Online Class: Retail Business 101

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
Course Description
Any one of these reasons are good ones for opening your own business. There are really only a few real reasons for not just jumping into the process and opening your doors to new customers and your heart to an entirely new and wonderful way of life. The biggest reason is fear; fear based on lack of information. When you do not know how to do something, there is underlying fear that it will likely be done wrong.
In order to tackle your fear, you need knowledge and that is what this course on Retail Business will give you. By going through Retail Business you will discover whether or not you have the true entrepreneurial spirit to leave the corporate world and all that goes with it, and enter into your new world of Business Owner. The beauty of being a business owner is that you will never be bored, you will spend time doing the things that you love, and perhaps even with the people you love if you decide to join forces.
This course will take you through the lists of things that you need to do or consider before you open your doors. Once you have completed the course, you will have enough information to decide whether or not business ownership is for you.
Course Requirements
This course will not require you to have previous experience in any particular area but you should have a high school reading level. No books will be required.
Course Outline
Lesson 1: So you want to be a Retailer?
A. Self-Assessment
1. Are you a people person?
2. Problem solving your forte?
3. Keeping cool under fire?
B. Going into business.
C. Hours and Responsibilities
D. Keeping records
Lesson 2: Your Options and the Competition
A. Study the Market
B. Finding your Niche
C. Sizing up your Competition
D. Do you know the business?
Lesson 3: Developing a Business Plan
A. Business Structure
B. Potential Customers
C. Service and Price
D. Capital
E. SBA loan
F. Reasons for failure
Lesson 4: Structure of your business
A. Sole Proprietorship
B. Partnerships
C. LLC
D. Incorporate?
E. Business License
F. Insurance required
Lesson 5: Location, location, location
A. Make or break you.
B. Know your Target Customer
C. Demographics
D. Convenience
E. Community
F. Space and cost
Lesson 6: Merchandise
A. Vendors
B. Suppliers
C. Credit issues
D. Pricing issues
E. Always deliver VALUE
Lesson 7: Designing the store
A. Displays that sell
B. Unique Image
C. Staging
D. Merchandising
Lesson 8: Marketing Issues
A. Marketing Plan
B. Getting the word out
C. Relationship marketing
D. Innovate
Lesson 9: Staffing
A. Finding “people” people
B. Job descriptions/applications
C. Choosing the best front line possible
D. Create a loyal workforce
E. Make it fun
Lesson 10: Training and motivating
A. Teamwork
B. Training
C. Responsibilities
D. Motivating employees
E. Customer Service
Lesson 11: Will we make it?
A. Sales performance
B. Inventory performance
C. Productivity
Course Materials
Grading Policy
Learning Outcomes
- Define what is a retail business and whether or not it is right for you.
- Know your options and the competition.
- Develop a business plan.
- Structure your business.
- Define location, location, location.
- Describe merchandise.
- Describe designing the store.
- Describe marketing issues.
- Know staffing.
- Describe training and motivating, and
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Assessment Guide
Assessment | Points |
---|---|
Lesson 1 Assignment | 2 |
Quiz for Lesson 1 : So, you want to be a retailer? | 62 |
Quiz for Lesson 2 : Your Options and the Competition | 60 |
Quiz for Lesson 3 : Developing a Business Plan | 58 |
Quiz for Lesson 4 : Structure of Your Business | 50 |
Lesson 5 Assignment | 2 |
Quiz for Lesson 5 : Location, Location, Location | 52 |
Quiz for Lesson 6 : Merchandise | 58 |
Lesson 7 Assignment | 2 |
Quiz for Lesson 7 : Designing the Store | 60 |
Quiz for Lesson 8 : Marketing Issues | 49 |
Lesson 9 Assignment | 2 |
Quiz for Lesson 9 : Staffing | 50 |
Quiz for Lesson 10 : Training and Motivating | 42 |
Lesson 11 Assignment | 2 |
Quiz for Lesson 11 : Will We Make It? | 61 |
The Final Exam | 420 |
Total Points: | 1032 |
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