How to Start a Stationery Business | The Simple Way

Stationery is a business that is often overlooked by many people because it does not have the same kind of flashy appeal that other businesses have. However, it is still a very lucrative industry and one that can be started with just a little start-up capital. So, if you are looking for how to start a stationery business, this article is for you.

 

Step 1 - Choose the Type of Business

 

When starting a stationery business, the first thing is to decide the type of business. 

 

For this purpose, you can choose from the following:

 

• Retail Stationery Store 

 

Starting a retail stationery store is a great way to make your mark on the market. It is relatively easy to start one, and you can sell products that are in demand directly to the customers as a local city store.

 

In fact, once you are set up properly in your city, you can register your brand and start expanding in other cities as well.

 

• Wholesale Stationery Store 

 

If you want to start big in the industry, you can choose to start a wholesale stationery business. They basically sell the stationery items like papers, pens, markers etc. in bulk to offices, schools and retailers.

 

• Home-Based / Part-Time

 

Home-Based/Part-time Stationery Businesses are a popular way for people to earn an income from home. It is a great way for people who want to work from home but don't have ample time or resources to start their businesses.

 

You can start by selling attractive stationery items to your relatives or in a broadcast group.

 

• Online Store

 

The stationery industry is highly influenced by digitalisation. As a result, people are more comfortable shopping online than in-store.

 

Therefore, you can also start by selling through your own website or on Ecommerce Platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho etc.

 

Step 2 - Find a Location

 

If you are starting a home-based store, you can skip this step.

 

However, if you are starting a retail store, you need to be visible and accessible to potential customers. Thus, you can set up physical stores in supermarkets or malls.

 

For a wholesale stationery business, you must focus on factors like transportation, storage space and rent.

 

In case you are starting an online stationery store, you will need room to store your inventory. Also, you will need space to capture product photos to display your products online.

 

Step 3 - Register your Business

 

It is important to register your stationery business with the government and get a certificate before you start selling your products. 

 

Moreover, it is also essential for the growth of your business.

 

Accordingly, you can register your stationery business as:

 

• Private Limited Company
• One Person Company
• Limited Liability Partnership
• Sole Proprietorship
• Partnership Firm

 

If you are not sure which business structure is best for you, get in touch with our experts for company registration online.

 

Step 4 - Open a Business Bank Account

 

The next step is to open a business bank account and secure funding for your business.

 

You can choose any of the following banks for business banking:

 

• HDFC
• ICICI
• AXIS Bank
• State Bank of India

 

You might be thinking about how much investment you need to start a stationery business. 

 

Well, here is the answer you are looking for.

 

Minimum Investment Required for Stationery Business

 

The minimum investment required to start a stationery business is approx Rs. 3 Lacs to Rs. 7 Lacs initially for a small retail business. 

 

The minimum investment will increase with the scope of your business.

 

Keep in mind the following expenses when securing the funds:

 

• Store Rent and Maintenance
• Business Registration and License Cost
• Website (for online store)
• Computer
• Printer
• Team’s Salaries
• Marketing Budget
• Utility Bills
• Transportation Cost

 

Stationery is one of the most profitable businesses in the world and it is also one of the most competitive industries out there. It requires creativity, innovation, and hard work to succeed in this industry.

 

Step 5 - Find Suppliers and Stock Up!

 

There are many places to find suppliers, but the best way is to ask people who have already started their own businesses.

 

It's also important to know the market demand for what you plan on selling so that you don't end up with too much inventory.

 

Here are some tips on how to find suppliers for your stationery business.

 

• Search online for suppliers that specialize in what you need
• Reach out to distributors and retailers in your area who sell stationery supplies
• Ask friends and family members who might know of a supplier that specializes in what you need
• Search for local retailers and distributors using Google Maps.

 

Step 6 - Hire

 

Again, you can skip this step if you are starting a home-based business. 

 

The decision of whether to hire staff or not depends on the size of your company, the number of products you produce, and how much time you want to spend doing administrative tasks.

 

But, it is always a good idea to hire some help when starting a new business.

 

Step 7 - Market Yourself

 

It is important to market yourself when starting a stationery business. You need to get your name out there and get people who are interested in your products to know about you. 

 

Here are some tips on how you can market yourself effectively:

 

• Create a social media presence.
• Promote your business on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
• Build a website that showcases your products and services.

 

As a beginner, you can use Canva to create marketing posts for social media. They have 1000+ free templates that you can customize easily.