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Hardware Shop Business Plan

Planning to start a hardware store? The extensive marketplace and consistently rising demands make starting a hardware store a lucrative business venture.

Anyone can start a hardware shop, however, a business plan can help you raise funds and map out its scalability for prolific growth.

Need help writing a business plan for your hardware shop? You’re at the right place. Our hardware shop business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free hardware shop business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write A Hardware Shop Business Plan?

Writing a hardware shop business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

• Introduce your Business: Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers.This section may include the name of your hardware shop, its location, when it was founded, the type of hardware shop (E.g., general hardware, electrical hardware, plumbing hardware, specialty hardware), etc.
• Market Opportunity: Summarize your market research, including market size, growth potential, and marketing trends. Highlight the opportunities in the market and how your business will fit in to fill the gap.
• Products & services: Highlight the products you offer your clients. The USPs and differentiators you offer are always a plus.For instance, you may include hardware tools, fittings, repair and maintenance as products and services and mention extensive collection, personal guidance, and tool rentals as some of your USPs.
• Marketing & Sales Strategies: Outline your sales and marketing strategies—what marketing platforms you use, how you plan on acquiring customers, etc.
• Financial Highlights: Briefly summarize your financial projections for the initial years of business operations. Include any capital or investment requirements, associated startup costs, projected revenues, and profit forecasts.
• Call to Action: Summarize your executive summary section with a clear CTA, for example, inviting angel investors to discuss the potential business investment.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

• Business Description: Describe your business in this section by providing all the basic information:
• General hardware store
• Specialty hardware store (automotive supplies, construction hardware, etc)
• Online hardware store
• Industrial hardware store
• Plumbing hardware store
• Electrical hardware store
• Describe the legal structure of your hardware store, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.
• Owners: List the names of your hardware store’s founders or owners. Describe what shares they own and their responsibilities for efficiently managing the business.
• Mission Statement: Summarize your business’ objective, core principles, and values in your mission statement. This statement needs to be memorable, clear, and brief.
• Business History: If you’re an established hardware store, briefly describe your business history, like—when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.
• Future Goals: It’s crucial to convey your aspirations and vision. Mention your short-term and long-term goals; they can be specific targets for revenue, market share, or expanding your services.

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

• Target market: Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.For instance, homeowners, contractors, plumbers, and facility maintenance companies would be an ideal target audience for a plumbing hardware store.
• Market size and growth potential: Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.For instance, the US hardware stores industry was 34.2 billion dollars in 2022. It is very crucial for you to determine the segment of your target market and its growth potential.
• Competitive Analysis: Identify and analyze your direct and indirect competitors. Identify their strengths and weaknesses, and describe what differentiates your hardware store from them. Point out how you have a competitive edge in the market.
• Market Trends: Analyze emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.For instance, smart plumbing fixtures have a booming market; explain how you plan on dealing with this potential growth opportunity.
• Regulatory Environment: List regulations and licensing requirements that may affect your hardware, such as business registration, license and permits, CPSA compliance, insurance, environmental regulations, state and federal regulations, etc.

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your hardware shop business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

• Building materials
• Plumbing materials
• Electrical material
• Safety and protective equipment
• Hardware and fasteners
• Services: Mention if your hardware store offers any niche-specific services to the customers.For instance, a plumbing hardware store would offer services like pipe cutting, pipe threading, fitting and assembly, maintenance and repair, etc.
• Quality measures: This section should explain how you maintain quality standards and consistently provide the highest quality service.This may include ensuring high-quality hardware tools, product testing, evaluation, and training and education of staff.
• Additional Services: Mention if your hardware store offers any additional services. You may include services like fittings, maintenance, customization, etc.

In short, this section of your hardware plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

• Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.For example, extensive product selection, custom fittings, and repair and maintenance services could be some of the great USPs for plumbing hardware stores.
• Pricing Strategy: Describe your pricing strategy—how you plan to price your products in hardware stores and stay competitive in the local market. You can mention any introductory offers you plan on offering to attract new customers to your hardware store.
• Marketing Strategies: Discuss your marketing strategies to market your services. You may include some of these marketing strategies in your business plan—social media marketing, Google ads, brochures, email marketing, content marketing, and print marketing.
• Sales Strategies: Outline the strategies you’ll implement to maximize your sales. Your sales strategies may include direct sales calls, partnering with local plumbers, contractors, and trade professionals, offering referral programs, etc.
• Customer Retention: Describe your customer retention strategies and how you plan to execute them. For instance, introducing loyalty programs, service offers, discounts on annual membership, personalized service, etc.

Overall, this section of your hardware store business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your hardware shop, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

• Staffing & Training: Mention your hardware store’s staffing requirements, including the number of plumbing experts, sales associates, cashiers, and technicians. Include their qualifications, the training required, and the duties they will perform.
• Operational Process: Outline the processes and procedures you will use to run your hardware shop. Your operational processes may include inviting walk-ins, assisting customers, making sales, collection and payment, scheduling fittings, store maintenance, and order restocking.
• Equipment & Machinery: Include the list of equipment and machinery required for hardware, such as pipe cutters, pipe threaders, showroom displays, and fixtures, pressure testing equipment, cutting and measuring tools, office equipment, etc.Explain how these technologies help you maintain quality standards and improve the efficiency of your business operations.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your hardware shop’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

• Founders/CEO: Mention the founders and CEO of your hardware, and describe their roles and responsibilities in successfully running the business.
• Key managers: Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.It should include, key executives(e.g. COO, CMO.), senior management, and other department managers (e.g. store manager, inventory manager.) involved in the hardware shop operations, including their education, professional background, and any relevant experience in the hardware industry.
• Organizational structure: Explain the organizational structure of your management team. Include the reporting line and decision-making hierarchy.
• Compensation Plan: Describe your compensation plan for the management and staff. Include their salaries, incentives, and other benefits.
• Advisors/Consultants: Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.So, if you have any advisors or consultants, include them with their names and brief information consisting of roles and years of experience.

This section should describe the key personnel for your hardware store, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

• Profit & loss statement: Describe details such as projected revenue, operational costs, and service costs in your projected profit and loss statement . Make sure to include your business’s expected net profit or loss.
• Cash flow statement: The cash flow for the first few years of your operation should be estimated and described in this section. This may include billing invoices, payment receipts, loan payments, and any other cash flow statements.
• Balance Sheet: Create a projected balance sheet documenting your hardware shop’s assets, liabilities, and equity.
• Break-even point: Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.
• Financing Needs: Calculate costs associated with starting a hardware shop, and estimate your financing needs and how much capital you need to raise to operate your business. Be specific about your short-term and long-term financing requirements, such as investment capital or loans.

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the hardware industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your retail hardware store business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

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This sample hardware shop business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful hardware plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our hardware shop business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a hardware shop business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful hardware shop. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your hardware store.

How to get funding for your hardware shop?

There are several ways to get funding for your hardware shop, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your business, usually online.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought startup options.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

How do I write a good market analysis in a hardware shop business plan?

Market analysis is one of the key components of your business plan that requires deep research and a thorough understanding of your industry. We can categorize the process of writing a good market analysis section into the following steps:

• Stating the objective of your market analysis—e.g., investor funding.
• Industry study—market size, growth potential, market trends, etc.
• Identifying target market—based on user behavior and demographics
• Analyzing direct and indirect competitors.
• Calculating market share—understanding TAM, SAM, and SOM.
• Knowing regulations and restrictions
• Organizing data and writing the first draft.

Writing a marketing analysis section can be overwhelming, but using ChatGPT for market research can make things easier.

How detailed should the financial projections be in my hardware shop business plan?

The level of detail of the financial projections of your hardware shop may vary considering various business aspects like direct and indirect competition, pricing, and operational efficiency. However, your financial projections must be comprehensive enough to demonstrate a complete view of your financial performance.

Generally, the statements included in a business plan offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.

What key components should a hardware shop business plan include?

The following are the key components your hardware shop business plan must include:

• Executive summary
• Business Overview
• Market Analysis
• Products and services
• Sales and marketing strategies
• Operations plan
• Management team
• Financial plan

What's the importance of a marketing strategy in a hardware shop business plan?

Marketing strategy is a key component of your hardware shop business plan. Whether it is about achieving certain business goals or helping your investors understand your plan to maximize their return on investment—an impactful marketing strategy is the way to do it!

Here are a few pointers to help you understand the importance of having an impactful marketing strategy:

• It provides your business an edge over your competitors.
• It helps investors better understand your business and growth potential.
• It helps you develop products with the best profit potential.
• It helps you set accurate pricing for your products or services.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Hardware Store Business Plan

Published Nov.25, 2023

Updated Apr.23, 2024

By: Jakub Babkins

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Table of Content

A hardware store is a retail business that sells tools, materials, and equipment for home improvement, construction, and maintenance projects. Hardware stores can cater to different segments of customers and can also offer services such as installation, repair, and consultation, as we explained in our Hardware Retail Franchise Business Plan .

What is the Business Plan for a Retail Hardware Store?

A business plan for a retail hardware store is a document that outlines the goals, strategies, and financial projections of a store that sells hardware products and supplies to customers. A business plan typically includes the following sections:

• Executive summary
• Company description
• Products and services
• Market analysis
• Competitive analysis
• Marketing and sales strategy 
• Management and organization
• Financial plan

Why Do You Need a Business Plan Sample for a Hardware Shop?

A hardware shop needs a business plan sample to outline its vision, goals, and strategies. It can show how the shop will operate, what products and services it will offer, and how it will reach its target market. A business plan sample, like a Computer Software Business Plan , can also demonstrate the financial viability of the shop and attract funding and support from various stakeholders. A business plan sample is a vital document for any hardware shop owner who wants to start or grow their business.

Here is an example of a retail hardware store business plan sample:

Executive Summary

Ace Hardware is a new hardware store that will be located in San Diego, California. Ace Hardware will operate as a sole proprietorship owned by Alex Hales, an experienced and certified hardware professional.

Ace Hardware will target residential and commercial customers in the San Diego area who are looking for a convenient, reliable, and friendly hardware store. Ace Hardware will focus on the following customer segments:

• DIY enthusiasts
• Contractors

Ace Hardware will require a total of $500,000 to start and operate the business. Ace Hardware is seeking a $300,000 loan from a reputable bank to finance the startup and operating costs of the business. The loan will be repaid in 5 years with an interest rate of 10%. Ace Hardware will also contribute $200,000 of the owner’s savings as equity.

Company Overview

Ace Hardware is a new hardware store that will be located on Main Street, San Diego, California. The store will occupy a 5,000-square-foot space in a busy and convenient shopping plaza, with ample parking and visibility. The store will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Ace Hardware will be registered as a limited liability company (LLC) in the state of California and will comply with all the relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The store will be owned and operated by Alex Hales, who will also serve as the manager and the chief executive officer (CEO) of the company. Alex Hales will own 100% of the company’s shares and will have complete control over the business decisions and operations.

Industry Analysis

The hardware store industry is a segment of the larger home improvement industry. It includes businesses that sell tools, materials, and equipment for home improvement, construction, and maintenance projects.

Here are some interesting market insights for DIY & Hardware Store in the United States:

• The global hardware market size amounts to $121.34 bn in 2023 and is expected to grow to $164.21 bn in 2027. (Source – The Business Research Company )
• The revenue generated in the DIY & Hardware Store market in 2023 amounts to $641.80 bn. (Source – Statista )
• It is projected that the hardware market will experience an annual growth rate of 2.63% from 2023 to 2028. (Source – Statista )

Customer Analysis

Ace Hardware’s target market is the home improvement market in San Diego, California. This market consists of customers who are looking for products and services for home improvement, construction, and maintenance projects. 

According to the US Census Bureau, there were 1,419,845 housing units in San Diego County in 2020, of which 56.4% were owner-occupied and 43.6% were renter-occupied. The median value of owner-occupied housing units was $632,000, and the median monthly rent was $1,647. The median household income was $85,507, and the per capita income was $38,923.

Ace Hardware’s customer segments are:

1. Residential customers

• These are homeowners or renters who are looking for products and services for their own home improvement, construction, and maintenance projects. 
• They have different levels of skills, budgets, and tastes and may seek advice, guidance, and assistance from hardware store staff. 
• They also value convenience, quality, and variety in their purchases. 

Ace Hardware will target residential customers who live or work within a 10-mile radius of the store location and who have a household income of $50,000 or more . Ace Hardware estimates that there are about 500,000 potential residential customers in this segment.

2. Commercial customers

• are contractors, builders, landscapers, decorators, and other professionals who are looking for products and services for their clients’ home improvement, construction, and maintenance projects. 
• They have specific requirements, standards, and deadlines and may seek reliability, efficiency, and flexibility from hardware store staff. 
• They also value price, quality, and availability in their purchases. 

Ace Hardware will target commercial customers who operate within a 20-mile radius of the store location and who have an annual revenue of $100,000 or more . Ace Hardware estimates that there are about 10,000 potential commercial customers in this segment.

Competitive Analysis

ABC Hardware faces competition from other hardware stores in the area, such as:

• Home Depot – Home Depot is the largest home improvement retailer in the US, with over 2,300 stores nationwide, including 20 stores in San Diego County. Home Depot offers a wide range of products and services for home improvement, construction, and maintenance projects. Home Depot’s strengths include its large scale, brand recognition, loyal customer base, and online presence. Home Depot’s weaknesses include its high operating costs, low customer service, and generic product selection.
• Lowe’s – Lowe’s is the second largest home improvement retailer in the US, with over 1,700 stores nationwide, including 15 stores in San Diego County. Lowe’s offers a similar range of products and services as Home Depot but with a focus on home decoration and design. Lowe’s strengths include its brand recognition, loyal customer base, and online presence. Lowe’s weaknesses include its high operating costs, low customer service, and generic product selection.
• Menards – Menards is the third largest home improvement retailer in the US, with over 300 stores in 15 states, including 5 stores in California. Menards offers a similar range of products and services as Home Depot and Lowe’s but with a focus on price and value. Menards’ strengths include its low prices, loyal customer base, and online presence. Menards’ weaknesses include its limited geographic coverage, low customer service, and generic product selection.

