Have you always been fascinated with home care products? Do you enjoy fine fragrances? Are you interested in making and selling your own line of scented candles and perfumes?
If you’re planning to set up a personal and home care business, then this piece is for you. We have put together some tips to help you get started, from getting to know your target market to acquiring premium scents from established perfume manufacturers in Dubai.
Home and Personal Care Solutions
If you want to have a sweet-smelling future, you have to start by investing time, effort, and resources. When putting up a shop that sells everything from scented bath and body products to reed diffusers, you should make sure that you start on the right foot.
A lot of people are now more aware of self-care. Along with this, there is a conscious drive to seek the best products to help them care for themselves, the people around them, and the environment they live in. This need makes it easier for you to offer various products ranging from personal care solutions to home care items.
Here is a simple guide to help you get your business running:
1. Create a Sound Plan
With any business, you need to lay a strong foundation. Start by establishing a clear mission and vision for your company. Identify the objectives that you want to achieve for your brand and business. Then, formulate a sound strategy that will include the steps on how you will go about it.
A thorough business plan and tactical brand architecture will serve as a blueprint that will drive you towards your goals.
2. Know Your Market
Aside from crunching numbers and projecting sales targets, you should also make it a point to know your market. Pay attention to market research to gain a deeper understanding of your audience.
Aside from getting the demographics, try also to consider the psychographics involved. What are their hobbies, lifestyles, or buying trends? These elements will allow you to create a more tailor-made approach to selling your products. Knowing how your customers think and feel will also help you create compelling messages that they can relate to.
3. Set a Budget
As with any business, you need to straighten out your financials. Have a realistic look at your current financial situation and see how it can buoy your business. You would most likely want to keep your costs low at the beginning. However, make sure to study where you can invest and where you can cut corners.
Something that you shouldn’t scrimp on the actual products. If you are sourcing ingredients or actual items, make sure that they are of high quality. It will please your customers and make them happy to spread the word to other potential clients.
Keep in mind staff salaries, store rental, and utility costs. For smaller businesses, tapping online and social media channels as a means for advertising and promotions helps.
4. Identify a Location
Pick a store location that has high foot traffic. It’s okay if there are other similar shops nearby. You can just challenge yourself to plan how to stand apart from the competition.
Stay within close proximity of your competitors for the ease and convenience of shoppers. Customers won’t need to seek you out and make a special trip just to buy your products. You can consider moving to another location when you have already established a strong following for your brand.
5. Get the Legalities Straight
Before you start building your shop or stocking your goods, make sure that you have all the legal considerations in place. Ensure that all business permits and documentation are complete, all fees are paid for, and that you are aware of all business regulations in your area.
If you are not well-versed with legal documents and business legislation in your area, you may have to hire the services of a lawyer. You should also look into getting an insurance policy.
6. Look for Reputable Suppliers
When building brand equity, how your customers perceive your brand, products, and services is critical in achieving success. As much as you put time, energy, and money into sales and marketing, the same effort should also be given when procuring your items.
Whether you need raw ingredients for making your perfumes, scented laundry soaps, or fragrant lotions, you should make sure to source them from a reputable supplier. You cannot go wrong by doing so because this will translate to customer satisfaction and, ultimately, retention.
Look for suppliers that have been in business for many years and have therefore developed expertise in their line of work. For example, if you’re looking for fine fragrances, go for an established supplier that excels in innovation and quality.
The Scent of Success
Once you have the necessary things in place, then it’s time to get things going. Check and double-check your business plan. Ensure that all communications are ready to go, your inventory is prepared and well-stocked, and all other details are taken care of.
All you have to do is ensure that your customers get a rewarding experience, and you can look forward to breathing in the sweet scent of success.
AUTHOR BIO
Lamia Rochdi is the Marketing Manager at Bell Flavors & Fragrances EMEA. A successful family-owned business, Bell’s core competencies include customized solutions for the food and beverage industry, the household and personal care sector, and the perfume industry.
