How to Open a Store from Scratch
Opening a store is the dream of many. But how do you turn an idea into a profitable business?
Here you’ll find a step-by-step guide, examples, checklists, expense tables, and key points to help you open a store from scratch without going bankrupt in the first months.
Step 1. Choose a niche for your store
📌 What to sell?
Pick a category with stable demand, such as:
-
Clothing store
-
Grocery store
-
Cosmetics shop
-
Home goods store
-
Children’s store
-
Auto parts shop
Check Google keywords:
-
“open a store from scratch”
-
“what store is profitable to open”
-
“which business to start in 2025”
-
“how to start a business from scratch”
Use Google Trends, YouTube search, and Google autocomplete for demand analysis.
Step 2. Conduct market research
Create a competitor table:
| Competitor Store | Location | Assortment | Prices | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local “Fresh” | city center | groceries | medium | 10% morning discount |
| EVA | neighborhood | cosmetics | affordable | bonus card |
Step 3. Register as a sole proprietor (FOP)
-
Through Diia or CNAP.
-
Choose tax group 2 or 3.
-
Obtain an electronic digital signature (EDS).
-
Register with PayKit POS here and choose a suitable plan.
Step 4. Find a location
| Format | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone store | visibility, control | rent, utilities |
| Shopping mall | foot traffic | competition, mall rules |
| Online store | cheaper | requires marketing |
Step 5. Prepare documents
-
Lease agreement
-
Store signage
-
Sanitary certificate (for food, cosmetics)
-
Fire safety certificate
-
Fiscal registrar or PRRO
-
Bank account for FOP
Step 6. Calculate your startup budget
| Expense | Amount (UAH) |
|---|---|
| Rent + deposit | 20,000 |
| Equipment | 25,000 |
| First batch of goods | 30,000 |
| POS system (PayKit) | 0–2,000 |
| Advertising and signage | 10,000 |
| Total | ≈87,000 UAH |
Step 7. Equipment
Essential:
-
Laptop/smartphone + card terminal + PayKit POS
-
Receipt printer
-
Shelves, display cases
-
Barcode scanner (for inventory)
Step 8. Purchase inventory
-
Don’t buy too much at once
-
Start with best-selling items
-
Check suppliers (reviews, guarantees)
-
Sign a supply contract
Step 9. Marketing
-
Google Maps listing
-
Instagram + Facebook pages
-
Banner at the entrance
-
Gift for the first customer
-
Social media giveaway
-
Online ordering through POS (PayKit supports this)
Store Opening Checklist
✅ Chose a niche
✅ Registered FOP
✅ Opened a bank account
✅ Bought PayKit POS
✅ Hired staff
✅ Purchased goods
✅ Launched advertising
✅ Opened the store!
Opening a store from scratch in 2025 is possible if you follow a clear structure, keep accounting from day one, and comply with fiscal requirements.
With PayKit POS, you can:
-
Easily issue receipts from your phone or PC
-
Track inventory, expenses, and revenue
-
Work even without internet
-
Scale your business with ease
👉 Ready to start your business? Save this guide, share it with friends, and open your store with confidence!