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Green Mart

Owning and running a green mart can be a very rewarding profession, especially if you live in a relatively small area and know the majority of your customers by name and face. Owning a green mart in a larger metropolitan area however may be more rewarding, financially.

What kind of knowledge, skills and education do I need for this career?

Selling items in a green mart does not take special skills beyond being able to connect with people and establish a rapport with them. However, with regards to running the business, it is best to have at least some accounting skills, marketing knowledge and managerial skills.

What are the initial investments?

First, you will have to invest in the building or site for your green mart. Then you have to purchase the inventory that you will sell and pay for the heat, the lights and the refrigerators to keep your items fresh. You will have to pay for insurance on the mart and the inventory as well as carry insurance for your employees if you do not meet the criteria for exceptions.

What are the risks?

Small marts, shops and other businesses may find themselves struggling to compete with larger retail stores and other discounters. Choosing a poor location can cause a loss in foot traffic and advertising costs for a company first establishing itself can also be rather high.

What can make it even greener?

Establish yourself as the greenest of the green marts by implementing as much green in your shop as possible. Make sure that there are bike racks outside and allow for docking of hybrid vehicles.

What is the market size or market potential?

The market size can change daily, depending on the where you are located. If you happen to be along the path of tourist attractions for instance, try to get mentioned in guidebooks so that people will want to stop and browse there. If you are not however, then do whatever necessary so as to be able to pass the name of your shop by word of mouth.

Who is the biggest competitor? You are in competition with anyone who sells similar items from the large retailers to the other small marts in the area. You will also be in competition with sellers who are online, on television and in catalogs as well.

Who is my biggest ally? You need steady sales from people on a daily basis. Those are your biggest allies. Make sure that every customer is your best customer and you will find that they might actually be so.

Green Entrepreneurship Resources