ABC Hardware assesses and rates its competitive advantages and disadvantages based on a 1-5 scale rating. ABC Hardware’s competitive advantages and disadvantages are as follows:

Marketing Plan

ABC Hardware’s marketing objectives and goals are to:

• Increase the brand awareness and recognition of ABC Hardware in the local market and online platforms
• Attract and retain at least 1,000 loyal customers by the end of the first year
• Achieve a monthly sales revenue of $100,000 by the end of the first year
• Increase the customer engagement and loyalty by 10% by the end of the first year
• Generate at least 100 referrals and word-of-mouth per month by the end of the first year

ABC Hardware’s marketing mix is based on the following four Ps:

• Product – ABC Hardware offers high-quality tools, materials, and equipment for home improvement, construction, and maintenance projects at affordable prices. ABC Hardware also offers installation, repair, and consultation services to its customers.
• Price – ABC Hardware sets its prices based on the cost-plus pricing strategy, which adds a markup percentage to the cost of the products and services. ABC Hardware’s markup percentage is 30%, which covers its overhead and profit margin.
• Place – ABC Hardware sells its products and services through its physical store and its online store. The physical store is located in a busy and central area with high foot traffic and visibility. The online store is accessible through its website, which is user-friendly, secure, and responsive.
• Promotion – ABC Hardware uses a combination of online and offline channels to promote its brand, products, and services to its target customers.

ABC Hardware’s marketing budget and allocation are based on the following assumptions and estimates:

• ABC Hardware allocates 10% of its monthly sales revenue to its marketing budget
• ABC Hardware spends 60% of its marketing budget on online channels and 40% on offline channels
• ABC Hardware tracks and measures the return on investment (ROI) and cost per acquisition (CPA) of each marketing channel

ABC Hardware’s marketing budget and allocation for the first year are represented in the following chart:

Operations Plan

ABC Hardware’s operations plan covers the following aspects of its business:

• Location – The store location is 123 Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90001, which is a busy and central area with high foot traffic and visibility. It is close to its target customers, has low rent and utilities costs, and has ample parking space and public transportation access.
• Size – The store has a size of 5,000 square feet, which is enough to accommodate its products, services, staff, and customers. ABC Hardware plans to expand its store size to 10,000 square feet by the end of the third year.
• Layout – The store is divided into four main sections: tools, materials, equipment, and services. ABC Hardware also has a checkout counter, a customer service desk, a storage room, and a restroom.
• Inventory management – ABC Hardware uses a barcode scanner and a point-of-sale (POS) system to record and monitor sales and inventory transactions. ABC Hardware also uses a software program and a database to analyze and forecast inventory levels and trends. Refer to our SaaS Business Plan for a better understanding.
• Procurement – ABC Hardware sources its products and services from reliable and reputable suppliers and vendors. ABC Hardware has established long-term and mutually beneficial relationships with its suppliers and vendors.
• Barcode scanner
• Security camera
• Alarm system
• Fire extinguisher

Organization and Management

Ace Hardware will have a simple and flat organizational structure, where the owner and manager will have direct and close supervision and communication with the staff. The organizational structure will consist of the following positions:

• Owner and Manager – Alex Hales, the owner, manager, and CEO of the store, will oversee all aspects of the business, from planning and budgeting to hiring and reporting. He has a business degree and 10 years of experience in the hardware store industry.
• Sales Staff – 10 sales staff will be hired to assist and serve the customers, as well as sell and provide various services on the sales floor. They will have 2 years of experience and a high school diploma and will work in shifts of 5 under the owner and manager.
• Cashier Staff – 3 cashier staff will be hired who will process and complete the transactions, as well as perform checkout and customer service tasks. They will have 1 year of experience and a high school diploma and will work in shifts of 2 or 3 under the owner and manager.

Financial Plan

Startup costs.

Ace Hardware will require a total of $500,000 to start and operate the business. The startup costs will include the purchase of inventory, equipment, fixtures, signage, and leasehold improvements, as well as the initial marketing, legal, and administrative expenses. The breakdown of the startup costs is as follows:

Operating Costs

Ace Hardware will incur monthly operating costs to run and operate the business. The operating costs will include the rent, utilities, payroll, taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses. The breakdown of the operating costs is as follows:

Ace Hardware will generate revenue from the sale of products and services, such as paint, plumbing, electrical, gardening, hardware, lumber, cutting, installation, repair, and delivery. Ace Hardware will use the following assumptions to project its revenue:

• Average sale per customer: $50
• Average number of customers per day: 100
• Average number of days per month: 30
• Average revenue per month: $50 x 100 x 30 = $150,000
• Average revenue growth rate per year: 10%

Based on these assumptions, Ace Hardware projects to generate $1.2 million in sales revenue in the first year, $1.8 million in the second year, and $2.4 million in the third year.

Break-Even Analysis

Ace Hardware expects to achieve break-even in the first year of operation, where its total revenue will equal its total costs. Ace Hardware will use the following formula to calculate its break-even point:

Break-Even Point = Fixed Costs / (Revenue per Unit – Variable Cost per Unit)

• Fixed Costs: $32,000 per month, or $384,000 per year.
• Revenue per Unit: $50 per unit.
• Variable Cost per Unit: $25, or 50% of the revenue per unit.

Based on these figures, Ace Hardware’s break-even point will be:

• Break-Even Point = $384,000 / ($50 – $25) = 15,360 units
• Break-Even Point in Sales = 15,360 x $50 = $768,000

This means that Ace Hardware will need to sell 15,360 units or generate $768,000 in sales revenue to cover its costs and break even.

Cash Flow Statement

Income Statement

Balance Sheet

Why Choose OGSCapital for Your Hardware Store Business Plan?

At OGSCapital, we are the leading provider of business plan services for businesses of all sizes. We have a team of senior business experts with 15+ years of experience in 45 industries who can create customized and unique business plans that meet the highest standards of quality, professionalism, and effectiveness. We also offer comprehensive and in-depth market research, fast and reliable results, a proven track record of success, and access to a wide network of contacts. For reference, check our Computer Repair Business Plan .

Contact us today and get a free consultation from one of our business plan experts. We will help you achieve your business goals and become a market leader.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a hardware shop profitable.

Hardware shop business is profitable in the US, as it sells essential tools and materials for home improvement and construction projects. The profit margin in hardware stores in the US is estimated to be around 15% to 30%, depending on the type and category of products sold. Check our iPhone Repair Business Plan here.

How do I start a hardware business?

To open a hardware store business, you need to conduct market research, write a hardware business plan, choose a suitable location, obtain the necessary licenses and permits, source your products, hire and train your staff, promote your business, and provide quality products and services.

How do I write a business plan for a hardware store?

A small hardware store business plan is a document that describes the details and objectives of your business and how you plan to achieve them. It should include the sections of executive summary, market analysis, products and services, marketing plan, operational plan, financials, and appendix. Refer to our Web Hosting Business Plan to learn more.

What is the business category of a hardware store?

A hardware store is a type of retail store that sells a variety of tools, materials, and supplies for home improvement, construction, gardening, and other activities. Hardware stores are usually classified under the NAICS Code 444130, SIC Code 5251, and Business Activity Code 444000.

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Home » Sample Business Plans » Wholesale & Retail

How to Write a Hardware Store Business Plan [Sample Template]

Are you about starting a hardware store? If YES, here is a complete sample hardware store business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE . So we have considered all the requirements for starting a hardware store. We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample hardware store business marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for hardware stores. So let’s proceed to the business planning section .

Why Start a Hardware Store Business?

If you are looking for a business to start as an entrepreneur and you know you have an interest in running a store, then you should consider starting your own hardware store business. Although you don’t need a college degree to establish your own hardware store, but you would need some form of informal training.

It would help you to learn how to manage your own store. It is important to point out that hardware store business is one the businesses that can’t go out of fashion because of the role it plays in our society.  The startup capital for this type of business can be considered to be moderate.

As a matter of fact, you can start your own hardware store and then grow it big within a short period of time by reinvesting your profits back to the business. Below is a sample hardware store business plan template that will help you successfully write yours without much stress

A Sample Hardware Store Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Stores in the Hardware Stores industry primarily retail a broad range of home renovation equipment and related supplies. Products such as hardware, plumbing, electrical and paint-related tools et al are the most commonly stocked goods you will likely find in a hardware store.

If you are a follower of happenings in the industry, you would have noticed that the industry has steadily improved over the five years to 2017. As the housing market has strengthened and consumer confidence has revived, individuals have started home improvement projects that had been put on hold during the recession.

Low mortgage rates during the period have also encouraged individuals to purchase and renovate new and existing homes. This flurry of construction activity has boosted demand for industry products from both contractors and do-it-yourself consumers. Going forward, revenue generated by the Hardware Stores industry is projected to grow at a slower rate.

The Hardware Stores Industry is indeed a large industry and pretty much active in all the countries of the world. Statistics have it that in the united states of America alone, there are about 19,935 registered and licensed hardware stores scattered all across the United States responsible for directly employing about 148,516 people and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $24 billion annually.

The industry is projected to grow at 1.3 percent within 2011 and 2016. It is important to state that Ace Hardware, Do It Best and True Value Company have the largest chunk of the available market share in the industry. A recent report published by IBISWorld shows that the Hardware Stores industry has moderate barriers to entry.

The report further stated that high startup costs and the saturated nature of the market may deter new companies from entering the industry. Operators that plan to enter this industry need to consider the capital investment required to establish or purchase a store.

For example, to be eligible to join True Value Company, prospective operators must have a minimum of $150,000 unencumbered cash available for investment, while the total investment to open an Ace store ranges from $823,495 to $1,563,495, depending on store size and other variable factors. Of the total investment, $150,000 to $250,000 cash is needed.

The tough part as it relates to start-up costs most likely are the need to establish a supply of hardware and other related goods from wholesalers or directly from manufacturing companies. This is so because a hardware store business cannot be started without sourcing products for sale.

Regardless of moderate barriers to entry, the competitive nature of the industry makes it very difficult for new operators to break even within a short period of time in the industry.

Lastly, the Hardware Stores industry is pretty much open for aspiring entrepreneurs to launch their business. One good thing about hardware stores business is that the business can be opened in any part of the United States and if proper market survey and feasibility studies are conducted, then you can be rest assured of the profitability of the business.

2. Executive Summary

Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. is a standard hardware store that will be located in High Street, Short North Arts District, Columbus – Ohio. We have been able to lease a facility that is big enough (a 4 thousand square foot facility) to fit into the design of the kind of standard hardware store that we intend launching and the facility is located in a corner piece along a major road close to one of the largest residential estates in Columbus – Ohio.

Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. will retail products such as hardware, tools, plumbing and electrical supplies, lawn, garden and farm supplies, paint and lumber and other building materials from different manufacturers in the United States and abroad. We are set to service a wide range of clientele in and around Columbus – Ohio.

We are aware that there are several large and small chains of hardware store outlets all around Columbus – Ohio, which is why we spent time and resources to conduct a thorough feasibility studies and market survey so as to be well positioned to favorably compete with all our competitors.

We have an online – service option for our customers, and our outlet is well secured with various payments of options. Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. will ensure that all our customers are given first class treatment whenever they visit our store.

We have a CRM software that will enable us manage a one on one relationship with our customers no matter how large our customer base may grow to. We will ensure that we get our customers involved in the selection of brands that will be in our store and also when making some business decisions that directly affects them.

Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our customers’ needs precisely and completely whenever they patronize our products. Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. is a family business that is owned by Mike Mendez and his immediate family members.

Mike Mendez has a Diploma in Business Administration with over 5 years of experience in the retailing stores industry, working for some of the leading brands in the United States. Although the business is launching out with just one outlet in Columbus – Ohio, but there is a plan to open other outlets in major cities in the United States and Canada.

3. Our Products and Services

Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. is in the hardware stores industry to service a wide range of clients and of course to make profits, which is why we will go all the way to make available a wide range of hardware and other related products from top manufacturing brands in the United States and other countries of the world.

Our product offerings are listed below;

• Retailing hardware
• Retailing tools and equipment
• Retailing plumbing fixtures and fittings
• Retailing electrical supplies
• Retailing paint and supplies
• Retailing garden products and equipment

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to become one of the leading brands in the hardware stores industry in Columbus – Ohio and in other key cities in the United States of America and Canada.
• Our mission is to establish a world – class hardware store business that will make available a wide range of hardware and other related products from top manufacturing brands at affordable prices to the residents of Columbus – Ohio and other key cities in the United States of America and Canada where we intend opening chains of hardware retail stores.

Our Business Structure

Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. do not intend to start a hardware retail store business like the usual mom and pop business around the street corner; our intention of starting a hardware retail store business is to build a standard retail store outlet in Columbus – Ohio.

Although our hardware retail store business might not be as big as Ace Hardware, Do It Best and True Value Company et al, but will ensure that we put the right structures in place that will support the kind of growth that we have in mind while setting up the business.

We will ensure that we hire people that are qualified, honest, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stakeholders.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of ten years or more. In view of that, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Chief Executive Officer (Owner)
• Store Manager
• Human Resources and Amin Manager

Merchandize Manager

Sales and Marketing Manager

Information Technologist

• Accountants / Cashiers
• Sales Agents / Customer Services Executive

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

• Grows management’s effectiveness by employing, selecting, orientating, preparation, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Accountable for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Accountable for providing direction for the business
• Builds, interconnects, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Accountable for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization

Admin and HR Manager

• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process.
• Carries out staff induction for new team members.
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees.
• Accountable for arranging travel, meetings and appointments.
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office cum business activities.

