How to Start a Dart Store

A dart store sells all the accessories desired by those who enjoy playing the game of darts. From flights to boards to scoring devices, there’s a wide range of gear for aficionados. Dart stores can sell either commercial or personal equipment.

You may also be interested in additionalunique business ideas.

Learn how to start your own Dart Store and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC?Check out the Top LLC Formation Services.

年代tart a dart store by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Dart Store
  2. Form your Dart Store into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Dart Store for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. 年代et up Accounting for your Dart Store
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Dart Store
  7. Get Dart Store Insurance
  8. Define your Dart Store Brand
  9. Create your Dart Store Website
  10. 年代et up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your dart store. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out othersmall business ideas.

年代TEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit ourHow to Name a Businessguide or get help brainstorming a name with ourDart Store Name Generator

If you operate asole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit ourDBAguide to learn more.

Whenregistering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state's business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • 年代ocial media platforms
  • Web domain availability.

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your dart store?

Business Name Generator

What are the costs involved in opening a dart store?

Costs are generally determined based on rent for the location and the price of the wholesale materials. You will need to secure permits from local officials, who may or may not charge additional fees for setting up the store. If you plan to employ help, you'll need to budget for their salaries as well.

What are the ongoing expenses for a dart store?

Ongoing expenses for dart stores tend to be low, depending on how often you need to replenish your product. Other than that, all you’ll need to do is pay your rent, utilities, and employees.

Who is the target market?

The target market for dart store owners doesn't necessarily have to be hard-core players, though they will certainly be the most enthusiastic bunch when it comes to new products or developments. Bars are popular establishments no matter where you live, and drinking can be more fun when there's an activity to do. The target market can be anyone who enjoys games or any establishment owners who want to give their clientele a better experience.

How does a dart store make money?

Dart stores set profit margins based on public demand and the original cost of the item. If you’re planning on making your own custom dart boards and accessories, you’ll need to account for not just the cost of the items, but also the time you spent making it and the space you needed to sell it. For example, if it took you 10 hours to make one board and $40 in raw materials, you may want to charge $300 for the completed product.

How much can you charge customers?

人们愿意支付,以确保他们的联合t is top-notch. A specialty dartboard can cost $300 or more, and specialty darts can sell for up $1,000! An electronic dartboard can cost around $250, and a standard cork dartboard may cost anywhere from $50 to $100. Most people will pay between $50 to $100 for a solid set of quality darts too. New flights are typically just a few bucks, but owners can charge more for specialty flights.

How much profit can a dart store make?

Profits are highly dependent on your clientele and marketing strategies. For luxury clients, you can set your gross profit margins at about 40 - 50%. For general goods, you may want to set your profit margins closer to 20 - 30% (subject to demand.)

How can you make your business more profitable?

You may want to consider offering lessons to your clientele as a way of boosting business, or setting up a lounge where people can pay by the hour. They might be willing to pay to practice without being hassled by a fellow bar member asking to be a part of the game. You could even consider taking your business to local corporations as a way to encourage creativity and recreation among busy professionals.

Want a more guided approach?Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality.Get started today!

年代TEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most commonbusiness structuretypes are thesole proprietorship,partnership,118bet金博宝 , andcorporation.

Establishing a legal business entity such as anLLCorcorporationprotects you from being held personally liable if your dart store is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can金宝搏188是什么公司yourself and pay only the minimal stateLLC costsor hire one of the118金宝app for a small, additional fee.

Recommended:You will need to elect aregistered agentfor your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year ofregistered agent services. You can choose tohire a registered agentor act as your own.

年代TEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through theIRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article,What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more aboutstate sales taxand franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

年代TEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to aspiercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • 年代eparates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended:Read ourBest Banks for Small Businessreview to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting abusiness credit cardhelps you:

  • 年代eparate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
  • Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended:Apply for an easy approval business credit card fromBILLand build your business credit quickly.

年代TEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with ourLLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

年代TEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

年代tate & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a dart store business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting年代BA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide.To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article,年代ales Tax for Small Businesses.

