Advice on starting a natural health store

First, you start with assessing the needs of your community.  This means defining your market area both geographically and demographically.  You need to talk to health care practitioners in your area to find out what natural products they are prescribing and where their patients are being directed to obtain these products.


  (Don't forget about the internet!) You can also do market surveys by standing in a busy supermarket parking lot in your community, and asking people what and where they buy natural health care products.   After you assess the market, you are in a much better position to begin developing a reasonable business plan.


  A business plan will include a description ofyour business objectives as well as financial, marketing and operating plans.

Often there is a Small Business Development office associated with your local community college which can help you in developing your plans.  Seek professional advice before you invest dollars in inventory or space to "follow your dream."  Banks will not finance your efforts unless you can demonstrate your thought process through a written and well thought-out business plan.  To be successful, you need to have clear and measureable objectives.   Best of luck!

Dr. Karen Benton, ND