Souvenir production as a business. How to sell souvenirs

Trading is almost always a profitable business. Entrepreneurs often choose this direction in order to start a business. The main problem is the choice of product range. A variety of souvenirs are quite popular among consumers. In addition, a business built on their sale does not require large initial costs.

Business options

There are several options for running a business selling souvenirs. So, you can open a store or your department in a large mall. In order to purchase goods, you can contact both large companies that produce souvenirs made of polymer clay, crystal, etc., and "handicraftsmen" who want and offer handmade products. In the latter case, the product is likely to be more expensive, however, and the demand for exclusive handmade work in Lately getting higher.

In addition, you can offer products through the online store. This type of business is gaining popularity as many netizens prefer to buy goods through websites from the comfort of their homes.

Another option for organizing a business is not only selling, but also making souvenirs on your own. To do this, you can do it, make wooden souvenirs with your own hands, etc.

Where to start?

The initial investment depends on the type of business. If you decide to open a small souvenir shop, then first you need to draw up documents for registering a legal entity.

After that, you should find a place to organize a store. It can be bought or rented. The amount you have to spend depends on the area where you live. For a small store, an area of ​​​​15-20 square meters will be enough. meters.

In order to decorate the store, stands and counters are used. You will also need cash register. If the initial capital is small, then you can buy used equipment, which will cost much less than new.

Goods are first purchased in small quantities. The next step is to determine what is used. most in demand, and from this choose the final assortment. Souvenirs from epoxy resin, wood, beads, etc. If you master any of the technologies, then you will be able to produce products on your own.

Souvenirs for tourists are a success. The products of this group can be products made by craftsmen. This includes wooden, crystal souvenirs, miniatures, which depict the sights of your city or region.

It is better to purchase goods from wholesale suppliers, it will be cheaper (this does not apply if you decide to introduce exclusive hand-made souvenirs into the assortment). You can reach them through advertisements in periodicals or on specialized sites.

Benefits of a business selling souvenirs

The main advantage of selling souvenirs is the ease of doing business. If you make products yourself, then you should also note the low initial costs.

If you decide by organizing own business, selling souvenirs can be quite a profitable venture. To do this, you should carefully consider which business option to choose, what kind of assortment will be successful in your area, how you will attract customers.

If the business is organized taking into account all these nuances, then its payback is several months. After you start making a profit, you can think about expanding, for example, opening a few more outlets.

The fashion for unusual gifts has returned again, thereby increasing the profit from sales of souvenirs and gifts by 20-25%. Taking into account the statistical data, you can safely open a souvenir and gift shop, the profit of which will grow every year.

In this article, we will look at the gift shop business plan and find out how profitable this niche is now and whether the market is free.

But before relying on extras, let's look at what it takes to open such a store in more detail. So, in this review, together we will draw up a business plan for a gift and souvenir shop with calculations for 2018.

Competition

1. Analyze what products competitors offer, what is bought and how often, the price. The information will be taken into account in the business plan. This will allow to purchase a range of gift products with high demand.
2. Pay attention to online gift shops, you can also learn a lot from them: how they conduct a dialogue with the buyer, what they offer, what delivery time is. Later, you can emphasize that when you come to your place, you can buy something right away, without waiting for delivery.
3. Explore the local market: if an exclusive gift shop already exists in some area, then there will be no point in opening it. Of course, there will be revenue, but still not big enough for you to call the business successful. In addition, if a competitor store is already producing small volumes of sales, this does not mean that they are doing something wrong. It is possible that this product is simply not in demand in a certain area or city.

There are always a lot of gift shops, so you definitely need to think about how your store will differ from the rest. It would be appropriate to open a business with its own "zest". You can import products that no one else in the city has at all. For example, Korean handmade jewelry. Let their range be not large, you don’t need to specialize in this, but it would be nice to mention the existence of such an opportunity.

Location

A very important point in opening a gift shop, of course, is its location. Please note in the business plan that the store should be in a high traffic area, preferably in the city center, or in large shopping centers.