Certificate of Occupancy

A dart store business is generally run out of a storefront. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require aCertificate of Occupancy(CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a dart store business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening,it is recommendedto include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your dart store business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

年代TEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully.Business Insuranceprotects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face,begin withGeneral Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need isWorkers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Dart Store needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guideBusiness Insurance for Dart Store.

年代TEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out ourDesign Guides for Beginners, we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended: Get a logo usingTruic的免费图标生成器no email or sign up required, or use aPremium Logo Maker.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with ourFree QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a dart store

Your promotion depends on your target demographic. You can sell primarily to commercial business owners looking to make money, in which case you may want to start out by networking. You can sell primarily to dart pros, and market your store as a gathering place to share ideas and exchange advice. Get involved with and advertise to specialized social media groups, or at bars that host tournaments. You can also sell to amateur players looking for something to do on a Saturday night in their basement. In this case, you may to use website or print ads that highlight the fun and friendly competition of a dart game.

How to keep customers coming back

Customer service and quality products are two major factors. Customers are looking for someone who can answer their questions and meet their requests. You should also be listening to your customer’s suggestions, especially in the beginning. This means that if someone comes in and asks for a dartboard with a certain picture or print on the board, you should try to make it happen before telling them no.

年代TEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is tocreate a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites- full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • 年代ocial media accounts likeFacebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website你自己的。
  • Website builder tools like theGoDaddy Website Builderhave made creating a basic website extremely simple.You don’t need to hire a web developeror designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using ourrecommended website builderor check out our review of theBest Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are:WordPress,WIX,Weebly,年代quarespace, and年代hopify.

年代TEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of theBest Business Phone Systems 2023to find the best phone service for your small business.

推荐业务电话服务:Phone.com

Phone.comis our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

TRUiC's Startup Podcast

Welcome to the年代tartup Savant podcast, where we interview real startup founders at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey, from launch to scale.

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Is this Business Right For You?

这个业务是优秀的飞镖的主人。贝科use there are many places online that customers can buy dart equipment, it is important to be knowledgeable and passionate about the game of darts, so customers will look to you for expertise and recommendations that they cannot get while buying products online. Customers will be looking for an expert who can show how to get the best possible game, and recommend products based on their personal body type and throw style. A dart store can also be a good business for a local artisan who can make personalized boards or flights for high-end clients.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a dart store?

Owners may handle the following in any given day:

  • 年代elling/customer service
  • Marketing and website maintenance
  • Researching dart opportunities (e.g., tournaments, etc.)
  • Managing employees
  • 年代ourcing/making products

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful dart store?

Being a notable player in the world of darts can be a great start. People will come to you for advice they can’t find anywhere else. Master dartboard craftsmen will also start with an advantage because they can build a clientele based on unusual dartboard designs.

What is the growth potential for a dart store?

Growth potential may be limited in the beginning, especially if you’re living in an area where darts aren’t very popular. Most equipment is built to last, meaning a bar may not buy a board for a decade or two. However, it's possible to create public demand if you can get the word out, or capitalize on existing demands in highly populated areas.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit theTRUiC YouTube Channelorsubscribeto view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with afree business resourcenear you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’sstartup founder seriesto gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • 年代upport

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new seriesWomen in Businesscreated by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a dart store?

The key is to look for opportunities when it comes to selling dart equipment. There are millions of casual dart players around the world, even if the sport isn’t as popular as it used to be. Owners may be able to generate interest by starting dart leagues around their area. There aren't a lot of hurdles to playing darts, and a dart league can provide some much needed novelty in people's lives.

Leagues will increase your business right off the bat, and turn your store into a staple around town. You can also consider specializing in selling either electronic or standard dartboards. Bars typically prefer electronic dartboards because they can charge for every game a customer plays. However, some players may not like them and may avoid bars that have them. Knowing your clientele can help you decide the best path to get started.

How and when to build a team

You don’t necessarily have to build a team if you’re just getting started. You may choose to have your dart store open only during certain hours, or to make it by appointment only. Once you get a steady clientele, you can look for fellow dart lovers to take over the shifts you can’t cover.

Useful Links

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