Store Manager:

• Responsible for managing the daily activities in the store.
• Ensures that proper records of hardware and other related products are kept and the warehouse does not run out of products.
• Ensures that the store facility is in tip top shape and goods are properly arranged and easy to locate.
• Interfaces with third – party suppliers.
• Controls hardware distribution and supply chain inventory.
• Oversees the workforce in the hardware sales floor.
• Manages vendor relations, market visits, and the ongoing education and development of the organizations’ buying teams
• Helps to ensure consistent quality of hardware, tools, plumbing and electrical supplies, lawn, garden and farm supplies, paint and sundries and lumber and other building materials et al from different manufacturers are purchased and retailed in good price that will ensure we make good profit
• Accountable for planning sales, monitoring inventory, selecting the merchandise, and writing and pricing orders to vendors
• Manages external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
• Model demographic information and analyze the volumes of transactional data generated by customer purchases
• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding sales
• Document all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for the company
• Manages the organization’s website
• Handles ecommerce aspect of the business
• Responsible for installing and maintenance of computer software and hardware for the organization
• Manages logistics and supply chain software, Web servers, e-commerce software and POS (point of sale) systems
• Manages the organization’s CCTV
• Handles any other technological and IT related duties.

Accountant/Cashier:

• Accountable for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• In control of financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the organization
• Serves as internal auditor for the organization

Client Service Executive

• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with customers on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to customers when they make enquiries
• Finds out the customer’s needs, recommend, select and help locate the right merchandise, describe a product’s features and benefits.
• make suggestions and encourage purchase of products
• Provides information about warranties, manufacturing specifications, care and maintenance of merchandise and delivery options
• Bags or packages purchases
• Responsible for cleaning all the products and the store facility at all times.
• Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock.
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the store manager.

6. SWOT Analysis

Our intention of starting just one outlet of our hardware retail store in Columbus – Ohio is to test run the business for a period of 3 to 5 years to know if we will invest more money, expand the business and then open other outlets all over major towns in Ohio and key cities in the United States.

We are quite aware that there are several hardware retail stores all over Charleston and even in the same location where we intend locating ours, which is why we are following the due process of establishing a business.

We know that if a proper SWOT analysis is conducted for our business, we will be able to position our business to maximize our strength, leverage on the opportunities that will be available to us, mitigate our risks and be equipped to confront our threats.

Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. employed the services of a Business Analyst with bias in retailing to help us conduct a thorough SWOT analysis and to help us create a Business model that will help us achieve our business goals and objectives. This is the summary of the SWOT analysis that was conducted for Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc.;

Ability to control stock on hand, experienced work force and having a loyal customer base are some of our core strength. So also, our location, the business model we will be operating, varieties of payment options, wide range of hardware and other related products from different manufacturing brand and our excellent customer service culture will definitely count as a plus for Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc.

A major weakness that may count against us is the fact that we are a new hardware retail store outlet in Columbus – Ohio and we don’t have the financial capacity to compete with multi – million dollars’ hardware retail store outlets like Ace Hardware, Do It Best and True Value Company and co when it comes to retailing at rock bottom prices.

• Opportunities:

The fact that we are going to be operating our hardware retail store in a corner piece property along a major road close to one of the largest residential estates in Columbus – Ohio provides us with unlimited opportunities to sell our hardware and other related products to a large number of individuals.

We have been able to conduct thorough feasibility studies and market survey and we know what our potential clients will be looking for when they visit our hardware store outlets.

Just like any other business, one of the major threats that we are likely going to face is economic downturn. Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a new hardware store in same location where ours is located. So also, unfavorable government policies may also pose a threat to businesses such as ours.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

Recent trends in the hardware industry show that external competition has slightly dampened both industry revenue and profit growth. Hardware stores have shifted business models to deal with heightened external competition and they will continue to be pressured by online retailers and larger home improvement stores. Experts projected that in 2017, the hardware stores industry is expected to profit from growing global economic conditions.

The hardware retail stores landscape has seen tremendous changes in the last 20 years; it has grown from the smaller outlets to a more organized and far reaching venture. The introduction of franchise and online store makes it easier for a hardware retailer to reach out to a larger market far beyond the areas where his physical store is located.

8. Our Target Market

Those who patronize hardware stores cut across all genders above 18 years with the financial means, and who own an apartment or office/business hence the target market for the hardware store business is all encompassing. In essence, your target market can’t be restricted to just a group of people but all those who reside in and around our store location.

In view of that, we have positioned our hardware retail store to service the residents of High Street, Short North Arts District, Columbus – Ohio and every other location where franchise cum outlets of our hardware retail stores will be located.

We have conducted our market research and feasibility studies and we have ideas of what our target market would be expecting from us. We are in business to retail a wide range of hardware and other related products to the following groups of people and corporate organizations;

• Construction and Real Estate Companies
• Banks, Insurance Companies and other related Financial Institutions
• Real Estate Owners, Developers, and Contractors
• The Government (Public works department)
• Schools (High Schools, Colleges and Universities)
• Sport Facilities
• Individuals and households

Our Competitive Advantage

A close study of the hardware stores industry reveals that the market has become much more intensely competitive over the last decade. As a matter of fact, you have to be highly creative, customer centric and proactive if you must survive in this industry.

We are aware of the stiff competition and we are well prepared to compete favorably with other leading stores in Columbus – Ohio and throughout the United States. Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. is launching a standard one stop hardware store that will indeed become the preferred choice of residents of Columbus – Ohio and every other location where our outlets will be opened.

One thing is certain; we will ensure that we have a wide range of hardware and other related products from leading manufacturers available in our store at all times. It will be difficult for customers to visit our store and not see the type of hardware they are looking for. Our excellent customer service culture, online store, various payment options and highly secured facility will serve as a Competitive Advantage for us.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category in the industry meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our aims and objectives. We will also give good working conditions and commissions to freelance sales agents that we will recruit from time to time.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. is in business to retail a wide range of hardware and other related products to the residents of Columbus – Ohio. We are in the hardware stores industry to maximize profit and we are going to go all the way out to ensure that we achieve or business goals and objectives.

Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. will generate income by selling the following products;

10. Sales Forecast

When it comes to hardware retail stores, if your store is well stocked with various types of hardware and centrally positioned, you will always attract customers cum sales and that will sure translate to increase in revenue generation for the business.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Columbus – Ohio and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income from the first six months of operation and grow the business and our clientele base.

We have been able to critically examine the hardware retail industry, we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to startups in Columbus – Ohio.

Below are the sales projections for Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. it is based on the location of our business and other factors as it relates to hardware retail startups in the United States;

• First Fiscal Year: $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year: $450,000
• Third Fiscal Year: $750,000

N.B : This projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor within our market space. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Before choosing a location for Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. we conducted a thorough market survey and feasibility studies in order for us to penetrate the available market. We have detailed information and data that we were able to utilize to structure our business to attract the number of customers we want to attract per time.

We hired experts who have good understanding of the hardware retail industry to help us develop marketing strategies that will help us achieve our business goal of winning a larger percentage of the available market in Columbus – Ohio.

In other to continue to be in business and grow, we must continue to sell the hardware and other related products that are available in our store which is why we will go all out to empower or sales and marketing team to deliver. In summary, Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. will adopt the following sales and marketing approach to win customers over;

• Open our store in a grand style with a party for all.
• Introduce our hardware store by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to residents, businesses and other key stakeholders in Columbus – Ohio.
• Ensure that we have a wide range of hardware and other related products from different brands at all times.
• Make use of attractive hand bills to create awareness and also to give direction to our store.
• Position our signage/flexi banners at strategic places around Columbus – Ohio
• Position our greeters to welcome and direct potential customers.
• Create a loyalty plan that will enable us reward our regular customers.
• Engage in roadshows within our neighborhood to create awareness for our hardware retail store.
• List our business and products on yellow pages ads (local directories).
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business.
• Engage in direct marketing and sales
• Encourage the use of Word of mouth marketing (referrals).
• Join local chambers of commerce and industries to network and market our products.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Despite the fact that our hardware retail store is well located, we will still go ahead to intensify publicity for the business. We are going to explore all available means to promote our hardware retail store.

Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. has a long-term plan of opening outlets in various locations all around Ohio and key cities in the United States and Canada which is why we will deliberately build our brand to be well accepted in Columbus – Ohio before venturing out.

As a matter of fact, our publicity and advertising strategy is not solely for winning customers over but to effectively communicate our brand. Here are the platforms we intend leveraging on to promote and advertise Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc.;

• Place adverts on community based newspapers, radio and TV stations.
• Encourage the use of word of mouth publicity from our loyal customers.
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Google+ and other platforms to promote our business.
• Ensure that we position our banners and billboards in strategic positions all around Columbus – Ohio.
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in and around our neighborhood.
• Advertise our hardware retail store business in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Brand all our official cars and trucks and ensure that all our staff members and management staff wears our branded shirt or cap at regular intervals.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Aside from quality, pricing is one of the key factors that gives leverage to hardware retail stores, it is normal for consumers to go to places where they can get hardware and other related products at cheaper price.

In view of that, our prices will conform to what is obtainable in the industry but we will ensure that within the first 6 to 12 months, our products will be sold a little bit below the average price of various hardware stores in the United States of America. We have put in place business strategies that will help us run on low profits for a period of 6 months; it is a way of encouraging people to buy into our brand.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via credit cards/Point of Sale Machines (POS Machines)
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via mobile money transfer
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for our hardware and other related purchases without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for our products.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

From our market survey and feasibility studies, we have been able to come up with a detailed budget on achieving our aim of establishing a standard hardware shop in Columbus – Ohio and here are the key areas where we will spend our startup capital;

• The total fee for registering the business in the Unites States of America – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services (software, P.O.S machines and other software) – $3,300.
• Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening of Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. in the amount of $3,500 and as well as flyer printing (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580.
• The cost for hiring business consultant – $2,500.
• Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $2,400.
• The cost for payment of rent for 12 months at $1.76 per square feet in the total amount of $105,600.
• The cost for shop remodeling (construction of racks and shelves) – $20,000.
• Other start-up expenses including stationery ($500) and phone and utility deposits ( $2,500 ).
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $60,000
• The cost for start-up inventory  – $350,000
• The cost for counter area equipment – $9,500
• The cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $13,750
• The cost of purchase and installation of CCTVs: $10,000
• The cost for the purchase of office furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, TVs, Sound System, tables and chairs et al): $4,000.
• The cost of launching a website: $600
• The cost for our opening party: $7,000
• Miscellaneous: $10,000

We would need an estimate of $750,000 to successfully set up a standard hardware retail store in Columbus – Ohio.

Generating Funds/Startup Capital for Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc.

Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. is a private registered business that is solely owned and financed by Mike Mendez and his immediate family members. They do not intend to welcome any external business partner which is why he has decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital to 3 major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our startup capital;

• Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings
• Source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Apply for loan from my Bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about $250,000 (Personal savings $200,000 and soft loan from family members $50,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $500,000 from our bank. All the papers and documents have been signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited with the amount.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the number of loyal customers that they have, the capacity and competence of their employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business, then it won’t be too long before the business closes shop.

One of our major goals of starting Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to retail our wide range of products such as hardware, tools, plumbing and electrical supplies, lawn, garden and farm supplies, paint and sundries and lumber and other building materials et al from different manufacturers (brands) a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Mike Mendez® Hardware Stores, Inc. will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner.

We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Leasing of facility and remodeling the shop: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Design and Printing of Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the needed furniture, racks, shelves, computers, electronic appliances, office appliances and CCTV: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and around the community: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party planning: In Progress
• Compilation of our list of products that will be available in our store: Completed
• Establishing business relationship with vendors – manufacturers and suppliers of hardware and other related products: In Progress

More on Wholesale & Retail

Hardware Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Being successful in the hardware industry requires careful planning and a well-crafted business plan that lays out the details of your goals and strategies. Writing a business plan can be a daunting task, but with the #1 Hardware Business Plan Template & Guidebook, you can create a comprehensive plan tailored to your specific needs quickly and easily. Learn how to use this powerful tool to ensure the success of your own hardware business.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

• How to Start a Profitable Hardware Business [11 Steps]
• 10+ Best & Profitable Hardware Business Ideas [2023]

How to Write a Hardware Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your hardware business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your hardware business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a hardware business:

Our mission is to provide the highest quality hardware products and services to our customers; to foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where our team can thrive; and to be a leader in thought, innovation, and environmental stewardship in the hardware industry.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Hardware Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your hardware business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your hardware business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your hardware business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your hardware business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a hardware business?

• Accounting software
• Permits to operate a business in the local jurisdiction
• Hardware inventory
• Point of sale system
• Cash register
• Tax permits or certificates
• Shop tools and supplies
• Work tables or benches
• Safety equipment and supplies

5. Management & Organization of Your Hardware Business.

The second part of your hardware business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your hardware business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Hardware Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a hardware business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a hardware business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your hardware business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your hardware business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your hardware business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hardware Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a hardware business.

A business plan for a hardware business is important to outline the goals and objectives of the business, such as determining the target market, defining product offerings, creating operational plans and setting financial goals. It also provides a roadmap for the future of the business, helping to ensure that decisions are made in line with those plans. Creating a business plan allows potential investors or lenders to assess the viability of the hardware business before committing funds.

Who should you ask for help with your hardware business plan?

You should ask a business consultant, entrepreneur mentor, or relevant industry experts for help with your hardware business plan.

Can you write a hardware business plan yourself?

Writing a business plan for a hardware business is a complex task that requires research, market analysis, and financial planning. Depending on your skill set and knowledge of the industry, you may be able to write your own business plan for a hardware business. If you decide to take on the project yourself, it is important to do thorough research and market analysis to understand the industry, be aware of any potential competition, and understand the key success factors for success in the hardware sector. Additionally, you should also familiarize yourself with writing a basic business plan, as well as use reliable financial projections to create realistic projections for your venture. Ultimately, it is recommended that you at least consult with an experienced business consultant or accountant before finalizing any decisions related to your business plan so that you can rest assured knowing that your plan adheres to best practices.