Even if your price is 10-15% higher than that of stores located in another part of the city, they will still buy from you, as more is in the field of view of potential buyers. In addition, based on the psychology of people, they will always go to the center, a crowded place, to buy good gift, rather than buying it somewhere "on the outskirts".

At the initial stage, it is not necessary to immediately open a large point with 5,000 items of gifts and a large area. Start small, for example, from 20 m². We will consider opening such a store in a shopping center with high traffic. The price of such premises will, of course, vary from Moscow to other regions. In the list of expenses of the business plan, we take the average cost - 15,000 rubles per month.

If the room has already been renovated, you do not need to redo it - just decorate it to your taste. Typically, gift shops use their own products as decorations, which the client can immediately buy. You don’t need a designer, you can arrange everything yourself - focus on the layout and design of existing competitors, personally inspect similar points in your city, view photos in Russia and abroad.

Equipment for work

To operate a gift and souvenir shop, you must purchase the following equipment:

1. Computer for accounting - 15,000 rubles. With it, you can also post updates, new deliveries that come to the store, their photos in social media;
2. Cash register - 15,000;
3. Equipment for bar-coding - 7,000;
4. Various stationery and small necessities - 10,000;
5. Stands for laying out, cabinets, racks - from 50,000;
6. Other unaccounted expenses - 50,000.

In total, in the business plan, the cost of purchasing equipment will be about 150,000 rubles.

Of course, for any business, it is necessary to issue official papers and register with the tax service. You can open as an individual entrepreneur or LLC. It will cost from 5,000 to 11,000 inclusive.

Store assortment

Before you open your own business, you need to deal with the assortment, thoughtless purchase of gifts and souvenirs will not give positive results. Maybe it will be goods for everyone or exclusive handmade products, which will be slightly higher in price? Depends primarily on what competitors are selling

If you are aware of trends and know what kind of purchase customers need, and there is no such store in this area, then feel free to open, as such a business will already be successful due to its individuality, and therefore demand.

Gifts should be for any occasion and for any clients: wedding, birthday, graduation, anniversary and more. Some people like to buy original and unusual gifts for themselves, just like that.

Gift products of a wide profile (postcards, balloons, confetti) are purchased from wholesalers, and exclusive products are purchased from online stores. When accounting for expenses in a business plan for the purchase of an assortment, do not give preference to the cheapest product names, tempted by the price. Having bought a gift that immediately breaks in their hands, customers will be disappointed and tell their friends about you. A bad reputation for business is absolutely useless, it will affect demand in the shortest possible time.

Handmade crafts are always welcome, it is wise to open a separate line of goods in the store: handmade soap, jewelry, postcards, embroidery and much more. Hand-made goods can be bought directly from manufacturers at an agreed price, and then sold with a markup in the store. You can partner with several local manufacturers at once to find out whose assortment is bought better.

For a traditional souvenir and gift shop, there should be at least a 200% markup on products.

The product range is expected to be as follows:

The cost of purchasing an assortment is − 76,000 rubles.

Sales income - 1,520,000 rubles.

Staff

If it is planned to open a small store, then the minimum number of employees can be taken. Director and two salesmen (shift work).

The director should deal with such tasks as searching for goods, communicating with suppliers, concluding contracts, controlling deliveries, hiring employees, and much more.

Costs in the business plan for the monthly salary of employees:

1. Director - 30,000 rubles.
2. Seller (2 pcs.) - 40,000 rubles.

Total, monthly expenses for the payment of wages to employees will amount to 70,000 rubles.

Tax deductions - 21,000 rubles.

Carefully monitor the quality of work of your employees, the success of the gift shop directly depends on them. Especially from salespeople who should be as courteous as possible and be able to sell well. The buyer comes not only for a gift, but also for the right mood, it is important for him to make sure that he is giving a really useful and unusual gift.

Store advertisement

As advertising, you can use any advertising methods, both traditional - leaflets, banners, promotions at the opening, and promotion on the Internet. In the business plan of the project, you need to make a list of at least 50-100 advertising tools that you will master in the first months.

Take advantage of the most basic ones that do not require any costs - this is advertising on social networks and among friends. Create groups, post photos of products. It is not necessary to hire a professional photographer, you can borrow from friends good camera and take pictures of yourself.

