Starting a Business How to Guides

How to Start a Kites & Gliders Business

Opening a kites and gliders business is a rewarding experience but it's important to plan out the business in detail before you start. This article contains nuts-and-bolts information to improve your startup process.

Wondering how to start a kites and gliders business? We take you step-by-step from start to success.

Opening a Kite Store

Kites are magical, and we are all kite enthusiasts at heart. That's why opening a kite store can be a great experience.

Kite & Glider Retail Industry Snapshot

Who doesn't remember sailing a kite as a kid? There was something magical about watching a few sticks and a thin sheet of plastic lift off the ground and surf the air currents, at least until a down draft sent it crashing it back to earth.

Today, people of all ages seek to recapture the magic of those moments with kites and gliders that are substantially more sophisticated than the kites we flew as kids. The current kite retail marketplace is exceptionally diverse, with retail providers offering single-line and double-line units in an assortment of shapes and sizes.

Because kites are a leisure purchase, emerging industry retailers need to be equipped for what could periodically be a bumpy ride. Adequate startup funding is essential for inventory, marketing and other requirements -- not to mention cash reserves to carry the business through slow periods.

Keys to Profitability in a Kite & Glider Startup

Profitability is a critical objective for any startup, and the kite and glider retail industry is no exception. But profitability is easier said than done. Here's how to get your startup on the right track.

  • Ecommerce. Brick-and-mortar kite shops are rarely capable of generating enough traffic to be sustainable. For long-term success, you'll need to launch an online-only or a combination brick-and-mortar/ecommerce operation. Although it sounds intimidating, getting started in ecommerce may not be as difficult as you think, especially if you tap into one of the turnkey solutions now available for SMBs.
  • Vendor Relationships. Without a reliable supply chain, your kite shop will never get off the ground. We recommend contacting several kite and glider wholesalers early in the startup process and continually cultivating relationships with new suppliers to broaden your vendor base.
  • Great Customer Service. Thinking about competing on price? Don't even consider it. Larger and more established retailers will beat your pricing every single time. Until you can grow to the point that you can achieve economy of scale purchasing, differentiate your kite shop on customer service. By giving your customers a superior service experience, you can generate customer loyalty and positive buzz in the kite community.

Tips for Creating a Great Kites & Gliders Company Business Plan

Your kites and gliders company's business plan is a blueprint that describes your company and the strategy you will execute to achieve specific goals.

In contemporary business culture, business plans are also litmus tests used by external interests to assess real world viability and marketability.

Early in the process, it's worth your time to learn how to write the market analysis section of a business plan. While a robust market analysis can be a selling point for a kites and gliders business startup, weak market research is a sure giveaway for a business that hasn't invested adequate effort in planning.

Assess the Competition

Well in advance of opening a kites and gliders business in your area, it's worthwhile to determine what the competition looks like. We've provided the link below to help you generate a list of competitors in your area. Simply enter your city, state and zip code to get a list of kites and gliders businesses in your town.

How tough is the competition in the market you are considering? If the competition is too tough, you may need to think about starting the business in a different area or even start a completely different business instead.

Studying the Market

If you are interested in starting a kites and gliders business, the next step is to speak with somebody who is already in the business. It's very unlikely that the local competition will talk to you. The last thing they want to do is help you to be a better competitor.

However, an entrepreneur who owns a kites and gliders business in a location that is not competitive to you may be more than happy to give you a few tips, once they realize that you are not going to directly compete with them in their community. In fact, they are often very willing to share startup advice with you. If you are persistent, you can find a business mentor who is willing to help you out.

Want the scoop on finding an owner of a kites and gliders business that lives outside of your area?

Here's one way to do it. Just use our link below, find somebody and call them.

Getting Started in Kites & Gliders Business Ownership

Would-be kites and gliders business business owners can either launch a new business or acquire an existing operation.

We understand why a startup may sound appealing. A new kites and gliders business will definitely be more reflective of your personal business philosophy. Yet startups are also more difficult to finance because their nature is inherently risky.

Acquired kites and gliders businesses are known quantities - and are less risky for lenders. Buying a business means that you'll have access to a documented financial history, an established business model and other factors that are unknowns in a startup � and that makes the ownership opportunity less of a risk to both you and your kites and gliders business's key stakeholders.

Explore Franchising Options

If you want to minimize your chances of failing, it's smart to think through franchise options in your industry.

Prior to starting a kites and gliders business, you should investigate whether franchising might make your life much easier.

The link below gives you access to our franchise directory so you can see if there's a franchise opportunity for you. You might even find something that points you in a completely different direction.

Related Articles on Starting a Company

These additional resources regarding starting a business may be of interest to you.

Business Idea Evaluation

Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs

Coming Up With Good Business Ideas

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