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Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

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Ultimate Guide to Creating a Hardware Store Business Plan

Crafting a robust hardware store business plan is pivotal for securing financing and guiding operations. It serves as a strategic framework for launching and growing your store.

Entering the competitive world of retail hardware requires a sound business strategy and an effective plan that can adapt to market changes. Embarking on this venture means you’ll need a document that addresses critical elements such as market analysis, product offerings, marketing strategies, staffing, and financial projections.

A comprehensive business plan not only helps to attract investors or lenders but also provides a clear roadmap for your hardware store’s success. It should include realistic goals, identify your target market, and differentiate your services from competitors. We’ll outline the essential steps and considerations for developing a business plan that positions your hardware store for long-term profitability and sustainability.

Crafting Your Executive Summary

When launching a hardware store, a well-crafted business plan is vital. The executive summary stands as your plan’s first impression , setting the stage for potential investors and partners. An effective summary can make or break your business pitch.

What Is An Executive Summary?

A business plan’s introduction is the executive summary. It maps out your hardware store’s mission, strategy, and goals . Think of it as a trailer for a movie. It brings to light the most exciting parts of your plan to spark interest. A gripping executive summary is crucial for capturing attention quickly.

Key Components To Highlight

In your executive summary, focus on main points. Let’s unpack these essentials:

• Business Concept: Describe your hardware store, the products you’ll sell, and what makes it unique.
• Market Analysis : Present an overview of the industry, target market, and competition.
• Leadership: Highlight your management team’s experience and skills.
• Financials: Provide a snapshot of projected finances, including profits and costs.
• Growth Potential: Outline future plans and how the business will scale.

Remember, your executive summary should be clear and concise. A one-page limit is best. Use simple, accessible language to ensure readability.

To conclude, your executive summary is a cornerstone element. Ensure that each component shines brightly. Craft it with care to set the tone for a successful hardware store business plan.

Analyzing The Hardware Industry

Before you jump into the nuts and bolts of drafting a business plan for your hardware store, it’s vital to understand the landscape of the hardware industry. This means taking a close look at market trends and identifying who you’re up against. Keep reading to sharpen your insight into the hardware sector, ensuring your business plan is as robust as the tools you aim to sell.

Current Market Trends

Knowing the pulse of the market sets a firm foundation. Here’s what’s trending:

• DIY Boom: DIY projects are soaring. More people prefer fixing things themselves.
• Eco-conscious Products: Green tools and sustainable materials draw attention.
• Smart Home Integration: Customers seek tools compatible with smart home tech.
• Online Sales Growth: Online hardware sales see significant increases.

This knowledge guides your inventory choices and marketing strategy.

Identifying Your Competitors

Recognizing who you’re up against helps tailor your unique selling points. Here’s a method to spot your competition:

• Determine local hardware stores in your area.
• Analyze their product range, prices, and services.
• Check customer reviews for strengths and weaknesses.
• Look at their marketing and online presence.

With this intelligence, your business plan advances from good to great.

Establishing Your Business Identity

Establishing Your Business Identity is a crucial step in crafting your hardware store’s public face. It’s the foundation upon which customers will build their trust and recognition. By selecting a memorable name, you lay the cornerstone of your brand. Moreover, a well-thought-out brand strategy sets you apart in a competitive market. Let’s delve into the specifics of naming your store and developing a brand strategy that resonates with your target audience.

Naming Your Hardware Store

Finding the perfect name for your hardware store can be a thrilling journey. It’s the first hint of your business’s personality, and it should grab attention. Here are key points to consider:

• Keep it simple and easy to remember.
• Ensure the name reflects your hardware store’s ethos.
• Check for domain availability; a matching website strengthens your brand.
• Avoid names that limit future expansion.
• Search for trademarks to avoid legal troubles.

Developing A Brand Strategy

Once you have a name, it’s time to build a brand strategy that tells your story. A solid brand strategy will guide every interaction with your customers.

• Define your unique selling points (USPs): What makes your hardware store stand out?
• Identify your target audience: Who are you trying to reach?
• Create a visual identity: Logo, colors, and typeface should align with your business values.
• Develop a brand voice: This is how you communicate with your audience, be it friendly, professional, or informative.
• Consistency is key: Ensure that all marketing materials reflect your brand strategy.

Remember, effective branding leads to a strong identity and customer loyalty. Use these guidelines, and watch your hardware store’s brand flourish.

Exploring Your Target Market

Starting a hardware store hinges on who you sell to. A clear picture of your buyer is crucial. It informs stock, services, and marketing. Who needs tools? Who fixes homes? Knowing your audience gives your hardware store a solid foundation.

Demographics Of Your Ideal Customer

Demographics spell out who your customer is. Age, job, income, and location tell you who enters your store. Are they homeowners, contractors, or DIY enthusiasts? Below, demographic details illuminate your target customer:

Understanding Customer Needs

What drives a customer to buy? Quality, price, and variety matter most. Use surveys, feedback, and trend analysis to learn. Local contractors may need bulk items. Homeowners might seek eco-friendly products. Catering to specific needs sets your store apart.

• Quality tools draw professionals
• Competitive pricing attracts budget-conscious buyers
• Diverse inventory appeals to a broad audience

Outline Of Products And Services

Crafting the perfect Outline of Products and Services is a linchpin in plotting your hardware store’s success story. This guide will detail how to select a robust inventory and propose customer-centric services. Let’s delve into strategies to ensure your hardware store stands out in a competitive market.

Inventory Selection Strategies

Choosing the right products is crucial. Think about your target customers. What tools and materials will they seek out? Use a mix of data analysis and market trends to help decide.

Consider the following inventory selection strategies :

• Consumer Demand : Stock top-notch goods that customers frequently request.
• Quality Over Quantity : Choose durable, reputable products over a vast array of lesser-quality items.
• Niche Products : Stand out by offering specialty items that aren’t available in general stores.
• Seasonal Availability : Keep in tune with seasons and regional events to supply timely products.

Complementary Services To Consider

A hardware store is not just about selling items; it’s about solving problems. Think beyond the cash register to offer valuable services.

Explore these complementary services :

• Tool Rentals : Offer a selection of tools for rent to your customers, for jobs big and small.
• Installation Services : Provide local experts who can install and assemble products sold in-store.
• DIY Workshops : Conduct classes that teach home improvement skills and use of tools.
• Custom Orders : Allow customers to request special order items not typically stocked.

Marketing And Sales Strategies

Marketing and Sales Strategies are the engines of business growth. They turn the gears of public awareness, customer interest, and revenue generation. A robust plan in these areas can set a hardware store apart in a competitive market. Here’s how to capture customer attention and keep them coming back.

Effective Advertising Techniques

In today’s bustling market, effective advertising stands out. It’s essential to craft messages that resonate with your target audience. Start by identifying the unique selling points of your hardware store. Consider these strategies to get your message out:

• Local SEO: Optimize your online presence so local customers find you first.
• Social Media Marketing: Engage with the community through helpful DIY tips and promos.
• Email Campaigns: Keep in touch with customers about new products and deals.
• Community Involvement: Sponsor local events for brand visibility and networking.

Building Customer Loyalty Programs

A customer loyalty program can turn one-time shoppers into repeat customers. These programs reward clients for their continuing business. Below are steps to develop a successful loyalty program:

• Identify rewards that excite customers, like discounts or early access to new items.
• Use a simple points system to track customer purchases and rewards.
• Encourage sign-ups with a bonus reward for joining the loyalty program.
• Regularly analyze the program’s success and make adjustments as needed.

Remember, successful marketing and sales strategies require creativity and consistency. Instill trust, maintain engagement, and reward loyalty for long-term success.

Operational Plan And Logistics

A robust Operational Plan and Logistics strategy forms the spine of any successful hardware store. It ensures the seamless day-to-day management and supports the growth of your business. Effective planning leads to happy customers, efficient operations, and increased profitability.

Daily Operations Management

Run your hardware store like a well-oiled machine with a strong focus on daily operations. This includes opening hours, staff roles, customer service, inventory management, and order processing. Your plan should detail each aspect and how it contributes to smooth operations. Use bullet points for easy understanding:

• Store Hours: Set times that match customer demand.
• Roles & Duties: Define tasks for each team member.
• Customer Services: Prioritize fast, friendly assistance.
• Inventory Tracking: Use systems to manage stock levels.
• Order Procedures: Streamline for quick turnaround.

Supply Chain And Vendor Relations

Building strong supply chain and vendor relations is critical. The right partnerships ensure quality products and consistent supply. Highlight these relationships with an easy-to-follow table format:

Keep these points in your plan:

• Evaluate Vendors: Assess for reliability and quality.
• Negotiate Terms: Aim for beneficial agreements.
• Monitor Deliveries: Track to avoid stockouts.
• Build Relationships: Maintain open communication.

Ensure your hardware store thrives by laying down a concrete operational plan and nurturing solid vendor ties. Stick to this roadmap and watch your enterprise soar to new heights of efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Financial Planning And Projections

Creating a solid Financial Planning and Projections section is vital for your hardware store business plan. This section acts as the navigational star for your enterprise, guiding you through the financial challenges ahead. Lucid and accurate planning ensures you are ready for the journey of entrepreneurship.

Startup Costs And Funding

Estimating startup costs sets the stage for a successful launch. List every expense, no matter how small. Your list should include:

• Rent or purchase of property
• Inventory stocking
• Equipment and fixtures
• Licensing and permits
• Marketing and advertising
• Insurance and security

Funding sources may consist of:

• Personal savings
• Investor capital
• Government grants

Balance initial costs with funding to plan your financial runway.

Sales Forecasts And Profit Margins

Your sales forecasts reflect potential earnings. Be prudent and realistic. Here are steps to forecast sales:

• Analyze market demand
• Set achievable sales targets
• Examine competitor pricing strategies
• Estimate monthly sales volumes

Understanding profit margins is crucial for sustainability.

A simple calculation:

(Net Sales - Cost of Goods Sold) / Net Sales = Profit Margin

Boost margin by increasing efficiency or adjusting prices.

Planning and projections are your blueprint to financial success. They outline the financial roadmap and help in steering your enterprise on the path to profitability and growth. Regular reviews and updates keep you on track.

Building A Strong Team

Building a Strong Team is a pillar of success for any hardware store business plan. A dedicated team turns daily challenges into opportunities. Excellence in service and operations rests upon the shoulders of skilled individuals. Crafting a solid team means selecting the right people and investing in their growth.

Hiring Skilled Employees

Key to any business is its workforce. In the hardware sector, knowledge and expertise drive sales. Identifying candidates with the right skill set is a must. They need to understand products, handle tools, and provide stellar customer service.

• Post jobs where industry professionals gather.
• Describe roles clearly to attract qualified applicants.
• Conduct thorough interviews to uncover aptitude and attitude.

Training And Development Programs

Investment in your team goes beyond the hiring process. A continuous learning environment fosters expertise and innovation. Tailored training equips your staff with the latest industry know-how.

• Create a training roadmap that aligns with business goals.
• Implement mentorship programs for hands-on learning.
• Equip employees with certifications and courses.

Exceptional teams are built on a foundation of growth and learning. A robust plan considers employee development a continual journey.

Legal And Regulatory Considerations

Starting a hardware store involves careful planning and understanding the legal framework. Legal and regulatory considerations can seem daunting, but they protect your business, employees, and customers. From permits to insurance, we’ll unravel these complexities into manageable tasks, so you can build a compliant and secure hardware store.

Required Permits And Licenses

Every hardware store needs specific permits and licenses to operate legally. These vary by location and the scope of your operations. To avoid penalties, familiarize yourself with the necessary legal documents:

• Business License: This is the basic permit to operate your hardware store.
• Seller’s Permit: You’ll need this to sell goods and collect sales tax.
• Building Permits: If you plan on construction, these are a must.
• Health and Safety Inspections: Ensuring your store meets health codes.
• Signage Permits: Required for outdoor signs.

Insurance And Liability Protection

Insurance shields your business from unforeseen events. It’s crucial for safeguarding your financial stability:

It’s not only about compliance; strong insurance coverage is your safety net against many risks. Consult with an insurance professional to find the best options for your hardware store.

Formulating An Exit Strategy

An exit strategy is a key component of any business plan, especially for a hardware store where investments in inventory, equipment, and real estate can be substantial. Preparing for the future is crucial whether you plan to retire, pass the business on to a family member, or sell it for a profit. In this section, we discuss two critical aspects of an exit strategy: understanding business valuation and planning for a future sale or succession.

Understanding Business Valuation

Knowing the value of your hardware store sets the stage for a successful exit. Business valuation hinges on multiple factors, including revenue, profits, market position, and assets.

• Earnings : Potential buyers focus on profitability.
• Assets : Inventory, tools, and real estate add to the store’s worth.
• Brand value : A well-known local brand can increase valuation.

Regular valuation updates keep you informed about your business’s health and growth, which support effective exit planning.

Planning For Future Sale Or Succession

A tailormade plan is necessary to ensure a smooth transition. Succession planning guarantees business continuity, while sale preparations maximize financial return.

Whether transitioning to a family member or selling to an outside buyer, preparation starts years in advance. Build a strong management team and maintain meticulous financial records . These efforts result in a smoother, more profitable exit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i write a hardware store business plan.

To write a hardware store business plan, start with an executive summary. Next, describe your business, market analysis, organizational structure, and product line. Detail your marketing and sales strategies, funding requests, and financial projections. Keep language clear and concise.

Is A Hardware Store A Profitable Business?

A hardware store can be profitable with effective management, location, and market demand alignment. Strong customer service and inventory knowledge boost success.

What Do I Need To Start A Hardware Business?

To start a hardware business, you need adequate funding, a solid business plan, a suitable location, strong supplier relationships, and the necessary licenses and permits.

What Makes A Successful Hardware Store?