The name of the store should be memorable so that even people who do not know about it do not pass by. At the end of the shopping center, you can place a sign or banner, which will cost 10,000.

Costs and payback

Starting investments for opening a souvenir and gift shop:

1. Premises for rent - 15 000 rub.;
2. Store Equipment - 150 000 rub.
3. Product range- 76 000 rub.
4. Advertising - 10 000 rub.
5. IP opening - 10 000 rub.

Total: 261,000 rubles.

The monthly expenses in the business plan include:

1. Room rent - 15 000 rub.;
2. Staff salaries - 70 000 rub.;
3. Tax and social contributions - 21 000 rub.;
4. Product range - 5 000 rub.;
5. Advertising and promotion - 5 000 rub.
6. Income tax - RUB 228,000

Total: 415,000 rubles.

According to statistics, 20% of the sold goods remain on the shelves of the store, so the real income will be 1,216,000 rubles for 1 calendar month.

Net Income: 1 216 000 - 415,000 \u003d 801,000 rubles.

Payback:261 000 /801 000 = 0.3 months.

Risks

Even in a difficult economic situation, people do not spare money for gifts to relatives and friends. During numerous Russian holidays, souvenirs are especially relevant. It's inexpensive, suitable for everyone, and no need to rack your brains. Increasingly, memorable gifts for partners, customers and employees are ordered by private companies. Before the release of souvenirs, it is necessary to develop a business plan for the production of souvenirs. It will help assess the profitability and prospects of this business.

Project Summary

The gift market in Russia began to take shape more than 20 years ago, when it became possible to import goods from abroad. At first, everything was quite spontaneous, and mixed goods of poor quality were imported. Now the market of souvenir products has a civilized appearance, more and more goods appear domestic production. There is a growing demand for high-quality, designer goods, business souvenirs with logos, goods from natural materials.

The business idea is the production of souvenirs from wood (plywood) using laser cutting, engraving and full color printing. Wooden items attract consumers with their naturalness, elegance, they look more presentable than plastic ones. Laser technologies make it possible to produce exclusive badges, magnets, key chains, wall and table calendars and clocks, photo frames, jewelry boxes, pencil cases and other promotional souvenirs. individual design.

The project pursues the following goals: making a profit through the development of highly profitable production, developing the production of souvenirs, improving the consumer qualities of products, their design, increasing employment in the real sector of production.

Project objectives: product release, implementation modern technologies to reduce the cost of production and increase its quality, the organization of systematic production and marketing of products in Russia, the return of invested funds.

The project at the initial stage will require initial investments in the amount of 604 thousand rubles. This will be the personal funds of the business organizer. The funds will be used to register the company, purchase equipment, test development and advertising. A business plan for the production of souvenirs with calculations shows that the project is profitable and brings an annual profit of 673.6 thousand rubles. The payback period for the project will be 12 months.

Since the company plans to work not only with private clients, but also with other legal entities, consumers of advertising and souvenir products, it is necessary to register an LLC. No license required. The concept of "souvenir products" in all-Russian classifier no, therefore, the OKVED code will be selected based on the product category: 16.29 “Manufacture of other wooden products”.

Stages of project implementation

1. Business registration.
2. Search for premises, registration of rent.
3. Room renovation.
4. Purchase of equipment, installation.
5. Purchase of raw materials.
6. Search and hiring of personnel, training.
7. Start of production.

Concept

Souvenirs are in demand products among private clients and company owners. For the former, this is an opportunity to show attention to acquaintances, colleagues and distant relatives. There is no way to spend money on expensive gifts, but to present a souvenir for the New Year, women's or men's holiday is affordable for anyone. In the business world, a souvenir is a demonstration of attention, respect, loyalty, a manifestation of gratitude to partners and customers, encouragement of employees, a reminder of oneself.

Plywood was chosen as the main material for souvenirs. It is a malleable material that is commonly used in the furniture industry, but in last years began to be popular among manufacturers of souvenir products. Plywood is a natural, environmentally friendly material, products made from it look original, as if made by hand, they are light and inexpensive.

