| Besides the necessary computer and software needed to set up a Yahoo! store, here's a quick checklist of the equipment and services you will need to set up your home business. Computer System and monitor Depending on your preference, a desktop or laptop computer will do just fine. If mobility is important to you and you are planning on working outside your office or on the road, you may want to consider purchasing a laptop. Software Don't forget to set a budget aside for software. Depending on your needs, software can get expensive. Make sure you download and test trial versions before you buy. Most software will let you test drive the software for 30 days. Fax, copier, scanner, and printer Most manufacturers offer an allinone fax, copier, scanner, and printer system. This is great if space is an issue. If you're planning on having a wireless network, you can purchase a network allinone system. A network system will allow you to use the device with your wireless computer anywhere in the house or office. Not only do you need a printer for documents and contracts, but printing invoices and packaging them with your customer orders will be part of your shipping process. Furniture Planning on meeting clients at your office? Make sure you get quality furniture to make your office look professional. First impressions are everything. Let your clients know you're serious about your business. Telephone If you're setting up a home office, having a second phone line will keep your personal calls separate from your business calls. You want to avoid having your family answer business calls. Many local phone companies offer a second line (marketing line) for a very low ($17) monthly fee.
Answering machine Since your store is not open for business 24/7, having an answering machine is a must. A customer in a different time zone across the globe could be trying to reach you during your nonbusiness hours. Having an answering machine will ensure that you don't miss the call. Fax/phone line switcher This is a small box that will answer your single line, detect whether it's a incoming fax or telephone call, and send it into either the phone or your fax machine (or your computer fax). It can be purchased for around $29. File System You'll want to keep a well organized document filing system. This will ensure that you can retrieve documents or files quickly. Having a filing process in place early will also help you save time when taxes are due. Internet Connection You can't have an online business without an Internet connection. If you are going to run a Yahoo! store, you will need to choose a broadband connection. The extra cost is worth the time savings. Time is money. Instead of spending countless hours staring at a slowloading web page, you can market your website. Digital Camera Planning on taking your own product photos? You can purchase a great digital camera for very little money. A minimum 3.2 Megapixel camera is recommended. You can purchase the camera online or at your local electronic store. Watch for specials in the Sunday paper.
Now that you've set up your home office, you're ready to consider your Yahoo! store. In the next chapter, we will help you choose the right Yahoo! store merchant package that fits your business needs. |