A successful hardware store offers diverse, high-quality products, provides exceptional customer service, maintains a well-organized layout, keeps competitive pricing, and harnesses effective marketing strategies. Knowledgeable staff and a strong online presence also contribute to success.

Embarking on your hardware store venture requires careful planning and strategic thinking. With the insights gleaned from this guide, you’re now equipped to craft a robust business plan that lays the foundation for success. Ensure your milestones are clear and financials are thorough.

It’s time to turn that blueprint into a profitable reality. Forge ahead, apply these principles, and build a thriving hardware business.

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Electrical Hardware Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » Construction & Engineering

Are you about starting an electrical hardware company? If YES, here is a sample electrical hardware business plan template & FREE feasibility report.

A hardware business typically manufactures or sells hand and power tools, building materials, fasteners, keys, locks, hinges, chains, electrical supplies, plumbing supplies, cleaning products, housewares, utensils, and paint. These businesses are designed for DIY consumers and handymen (as well as tradesmen) who need a location to acquire supplies for projects.

A small hardware store can be established for less than $100,000. Startup costs include rent for the building, start-up inventory, display setup, and cash reserve for staffing and labor costs. Start-up inventory will likely run between $50,000 and $75,000.

Ongoing expenses for this kind of business include supplies, rent, utilities, and insurance. All of these costs will vary significantly depending on your location.

Your customers in this business will mainly be DIY customers or handymen. However, an electrical hardware store can set up trade accounts with local tradesmen to acquire steady business. Note that email marketing is an underutilized strategy in this industry because most electrical hardware stores depend on word of mouth and foot traffic.

But, by emailing your existing customers on a regular basis, you can generate significantly higher revenue than depending on people randomly coming into your store when they need something. A well-structured and targeted email campaign would also allow you to better predict revenue and profit.

A Sample Electrical Hardware Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The Electrical Equipment Industry is made up of companies that manufacture and sell a range of products to a diverse customer base. Although this sector is fragmented, there are a few members that strive to claim a sizable portion of sales.

Products include electrical motors, commercial and industrial lighting fixtures, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and components, and, among others, electrical power equipment. Operating structures involve high fixed costs.

Too, copper, aluminum and steel are essential raw materials used in the manufacture of products. (Fluctuations in commodity prices can have an impact on earnings).

The industry spans all corners of the world, and it is subject to the influence of the macroeconomic cycle. These companies majorly serve the mature markets of North America and Europe, but they have found growth venues in the emerging world.

According to reports, massive global coverage helps to smooth the effects of the broader business cycle. Capable management is meanwhile needed to oversee long distribution networks and far flung operations. Most recently, companies have created more overseas brick-and-mortar facilities, which has allowed them to better serve local markets economically and limit the negative impact of foreign currency exchange.

According to industry reports, top- and bottom-line trends in the industry often track the broad economic cycle. Within short periods of prosperity, when they are flush with cash, customers are comfortable expanding their capital budgets and spending on electrical equipment.

Sometimes, when there is uncertainty as to the direction of the economy, those controlling the purse strings delay spending decisions, which can hurt short-term operating results. Also, when business conditions are very challenging, customers may pull back dramatically on equipment orders.

Companies try to repair and replace equipment during regular, seasonal or cyclical slack periods. Often, managers will attempt to extend the useful life of equipment as long as possible. Meanwhile, there are some major indicators of the industry’s prospects.

The Institute of Supply Management’s Purchasing Managers Index offers a near real-time view of manufacturing production, employment levels, new orders, supplier deliveries and inventory turnover. For instance, a reading above 50 shows expansion, and one below that figure marks a manufacturing contraction.

Durable Goods Orders, released by the U.S. Census Bureau, is another crucial statistic. These consumer goods last three years or more and are relatively expensive. Month-to-month trends are a good indication of whether the economy is cycling up or down.

Additionally, the Federal Reserve Board regularly releases capacity utilization figures. Utilization is high when demand is strong and low when demand is weak. Capacity utilization rates above 80% suggest that equipment spending will rise; such levels may also indicate that inflation will increase.

2. Executive Summary

Billing Main Stores (BMS) is a new electrical hardware business that will design and sell strong and long lasting power protection products in Downtown Billing, Montana. We will be successful because our plan is to provide a distinctive service different to what the industry are already used to. At Billing Main Stores, we expect an optimistic gross margin over the industry average.

We plan to achieve this due to the new approach to service we bring to the industry and our diversified workforce. We boast of durable workforce from different backgrounds, but with the prerequisite skills and zeal to present our customers with an experience they won’t forget in a hurry.

Our goal is to provide our customer with an enjoyable, honest service by satisfying individual customers electrical equipment needs. Our business location, The Billings trade area serves over a half million people. Known as a major trade and distribution center, the city is home to many regional headquarters and corporate headquarters.

With Montana having no sales tax, Billings is a retail destination for much of Wyoming, North and South Dakota as well as much of Montana east of the Continental Divide. $1 out of every $7 spent on retail purchases in Montana is being spent in Billings.

Also, the percentage of wholesale business transactions done in Billings is even stronger: Billings accounts for more than a quarter of the wholesale business for the entire state. Billings is an energy center sitting amidst the largest coal reserves in the united states as well as large oil and natural gas fields.

At Billing Main Stores, profits made at first will be used to settle any overhead costs related to purchasing inventory. We have chosen to outsource production because we have numerous relationships with contract manufacturers that can make the products for far less than we can.

We also acknowledge that production would create significant capital costs which are truly unnecessary. The beauty of this Business model is the usage of contract manufacturers and the leveraging of other viable resources to grow our business.

Billing Main Stores was founded by a group of friends, headed by Mr. Gregory Cameral in May 2019. Mr. Gregory Cameral has an MBA from Montana State University and has experience working for the large electrical company SONY as an assistant project manager, and Concord Current as an executive in the value added services department.

Billing Main Stores has been forecasted to achieve impressive sales for years two and three, with correspondingly respectable net profit. Having completed nearly 12 years at various electrical business establishments, Mr. Gregory has a complete knowledge and experience in this industry.

3. Our Products and Services

At Billing Main Stores, we will offer a vast range of surge arrestors and surge protectors. A surge protector protects electrical devices plugged into it against spikes in voltage. While a surge arrestor or “whole house surge protector” protects all circuits of a house from a surge in current coming from outside the building. All our products will protect consumers and their sensitive electric and electronic appliances from power surges or transient voltage.

For the sake of clarity, a power surge is an increase in voltage significantly above the designated level of flow of electricity. When a surge or spike is high enough, it can cause serious electrical damage, just like applying to much water pressure through a hose.

These surge protectors work by diverting the extra electricity into the outlet’s grounding wire. A surge arrestor provides the same protection, but, the protection occurs before the current comes into the home. There are several sources of surges. The most familiar source is lightning. When lightning strikes near a power line, the electrical energy creates a boost of electrical pressure.

A surge arrestor is the best form of protection against lightning as a lightning surge will overpower most surge protectors. A more common source is the operation of high power electrical devices such as refrigerators and air conditioning units.

These appliances cause spikes when their compressors or motors are turned on and off, creating sudden, brief demands for power and upsetting the flow of the electrical voltage. These types of surges can be protected only by surge protectors because the spike occurs within the home and not from the electrical grid.

The last main source of surges comes from the utility company’s equipment. The complex system of equipment that brings electrical power from the grid into the home may have points of failure that can cause uneven power transmission.

A combination of a surge arrestor and surge protectors on major or expensive electric/electronic components can significantly decrease the possibility of surge/spike damage. We at Billing Main Stores will offer two main products, surge arrestors and surge protectors. These products are made by a contract manufacturer and sold under the Billing Main Stores brand name.

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision at Billing Main Stores is to establish an electrical hardware dealership with a respectable gross margin in a sustainable environment.
• Our Mission is to develop a vast range of surge protectors and arrestors for clients that offer safety and value.
• Our aim is to leverage the economic strength of our business location to help build brand recognition.
• All customer’s expectations will be exceeded with their innovative, useful products and complete customer satisfaction is guaranteed.

Our Business Structure

Mr. Gregory Cameral will function as the company president for the first five years for a minimal salary of $24,000 in exchange for his commitment, coordination and technical know-how. The board of directors which comprises of industry leaders will be compensated for their services by a return of profits on their investment.

Two sales staff will work the sales floor for the first year compensated solely by commissions earned on a 5% pay scale. Also three mechanics, specializing in hardware repairs, will be paid $3,200 monthly.

The mechanics’ salaries will steadily increase every year by 5% to show the increased human capital acquired by the mechanics’ maintenance experience with our equipment and hardware. Meanwhile, the maintenance and secretarial staff will take care of administrative matters and sales room decorum. Below are detailed professionals we plan to employ to achieve our business visions and goals.

Store Manager

• Human Resources and Admin Manager

Sales and Marketing Manager

• Information technologist
• Maintenance and Secretarial staffs

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

• Boosts management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• In charge of fixing prices and signing business deals
• In charge of providing direction for the business
• Establishes, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Charged with signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization

Admin and HR Manager

• In charge of overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Tasked with maintaining office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Makes sure operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defining job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carrying out induction for new team members
• In charge of training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• In charge of arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Oversee the smooth running of the daily office cum business activities
• In charge of managing the daily activities in the hardware store
• Ensures that proper records of hardware are kept and the store does not run out of hardware
• Ensures that the store facility is in tip top shape and hardware are properly arranged and easy to locate
• Interfaces with third – party suppliers (vendors)
• Controls distribution and supply chain inventory
• Supervise the workforce in the hardware store sales floor
• Takes care of external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
• Models demographic information and analyse the volumes of transactional data generated by customer purchases
• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts
• In charge of supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for the company
• Find out mechanical problems, often by using computerized diagnostic equipment
• Test parts and systems to ensure that they are working properly
• Repair or replace worn parts
• Disassemble and reassemble parts
• Use testing equipment to ensure that repairs and maintenance are effective
• Explain to clients the problems and the repairs done on their electrical device
• Adhere to checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined
• Do basic care and maintenance.

Information Technologist

• Manages the organization website
• Handles ecommerce aspect of the business
• In charge of installing and maintenance of computer software and hardware for the organization
• Manages logistics and supply chain software, Web servers, e-commerce software and POS (point of sale) systems
• Manages the organization’s CCTV
• Handles any other technological and IT related duties

Accountant/Cashier

• In charge of preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports
• In charge of financial forecasting and risks analysis
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting
• Tasked with developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Tasked with administering payrolls
• Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the organization
• Serves as internal auditor for the organization

Maintenance and secretarial staffs

• Makes sure that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In centre, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with customers on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the human resources and admin manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to customers when they make enquiries
• Provides information about warranties, manufacturing specifications, care and maintenance of merchandise and delivery options
• Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Cleans both the interior and exterior of the store
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the store manager

6. SWOT Analysis

At Billing Main Stores, our major objectives include developing a profitable product that is unregulated from the core power generation business, to become profitable within one year and to use our business as a successful model for future ventures.

We can’t achieve these goals by being a trial and error business. Our plans are steady, solid and they respect the ideas and visions of our founders. Below is a well-documented summary of our SWOT analysis, performed by Xavier Holdings, to ascertain our chances and weaknesses in our industry of choice.

• We provide every customer 100% satisfaction.
• We design and sell meaningful, valuable, power protection products.
• We plan to design and employ strict financial controls.

According to our SWOT analysis, we are a new electrical hardware dealership business in Downtown Billing and we don’t have the financial capacity to compete with multi – million dollar dealers in the country, and we might find it hard penetrating the market.

• Opportunities

Although most hardware stores, electronic stores, and mass merchants sell some sort of surge protector, the products offered by Billing Main Stores will be differentiated by their industrial grade offer and, a far higher level of protection than most other surge protectors.

These units are $130 each and offer the best protection when used in conjunction with a surge arrestor. Any type of electric or electronic appliance of value should be protected such as furnaces, refrigerators, stoves, TVs, stereos, computers, modems, phones, etc.

One of the key setbacks that we are going to face at Billing Main Stores will be convincing people to patronize our services. Although we acknowledge the open opportunities in this industry far outweighs this threat.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trend

According to reports, electrical equipment shipments, orders, and backlog offer a fairly accurate indication of an individual company’s sales prospects. Growing orders help to build backlog and lead to higher shipments and sales.  Order cancellations, however, can quicken top-line declines.

Plant utilization lends insight to a company’s pricing power and earnings potential. Also, product quality and ease of integration (into manufacturing systems) will influence demand, pricing and profits. In this industry, operating efficiency is very important for these companies to succeed. For the most part, the industry’s operating margin ranges from 10% to 20%.

Some leaders achieve margins in the 30s and 40s, and a few, with profitability measures in the single digits, lag behind. Popular efficiency and cost-reduction methods include Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Best Practices and common production platforms. Effective hedging strategies can bring volatile commodity prices under control.

In some instances, research and development expense is less than 5% of sales. Nonetheless, R&D outlays are important to the industry. Innovation allows a company to improve its competitive position.

Managements work to keep up with shrinking product life cycles and attain standardization to maintain cohesiveness and save money. Notwithstanding, net margins hew close to 10%. For equipment makers with little or no debt, net margins about match operating margins.

Those with significant debt obligations often have net margins in the single digits. Managements tap the equity and debt markets, and use cash, for expansion and acquisitions, depending on the comparative cost of capital and their tolerance for risk.

Also note that the industry has a history of substantial merger and acquisition activity. Acquisitions offer access to new markets and products, as well as ample cost synergies. Usually, the larger the company and the more extensive the record of buyouts, the less risk there is to investors.

8. Our Target Market

At Billing Main Stores, we’ve identified three unique target market to sell our products to. The first market is family home owners, typically with children, and the second is single home owners.

These two unique markets have been chosen because families with children typically have a large number of electronic devices and the upper income single home owner often use lots of gadgets in their home. Meanwhile, the third market is commercial businesses that have equipment they want protected.