The project involves the manufacture of developed custom order and branded badges, magnets, key chains, postcards, calendars, personalized or with a logo, clocks and frames on a table or wall. The assortment of the company will include decorative elements and useful accessories: caskets, pencil cases, notebooks with wooden covers, stationery stands, business cards and tea. Wooden Toys for the holidays, prefabricated souvenirs for the holidays and thematic events, requisites for the holidays: photo props, letters and numbers made of wood, blanks for creativity and decoupage.

The engraving business does not make high demands on the premises, but since the products will be sold not only via the Internet, but also through offline trading, it is planned to rent a room in a large residential area in a shopping center. For the production and storage of products, a room of 20 square meters is required. meters and a platform for selling products and communicating with customers. Total area: 25 sq. meters. The room must comply with sanitary and fire regulations, good lighting.

Market analysis

Hundreds of years ago, engraved items were popular: family watches, personalized spoons or antique jewelry. Thanks to technological progress, engraving has become more functional, more refined in execution and easier to use. Laser engraving stands out for its decorative appeal, high-quality and durable image, which is not erased over the years and is not washed off with water.

Such properties of laser engraving make it very popular among craftsmen, and products made using the laser cutting and engraving technique are popular among customers. Currently, wood products are gaining popularity; this material attracts consumers with its naturalness, environmental friendliness, and pliability. Masters can make products of any complexity according to individual design. At the same time, such a souvenir will cost the client at a reasonable price, since wood is cheaper than metal or glass.

The business of making souvenirs is subject to seasonality, the main peak of consumer demand is observed on the eve of the New Year, from about mid-November. Then a slight decline, but by February, demand is rising again. Consumers buy souvenirs by February 23 and March 8. In summer, demand drops by 50% compared to pre-New Year sales. For this reason, the launch of the company is scheduled for October.

There are many companies on the market that offer engraving and cutting of products from various materials, including wood. They try to attract customers with a low price, original design and speed of work execution. However, the demand for such goods exceeds supply, while a small percentage of the Russian population and city dwellers are still aware of such products. There is also a growing demand for wooden souvenirs from companies that want to surprise partners, employees and customers with an original corporate present.

Target audience of the project:

• Corporate clients: companies with their own image, brand, staff of more than 20 people, companies with thousands and millions of turnovers.
• Young people aged 20 to 35 who want to surprise their friends original gifts, decorate your interior, present an unusual souvenir for a wedding, birthday, birth of a child.
• Wedding salons, event agencies, photo studios, creative workshops, decorators, designers.

organizational plan

Laser engraving technology allows you to work without special blanks, clichés, printing forms, and therefore does not require additional equipment and service personnel. To organize the production of souvenirs, an operator is required who knows how to work with graphic programs. His responsibilities include compiling cutting programs, cutting plywood to order, developing new products, order picking, maintaining a laser machine. Requirements: knowledge and experience in Adobe Illustrator, Coreldraw or Autodesk AutoCAD, experience in equipment and production for at least a year, ability to learn, responsibility.

For the work of the company, it will be necessary to hire a designer whose tasks include the development of souvenirs, the creation of layouts, the study of the design of the website and social networks of the company. He must be proficient in graphic editors Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, understand modern tendencies design, be independent, proactive, be able to work in multitasking mode and in a team.

The key employee of the company will be the sales manager for production services. His responsibilities: active sales of products through cold calls, attracting new customers, training commercial offers in accordance with the needs of clients, conducting negotiations, presentations by phone and at meetings, building a client base, supporting and advising clients, preparing documentation, fulfilling a sales plan. Requirements: experience in sales for at least a year, communication skills, independence, ability to organize your time, knowledge of cold calling techniques, negotiation and active sales. The salary will be small, motivation with a high bonus part without an upper limit.

Staff members:

Outsourced accountant and cleaner.

Production plan

The process of manufacturing souvenir products from plywood begins with the preparation of an original layout in vector format. It is developed by the designer, while the complexity of the pattern does not play a role, since the laser can cope with any pattern. Next, the operator cuts a workpiece of a certain shape along the contour, and then laser engraves the required depth.

