Permanent Jewelry Business Launch Checklist

Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-2)

Week 1: Equipment & Business Setup

Equipment Research & Purchase:

• Research welding equipment options (Sunstone Orion, Zapp Welder, Helix)
• Compare prices from multiple suppliers
• Order pulse arc welder with argon gas capability
• Order safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, apron)
• Order welding consumables (tungsten electrodes, argon gas tanks)
• Order portable workstation/table setup
• Order professional lighting for workspace
• Order storage and organization supplies

Business Entity Formation:

• Choose business name and check availability
• File for LLC formation in your state
• Apply for Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Register for state tax ID if required
• File DBA (Doing Business As) if using different name
• Research local business license requirements

Financial Setup:

• Open business bank account (requires EIN)
• Set up business credit card
• Choose accounting software (QuickBooks, Wave, etc.)
• Create initial chart of accounts
• Set up expense tracking system

Week 2: Legal & Insurance

Insurance Research:

• Get quotes for general liability insurance
• Research product liability coverage options
• Get quotes for professional liability insurance
• Research commercial auto insurance for mobile operations
• Get quotes for equipment coverage
• Compare insurance providers (NEXT Insurance, Hiscox, etc.)
• Purchase chosen insurance policies

Inventory Planning:

• Research jewelry suppliers (Rio Grande, Stuller, etc.)
• Create initial inventory list by metal type and chain style
• Order starter inventory:
  • Gold-filled chains (1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm widths)
  • Sterling silver chains (various styles)
  • Jump rings in multiple sizes
  • Solid gold options for premium clients
• Order jewelry cleaning supplies
• Order jewelry displays and organization

Phase 2: Setup & Training (Weeks 3-4)

Week 3: Equipment Setup & Practice

Equipment Installation:

• Unpack and inspect all equipment
• Set up welding station in practice area
• Test welder on sample pieces
• Practice safety procedures
• Create equipment maintenance schedule
• Set up mobile workstation in vehicle
• Test portable power solutions if needed

Initial Practice:

• Practice welding on scrap chains (minimum 20 welds)
• Practice different chain thicknesses
• Practice on different metals (gold-filled, sterling silver)
• Time welding process to estimate appointment durations
• Practice setting up and breaking down mobile station

Business Systems:

• Set up business phone number (Google Voice, etc.)
• Create professional email address
• Set up business address (registered agent or PO Box)
• Research booking system options (Calendly, Acuity, Square)
• Set up basic website or landing page

Week 4: Skill Development & Marketing Prep

Advanced Practice:

• Practice welding 30+ additional pieces
• Practice on friends/family for feedback
• Refine welding technique for clean, strong joins
• Practice client interaction and explanation process
• Time complete appointment process (consultation to finish)

Marketing Foundation:

• Create business logo and branding materials
• Take professional photos of practice pieces
• Write service descriptions and pricing
• Create social media accounts (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)
• Design business cards and marketing materials
• Research local event venues and planners
• Create customer intake forms and waivers

Phase 3: Soft Launch (Weeks 5-6)

Week 5: Friend & Family Testing

Soft Launch Execution:

• Offer free services to 10+ friends/family members
• Document each appointment with photos/videos
• Collect feedback on process and pricing
• Test mobile setup logistics and timing
• Practice customer service and consultation process
• Refine appointment scheduling and confirmation process

Content Creation:

• Create before/after photo gallery
• Film process videos for social media
• Collect customer testimonials
• Create FAQ document based on common questions
• Document popular chain styles and sizes

Week 6: Marketing Launch Prep

Online Presence:

• Launch social media accounts with content
• Set up booking system and test functionality
• Create service menu with pricing
• Write website copy and service descriptions
• Set up Google My Business listing
• Create email signature and professional templates

Networking & Partnerships:

• Contact local event planners and wedding vendors
• Reach out to bridal shops and boutiques
• Research vendor opportunities at markets/festivals
• Create partnership proposal for complementary businesses
• Join local business networking groups

Phase 4: Market Entry (Weeks 7-8)

Week 7: Official Launch

Customer Acquisition:

• Begin accepting paid bookings
• Launch social media advertising campaigns
• Offer launch promotions or discounts
• Send announcements to personal network
• Apply for vendor spots at upcoming events
• Create referral program and incentives

Operations:

• Set regular business hours and availability
• Create appointment confirmation and reminder system
• Set up customer database and contact management
• Implement payment processing system
• Create invoice and receipt templates

Week 8: Process Optimization

Service Refinement:

• Analyze first week's bookings and feedback
• Refine pricing based on time and materials
• Optimize mobile setup for efficiency
• Create standard operating procedures
• Develop upselling techniques for additional pieces

Marketing Expansion:

• Analyze social media performance and adjust strategy
• Reach out to local media for feature opportunities
• Create content calendar for ongoing marketing
• Set up customer review systems
• Plan seasonal marketing campaigns

Phase 5: Growth & Optimization (Weeks 9-12)

Week 9-10: Performance Analysis

Business Analytics:

• Analyze first month's financial performance
• Review most popular services and products
• Identify peak booking times and days
• Calculate average appointment value
• Review customer acquisition costs

Process Improvements:

• Streamline booking and confirmation process
• Optimize inventory based on popular pieces
• Refine mobile setup for faster appointments
• Create efficiency improvements for multiple bookings
• Develop systems for handling busy periods

Week 11-12: Scaling Preparation

Expansion Planning:

• Plan for busy seasons (wedding season, holidays)
• Consider additional service offerings
• Evaluate need for additional equipment or inventory
• Plan marketing campaigns for peak seasons
• Create systems for handling increased volume

Long-term Strategy:

• Set quarterly business goals
• Plan for potential staff hiring if needed
• Consider expansion into new geographic areas
• Develop customer loyalty programs
• Create annual business plan and budget

Ongoing Monthly Tasks

Financial Management:

• Review monthly profit/loss statements
• Pay quarterly estimated taxes
• Update inventory levels
• Review and optimize pricing
• Track and categorize business expenses

Marketing & Customer Relations:

• Post regular social media content
• Send customer newsletters or updates
• Follow up with past customers for repeat business
• Collect and respond to customer reviews
• Network with other local businesses

Operations:

• Maintain and clean equipment
• Restock inventory as needed
• Update booking calendar and availability
• Review and update insurance coverage
• Update business licenses and permits

Key Success Metrics to Track

Weekly Metrics:

• Number of bookings
• Average appointment value
• Customer acquisition sources
• Social media engagement rates
• Customer satisfaction scores

Monthly Metrics:

• Total revenue
• Profit margins
• Customer retention rate
• Referral rates
• Market penetration in target areas

Quarterly Metrics:

• Business growth rate
• Return on marketing investment
• Customer lifetime value
• Market share analysis
• Competitive positioning

Emergency Preparedness

Equipment Backup Plans:

• Have backup welder or repair contacts
• Maintain extra consumables inventory
• Create equipment failure procedures
• Have alternative appointment scheduling options
• Maintain emergency contact list for suppliers

Business Continuity:

• Create data backup systems
• Have alternative payment processing methods
• Maintain emergency cash flow reserves
• Create weather/travel contingency plans
• Have insurance claims procedures ready