We acknowledge that competition is very limited for surge arrestors as they require electric utility installation. There is some competition with the surge protectors, however the competitive products are of a consumer level of quality and protection, different from our products which offer industrial levels of protection.

Billing Main Stores is targeting these groups. Although most home owners insurance offers some level of compensation for damage, deductibles are typically high enough that most people do not make claims.

• Our Competitive Advantage

At Billing Main Stores, we expect an optimistic gross margin over the industry average. We plan to achieve this due to the new approach to service we bring to the industry and our diversified workforce.

Billing Main Stores will grow from four board directors plus a small group of two sales persons, one IT personnel, an accountant and one mechanic, all of who will bring their professional expertise and contacts to provide a solid foundation of connections for future marketing ventures. Meanwhile, our media strategy will focus on direct marketing to local groups and clubs, as well as advertising in magazines.

All sales prospects will be finalized in person, through mail-order, over the phone, and via the Internet. We also believe that as the visibility of our hardware increases, sales among home owners and the commercial market will increase by 60% each month thereafter.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Marketing and Sales strategy

At Billing Main Stores, we’ve developed a targeted strategy that allows us to leverage our competitive edge and quickly gain market penetration. Our competitive edge is our optimistic gross margin over the industry average. Our marketing strategy will concentrate on the ability to offer supreme, inexpensive protection for electronic appliances.

This campaign will be communicated through various methods and will focus on the product offerings coming from Billing Main Stores.

We will also put together a news release which will be sent to area newspapers and magazines announcing the launch of Billing Main Stores. Our President Mr. Gregory Cameral is an important member of the Montana Chamber of Commerce. He will also make himself available for speaking engagements at other community or civic organizations.

We believe that by becoming a front runner and a sponsor in a community event, we can leverage a low-cost way of increasing awareness and building goodwill in the community. We will also encourage and reward our customers for their repeat business. This can be accomplished by offering a discount special price to past customers who returned.

10. Sales Forecast

At Billing Main Stores, we expect our normal monthly running costs per month, which include our full payroll, lease, marketing, utilities, and an estimation of other running expenses. Payroll alone can be about $60,000 for one mechanic and one accountant, while all sales staff operates on commission.

Agreeably, margins are difficult to put together as the average per unit costs do not include marketing costs, promotions, or salesman commissions. But our overall average per unit revenue over per unit costs is based on past sales from other dealerships.

The gross margin within the first year will be modest, rising in the second and third year. Our major budget items will include salary, rent, sales and marketing expenses, utilities, insurance, taxes and licensing.

Billing Main Stores net profit is also expected to reach outstanding levels in the first year, rising in the second and the third year. All of these profits can then be fed back into research and development opening the doorway to a secondary market role for Billing Main Stores to become a patent holding company.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

At Billing Main Stores, our promotion strategy will seek to communicate the idea that the products that we offer are cheap insurance against large electronic damage or losses. By proactively purchasing our electrical products, clients can protect all their expensive devices against loss and damage.

Although many homeowners probably have some sort of insurance, deductibles are often prohibitively high, making a claim for damage to one or a couple appliances not worth the money. Billing Main Stores will use several forms of communication for our promotional campaign:;

• Put adverts on community based newspapers, radio and TV stations
• Encourage the use of word of mouth publicity from our loyal customers
• Make use of the internet and social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Google+ and other platforms to promote our business.
• Make sure we position our banners and billboards in strategic positions all around Billings.
• Share our fliers and handbills in target areas in and around Billings
• Advertise our used hardware dealership business in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site
• Brand all our products and delivery trucks and ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirt or cap at regular intervals.

Source of income

Most of our inventory will be bought in advance to stock the sales floor and we plan to generate revenue by offering a vast range of surge arrestors and surge protectors to our clients. Billing Main Stores is expected to grow in sales at a rate of 15% per month, starting from the conservative estimate of 72 hardware sold.

Note that this financing will come initially from the executive board, giving room for plenty of opportunity for credit to cover unforeseen expenses, if necessary. Growth will be rapid and produce profits almost immediately.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

At Billing Main Stores, we believe our target audience will buy based on superior quality, excellent customer service, and local business location. We also know that businesses in our business scope make their money from the interest and commissions they offer their services and products.

We hope to keep our prices at the average market rate for the main time, but will increase as our identity in the market increases. Most of our products will sell between $130 and $620 to take advantage of impulse purchasers in the city. Our average sale is around $375, which also includes a professional installation.

• Payment Options

At Billing Main Stores, we will always strive to establish payment methods that will suit our clients. We have also partnered with a renowned bank to help serve our clients comfortably. We hope to make available the following payment options for our clients;

• Payment by via bank transfer
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment through POS
• payment through PayPal
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft
• Payment with cash

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

Our goal at Billing Main Stores is to establish a business that will serve the needs of our customers and also ensure a balanced positive cash flow. We believe that with our diverse workforce and experienced board of directors, we can build a unique business that will invest residual profits into company expansion and Personnel.

We have estimated our start up costs and overheads for the next three years. It is believed that all new entrants in the industry operate with negative profits through the first two years. But, at Billing Main Stores, we plan to avoid that kind of operating loss by understanding our markets, our competitors, industry direction, and the products we sell. Outlined below are the ways we plan spending our start-up cost;

• The Total Fee for Registering the Business in Billings : $900.
• The budget for insurance, permits and license: $10,000
• The Amount needed to acquire a suitable Facility for 6 months in Downtown Billings (face lifting of the facility inclusive): $75,000.
• The Cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (fridges, TVs, Sound System, tables and chairs et al): $20,000.
• The Cost for Equipment: $15,000
• The Cost for inventory : $3,000,000
• The Cost of Launching a Website: $700
• Our marketing and publicity budget – $150,000
• The cost for our opening party: $6,000
• Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al): $7,000

From our detailed analysis above, we will need $3,284,600 to start Billing Main Stores. We have also put plans in place to be able to raise the funds and capital.

Generating Funding/Start up for Billing Main Stores 

Billing Main Stores was founded by four friends led by Mr. Gregory Cameral. These experienced men, Mason Creed, Churchill Garner, Sampson Amos and Fred Marshall are all from different walks of life, with a basic knowledge of the electrical hardware industry and ready to invest their years of experience in Billing Main Stores. They will also be the sole financiers of the business which is why we have restricted the sourcing of the startup capital for the business to just three major sources.

• Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings and sale of stocks
• Generate part of the startup capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate part of the capital from the bank (loan facility).

This group of friends have been able to raise $2,000,000 ($500,000 from personal savings and $400,000 from his friends and family as soft loan), and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $1,000,000. We have verified all the necessary procedures to actualize or get our startup cost.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

At Billing Main Stores, our strategy to build customer sales includes telemarketing and encouraging and rewarding present clients to refer future clients. Networking within business groups, civic groups, church groups, etc. are important, even if the business results are not immediately felt.

Billings Main Store does not face any real competition for the arrestors due to the installation requirement of the electric utility. Although, there are six current vendors that sell the actual arrestor equipment, it is far more expensive to buy the equipment and then pay for installation than buying the package (product and installation) directly from the utility.

We boast of a long lasting business understanding with MSL Distribution, one of the topmost utility firms in Billings. In terms of the surge protectors, we face general competition from several sources. This is qualified as general competition since the products typically sold (75% of the time) are of consumer quality versus the industrial quality that Billing Main Stores offers.

Due to our direct contacts with electrical component manufacturers and their sheer buying scale/power, we will be able to offer high-quality industrial grade products for prices that are similar to the consumer units. Our sales forecast has been developed as a forecast and tracking tool to provide the company with realistic sales goals as well as a way to verify progress.

The forecast has been developed as a conservative estimate, not an aggressive sales promise. By adopting a conservative forecast, Billings Main Stores increases the likelihood of reaching sustainable sales growth. Barring monopolistic manipulations of the supply of inventory, success is just around the corner.

Also objectives have been set for Billing Main Stores so that actual performance can be measured against them. Each subsequent year, new objectives will be set for these benchmarks, and actual performance will be measured against them.

If actual performance falls short of objectives, investigation will be made into the cause, and plans adjusted accordingly. At Billing Main Stores, we will keep track of the source of all new clients so as to measure the effectiveness of each type of promotion.

Checklist/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check : Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Conducting feasibility studies: Completed
• Leasing, renovating and equipping our facility: Completed
• Generating part of the startup capital from the founder: Completed
• Applications for Loan from our Bankers: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Printing of Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of software applications, furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with banks, financial lending institutions, vendors and key players in the industry: In Progress

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Hardware Store

FICTIONAL BUSINESS PLAN

OSHKOSH HARDWARE, INC.

123 Main St. Oshkosh, WI 54901

The following fictional plan outlines how a small hardware store can survive competition from large discount chains by offering products and providing expert advice in the use of any product it sells. This plan is fictional and has not been used to gain funding from a bank or other lending institution.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The business, goals implementation.

• JOB DESCRIPTION-GENERAL MANAGER

QUARTERLY FORECASTED BALANCE SHEETS

Quarterly forecasted statements of earnings and retained earnings, quarterly forecasted statements of changes in financial position, financial ratio analysis, details for quarterly statements of earnings.

Oshkosh Hardware, Inc. is a new corporation which is going to establish a retail hardware store in a strip mall in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The store will sell hardware of all kinds, quality tools, paint and housewares. The business will make revenue and a profit by servicing its customers not only with needed hardware but also with expert advice in the use of any product it sells.

Oshkosh Hardware, Inc. will be operated by its sole shareholder, James Smith. The company will have a total of four employees. It will sell its products in the local market. Customers will buy our products because we will provide free advice on the use of all of our products and will also furnish a full refund warranty.

Oshkosh Hardware, Inc. will sell its products in the Oshkosh store staffed by three sales representatives. No additional employees will be needed to achieve its short and long range goals. The primary short range goal is to open the store by October 1, 1994. In order to achieve this goal a lease must be signed by July 1, 1994 and the complete inventory ordered by August 1, 1994.

James Smith will invest $30,000 in the business. In addition the company will have to borrow $ 150,000 during the first year to cover the investment in inventory, accounts receivable, and furniture and equipment. The company will be profitable after six months of operation and should be able to start repayment of the loan in the second year.

The business will sell hardware of all kinds, quality tools, paint, and housewares. We will purchase our products from three large wholesale buying groups.

In general our customers are homeowners who do their own repair and maintenance, hobbyists, and housewives. Our business is unique in that we will have a complete line of all hardware items and will be able to get special orders by overnight delivery. The business makes revenue and profits by servicing our customers not only with needed hardware but also with expert advice in the use of any product we sell. Our major costs for bringing our products to market are cost of merchandise of 36%, salaries of $45,000, and occupancy costs of $60,000.

Oshkosh Hardware, Inc.'s retail outlet will be located at 1524 Frontage Road, which is in a newly developed retail center of Oshkosh. Our location helps facilitate accessibility from all parts of town and reduces our delivery costs. The store will occupy 7500 square feet of space. The major equipment involved in our business is counters and shelving, a computer, a paint mixing machine, and a truck.

Oshkosh Hardware, Inc. will operate in the local market. There are 15,000 potential customers in this market area. We have three competitors who control approximately 98% of the market at present. We feel we can capture 25% of the market within the next four years. Our major reason for believing this is that our staff is technically competent to advise our customers in the correct use of all products we sell.

After a careful market analysis we have determined that approximately 60% of our customers are men and 40% are women. The percentage of customers that fall into the following age categories are:

The reasons our customers prefer our products is our complete knowledge of their use and our full refund warranty.

We get our information about what products our customers want by talking to existing customers. There seems to be an increasing demand for our product. The demand for our product is increasing in size based on the change in population characteristics.

At Oshkosh Hardware, Inc. we will employ three sales people and will not need any additional personnel to achieve our sales goals. These salespeople will need several years experience in home repair and power tool usage. We expect to attract 30% of our customers from newspaper ads, 5% of our customers from local directories, 5% of our customers from the yellow pages, 10% of our customers from family and friends and 50% of our customers from current customers. The most cost-effective source will be current customers. In general, our industry is growing.

We would evaluate the quality of our management staff as being excellent. Our manager is experienced and very motivated to achieve the various sales and quality assurance objectives we have set. We will use a management information system which produces key inventory, quality assurance and sales data on a weekly basis. All data is compared to previously established goals for that week and deviations are the primary focus of the management staff.

The short term goals of our business are:

• Open the store by October 1, 1994
• Reach our breakeven point in two months
• Have sales of $ 100,000 in the first six months

In order to achieve our first short term goal we must:

• Sign the lease by July 1, 1994
• Order a complete inventory by August 1, 1994

In order to achieve our second short term goal we must:

• Advertise extensively in September and October
• Keep expenses to a minimum

In order to achieve our third short term goal we must:

• Promote power tool sales for the Christmas season
• Keep good customer traffic in January and February

The long term goals for our business are:

• Obtain sales volume of $600,000 in three years
• Become the largest hardware dealer in the city
• Open a second store in Fond du Lac

The most important thing we must do in order to achieve the long term goals for our business is to develop a highly profitable business with excellent cash flow.

Oshkosh Hardware, Inc. Faces some potential threats or risks to our business. They are discount house competition. We believe we can avoid or compensate for this by providing quality products complimented by quality advice on the use of every product we sell. The financial projections we have prepared are located at the end of this document.

JOB DESCRIPTION: GENERAL MANAGER

The General Manager of the business of the corporation will be the president of the corporation. He will be responsible for the complete operation of the retail hardware store which is owned by the corporation. A detailed description of his duties and responsibilities is as follows:

Train and supervise the three sales people. Develop programs to motivate and compensate these employees. Coordinate advertising and sales promotion effects to achieve sales totals as outlined in budget. Oversee purchasing function and inventory control procedures to insure adequate merchandise at all times at a reasonable cost.

