Equipping Your Business

Manufacturers, retailers, and service providers all have unique equipment needs. Even between similar businesses, there is no one right collection of equipment and other physical assets that will ensure profits and success. For the most part, you're on your own in determining what types of equipment, tools, furnishings, vehicles, and other items you'll need to properly run your business.

That's not to say that you can't learn from others. In fact, one of the best sources of information about equipping your business may turn out to be your competitors and fellow business owners. You can also consult trade publications or associations. The key, however, is taking what you learn from those parties and other sources and making the following assessment: "Will it work for me and my business?"

Addressing and Assessing Your Equipment Needs

To help you make that assessment and generally address your equipment needs, we'll explore the following topics:

• determining your equipment needs
• acquiring the items you need
• using equipment productively

Vehicles and Your Business

We've also devoted an entire section to identifying and helping you resolve some of the problems you may encounter if you use motor vehicles in your business.