Necessary equipment: laser engraver, honeycomb table for cutting, computer with software, scanner, computer desk, office chair. Consumable- a laser needle, which is enough for 30 images (one piece - 600 rubles).

One laser is usually enough for 20 thousand hours. When working for 8 hours a day, the device will last for 7 years, when working for 12 hours - for 4.5 years. Usually one square centimeter of finished work costs 15 rubles.

Monthly expenses:

• Laser needles: 12 thousand rubles.
• Rent: 25 thousand rubles.
• Wage fund: 160 thousand rubles + insurance premiums 33% = 52.8 thousand rubles.
• Services of an accountant and a cleaner: 10 thousand rubles.
• Website operation, promotion in search engines and social networks, advertising: 30 thousand rubles.
• Other expenses: 14 thousand rubles.

Total monthly expenses project: 303.8 thousand rubles (for the year 3.645 million rubles).

Tax payments: (income - expense) x 15% \u003d (360 - 303.8) x 15% \u003d 8.43 thousand rubles.

Expenses for the first year of operation: 604 thousand rubles + 3.645 million rubles + 8.43 x 12 = 4.35 million rubles.

Marketing plan

No business can flourish without effective promotion. Show potential clients samples of your work. A bright signboard, mobile advertising structures that can be installed near a shopping center or other points of a large crowd of people will help in promotion. Other opportunities: participation in trade shows and city festivals.

Expanding the customer base will require the development of online trading. This requires a website, optimization in a search engine, setting up contextual advertising, advertising in social networks: VKontakte, Instagram.

To increase customer loyalty, you should organize contests and promotions with prizes, develop a system of discounts for regular customers, conduct an audience survey to identify needs and topics of interest.

Financial plan

The payback of the project will depend on many factors: the popularity of the selected services, the flow of customers, advertising campaign, sales manager job. Usually laser engraving has a high payback due to a wide range of applications, and the cost of equipment is compensated by the small cost of renting a room. Profit is affected by the quality of equipment: the more expensive, the more productive the work.

Project Variable Costs: 604 thousand rubles.

Project fixed costs: 312.2 thousand rubles/month, or 3.75 million rubles/year.

Average customer check: 700 rubles. Number of clients per month: 515, per day - 17.

Monthly revenue: 360 thousand rubles.

Annual revenue while maintaining indicators: 360 x 12 = 4.32 million rubles.

Break-even point for the first year = (revenue x fixed costs) / (revenue - variable costs) = (4.32 million x 3.75 million) / (4.32 million - 0.604 million) = 4.36 million rubles.

Profit per month: 360 thousand rubles - 312.2 thousand rubles = 47.8 thousand rubles.

Profit for the year: 57.7 thousand rubles x 12 = 573.6 thousand rubles.

Profitability\u003d profit / revenue x 100% \u003d 573.6 thousand / 4,320 thousand x 100% \u003d 13,2% .

Payback\u003d starting investments / profit for the year \u003d 604 thousand rubles / 573.6 thousand rubles \u003d 1 year.

Eventually

The plywood souvenir business looks quite promising, it does not require large investments and rental costs. Engraving of objects was popular with consumers several decades ago, and now the fashion for engraved objects is returning. In addition, buyers prefer to decorate their home or give gifts to loved ones from natural materials, in an original and high-quality design.

The developed example of a business plan for the production of plywood souvenirs showed that the project will require 604 thousand rubles at the start, and the payback will come in a year. To implement the business, you will need to rent a room of 25 sq. m in the shopping center of a large residential area, the purchase of equipment and raw materials, the hiring of qualified personnel. Monthly expenses: 312.2 thousand rubles, monthly profit will be 47.8 thousand rubles. The plans are to increase the company's income by increasing the average check and the number of customers.

Every year, Russians buy small gifts for relatives and friends, several national holidays throughout the year, as well as personal occasions for congratulations. More and more attention is paid to corporate gifts and souvenirs by companies, this is an opportunity to express loyalty, respect and gratitude to partners, employees and customers.

I tried to trade different groups goods and I want to note that the souvenir assortment has a number of distinct advantages. Unlike food and, for example, cosmetics, cute trinkets do not deteriorate and have no expiration date.

