I am starting a part store, what do I need to carry for merchandise ?
I sthere someone out there to help with my first order ?

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Clarification of Question by mjinc-ga on 13 Sep 2004 11:22 PDT

I am starting a party store Birthdays Holidays etc... what do I need
for merchandise to get started and what is the mark up on the cost of
the products ?

If you have some start up dollars I would suggest eBay to start your
inventory. There are lots of gag gifts and what not there. I would
also suggest discount and dollar stores to start.

Apply for a credit card only if you like startup funds. See if a
friend or relative would be willing to give you a low/no interest
loan.

Get out the old phone book and visit party supply stores in your area.
While you are there, think about what/how you could do better. Take
some notes on pricing. Hang around for a while (just browsing) and
listen what customers ask for, look what they are buying, pay
attention to what the store DOESN'T have that might help you find a
niche.

A markup percentage may vary depending on your cost at any given moment.

Talk to an accountant.

Talk to a lawyer.

Those two are expensive. Again, check to see if a friend or realtive
may have or even BE a lawyer or accountant/bookkeeper. You MAY want to
look into a prepaid legal provider as well.

GOOD LUCK