Prepare monthly and annual budgets. Secure adequate line of credit from local banks. Supervise office personnel to insure timely preparation of records, statements, all government reports, control of receivables and payables and monthly financial statements.

Administration

Perform duties as required in the areas of personnel, building leasing and maintenance, licenses and permits and public relations.

User Contributions:

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Hardware Store Business Plan

This is a free, printable business plan outlining the necessary services, organization and market strategies for hardware store owners and those working in the retail sector.

Sample text from Hardware Store Business Plan:

1.0 Executive Summary

[COMPANY NAME] will be a sole proprietorship owned by [NAME]. The Company is a start-up as [NAME] will purchase the rights to the existing location for $75,000. Upon purchase of the rights, the Company will demolish the existing structure and build a new State of the Art hardware store.

[COMPANY NAME] will be a standard general hardware store that offers the parts, material, and advice to tackle any home repair, as well as lawn care. The primary focus will be to satisfy the seasonal needs of the area's customers.

The Company will service the hardware and repair needs of the [COUNTY], [COUNTY], [COUNTY] and [COUNTY] County households. The Company would like to increase sales in all market segments above with a concentration of growth in sales to homeowners who do their own repairs.

The focus of this business plan is to put forth objectives to launch operations, work efficiently and effectively, and expand internal operations giving the Company the opportunity to grow with sales growth in the surrounding County areas. [COMPANY NAME] is ready to elevate to the next step. The Company is seeking grant funding in the amount of $600,000. The grant funding will be used to launch operations including purchasing the existing land & business, construction of a new Building and purchasing equipment and displays for the store. Additionally, the Company will purchase the opening inventory, develop a website and launch an advertising campaign.

1.1 Objectives

[COMPANY NAME] has the following objectives.

1. Obtain Grant funding to purchase an existing hardware store and rebuild the retail space.

2. Customer Service - Give our customers the highest quality product and service at a fair competitive price.

3. To create a safe environment for people in the community to come for their hardware store needs.

4. To provide jobs within the community.

5. To successfully manage a hardware store.

1.2 Mission

The mission of [COMPANY NAME] is to offer quality hardware products in a customer-friendly shopping environment. Our customers will get assistance quickly and will leave the store prepared to get the job done right the first time. [COMPANY NAME] will also focus on anticipating the seasonal needs of its customers and providing the best products at competitive prices.

1.3 Keys to Success

The keys to success for [COMPANY NAME] are:

1. Location: [COMPANY NAME] will be assuming ownership of an existing hardware store. The Company plans to demolish the existing building and build a new State of the Art hardware store. We will have an existing base of customers.

2. Seasonal Products: Each season has it own unique demand on a homeowner. [COMPANY NAME] will focus on this pattern and bring in local customers by marketing these items at competitive prices.

3. Repair/Project Resource Area: The first section customers will find when they enter is a repair/project resource area that they can use to plan repairs or projects. There will be a repair/project resource person to answer questions and direct them to the section of store where the needed products are.

4. In-Store Expertise: Store employees will be knowledgeable in home repairs/projects. In addition, the repair/project resource area will be used to conduct short trainings and demonstrations in home repair and home projects.

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Preparing For the Next Global Outage: Review Your Business Continuity Plan

July 23, 2024

Key insights

Recent technology outages and cybersecurity incidents affected various industries, underscoring the importance of a solid business continuity plan — particularly for organizations that rely heavily on technology and vendors for critical services.

Help protect your institutional and customer information and maintain customer trust by reviewing your vendor management, incident response, disaster recovery, and patch management programs.

Regularly update these programs to help your organization be prepared to form a quick and efficient response to incidents and potentially reduce the impact on your organization and customers.

Ready to update your business continuity plan?

The July 18 widespread technology outage and recent cybersecurity incidents, such as the CDK breach , impacted various industries. It’s a good time to highlight the importance of your business continuity plan, including vendor management, incident response , disaster recovery , and patch management programs.

Some industries have a higher cybersecurity risk profile because of the service they provide or the information they possess. Those that play critical roles in infrastructure and finance are often targeted by bad actors through cyberattacks — however, any organization can become a victim. Companies that depend on technology and other “online” services also can be downstream victims of these and non-cyber related scenarios.

Looking for general information on business continuity planning and preparedness?

Financial institutions often targets of cyberattacks.

Banks and credit unions increasingly depend on external vendors beyond their core providers and loan origination systems to provide critical services to their customers and communities.

To protect institutional and customer information, there’s a heavy reliance on specialty vendors for critical functions to maintain the expected privacy and necessary compliance. When everything works, it’s great, but when issues arise and root cause analysis is conducted, the “blame game” can start.

When systems go down or are inaccessible, there’s often an assumption of a cybersecurity breach, leading to questions like “Was my personal data compromised?” Being able to answer this is crucial for maintaining customer trust. While the CrowdStrike outage incident was not cyber related, the impact was similar.

Your customers and members don’t care who’s at fault or if you’ve averaged a historical 99% uptime — they care about when you’ll be back up. Answering these questions effectively requires practice, hoping you’ll never need it. Verifying you are doing what you say, and saying what you do, is critical.

Prepare for the unexpected: incident readiness checklist

Your institution must be ready before the next incident. Review your processes to look for opportunities to improve — practices that apply to organizations across all industries.

Vendor management program

• Identify critical vendors (those with critical data and services that, if down, would impact your institution’s ability to serve customers).
• Affirm vendor contacts are current.
• Verify the data and services each vendor provides and who is accountable for the relationship at your organization.
• Perform annual reviews of key outages (or fourth parties they rely on) to provide services to you.

Incident response and disaster recovery programs

• Review these programs at least annually and update them as your organization changes.
• These are not IT-only programs — management and board of directors must be involved and accountable.
• Conduct tabletop tests on various scenarios, document gaps, and adjust plans.
• Confirm scenarios are realistic and reflect the true impact on the organization and customers.
• Verify communication and notification plans are sound and address how you communicate with employees, customers, and any relevant agencies.
• Develop manual procedures to serve your customers and employees if technology is down and confirm what transactions can be run in “offline” mode.

Patch management program and software or hardware updates

• Review your program against the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s Architecture, Infrastructure, and Operations handbook for any adjustments to current standards or recommendations.
• Have a backout or rollback plan for any software or hardware updates — if an update doesn’t go as planned, confirm you can revert to the original state to reduce downtime.
• When possible, use development or testing environments for critical systems to help reduce production outages during updates.

Supply chain risk considerations

One area you might not relate to an outage is around supply chain management risk. With its significant complexity, review steps you can take to identify, assess, and navigate supply chain risks using a comprehensive and systematic approach.

How we can help

Your data estate plays a crucial role in enhancing your analytics capabilities — but it can be difficult to know which type of repository is the best fit. And while some organizations have the resources and knowledge to handle data management internally, others may benefit from leaning on experienced providers.

CLA’s digital team can help you take the next steps in your digital transformation journey. Our data analytics and insights professionals can help you understand how to automate tasks, centralize data, and develop an enterprise vision with analytics to better align with your strategic goals.

Digital Growth Director

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Understanding POS Systems

Types of pos systems, factors influencing pos system costs, average cost of pos systems, how to choose the right pos system for your business, price of the most popular pos systems, how much does a pos transaction cost, is there a pos system for small businesses without monthly fees, what are the hidden costs associated with pos systems, how can i manage the cost of my pos system if i have a seasonal business, the bottom line.

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How Much Does a POS System Cost a Business Owner?

The total cost can include software, hardware, payment processing fees, and other fees

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A point of sale (POS) system comprises the hardware and software that processes retail transactions. For business owners, a POS system is a crucial piece of technology that not only facilitates sales, but also streamlines the collection of important business data. 

If you are considering introducing a POS system to your business, it’s important to understand the costs associated with both the initial implementation and maintaining the system over time. Costs tend to vary by business size, application, and industry, so in evaluating different POS systems, business owners should consider both their operational needs and their budget constraints. For example, a small to medium retail business could pay about $39 to $89 a month for software, up to $1,500 for hardware and installation, and roughly 2.7% per transaction in payment processing fees.

Key Takeaways

• The total cost of a POS system includes expenses associated with hardware and software, as well as payment processing and additional fees.
• Costs can vary significantly based on business size, industry, and the specific features required from a POS system.
• Evaluating long-term costs and benefits, such as scalability and integration with other systems, is crucial in order to select the system that offers the best value.

In a retail business, a POS system facilitates customer payment transactions. It can encompass both hardware and software, including things like a cash register, barcode scanner, card payment terminal, receipt printer, or web-based checkout. 

Aside from streamlining the payment process, a POS system can provide valuable data to business owners, tracking things like inventory, sales , employee sales performance, and tax calculations. It also provides more flexibility and payment options, enabling businesses to sell online as well as at locations like fairs, trade shows, and farmers’ markets.

Different types of POS systems have been developed as new technology emerges. Traditional POS systems might be as basic as a cash register and drawer, but also might include add-ons like a card reading terminal, barcode scanner, receipt printer, computer or tablet screen, and software system. 

POS systems are often differentiated by the way they store data. For example, a POS system whose data is stored in a fixed server location is referred to as an on-premise POS system, whereas technological innovations have added cloud-based software to POS systems to store, manage, and integrate business data across different locations and systems. A hybrid POS system connects to a local server within a fixed location but can also take advantage of cloud-based data storage. 

Many POS systems have also developed wireless hardware and tablet or mobile phone integrations so that payments no longer have to be taken from a fixed location. For example, restaurant customers might find it more convenient to pay the bill at their table as opposed to having to line up to pay at the end of their meal.

Recently, companies and industry groups have been anticipating how AI might factor into aspects of POS software, such as the ability to forecast sales or inventory or make operational decisions based on past ordering data.

POS systems are made up of software and hardware, and the cost of running one may also include one-off or recurring fees. Here are some factors to consider in understanding how much a POS system will cost overall.

Hardware Costs

Depending on the provider and intended purpose, there can be a range of hardware associated with a POS system, including:

• Card readers
• Card payment terminals
• Payment registers
• Cash drawers
• Receipt, kitchen, label, and barcode printers
• Barcode scanners
• Display screens, tablets, and mobile devices
• Chargers and cables 
• Mounts and docks
• Weighing scales

The cost of POS hardware will depend on the number of units and accessories purchased, as well as the type of software it can run. For example, some systems are WiFi-enabled and equipped with an “offline mode” in the event of a power or internet outage. Other systems are designed to withstand the demands of environments like a kitchen, with “spill-proof”–rated restaurant-grade materials.

Software Costs

POS software is typically offered in monthly subscription packages with features that differ according to the use case of the retailer. For example, Shopify and Square offer a range of packages at a fixed monthly rate, plus transaction fees for card payments. Typically, the plan increases in cost as more complexity or customization is required, such as having multiple locations or needing a certain number of user accounts. Some companies also charge setup fees or offer add-ons at additional cost.

Many POS companies offer other software that works in tandem with the POS system, for purposes like appointment booking, restaurant ordering, or inventory management, or their software is designed to integrate with other industry software. Some POS systems are also compatible with apps that unlock additional retailer capabilities, offering things like discounts, loyalty programs, marketing communications, ticket sales, and staff management.

Payment Processing Fees

Most POS providers charge a payment processing fee per transaction at a fixed percentage rate, and sometimes an additional fixed fee will apply. For example, Square charges from 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction.

Additional Costs

Additional costs associated with a POS system might include installation or setup fees, data conversion fees, team training, and tech or customer support. However, these costs are sometimes factored into the monthly subscription fee.

Other Variable Factors

Usually, adding complexity or customization to a POS system will incur further costs. For example, setting up a POS system across multiple locations, having a larger number of user accounts, adding software applications, or scaling the system to increase its speed and capacity can all increase the price of a POS system.

The cost of a POS system will vary depending on the needs of the business and generally increases with the complexity of the system, number of user accounts required, and number of retail locations.

By Business Size

A small to medium retail business should expect to factor in around $39 to $89 per month for software, up to $500 for hardware, up to $1000 for installation, and around 2.7% per transaction in payment processing fees.

Software costs for a larger, more complex business can be in the range of anywhere from $399 per month or higher, although payment processing rates tend to be more competitive (starting around 2.4% per transaction) due to the higher volume of transactions associated with a larger business. Installation fees and hardware costs can also be much higher due to the complexity of the system being installed.

By Industry

POS systems can be designed for a variety of retail applications, but they can also vary greatly by industry due to the features required by particular types of retailers. For example, making a payment at a hotel can be quite different from the payment process at a grocery store.

Certain sectors may face higher expenses due to the level of specificity required to design for their niche application. An all-purpose POS system such as Square is designed to appeal to a wide range of small businesses and has no monthly fee, whereas systems such as ITRetail that are designed for grocery stores can cost up to $149 per month.

Choosing the right POS system is a matter of assessing business needs against costs, features, and other requirements. Here’s what to consider in selecting a POS system for your business.

Assess Your Business Needs

Consider the number of locations where you need to have a POS system as well as the number of users who will need to have an account on the system. You’ll also have to determine the amount of hardware you’ll need, such as card payment terminals, scanners, registers, and printers. Access to a fast and stable internet connection is another consideration in deciding between an on-premise vs. a cloud or a hybrid system.

Compare Providers and Get Quotes

In comparing POS system providers, it’s important to consider cost, features, and scalability. You’ll want to minimize cost while ensuring that your POS system has all the capabilities your business requires, both in the short term and as your business grows or changes over time. Most POS system providers offer quotes or demos that are tailored to the specific needs of your business, so it’s a good idea to take advantage of this to ensure you have an accurate understanding of projected costs.

Plan for the Long Term

When picking a POS system, try to anticipate both long-term costs and benefits, such as the reliability of a POS system and the level of customer support offered by the provider. Payment processing fees are something that can add up very quickly, so if your business processes a high annual sales value, it can be a strategic move to choose a POS system provider that offers a better rate over a certain threshold.

Some POS systems, such as Toast and Square, offer mobile hardware or hardware that is compatible with mobile devices.

Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with some popular POS systems.

Shopify offers multichannel selling (both online and in-person) with a variety of software plans aimed at different sized retailers; these range from $5 per month to $399 per month. Hardware costs vary depending on the units and accessories required, but a card reader starts at $49, a mobile POS device at $299, and a countertop kit at $459.

There are no setup fees with Shopify and their payment processing fees range from 2.4% + 10¢ to 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction.

Square provides ecommerce and in-person POS systems for retail, food and beverage, professional services, and beauty companies, as well as scalable solutions for large businesses.

Their hardware starts at $10 for a mobile card reader, with no installation fees or monthly software costs. The only recurring cost is for payment processing, starting at 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction.

Toast is a POS system for restaurants that offers payment solutions for in-person and online customers. Software and hardware start at $0 per month, and installation costs vary depending on the specific equipment required.

Payment processing fees for Toast are set at a custom rate that is “specific to the characteristics of your restaurant.”

TouchBistro

A cloud-based POS system, TouchBistro is specifically aimed at helping different types of restaurants sell online and in-person. Their POS software plan starts at $69 per month and hardware costs are available upon requesting a quote. They do not specify whether they charge installation fees, only that “hardware and additional fees may apply.”

TouchBistro’s payment processing services are available as an add-on, referred to as TouchBistro Payments; pricing is available upon requesting a quote.

Lightspeed offers online and in-person POS solutions for retail, restaurants, and golf businesses. Their restaurant plan starts at $69, while their retail plan starts at $89.

Hardware costs depend on the exact equipment purchased, but a credit card reader starts at $79, a countertop terminal at $199, and a mobile terminal at $299.

Lightspeed doesn't specify whether installation fees are included, and they charge 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction for payment processing fees.

Pricing for Lightspeed Golf is available upon requesting a quote, but the business promises “fixed rates” for payment processing, “flexible payment options,” and “no long-term contract.”

Payment transaction fees vary depending on the POS system provider, but POS transaction rates can range from 2.4% to 3.5% for credit card transactions.

Square is a POS system provider that does not charge monthly fees. They charge for hardware, starting from $10, as well as card payment processing fees (from 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction).

The cost of a POS system can vary greatly depending on the amount of hardware required and the amount of transactions processed. In addition to monthly software fees, POS system providers may charge for installation, data conversion, training, or customer support.

Owners of seasonal businesses may find it helpful to choose a POS system provider that has no or low monthly fees or offers a month-to-month subscription plan with no cancellation fees.

When selecting a POS system, it’s important to carefully consider the needs of the business when it comes to processing payments. The cost of implementing and running a POS system can quickly escalate depending on the amount of hardware needed to furnish a retail location and the number of transactions processed. Business owners might look to industry-specific POS systems for solutions that are tailored to their application, such as omnichannel sales, specialized retailers like grocery or liquor, or low-volume in-person selling. 

U.S. Small Business Administration. " What Is a POS and Why Does Your Business Need One? "

National Retail Federation. " How Artificial Intelligence Will Change Retail ."

Square. " Hardware Accessories ."

Toast. " Point of Sale Software ."

Square. " Pricing ."

Shopify. " POS System Pricing ."

Shopify. " Shopify App Store ."

Square. " Square Payments Fee Calculator ."

SmartPOS Software. " On Premise POS Software ."

Square. " Pricing for Square POS System ."

Toast. " Payment Processing Fees ."

Toast. " POS Pricing ."

Shopify. " How Much Does a POS System Cost? (Price Guide) ."

ITRetail. " Pricing ."

Shopify. " Pricing ."

Shopify. " POS Hardware for Business ."

IT Retail. " IT Retail Point of Sale ."

POS Nation. " Point of Sale (POS) Systems ."

POS Nation. " Hardware ."

Square. " POS Systems ."

Square. " Square Reader for Magstripe ."

Square Support. " Learn About Square Fees ."

TouchBistro. " Hardware Requirements ."

TouchBistro. " POS Pricing. "

TouchBistro. " Restaurant Credit Card Processing Made Easy With TouchBistro Payments ."

Lightspeed. " POS System Price for Retail ."

Lightspeed. " Restaurant POS Systems Pricing ."

Lightspeed. " Products ."

Lightspeed. " Credit Card Readers ."

Lightspeed. " Lightspeed Golf Pricing ."

Square. " Point of Sale Features ."

TouchBistro. " Get to Know TouchBistro’s Restaurant POS System ."

Lightspeed. " Home ."

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The Complete Guide to Creating a Leadership Development Plan

July 31, 2024

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You've probably heard the infamous quote from NFL coach Vince Lombardi, " Leaders aren't born, they are made . And they are made just like anything else, through hard work ."

At this point it may be a bit of a cliche, but it's a true cliche.

One of the most effective ways to guarantee that you have good leaders helping to guide your organization to success is by making those leaders yourself.

Enter the often overlooked leadership development plan.

We're getting into the nitty gritty of what makes a successful leadership development plan and how you can use the framework to transform some of your most valuable employees into leaders whose leadership styles align with your company's mission and drive growth.

What is a Leadership Development Plan?

A leadership development plan is a framework designed to enhance an employee's leadership skills, competencies, and abilities. The structured plan typically includes specific goals, strategies, and activities aimed at fostering growth in leadership capabilities.

How do companies benefit from a leadership development program?

A leadership development program is an invaluable tool that benefits everyone involved. Companies who dedicate the time and resources to creating and supporting these programs see their investment returned to them tenfold. Here are a few common benefits of building a program designed to help improve leadership skills.

Tailored leadership styles

Every leadership style is not suited to every company culture. With leadership training, you can nurture leadership skills that will be most effective within your organization and align with your overall business strategy.

Talent retention

Employees are more likely to stay with a company that invests in their professional development. A successful leadership development plan can enhance job satisfaction and reduce turnover rates.

Moreover, putting in the work to build an effective leadership team benefits those who aren't on track to become a manager. 75% of people agree that the most stressful aspect of their job is their immediate boss. If you take away that relational strain by curating a team of ridiculously efficient and likable leaders, you'll see an increase in employee retention rates.

Increased employee engagement

Employees who see a clear path for career advancement and development within the company are more engaged and motivated to contribute to your organization's success.

Again, the effort you put into developing great managers isn't just helpful for those going into a leadership position. Those strong leaders will be the ones helping to keep employees engaged and productive over the long haul. (We love a good win-win.)

Positive company culture

Ongoing leadership development fosters a positive and inclusive company culture where employees feel supported in their professional growth.

And again, creating great leaders is good for everyone who is impacted by the company culture.

(Are you seeing a theme? When you create a leadership development program you are building a better company for every single employee .)

Strong leadership pipeline

As leadership positions become available, you won't waste precious time or resources trying to fill them. You'll have a steady stream of effective leaders who are available and ready to step into a management role. This is incredible for business continuity and overall organizational performance.

Stronger company brand

Companies known for their strong leadership development programs may have a better reputation in their industry. This helps them attract top talent who are looking to work in organizations that will invest in their leadership development journey.

Cost savings

Creating and following through on a leadership development plan is a significant investment that may deter some companies from going down that route. Outside of costs like seminars, learning materials, and leadership courses, there are hidden costs associated with a dip in productivity as employees spend less time on their direct tasks and more time on long-term skill development.

However, viewing leadership development as too expensive to implement is a short-sighted outlook that can do more harm than good.

Ultimately, the initial investment in internal leadership development training can be more cost-effective than hiring external candidates. External hires cost an average of 18% more than internal hires.

They're also 21% more likely to leave your company within the first year and may even do some damage to your company culture during their short tenure.

The 6 Steps of an Effective Leadership Development Program

A good leadership development plan doesn't actually start with a plan. Before you jump into scheduling online training and one-on-one mentoring, you need to assess how to invest in leadership development in order to meet your organization's long-term goals.

Let's break down how to build a successful program, step-by-step.

1. Evaluate where your company is and where you want it to be

Conduct an assessment to identify leadership needs and gaps within the company using surveys, interviews, and performance data. Current employees are key in this first step; given the chance, many will be able to pinpoint where leadership skills are lacking and could be improved upon.

2. Determine leadership development goals

Setting leadership development goals provides a clear direction and focus for what you want your leadership program to achieve. Goals can be used to measure progress and keep each leadership development plan in line with your overall organizational objectives.

Because you've already determined where your organization is and where you want it to be, you can set goals that move the needle toward that future vision.

3. Determine key leadership competencies

Leadership competencies are skills, traits, and behaviors that make someone an effective leader.

There isn't one concrete list of key leadership competencies that applies to every business and industry. What Company A needs from people in leadership roles will be different from what Company B needs. Therefore, it's up to your organization to determine what makes a great leader.

Here are some common competencies you may determine are necessary:

• Social intelligence (an awareness of how to act in various social settings)
• Emotional intelligence (an ability to understand other peoples' emotions)
• Strong communication skills
• An inclusive attitude
• High ethical and moral standards
• Specific technical skills
• Openness to new ideas
• Engages in continuous learning opportunities
• Coaching ability
• Being conscientious and courteous of others
• Encourages growth
• Consistently demonstrates personal responsibility

4. Select participants

You don't just need a framework for your leadership training, you also need a framework to select people who will participate in your leadership training. Not every employee has leadership potential, and not all potential leaders are interested in career growth that involves moving into management and leadership roles.

You can use metrics such as performance evaluations and feedback from supervisors to identify high-performing employees who may succeed as future leaders. You may also allow managers and supervisors to nominate employees who they believe have strong leadership potential.

Employee recognition software may be helpful in identifying which people on your team are consistently being recognized for their stellar performance. For example, with Terryberry, managers are able to see who receives the most recognition on their team, the last time each team member was recognized, and which categories of recognition are being used.

Leadership qualities can't be the only determining factor of who is suited for your leadership program. Speak with potential employees to discuss what career vision they have for themselves. Individuals whose goals align with your program's objectives will be more motivated to engage fully.

Once you have a list of candidates, assess each one based on the key leadership competencies you determined in step 3. A rubric can be used to evaluate employees subjectively.

5. Create individualized leadership development plans

Every participant in your leadership program needs an individual leadership development plan that targets the key competencies and leadership skills you think they need to further develop.

This is best accomplished with the support of a trusted mentor or coach who can help identify areas for improvement and suggest activities and goals that would truly be beneficial, based on their years of experience.

Key components of an effective leadership development plan include:

• clear, measurable, and achievable leadership goals
• specific development activities such as programs, workshops, mentorship, coaching, on-the-job experiences, and reading relevant literature and research
• an action plan that includes a timeline and small milestones to track progress
• a list of resources needed to complete the development plan such as time, budget, training materials, and mentorship support
• criteria and methods for evaluating progress toward the goal, which could include feedback sessions, performance reviews, and self-assessment

6. Assess and adjust as needed

Adjust your plans

A leadership development plan isn't written in stone. As they complete their training, participants may find that certain activities aren't helping them develop the leadership skills they are striving to target. They may need to adjust their timeline.

Some mentee/mentor relationships may harm instead of help, necessitating a rematch. You can't be afraid to pivot in order to maximize the impact of each leadership development plan.

Adjust your program

The only way to improve is to constantly consider what works and what needs adjusting. Solicit feedback from current employees who are participating in the program about what they've found beneficial and what they would change for future leaders who will go through the program.

If you don't already have a leadership program, then you probably have a defined date in mind as to when you want to launch, but there shouldn't be an end date for the program. Leadership development is an ongoing process, and as employees graduate from the program, you need to choose new participants if you want to support the long-term goals and vision of your company.

Sample leadership development plan template

Below is a sample leadership development plan template that includes all of the components we covered above. Tweak it as needed in order to create leadership development plans that you can implement with your employees.

Department:

Self-assessment

Key strengths:

Areas for improvement:

Leadership development goals

Short term goals (next 6-12 months)

Long term goals (next 1-3 years)

Action plan

Description

Resourced needed

Support and resources

Contact information:

Training program

Published resources (books/articles/websites)

Milestones and evaluation plan

Milestone 1:

Milestone 2:

Milestone 3:

Evaluation criteria 1:

Evaluation criteria 2:

Evaluation criteria 3:

Reviews and feedback

Quarterly review

Annual review

HR Representative

Common Challenges of a Leadership Training Program + Tips to Overcome Them

No successful initiative comes without a few bumps in the road. Here are some issues you might have to contend with and suggestions for an easy resolution.

Customization vs. standardization

There is a delicate balance between consistency and addressing specific needs. You have to find it.

Solution : Create a flexible and personal leadership development plan that can be adapted to different contexts while maintaining core principles.

Securing leadership buy-in

Implementing a leadership development program isn't possible without support from senior leadership. If you're not part of the C-suite, you may dread having a conversation about the need for a leadership program.

Solution : Focus on the data. Point out how the program will support your company's mission and vision. Include evidence from other successful leadership programs and highlight the cost of inaction.

Measuring effectiveness

Without specific metrics that evaluate the effectiveness of your leadership program, it's easy to fall into the trap of subjectively looking at it based on how you feel about the program.

Solution : Set concrete criteria to assess the effectiveness of your program and make informed decisions about its next steps. You can use a mix of quantitative and qualitative metrics, such as pre- and post-assessments, participant feedback, performance improvements, and retention rates.

Balancing work and training

It may be challenging for participants to balance their daily work tasks with the activities they need to complete as part of their leadership development plan.

Solution : Offer flexible learning opportunities such as online modules or part-time workshops. Communicate the importance of the program to managers and ensure they support their employees' participation.

Does your company culture make leaders?

A positive company culture can mean anything, but in most organizations, it includes a culture of recognition . You can simplify and streamline employee recognition using recognition software, allowing employees to celebrate each other with ease, and allowing you to evaluate patterns and identify future leaders in your organization.

Ready to learn how Terryberry can transform your culture? We're ready to tell you all about it .

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