Guides - Retail

The retail trade sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing merchandise, generally without transformation, and rendering services incidental to the sale of merchandise. In addition to selling merchandise, some types of store retailers are also engaged in the provision of after-sales services, such as repair and installation.

Before you begin...

• Naming Your Business 

Setting it up

• Merchandise for Profit
• Departmentalizing and Inventory Management in a Retail Store
• Store Location - "Little Things" Mean a Lot
• Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Lease
• Selecting Your Supplier
• Profit by Your Wholesaler's Services

Getting the word out...

• Marketing Checklist for Small Retailers
• Advertising Guidelines for Small Retailer Firms
• Signs and your Business
• Advertising Do's and Don'ts
• Ways to Promote Your Product or Service
• Do You Know the Results of Your Advertising
• Plan your Advertising Budget

Sales

• Setting the Right Price
• Improving Personal Selling in Small Retailer Firms
• Measuring Sales Force Performance
• Selling Products on Consignment
• Understanding and Developing Your Sales Force

Your employees

• Setting Up a Pay System
• Checklist for Developing a Training Program
• Bonding

Your Money

• Credit and Collections
• Checklist for Profit Watching
• Preventing Theft
• Bad Cheque Control
• Dealing With Your Banker & Other Lenders
• Lending - The Basic Criteria

See also:

• Retail Trade - Service Industries Overview
• Retail Trade