Starting a K-pop store as a foreigner is like diving into a world where passion meets persistence, and borders blur into shared fascination. In places where K-pop isn't widespread or finding K-pop goodies is tough, it's more than just a business—it's about building connections and spreading the love for K-pop across the globe.
For those brave souls taking on this adventure, each step is important. From finding real K-pop goodies to connecting with suppliers who share your love for quality, every choice shapes your journey. But beyond the business side, it's about creating a space where K-pop fans feel seen and valued.
Here are some questions you might want to answer before you start:
- What type of products are you planning to sell?
- How do you plan to source your K-POP products? Is it possible to have direct access to these products?
- Where do you want to sell it? Are you planning to have a brick and mortar store? Do you plan to have an online shop?
- Will the products be sustainable for the long term? How long do you plan on selling these items?
- Who is your target market? And how do you plan to tap into them?
- You want to sells your products just in your country or do you want to sell it internationally?
- Finances, Finances, Finances!
STEP 1: Delving into market research is key
Understanding your target audience and their desires really does lay the foundation for any successful business venture. You can kickstart this process by diving into the digital world, scouring social online platforms to gauge the current Kpop merchandise trends. From there, you should dive into the Kpop forums and social media groups, immerse yourself in conversations with fans to grasp their preferences firsthand.
Here are questions you need to be answering during this phase;
- Which K-POP groups i'm I interested in?
- Which K-POP group is more popular in my country or global?
- Are people in my state interested in K-POP merchandise and are they willing to pay the cost of the goods?
In my own journey, I used Instagram as a reconnaissance tool. Following various K-pop shops allowed me to scope out their content, engagement levels, and how they interacted with their customer base. Reddit and Quora also proved to be goldmines for tapping into the collective sentiments of the K-pop audience. Attending K-pop events also provided invaluable insights into the real-time interests of enthusiasts.
STEP 2: Pinpointing your niche
Once you've done your research, it's time to carve out your unique corner in the K-pop universe. Try to decide if you'll dive into the world of K-pop albums, create your own photocard trading hub, make custom fan-made goodies, or perhaps deal in official merchandise? The possibilities are as endless as a K-pop dance routine! For instance, if you're drawn to the allure of K-pop albums, you might choose to specialize in offering new releases or snagging those elusive limited editions. Or, if merchandise is more your vibe, consider focusing on a specific group or artist—think BTS or Blackpink—and procure an array of merch that's sure to attract fans far and wide.
So, take a moment to ponder your passion and expertise. And analyse the niche you can successfully handle. Whether you're dreaming of album aisles or merch counters, defining your niche is the key to unlocking your K-pop business journey.
STEP 3: Source your products - find the right supplier for you
Once you've determined your niche, now it's time to research on the suppliers who can provide the products you want to sell. First step is to draw up a business plan from all the research you've done, so you can keep on track. If you want to sell official K-pop merchandise & albums, you can buy directly from the official sites (Weverse, etc ) or consider sourcing out Korean third-party suppliers, or connect with in state speciality stores to get contacts to those suppliers.
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Here are questions you should be asking during this phase;
- Are you most likely to want to sell all fandoms merchandises?
- Is it ready stock items or pre order items?
- What is the estimated shipping time for the items?
Alternatively, if you're venturing into producing your own custom merch, you can establishing a relationship directly with manufacturers within your own country. For this, you'd simple sketch out drafts of your design and ideas. Reach out to your chosen manufacturer, strike up a conversation, and hash out the finer details to bring your designs to life. But remember, quality is king! Before sealing the deal, be sure to scrutinize the product quality and shipping times to ensure a seamless experience for your customers. With a dash of diligence and a sprinkle of magic, you'll be well on your way to stocking your K-pop emporium with treasures fit for any fan's dreams!
STEP 4: Start small
Try to sell a few items to test the market and run surveys on what kind of prices you should put on your products and make sure that the price is reasonable.
STEP 5: Choose a platform and Create your store brand
Decide on the platform you want to use to sell your products. You need reachable social media platforms like Twitter (now called X), Instagram, and Facebook, to promote your products and make sales. However, if you want more control over your store, you can create your own website using platforms like Shopify or Wix. Alternatively, you can explore website options specific to your country. Having a website based within your country can enhance your store's visibility on Google. You can also decide to use a marketplace like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Shoppee (Philippines), Jumia (Nigeria) to benefit from their built-in customer base and infrastructure.
STEP 6: Create your store brand
When creating your own website, choose a domain name and hosting service that aligns with your store's branding. If you’re looking to start a professional online store presence, you don’t want your domain to be something like ‘jiminkpopshop.wixsite.com. You'll have to splurge a little to get that clean domain look.
In addition to having a clean look, you need to work on customising your websites' appearance. Make it easy to navigate, because nobody wants to go to a website thats a hot mess! Clunky user interfaces and slow loading speeds can chase away customers. Spend time to work your website by include information about your store, products, and policies. Use high-quality images and detailed product descriptions. Be sure to include information on shipping and returns policies, and provide contact point for your customers.
STEP 7: Market your store
To attract customers, you need to market your store effectively. One way to do this is by using social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. You can collaborate with influencers and Kpop fan pages to reach a wider audience, and run advertisements on social media or search engines to target specific demographics. Attending Kpop events is another effective way to promote your store and meet potential customers.
STEP 8: Fulfil orders
You've gotten your first sale! Now you need to fulfil them promptly, efficiently and with brand. Use reliable shipping companies and track orders to ensure that they reach customers in good condition and on time. Be sure to provide customers with tracking information so they can track their orders and know when to expect them.
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STEP 9: Provide customer support
This step could make or break all the effort you've put into growing your store! Offering excellent customer support is a must to maintain customer satisfaction. Respond to customer inquiries promptly and professionally, offer returns and refunds where necessary, and use customer feedback to improve your store. Providing excellent customer support can help you build a loyal customer base and increase your sales over time. Word of mouth is a real thing.
Final Thoughts
And thats the end! So, to anyone starting a K-pop store as a foreigner, know this: you're not just starting a business, you're spreading joy and connecting people through their love for K-pop. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and let your passion guide you on this exciting journey.
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