Starting a photography business continued?

The last question I asked was about starting a photography business and some people answered assuming that I was the photographer. I highly appreciate the answers but this will not be a business in photography, but in photography supply. I will be selling lenses, cameras, tripods, and the like for I already know a few photographers in the area but they need to go way out of town in order to get their supplies and they've already said that they would come to my shop if I had one. So I'm just curious if there are any pointers out there for starting a photography supply shop I guess.

you are starting off correctly by finding out what your potential clients need. you don't have to have the lowest price, but a fair price. If they have to drive 30 miles to save a few dollars (especially w/ gas prices) they will still come to you. look for deals from suppliers so you can have sales and specials. concentrate on "disposable" items (less cost, faster turn around). don't want all your funds tied up in expensive cameras, lenses that only one person might want if they are in the right place at the right time. but if you get regular orders for film, paper etc that is steady cash flow. also consider seminars by a local photographer - things to bring people in the store more often.

Do plenty of research to determine if you can sell your products as competitively as online sources such as eBay, Amazon, Adorama, B&H, and others. If not, what can you offer that online sources can't offer? Local buyers may like buying locally, but only if prices are good. Also determine if there is enough business in your area to make it worthwhile. And if you can get the funds necessary to get you started -- cost of stock, advertising, supplies, storefront rental, etc.

I did some freelance photography for a while. What would have been most helpful to me is if a local store sold things that I could only find online. Lots of stores have cameras, lenses, tripods, etc. I found things like seamless background paper and various studio equipment to be difficult to find. I ordered most of that online.

Good luck!
Jenn
Independent Scentsy Consultant
http://www.scentsy.com/jralston