Step-by-Step to Opening a Medical Uniform Store

The medical uniform industry is a highly lucrative industry. By establishing a store in this industry you have the opportunity for several buyers within the medical field. These buyers also include medical schools and universities, as there is a need for scrubs for students and personnel. 

1. Obtain a business license from your county licensing board. You are required to submit an application and pay fees for this license. Some states and/or counties require that you submit a business plan with this application. Determine whether your state and/or county have this requirement. 


2. Obtain a reseller's license from your state Internal Revenue Service. The required paperwork is obtainable from the IRS website for your state. Submit this paperwork with all required documentation. 


3. Submit an application for a tax ID with the federal Internal Revenue Service. You are not allowed to apply sales tax to your merchandise without this ID and you do need it to file a tax return. 


4. Secure capital to invest into your medical uniform store. You have the option to secure this capital from banks and/or investors. Realize that if you use funds received from investors then these investors are buying stock into your store and you are required to pay dividends on these stocks. 


5. Work with a real estate agent to locate and secure a location for your medical uniform store. These real estate agent aids you in the complete process beginning with making an offer on the property throughout to the closing. Realize it is also possible to rent a location should you become limited on capital for this location. 


6. Work with an insurance provider to ensure that you have adequate insurance for your property and inventory. If you intend on hiring staff you must meet insurance requirements for this staff. 


7. Begin building your inventory by making purchases from wholesalers who supply medical uniform stores and outlets. By purchasing this inventory at cost you control the amount of profit you generate by determining your own mark-up on this inventory. It is recommended to conduct a market analysis for the geographical area in which you intend to set up shop. Setting your prices too high could hurt your business, but setting them too low prevents you from making a profit. 


8. Hire your staff. Place ads in the local newspaper and on local job opening websites. Conduct interviews to determine which individuals meet your requirements. 


9. Launch an aggressive marketing campaign. Hire a marketing consultant to aid you in designing and launching this marketing campaign.