How to Start a Scuba Diving Gear Store Online
Welcome to the Business Ideas section. Watch this video, I’m going to give you a quick start guide on How to Start a Scuba Diving Gear Store Online. Over the last decade, the scuba diving industry has experienced phenomenal growth. If you’re looking to make some money and make a difference, you should consider starting a scuba diving shop.
So, here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Step 1 - Get a Business Plan
If you have no idea how a scuba equipment store is supposed to operate or maybe you are a first time online business owner, I'd recommend downloading an eCommerce business plan from Fiverr. Their plans outline exactly how online businesses work and what you should expect.
Step 2 - Find a Supplier
There are two methods to start this kind of business. You can find dropship suppliers or buy and warehouse your own inventory. Either way, the supplier research process is still the same.
If you want to get started right away and you don't have a lot of money to buy inventory, you'll want to head over to google and type in these words, "dropship scuba gear" or "scuba equipment drop ship program".
This will give you access to thousands of scuba products to sell in your online store right away, without actually needing to buy any of them. If you do have some money and you want to manage your own inventory and keep products in your own warehouse to ship, just google the words "wholesale scuba gear". These search results will display companies where you can buy in bulk from.
Once you find and choose your suppliers, proceed to step 3.
Step 3 - Register Your Business
Now, when you've got that sorted, it's time to officially register your business. You won't be able to buy wholesale scuba gear or work with a drop ship supplier until you complete this step. You'll need to register & apply for a federal EIN Number, and form an LLC or Corporation.
Depending on what state you are in, you will likely also need a reseller or retail merchant certificate as well. This allows you to buy products, tax free. I recommend using MyCorporation.com, as they do have a variety of packages to choose from, but their most basic package will get you started right away.
Legally Incorporate Your Business Today
Step 4 - Open a Business Bank Account
Now, since you're going to be getting all this money, you'll need somewhere to put it. It's pretty easy to open a business bank account, but they won't get you setup without having the legal incorporation paperwork and the EIN number that I just spoke about. You can work with a local bank that you already use or you can just choose a new one.
Step 5 - Buy Web Hosting
The next step is to buy web hosting. I always recommend choosing Bluehost because they are the most reliable for e-commerce stores. You also get a free domain name, a free ssl certificate and access to 24/7 tech support. So, you really can't beat it.
Buy eCommerce Webhosting with Bluehost
Step 6 - Work with an E-Commerce Web Designer
Once you pay for a website hosting plan with Bluehost, you'll get your login credentials. You'll want to save that information and deliver it to the web designer in the next step. If you don't know about Fiverr, it's a company that sells affordable web development and marketing services that get done really quick.
You just type in what you want in the search bar, and it will reveal tons of people who are willing to help you get a website up in less than 3 days. Once you choose the person you want to work with, give them the Bluehost login details and communicate your vision and plans for the website.
Find a Website Designer on Fiverr
Step 7 - Setup a Merchant Account to get Paid
While they are working on your new website, you'll need to activate a merchant account for your customers to pay you through. Many businesses use paypal, square or stripe. I personally like Square, they make it super easy for me to accept payments online via my website or over the phone. The account with Square is free, so once you signup, give these login details to the web designer to complete the payment integration process.
Signup for a Free Square Payments Account
Step 8 - Get Online Marketing Materials Designed
Finally, you'll need to start spreading the word about your business. A good place to start is getting a logo, social media graphics and online marketing materials created. For eCommerce branding, I recommend 99designs because the process is quick and painless and you actually get what you want and for marketing materials, I like envato, because they literally have tons of graphics for each and every single kind of business, on demand.
Get Scuba Store Logo and Graphics
Get Marketing Templates with Envato
Step 9 - Create a Money Game Plan
Since you now own an online scuba diving store you can choose from a variety of items to sell. The most popular and profitable items are scuba wet suits, scuba regulators, fins, scuba masks, scuba tanks and valves, and underwater cameras.
You’ll want to diversify your product offerings because this will help expand your customer reach. To maximize your profits, You’ll want to add a healthy mix of products and services. You can also sell scuba equipment repair and maintenance services, or sell a plans where you pick out and prepare scuba supplies based on customer need each month.
You can find the suppliers for these items from the $5 Scuba Supplies Vendor List
Step 10 - Be Prepared for Startup Cost
Now, I know you're probably wondering...What's the price tag on this baby? Startup costs for this kind of business, using the drop ship method usually starts at $500-$1000 on average, but if you're planning to fund your own inventory, be prepared to drop the big bucks. If you liked this video or you know someone who needs to see this today, tag a friend, hit like or give it a share. Until next time guys, take care!
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About Adella Pasos
This Entrepreneur and Marketing Expert has shared her passion for growing brands from the ground up. She’s worked with Startups, Small Businesses, Fortune 500 Corporations and Entertainment Talent to help them recognize the value of marketing, and give her clients the ability to access their niche market via online, social media, mobile, merchandising, and events.
She hosts the What's Your Game Plan TV show features: Free Expert Advice, and Growth strategies for Business Owners Across the Globe. Access thousands of FREE Tips, Trends & Tools to Move Your Business Forward!