Entrepreneur Ideas
How to Start a Software Store
Searching for advice on how to open a software store? Make sure you design your business with some sustainable competitive advantage in mind.
Thinking about opening a software store? We tell you what you need to know to get started.
Best Practices for Writing a Software Store Business Plan
Many new software store owners feel unprepared for the challenge of writing a business plan.
Fortunately, you don't have to tackle your software store's business plan by yourself. There is a broad range of resources available for solo entrepreneurs who face the daunting task of writing a business plan from scratch.
Our Business Plan Help section discusses some of the business plan resources other entrepreneurs have found useful.
Review Competitors
Prior to opening a software store within your community, it's a good idea to find out what the competition looks like. Use the link below to generate a list of competitors in your city. After clicking on the link, type in your city, state and zip code to get a list of software stores near you.
Is the local market large enough to support another software store? If not, you had better be sure that you are doing things much better than the competition.
Talk to People Who Are Already in the Business
If you want to open a software store it's a wise move to talk to somebody who is already in the business. Local competitors are not going to give you the time of day, mind you. What's in it for them?
But, a person who owns a software store in a different city can be a great learning resource for you, once they realize that you are not going to directly compete with them in their community. Indeed, many experienced entrepreneurs enjoy offering advice to startup entrepreneurs. If you are persistent, you can find a business mentor who is willing to help you out.
Want the scoop on finding an entrepreneur who is running a software store who is willing to talk to you but doesn't live nearby?
Easy. Find them using our link below and start calling until you are successful.
Pros & Cons of Buying a Software Store
An acquisition can be a great way to enter software store ownership. But it's important to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of buying a business before you decide on either an acquisition or startup approach.
BENEFITS: Acquired software stores should be profitable right out of the gate; they should also be capable of demonstrating a loyal customer base, brand identity and operational efficiencies.
CONs: However, purchased companies can also come with pre-existing challenges and/or liabilities. Ultimately, it may be more difficult to tailor a purchased business to your ownership style.
Franchising May Be a Better Way to Go
If you don't want to have to do everything on your own, you should evaluate whether it makes sense to franchise instead of doing everything yourself.
As part of your process in starting a software store, you ought to assess whether buying a franchise could simplify your entering the business.
The link below gives you access to our franchise directory so you can see if there's a franchise opportunity for you. You might even find something that points you in a completely different direction.
Other Useful Articles for Startup Entrepreneurs
These additional resources regarding starting a business may be of interest to you.
Questions to Ask Before Starting a Business
Share this article
Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs