Everything you need for your online store!

There are a number of items and steps involved in starting or running an online store. Although this post doesn’t list each and every one of those items and steps, I am gonna share with you my must have supplies needed as a online store owner. 

1. A website.

Being that this is an online store, a needing a website is a given. Even if you are operating or starting a brick and mortar store, a website can be very beneficial. It helps you to reach a wider range of customers and is a marketing tool within itself.

2. Computer.

You will absolutely need your own personal computer.

3. Printer.

Get you a good quality printer. You will be printing refund policies, invoices, etc. to include in your outgoing packages, having a dependable printer is essential.

4. Inventory.

Most of your time should be spent researching quality vendors to get your inventory from. Do not rush through this process. You will need to examine the quality of the inventory, the vendors customer service, and time it takes for your inventory to be shipped.

5. Camera.

You will also need a camera. Your iPhone can do the job. The iPhone takes really good quality pictures. You also have access to a number of apps that can be used to edit and prepare your pictures. Many people buy those canton cameras or hire photographers, but if you are just starting out this could be expensive.

6. Business cards/Promo cards.

Business and promo cards are a big part of your marketing strategy. You can have them on hand to give to people you encounter and including them in your outgoing packages is a plus.

7. Poly mailers/Boxes.

You can get shipping poly mailers and boxes for free from the post office if you are doing flat rate shipping. Depending on the weight of your products, you could save your customers money by purchasing poly mailers from Amazon (I’ve seen them as cheap as $10 for 100) and setting the shipping cost by weight.

8. Dymo shipping label printer (optional).

A Dymo shipping label printer can save you a ton of time if you are hand-writing your shipping labels. It also saves time when you are dropping packages off at the post office. These labels are paid through your PayPal or hosting account so you don't have to go through the time of handing over each package for pricing. However, most hosting accounts provide shipping label printing with your regular printer on paper. You would just have to print, cut, and tape the label onto your package.

9. Scale (optional).

A scale is useful especially if you are using a Dymo shipping label printer. You can weigh your packages and the shipping label cost will be according to the package weight.

These items are the basics. I am sure depending on your level of creativity, the nature of your products, etc there are other items that can be added to this list. Amazon is a great place to find these items. I mean you can really find anything on Amazon, it’s amazing. Feel free to include any other items in the comments!