1. Invest

Every business requires an investment; the more you invest, the better is the outcome. You first need to buy a shop, then material, labour, power (electricity), and a telephone line.

In order to attract shoppers you have to design your boutique well. You can hire an interior designer or do it yourself.

While getting your interiors done, make sure your boutique is well lighted.

A fashion-designing course will be an extra investment. It will teach you the details involved in creating an outfit. And also increases your creativity.

NIFT- Fashion Retail Management, Course duration: 1 yr.

IITC- fashion designing, 1yr-20, 000. Fashion retail management- 4-5months, 11,000

2. Target Buyers

Your collection will depend on your buyers. Clothes made for the high-end buyers will be more exquisite and richer in quality than the ones for the local market.

3. Ready-Made Outfits, Tailored or Both

You must take this decision before you start your business. Keeping ready-made garments demands creating a collection prior to opening a boutique. Machinery, labour, fabric and accessories are the common expenses that will occur in manufacturing any outfit, whether it is ready-made or tailored.

4. Space Hunting

While you are searching for a shop, keep a few things in mind.

• The location should be approachable.
• Sales guarantee
• Keep your budget in mind.
• Calculate the space required.

To make space hunting easier, hire an agent. These agents will help you find the perfect piece of land for you. They charge a minimum commission of 5% minimum and a max imum10%-20%, of the price of the shop.

5. Licence/ Registration

It is necessary to register boutique (under the Shop and Establishment Act) at a municipal office. Just follow the simple procedure and you will get your license within a month.

You begin by writing an application, mentioning the name, location and reason for buying the shop, and pay a registration fee. You will receive you license only after a municipal employee has verified your boutique. You can then display the certificate in your boutique.

Plan all these things in advance; it will make your beginning easier. So get set and go, the fashion industry is waiting for you.

(With inputs from Mandeep Virdi, Executive (legal), Total FinalElf and Gurjeet Sehmbey, Fashion designer.)