Last Updated on Mar 13, 2020 by James W
Small, family run grocery businesses are becoming more and more popular. This is because these kinds of businesses often sell more ethically sourced food than the big supermarkets, and sell at a better price too. If you long to own your own business. Starting a small grocery business could be the way forward. It’ll be hard work, but it’ll be worth it when you’re up and running with a steady cash flow. Take a look at everything you need to get started:
A Business Proposal
The first step is to create a business plan or proposal. This will help you to get funding if you need it. It’s also good to refer back to if you’re wondering where to go with your business at any point. You should include your plans for the future, how you intend to move forward, an exit plan, and any other relevant things you can think of.
Market Research
Market research is so important, especially in an industry like this. Go around all of the other stores in your area and see what their prices are, how they market their business, and whether their customers are happy. Consider surveying shoppers as they leave supermarkets to get some valuable insight on what you need to do to be different. It isn’t enough to be different in the world, you need to focus on your specific area.
Strong Branding
Strong branding is essential with a grocery business. The better you build your brand, the more people will want to work with you. You can do this by using the following tips:
- Keep consistent brand colours and fonts.
- Keep a consistent brand voice.
- Build relationships with your customers.
- Don’t try to copy the bigger brands.
- Be bold and innovative.
- Create brand ambassadors by keeping your customers happy.
Online/Offline Marketing
You can choose to market your business both online and offline to get the best results. Here are some examples you can use to help you:
- Give out flyers to people in the town with discounts.
- Put an ad in the newspaper.
- Sponsor a local football team.
- Build social profiles and engage with the local community.
- Build a website, if not to sell, to tell people about your business and why they should shop with you.
Wholesale Supplies
Buying wholesale supplies to get your business off the ground is essential. You’ll need different things depending on your niche and how you plan to run things. You’ll need freezers if you plan on selling frozen food, for instance. You may also want plastic bags, baskets, plastic containers, and refrigerators. Don’t forget essentials like cash registers!
A Niche
What makes you different to the other big stores and stores in your area? Do you only sell local products? Are you more eco-friendly and organic? Think of reasons why people should shop with you. If you’re just doing the same thing as the big supermarkets, you won’t do very well.
It goes without saying that you’ll also need items to sell in your small grocery business, so find somewhere reliable to get your food. Good luck!
