If you are looking to sell dresses for women, start with a good plan

Like every business endeavor, it is critical that you start with a solid foundation. This includes having a firm idea of what types of women's dresses you want to sell, how you plan to advertise, and how much money you need to run your store.

I recommend: Start by creating a business plan, like the one on the Intersteller Solutions website, which will ask you a series of questions and make you think about your store. If you know which of the many types of dress retailers you would like to be, you can get a more specific business plan like a prom dress business plan from HJ Ventures International, Inc. If you want a less specific business plan for your dresses business to give yourself more flexibility, visit SCORE Association.

Find suppliers for your dresses

If you are going to sell dresses, you are going to need a supplier. There are many domestic and international dress manufacturers that will provide you with the dresses you want to sell, from designer dresses to wholesale dresses. It may take time, but comparison shop and make sure you get the best deal possible.

I recommend: Look at a website like Global Sources to find suppliers for dresses located throughout the world. Then begin contacting the ones that make the types of clothes you would like to sell. A website like ApparelShowroom offers wholesale prices on many attractive ladies dresses and fashion dresses as well.

Get the word out about your dresses

If you want to be one of the successful dress retailers, you are going to need customers. This means telling the world you are in business. Fortunately, there are many resources to help you advertise your store.

I recommend: Look at women's magazines in your area, especially those that look like they feature articles on high fashion dresses or the type of dresses you sell. These are going to be good places to advertise. Also, look at the style and life sections of your local newspaper, and try to find free and low-cost periodicals at your local bookstore or coffee shop. Any of these are going to be good places to advertise your store. Check and see if you have a local Women's Edition in which you could advertise or a magazine similar to it. Most importantly, create a marketing plan, which is your blueprint for letting others know about your company. Entrepreneur.com has some great tips about how to do this.