You can save up to 80% here by doing some careful shopping. Go to an office furniture store or
showcase dealer and experience "sticker shock" at their retail prices. Then go home and start reading classified ads. Once you know what full price is, you will be highly motivated to search for bargains. You
can get by with nearly all used furniture and equipment because total emphasis will be placed on your merchandise and practically no focus on the display materials themselves. If you don't find suitable shelving or
racks, these can be constructed by any handyman at minimal cost.
Besides studying the classifieds, there are other means of locating what you need. Drive around town and look for stores that are closing or offices
that are renovating. Call and ask if their fixtures are for sale. Secondhand stores and auction houses are worth a look too. Call the local school administration and ask how or where they get rid of their old equipment.
Factories and government agencies also have potential., Once or twice a year there is probably a police or IRS auction where confiscated goods are disposed of at pennies on the dollar.
Some of what you needed might be
right in front of you. Look around your house, your garage, your attic, for any articles that might be used again.
The following list includes items of absolute necessity for your merchandise showroom, your office,
and the shipping-receiving-janitorial area.
SALES FLOOR
Cash register
Check out counter
Electronic VISA-MG machine
Adequate lighting
Wall racks for rugs
Shelving for pottery
Clothing racks for mandellas
Showcases for valuable items
Pegboard for artifacts
Shelves for kachinas
Convex security mirrors
Fire extinguisher
Trash receptacle by front door
Water cooler
Mirror
Tiered tables for pottery, baskets, and curies
OFFICE AREA
Desk
Chair
3 or 4 folding chairs
Telephone
Fax-machine-copier
Clock
Calendar
File cabinet
Typewriter
Card file-rolodex
Bulletin board
Cabinet or shelves for paper and office supplies
Wire baskets or stacking trays for files and paperwork
Bank bag
Petty cash box
First aid kit
Tape dispenser
Pencil sharpener
Calculator
SHIPPING – RECEIVING - JANATORIAL
Broom-mop-just mop-bucket-rags
Vacuum cleaner
Cabinet or shelves for cleansers etc.
Scales for weighing UPS shipments
Tape machine for box sealing tape
Space or shelving for box storage
Containers for packing merchandise or unpacking shipments
Single medicine cabinet for your personal effects - aspirin, etc.
Toilet paper dispenser
Towel dispenser
Soap dispenser
Mirror
Tool box
Cart or dolly
Step ladder
Trash cans
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Electronic security system
Computer
Postage meter
Microwave
Shrink wrap machine
Gift wrap table and supplies
Safe
Small refrigerator
As you set up your office and sales counter you will realize the need for dozens of office
supply items. Before you rush out to a store, again use all your own resources first. You and your family probably nave enough unused materials laying around the house to nearly stock your desk area.
Pens and pencils
Writing pads
Scratch paper
Notebooks
Poster paper
Markers, colored pencils
Stencils, rulers, scissors
Scotch tape
Paper clips
File folders
Typing paper - copier paper
Measuring tapes - yardsticks
Staples - Nails - Screws – Wall brackets
Columnar pads
Postage stamps
Avery labels
Paper tickets for price tags
Light bulbs
after all possible resources have been exhausted, then head for a discount office supply store to fill in your extra needs
Be prudent--a
large desk pad calendar can keep you every bit as organized as a $50.00 leather-bound schedule planner. Buying legal pads in large packs can save a fortune over fancy spiral books and binders. Colored file folders are
not necessary--put colored file tabs on plain folders. You do not need flowered towels and toilet paper. Little decisions like this cut costs and increase your profits. Watch for coupons, discounts, and sales on these
types of supplies. Occasionally grocery stores, drug chains, and K-Mart have better prices than the traditional office supply companies. Look for bargains.
Before arranging your store, visit successful
operations in your area or in other towns. Again-- "follow the leader" for merchandising. Collect ideas on displays and make notes about what types of fixtures would best present your inventory. You can build
much of what is needed with 2x4's, plywood, metal rods and cinder block. See Appendix A in the back of the book for illustrations and instructions.