Souvenirs do not need to be certified, there is no need to obtain special permits for the sale of these products, the seller does not have to draw up a sanitary book. And although souvenirs do not belong to essential items or high-demand goods, they are sold well, and a relatively small turnover can be more than compensated for by high profitability.

Souvenirs "tourist" and "gift"

In my opinion, souvenir products are divided into these two categories in the first place. True, there are also promotional souvenirs, but as a rule, they are not sold at retail. However, some products are equally well bought by the guests of the city as a keepsake, and as gifts - by the natives. An example is souvenir mugs depicting architectural monuments or views of the pearls of local nature. And, for example, Gzhel porcelain in the Ramensky district of the Moscow region will be a “dual-use” product, and in other places it will be primarily a gift.

Of course, sometimes tourists willingly buy souvenirs that have nothing to do with local attractions, just as a gift to loved ones. And yet, IMHO, the conditional division of the assortment into the two above-mentioned categories remains relevant.

To occupy a foothold is the basis of business success

IN retail the successful location of the outlet is one of the main conditions for profitable work. Of course, there are exceptions: if you sell something exclusive and at the same time desperately what people need, they are ready to come to you at the other end of the city with two transfers. No one will chase after souvenirs like that, they are already sold at every turn. To trade in "tourist" assortment, you should choose sites near local attractions. It is advisable to first observe whether excursions stop at this place for a time sufficient to make purchases, or tourists are quickly and quickly “driven” further along the route.

It is good to sell gifts in large shopping centers, in the trading floors of large grocery stores, on pedestrian streets and at the points of intersection of the main passenger flows. The only trouble is that all the “bread” places are usually long and firmly occupied by competitors, and if they are suddenly free, then astronomical amounts are requested for rent (this fully applies to the approaches to tourist sites). Instead of a souvenir kiosk or department, you can try to open a trade from a portable tray or using a collapsible tent. But it is sometimes very difficult to obtain permission from the local authorities to operate such a retail outlet (which, however, does not mean that it is impossible).

There is another option: don't look for yourself permanent place, and take part in various exhibitions, fairs and festivities on the occasion of large and small holidays. Here you need to carefully follow the calendar of events and apply in advance for the coordination of your participation to the event organizers.

Where to buy or order souvenirs for sale

With souvenirs of a "gift" nature - it's easier. You can make a wide assortment in the wholesale market or in the warehouse of almost any specialized company, something can be purchased from individual artisans (one does not interfere with the other and the third). An independent trip for cheaper souvenirs to China for a novice merchant is too costly.

With the "tourist" range - more difficult. The sights of some (especially small) settlements can be very weakly reflected or not indicated at all in the souvenir products offered by wholesale. Then you have to turn to the services of manufacturing companies involved in the manufacture of souvenirs to order. And here the price of the product is VERY STRONGLY dependent on the size of the lot, the difference can exceed 100%. The most favorable prices are sometimes offered not by manufacturers, but by intermediaries who place customer orders with their Chinese partners, but in this case we are usually talking about a thousand or even several thousand units, and the production time is several months. However, you can invest decent amounts in one or two items of goods only when ordering the most popular souvenirs.

good way out there may be a purchase of components for souvenirs with a printing insert. The design of pictures with minimal skills can be developed independently, and printed - even on a home color printer (although, most likely, professional design and printing will give better results).

What souvenirs to choose

Which direction is better to choose - tourist or purely gift - depends primarily on the "place in the sun" that you manage to stake out. Although, if the retail space and working capital, it makes sense to cover both in some reasonable ratio. To begin with, it is worth trying to include a variety of souvenirs in your assortment, in order to then decide on the most relevant ones. A variety of fridge magnets, key chains, souvenir plates and mugs, lighters, flasks, products made from natural materials (wood, clay, straw, leather) are well sold.

Should I take mostly cheap goods or more expensive ones? Practice shows that the best demand is usually for goods of an average price category. Expensive items will definitely sell poorly from a street stall - for solid gifts, the buyer goes to more respectable outlets.

