Small Business Start-Up Idea - Art Supply Store

The traditional art supply store is becoming a rarity as more people start to buy their supplies online. The convenience of the Internet allows artists to easily purchase the supplies they need. This is especially useful for people who require uncommon or niche supplies that would be hard to find in most art shops. All you need to run this type of business is a website with an integrated online shop.  

Skills needed: It will be helpful if you are familiar with the products which you sell so that you can deal with customer enquiries.  

Business environment and set-up cost:  This business has potential for being successful in other countries, especially if you sell a diverse range of products. The cost to start this business is relatively low. You will need to pay for the design and hosting of your website and online shop, plus the initial cost of purchasing an inventory.  The overall start-up cost will range from less than £1,250 to £2,500 (1,500 - 3,000 EUR, 2,500-5,000 AUD/USD).  

Marketing Techniques:  

• Make sure your website is easy to find by using search engine optimisation (SEO)
• Participate in the pay-per-click schemes of the popular search engines
• Become active on the art newsgroups and discussion forums that potential customers are likely to frequent, remembering to include a signature linking to your website
• Have a mailing list which informs your customer base about new additions to your product catalogue
• Regularly write some original content for your website such as art tips in order to attract repeat visits
• Use OnlineOffice to set up web-site, blog and online shop to promote your business online

Complimentary business ideas: You could work in partnership with your artist customers to help them sell their artwork. This could be achieved through listing classified adverts or by running an auction.  

Notes: As with every online shop, it is essential that your inventory is kept up to date. If you are out of stock then your website must display this immediately because it is very unprofessional if a customer orders something you do not have.  

Online examples & resources:  

• London Graphic Centre
• Jerry’s Art Supplies
• Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff

For previous SME start-up ideas, look through the archive here  

2 Responses to “Small Business Start-Up Idea - Art Supply Store”

1. Finding Art Supplies
   http://www.trekell.com/Art-Supplies_ep_38.html
   
   Said on July 22nd, 2008 at 7:30 am

   Finding art supplies that are the exact fit for every artist can be a tall order, but at Trekell we are committed to the quality of our products and have been offering our customers the very best in fine art supplies and art brushes for decades.

2. alan artist
   http://www.officeprofiles.com/c-office-artists__graphics_supplies-563.aspx
   
   Said on October 3rd, 2008 at 5:51 pm

   It’s the quality od the products that they sell that make a good art supplies store for me. Our local srt shop sells some of the good branded stuff but also sells some of the cheaper chinese imports which don’t compare.

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