 Bill Payments $74 $2,248 $2,770 $3,928 $3,945 $4,854 $15,401 $18,659 $18,739 $20,139 $19,678 $20,511 Subtotal Spent on Operations $74 $2,248 $10,770 $11,928 $15,745 $17,654 $30,501 $33,759 $33,839 $35,239 $34,778 $35,611 Additional Cash Spent Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Paid Out $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Principal Repayment of Current Borrowing $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Other Liabilities Principal Repayment $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Long-term Liabilities Principal Repayment $273 $275 $277 $279 $281 $283 $284 $286 $288 $290 $292 $294 Purchase Other Current Assets $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Purchase Long-term Assets $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Dividends $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Cash Spent $348 $2,523 $11,047 $12,207 $16,026 $17,936 $30,785 $34,045 $34,127 $35,529 $35,070 $35,905 Net Cash Flow ($348) ($2,523) ($5,680) ($5,915) $6,035 $5,468 ($6,560) ($9,043) ($7,819) ($8,618) ($6,885) ($7,286) Cash Balance $128,352 $125,829 $120,149 $114,235 $120,270 $125,738 $119,177 $110,135 $102,316 $93,698 $86,814 $79,527 Pro Forma Balance Sheet Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12 Assets Starting Balances Current Assets Cash $128,700 $128,352 $125,829 $120,149 $114,235 $120,270 $125,738 $119,177 $110,135 $102,316 $93,698 $86,814 $79,527 Other Current Assets $3,500 $3,500 $3,500 $3,500 $3,500 $3,500 $3,500 $3,500 $3,500 $3,500 $3,500 $3,500 $3,500 Total Current Assets $178,200 $177,852 $175,329 $175,696 $175,447 $171,612 $176,792 $172,596 $165,405 $160,112 $153,032 $147,554 $141,788 Long-term Assets Long-term Assets $43,500 $43,500 $43,500 $43,500 $43,500 $43,500 $43,500 $43,500 $43,500 $43,500 $43,500 $43,500 $43,500 Accumulated Depreciation $0 $725 $1,450 $2,175 $2,900 $3,625 $4,350 $5,075 $5,800 $6,525 $7,250 $7,975 $8,700 Total Long-term Assets $43,500 $42,775 $42,050 $41,325 $40,600 $39,875 $39,150 $38,425 $37,700 $36,975 $36,250 $35,525 $34,800 Total Assets $221,700 $220,627 $217,379 $217,021 $216,047 $211,487 $215,942 $211,021 $203,105 $197,087 $189,282 $183,079 $176,588 Liabilities and Capital Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12 Current Liabilities Accounts Payable $0 $2,157 $2,639 $3,797 $3,795 $4,344 $14,779 $18,036 $18,067 $19,484 $18,995 $19,817 $20,122 Current Borrowing $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Other Current Liabilities $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Subtotal Current Liabilities $0 $2,157 $2,639 $3,797 $3,795 $4,344 $14,779 $18,036 $18,067 $19,484 $18,995 $19,817 $20,122 Long-term Liabilities $50,000 $49,727 $49,452 $49,175 $48,896 $48,615 $48,333 $48,048 $47,762 $47,474 $47,183 $46,891 $46,597 Total Liabilities $50,000 $51,884 $52,090 $52,972 $52,691 $52,959 $63,112 $66,084 $65,829 $66,957 $66,178 $66,709 $66,719 Paid-in Capital $213,000 $213,000 $213,000 $213,000 $213,000 $213,000 $213,000 $213,000 $213,000 $213,000 $213,000 $213,000 $213,000 Retained Earnings ($41,300) ($41,300) ($41,300) ($41,300) ($41,300) ($41,300) ($41,300) ($41,300) ($41,300) ($41,300) ($41,300) ($41,300) ($41,300) Earnings $0 ($2,957) ($6,411) ($7,650) ($8,344) ($13,173) ($18,870) ($26,764) ($34,424) ($41,571) ($48,596) ($55,329) ($61,831) Total Capital $171,700 $168,743 $165,289 $164,050 $163,356 $158,527 $152,830 $144,936 $137,276 $130,129 $123,104 $116,371 $109,869 Total Liabilities and Capital $221,700 $220,627 $217,379 $217,021 $216,047 $211,487 $215,942 $211,021 $203,105 $197,087 $189,282 $183,079 $176,588 Net Worth $171,700 $168,743 $165,289 $164,050 $163,356 $158,527 $152,830 $144,936 $137,276 $130,129 $123,104 $116,371 $109,869 The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy. No thanks, I prefer writing 40-page documents. Discover the world’s #1 plan building software 128 IMAGES School Business Plan Template in Word and Pdf formats FREE 12+ School Business Plan Samples in PDF School Supplies Business Plan 25+ School Business Plan Templates in DOC 25+ School Business Plan Templates in DOC 34+ SAMPLE School Business Plan in PDF COMMENTS School Supplies Business Plan [Sample Template for 2022] Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening of Regina Trent® School Supplies Company, LLC in the amount of $3,500 and as well as flyer printing (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580. The cost for hiring business consultant - $2,500. How to Start a School Supply Store Plan your School Supply Store. Form your School Supply Store into a Legal Entity. Register your School Supply Store for Taxes. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card. Set up Accounting for your School Supply Store. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your School Supply Store. Get School Supply Store Insurance. 6 Tips On How To Start And Manage A School & Office Supplies Store Think of something that your customers will value. Maybe lower price, better customer service, convenience, etc. These are important because they will set you apart from your competitors. 