It should be remembered that souvenirs most often do not have a utilitarian value, and therefore are especially high quality a significant part of buyers may not appreciate the products, and people will regret the extra money. The same applies to the artistic level of souvenir design - alas, few have a developed aesthetic taste, and sometimes tasteless crafts are sold much better than high-quality design developments. And at the same time, there is a certain stable demand for handmade designer products.

Special attention should refer to the packaging. Properly packaged goods look and buy much better, spoil less during transportation. Gift wrapping can sell well on its own, some people build their business on gift wrapping.

Competitors, let's live together!

Competition in the souvenir trade is quite strong - sometimes dozens of kiosks and stalls can be counted near the same tourist sites. Sometimes the fight for the buyer takes the form of dumping wars, and as a result, all traders lose their profits. Wouldn't it be better to have a coordinated pricing policy?! After all, tourists, and in the pre-holiday running around for gifts - and our fellow countrymen, for the most part, are ready to fork out in full. And it is not known whether it will be possible to sell so much more goods at low prices to compensate for the loss in profitability.

From personal experience I can give an example of successful cooperation with a competitor. Together we buy larger quantities of goods and get discounts. Each works with several of their own suppliers, and as a result, we both have twice the range. One person would not be able to organize all these deliveries purely physically, and it is not easy to find a suitable assistant, and there is a great risk of growing a new competitor.

Souvenir Calendar

It should be borne in mind that the souvenir trade is seasonal. The main flow of tourists falls on the period from May to August and during the Christmas holidays, and the peak of demand for gifts takes place on the eve of the most popular holidays. It is advisable to stock up souvenirs in advance, otherwise you can stay without goods on hot days. As for purely thematic gifts, such as a symbol of the coming year, there is a great risk of getting large balances of illiquid assets, which then have to be sold at a loss.

Development of your souvenir business

The logic of any business involves development, the alternative to which is decline. And here you have several ways. You can constantly expand and improve the range, find new suppliers, develop exclusive design souvenirs. It is possible - to open additional retail outlets and / or expand the geography of outbound trade. And you can - try to become a wholesaler, for starters - at least a small wholesaler. But this is a topic for a separate discussion.

As practice shows, a souvenir business can bring in up to $2,000 per month. But it largely depends on how to organize it, on what to focus your business.

Business Features

First of all, let's see how attractive the souvenir business is. According to research, about 30% of their income people annually spend on souvenirs. Moreover, the niche is huge, variable, and in each of its variations there will always be a buyer. So, you can implement your ideas in the following directions:

• souvenirs for football and hockey fans;
• for tourists;
• corporate, private orders;
• author's work and more.

Depending on what audience your business will be designed for, its seasonal fluctuations also depend. For example, most corporate orders will be for public holidays: New Year, March 8, etc. Tourists buy most of the products in summer period when there is a maximum influx of tourists to the city. Football and hockey fans are more likely to buy scarves, figurines and badges ahead of the next match. Author's works, as a rule, are bought all year round no noticeable spikes in sales.

Knowing when the hype for products is expected approximately, you can activate the business in advance and saturate the market with the necessary products.

Business types

Despite the fact that the business is considered to be a home business, ideas for its implementation will help organize both a small additional income and a significant profit. The implementation of the idea can be online or offline. You can make souvenirs with your own hands and sell them, or you can act as an intermediary, selling products made by other craftsmen.

Mediation Ideas

In this format, ideas can be implemented in two ways.

1. Purchase goods in bulk from companies that are engaged in the industrial production of souvenirs. You can find them via the Internet, and not only within your state.
2. Work with craftsmen who make souvenirs with their own hands. Many women who stay at home make various souvenirs with their own hands at their leisure. You can find them on thematic or women's communities or forums.

The advantage of this business implementation technology is that souvenir products can be marked up to 200% of the purchase price. This compensates for the low cost of one unit of goods.

DIY manufacturing

If you are not yet ripe for big business, you can point to sell crafts made by yourself. True, in this case, you yourself will have to generate ideas for souvenirs - unique things are most in demand. And at home, you can make anything with your own hands. It all depends on what audience your ideas are designed for.

If souvenirs for sports fans are mainly purchased in bulk from suppliers, then copyright items, for tourists, corporate clients need original ideas made by hand. It can be:

• wooden crafts;
• crystal figurines;
• miniatures depicting sights;
• commemorative postcards and more.

