WomenEntrepreneur Forums » Starting Your Biz

1. nhendershot Member

   Hi, I am in the point of my life where I would like to get into something for myself. I want to start an women's online accessory business in my spare time. I have researched vendors i would use and product prices. I need to know where do I go to start all the proper paperwork and what is the start up costs? Is there a good place for me to go with help designing a website? Posted 4 months ago #

2. Jurneez Member

   I am in the process of launching my web boutique. First I did my IRS paperwork and got my EIN number. Then I had to decide whether I was going to be an Sole Proprietor, Partnership, LLC or Inc. etc. I decided to file an S Corporation with my Secretary of State. I started a blog this month to start networking about my business as well as share my experinces while on this road to entrepreneurship. I am in the process of doing Face Book Fan Page and I'm up in the air about Twitter. However, I am designing my own site and it won't be ready for a while with my hectic schedule so I decided to take a look at Etsy and Zazzle to get started and then when my site is complete I will just start to promote my custom site and update my clients on the move. I just wanted to start somewhere. I didn't want to host my site and use a pre made template. I wanted total craetive control over the way my sight looked, especially being a Graphic Designer. So, I would look into what paperwork you need to file with your state. You can contact the IRS and once you receive your EIN number they tell you everything else you need. Go up under your secretary of state website and take a look. That's exactly what I did and it wasn't that hard. You can do it over he phone or online. As far as start up costs, I do everything with my personal income after I've taken care of home. The EIN number was free, to send in my articles of incorporation was $150.00, the cost for the web boutique varies. I did my homework and compared each site I was interested in. Getting a website built is going to be any where from $500 - $3000.00 depending on what it is that you want and how many pages of content etc. If you just want to start somewhere and see how it goes take a look at www.etsy.com and www.zazzle.com also www.artfire.com They are all website that allow you to sell your stuff. I'm being a bit long but, if you ever have any questions feel free to email me at jaelcustomdesigns@gmail.com and check out my blog at http://jaelcustomdesigns.blogspot.com I'm still in the process of adding content and making it look pretty but, I'm networking and meeting great people. Hope some of this helped a bit! Good Luck! Posted 4 months ago #

3. MoxieMaven Member

   jurneez gave you some great information! There are so many things that you can do for free to promote your business. Blogging is a great idea to at least start to get your message out there while you are getting everything together. I also recommend getting a presence on the social media sites, and begin to introduce yourself in the online space. Once you have your online store, you will have a place to do a virtual grand opening and promotions to generate traffic to your site. If you have any questions about social media visit: http://www.moxiemafia.com/blog I would be more than happy to help you. I have worked with hundreds of women in your same position. Posted 4 months ago #

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