There’s a lot for the new store and business owners to consider. Let us help ensure you have the most essential but often overlooked equipment for business success.
Essential Equipment for Store and Business Owners
Did you know that Americans start around 627,000 new businesses every year?
Of course, not all of these businesses have a brick-and-mortar shop or storefront.
For the ones that do, though, there’s a checklist of essential supplies and equipment that every store owner needs. Here’s your go-to list of equipment for current and future business owners.
Essential Office Hardware
Let’s start in the back office since that’s where you’ll be running your business from. At the very least,
you’ll need:
- A laptop or desktop computer
- An external hard drive
- A filing cabinet
- A safe
- A wireless router and internet connection
- A printer/scanner/copier
- A landline telephone
- Pens, paper, paper clips, and other standard office supplies
Also, be sure to set up a professional website and claim your Google My Business listing so customers can find you. This simple step will put you ahead of the 46% of small businesses that still don’t have a website.
Stocking Your Stock Room
This is where you’ll keep all those essential supplies out of your customers’ view. Your stock room is your overflow area for backup products, as well as storage for your office, bathroom, and cleaning supplies.
Make sure you have:
- Trash cans and trash bags
- Label maker
- A tape gun
- Box cutters
- Signs and signage supplies
- Mops, brooms, buckets, and cleaning supplies
- Toilet paper, paper towels, and restroom supplies
- Wet floor signs
You’ll also need shelves or cabinets to organize these supplies and store any items that aren’t yet on the sales floor.
Prepping the Sales Floor
Now comes the exciting part: setting up your storefront! In addition to your actual inventory, here’s what you’ll need to design your shop:
- Cash registers
- A point-of-sale (POS) system
- Shopping bags, carts, or baskets
- Racks and shelving
- Display cases
- A store door chime
- Speakers or sound system
- Security mirrors
- Security system
- An “open”and “closed”sign
The exact number of items you’ll need depends on the size of your store and the type of inventory you sell.
For example, a clothing boutique will also need racks, hangers, and at least one dressing room. A coffee shop, on the other hand, needs a counter, display booth, sinks, refrigerators, and (of course) coffee-making equipment.
Readying the Break Room
Speaking of coffee, let’s not forget another fundamental part of your shop setup: the employee break room. Even if it’s just a tiny space near the back office, you can make it comfortable for your staff.
Be sure to include:
- Comfortable chairs or a couch
- A table with chairs
- A mini-fridge
- A microwave
- A coffeemaker
- Plates, cups, and utensils
- Storage lockers
- Required signage about employee rights, responsibilities, and codes of conduct
Relaxing music or a small television is a nice touch too. The goal is to make the break room a cozy retreat
for you and your hard-working employees.
Business Owners: Set Yourselves up for Success
If you’re about to become a new store owner, congratulations! You’re taking the first big step towards and thriving and profitable business.
Bookmark this list of essential equipment for business owners to ensure you have everything you need to set up shop.
What else do you need to make your startup endeavor a success? Keep browsing our site for more stellar
tips and advice.
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