How to Start a Shoe Company

Shoes are a popular retail item that can be successfully sold via the Internet or in a physical store setting. With so many niches available, ranging from bridal shoes to athletic shoes, there is room for plenty of new independent shoe companies in this market. With your own shoe company, you can offer customers the styles and brands you like best--this is a business ideal for those who are lovers of fashion or who like to collect shoes. While it can be a lucrative business venture, starting a shoe company will take research, planning, and preparation.

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Decide whether you want to open an Internet shoe company or a physical store. Though the start-up money required for an online shoe store is considerably less than for a retail store, you will still likely need to rent storage space.

2. Step 2

   Choose a niche for your shoe company while you're starting out--you can branch out and offer additional styles later. For example, you may initially want to focus on luxury brands, affordable trendy styles, shoes for kids or athletic shoes.

3. Step 3

   Obtain a tax identification number and a resale permit from your state. You will need these documents to collect sales tax from customers. You should also obtain an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS if you plan to hire employees.

4. Step 4

   Register wholesale accounts with shoe distributors, such as Shoe Net or Ceri Wholesale, by signing up on their website or calling them and giving them your business information and permit number. Shoe distributors offer a wide range of brands and styles so you won't have to go register a wholesale account with each brand of shoe you want to sell. You will be required to meet a minimum order amount, typically between $150 and $500 per order, not including shipping.

5. Step 5

   Rent a space for your retail store that is at least 600 square feet, and rent a warehouse space if you plan to have an internet shoe company. Internet companies will also need to register a domain name and purchase an e-commerce solution such as Pro Stores, Core Commerce or Shopify.

6. Step 6

   Purchase the shoes you wish to sell from your wholesale distributor and have them shipped to either your retail store or warehouse space. If shipping them to a home address, be prepared to have space for the pallet that is delivered.

7. Step 7

   Advertise your business locally in company directories and by placing ads and coupons in complimentary businesses such as clothing stores and beauty salons. Online, you can launch an informational website or start a blog to promote your shoe company.