3. Order From Direct Suppliers. Often, pricing and variety are keys to a successful school and office supplies store. How to Start a School Store That Is Managed by Students You'll need a receipt book and pens. Remember to get an account and inventory ledger, too, or use QuickBooks Online —it's free for teachers and students (more on that below). Pro tip: Give your school-store staff name tags or even an official T-shirt or badge to wear when they're on the job. 6. Price the items. School Supply Store Business Plan Template In a School Supply Store business plan, the following financial information should be included: 1. **Startup Costs**: Detail the initial expenses required to launch the school supply store, such as leasing a retail space, purchasing inventory, equipment, furniture, signage, licenses, permits, and any other necessary items. ... How To Start a Student-Run School Supply Store The first step in starting a student-run school store is to get approval from the school's administration. They'll have to sign off on things like an initial budget, location, and operating hours, so getting their official buy-in in the beginning is important. Have the students involved in the store's planning to draw up a business plan ... Opening a School Supplies & Equipment Retail Business Creating a Business Plan for a School Supplies Retailer. A common mistake for an entrepreneur is to not create a business plan. The key benefit of writing a business plan is that it establishes both a framework and a roadmap for your business. If you don't have a business plan, your leadership will be handicapped, choosing short-term ... How to Start a School Supply Store Step 3: Obtain Licenses and Permits. The third step in starting a school supply store is to obtain all necessary licenses and permits. It is important to research the types of licenses and permits that are required for a business of this type. Depending on the location, the business may need to obtain a business license, a seller's permit, a ... Start a school supply store by following these 10 steps: STEP 2: Form a legal entity. The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your school supply store is issued. School Supplies Business Plan Template Global Market Size for School Supplies The school supplies industry is a lucrative market that has seen significant growth in recent years. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global school supplies market size was valued at $19.4 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $24.7 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1% during the forecast period. How to start a School Supply Store Business? In a School Supply Store business plan, several key financial information should be included to provide a comprehensive understanding of the financial aspects of the business. These may include: 1. Start-up costs: Detail the initial expenses required to establish the School Supply Store. This may include costs for leasing or purchasing a ... How To Start A Teacher Supply Store: Business Plan, Start Up Cost Before opening your teacher store, you will want to consider your business plan and ensure you have adequate financing. You will need to ascertain what support your teachers and students require and if you have enough teachers in your immediate area to supply. Check our office locations, apply a sensible budget and line up a reliable wholesale ... 8 Tips for Managing a Successful School Store 1. Develop a Plan. Start by creating a business plan. Better yet, have your school store manager create one. It can be simple or extravagant. You'll want to calculate costs and potential profits, and outline a general plan of action. 2. Location. How to Sell School supplies Online It's easy to start selling school supplies through your own online store, whether you're looking to sell backpacks, pencils or notebooks, or selling specific supplies and textbooks for college and university classes. Shopify online stores allow you to set up your store in minutes, with more than 80 mobile-friendly website templates — no ... Three Things to Know to Start a Successful School Store Many private-independent school administrators have questions when it comes to running a successful school store. To provide assistance, Jerry Chambers, BCP-E, ISM Consultant, and the Chief Financial Officer at The First Academy, recently hosted a webinar titled "10 Things to Know to Start a Successful School Store." 3 Practical Ways to Start a School Supplies Business In 2020, the average back-to-school spending hovered around $727.However, it was a drop from $919 recorded in 2019, caused by the pandemic. Despite the decrease, that shouldn't discourage you from starting a school supply business if you want to. The most important thing is to gather as much information as possible to get the supply store running. How to Set Up a School and Office Supplies Store How to Set Up a School and Office Supplies Store A school and office supplies store is almost as stable as the food business, because students and offices will continue to consume needed supplies even if there is a recession. Even better is that the products sold are non-perishable. Below are some of the important things to note if you plan to ... Stationery Shop and Office Supplies Business Plan [Sample Template] Head Shop Business Plan [Sample Template] Simply put, a stationery store and office supplies business is a place where books, magazines, newspapers, text books, writing pads, greeting cards/postcards and stationery are retailed. Some book stores even go ahead to secure license to operate a mobile money center or a money transfer center. Office Supplies Retail Business Plan Example Office desk sets with chairs and assorted supplies (6) Workstations and a central file server, two laser printers, and Internet connection (6) Copier, fax machine. Assorted pieces of office furniture. Assorted shipping material. Unit phone system with answer service (7) Shelving units for storage. Used fork lift. Final Business PLAN Demand \ Supply Gap A 17 Market School and Office Supplies. 20 - B 15 Mongolian Company. 30 -14. C 13 13. D 17 17 E 15 15. F 6 6. TOTAL 85 50 35. Table 5. Shows gap between demand and supply. Competitors. The proponents has identified the following : MS'C Paper Supply , BEST , Gaisano , Robinson CNC, as the competitors of the product. How to Sell School supplies Online Showcase your school supplies with professionally edited photos or build customer loyalty with rewards programs. With over 6000 options in the Shopify App Store, you can customize your store experience and test for success. assignment essay homework paper report resume review speech thesis