• Handmade soap;
• original candles;
• decoupage items;
• carving and more.

As a rule, the implementation of such work is also the privilege of women who do it at home with their own hands.

Printing on T-shirts and mugs

Men prefer to implement ideas more thoroughly. For example, open a point for printing pictures and inscriptions on T-shirts and mugs. Of course, this is a little home-based business, but it fits the concept of a do-it-yourself business. Such a case involves scanning a photograph ordered for printing or creating a unique picture, printing it on thermal film and applying it to the desired surface. The implementation of any idea will take no more than 15 minutes. The simplicity of the technology allows you to print even at home, if the volume of orders is relatively small.

For this you need to have:

• scanner - 3,500 rubles;
• printer 4-5 thousand rubles;
• computer - 15 thousand rubles;
• printing press (an ordinary iron is enough at first if you organize production at home).

From raw materials must be purchased

• t-shirts - 80 rubles / piece;
• mugs - 25-50 rubles / piece;
• thermal paper - 5 sheets (A4) 300 rubles.

If the business is not home, you will need funds to rent a room. It is most reasonable to take it in a large shopping center, where there will be high traffic per day. In this case, the cost square meter per month can reach 30 thousand rubles.

Profit calculation

Calculating the exact profit and cost of a business is difficult. It all depends on whether you will run a business at home or from an office, what direction of souvenirs you will engage in, make them yourself or act as an intermediary.

But even with the most expensive option, it may well be a profitable business for women. The project will require relatively small investments - no more than 30-35 thousand rubles. If we talk about souvenir printing, then you can sell mugs for 300 rubles, T-shirts - for 350 rubles. Such a home business will pay off in about a year. But this is still a very conditional period, since a lot depends on the number of orders, the theme of souvenirs and other things.

Sale of goods

One more important question, which must be solved by organizing a souvenir business - the sale of goods. You can open a small souvenir shop. Its location is chosen depending on the theme of souvenirs. For example, it makes sense to sell sports paraphernalia at stadiums and sports grounds. Items for tourists are on the main street of the city, where their flow is as large as possible. Products designed for women sell well in shopping malls.

If you make products at home, you can look for already working points and sell it there. In this case, large stores, supermarkets are also suitable.

You can create an online store. This the best way business organization for women. In this case, they can, without looking up from household chores, take orders, advise and send them by mail. If there are no funds to develop an appropriate site, you can sell the manufactured souvenirs through social networks and free classified ads on the Internet.

Starting your business

Whether to register your business officially depends on its format and volume products sold. For example, for women who sometimes make something to order, it makes no sense to spend time and money on paperwork. But if the sale of souvenirs brings a steady income, it is better to formalize this business in the manner prescribed by law.

If you are engaged in mediation, selling the products of other craftsmen or your own, it is best to register individual entrepreneur– You are unlikely to have to deal with large shipments. If you sell goods by purchasing them in bulk from large manufacturers, or your company has several founders, it makes sense to register an LLC.

Then we look for a room. For a small shop, you can rent a room with an area of ​​​​15-20 square meters. m. Buy counters, stands and a cash register in it. The latter must be registered with the tax office.

First, you need to buy goods in small wholesale lots. Then, having found out what sells best, focus on the purchase of this product.

Business rules

Regardless of whether you sell souvenirs for women or for tourists, your business must be organized according to certain rules. Then his chances of success are greatly increased. The main rules are:

1. Do not conduct business in secrecy. Tell all your friends and acquaintances about it.
2. Take part in specialized exhibitions. This will help not only to tell about yourself, but also to study the market, get acquainted with new products, communicate directly with the target audience.
3. Even if you have an offline business, don't ignore the Internet. Look for suppliers and customers there, advertise yourself through it.
4. Remember that only exclusive products will bring success.
5. The presentation of the goods must be appropriate, especially when you sell goods for women. And this applies not only souvenir shops but also online stores.
6. Even when implementing hand-made, avoid the same type.
7. If you are a master yourself and sell your products, team up with other craftsmen.