Getting started - kitchen specialty shop; commercial printing; video rental store - Direct Line - Brief Article

Nation's Business, Nov, 1996 by Cara Hersh

Now You're Cooking

I plan to open a kitchen-specialty shop. Can you help me get information on finding distributors or manufacturers for such a store? M.B., Selma, Ala.

The National Housewares Manufacturers Association, in Rosemont, Ill., sells a $100 membership directory that lists manufacturers and distributors of the type of items you wish to sell. The association will hold an international housewares trade show Jan. 12-15 in Chicago. For more information, call (847) 692-0100.

Primed For Printing

Where can I find information on starting a small commercial printing business? B.D., Center Texas

Printing Industries of America, a trade association, offers many publications that can help you get started. To obtain a catalog, call the association's Alexandria, Va., office at 1-800-742-2666.

The National Association of Printers & Lithographers is another possible resource. To find out about membership benefits, call the group's Teaneck, N.J., office at 1-800-642-6275.

Fast Forward

I am interested in opening a video-rental store. Are there organizations or associations that can give me information? T.T., Miami

Specific information, such as the going rate for a one-night video rental, can be obtained from the Video Software Dealers Association. The VSDA provides member services such as business insurance, a membership directory, and a quarterly publication, VSDA Video Retailing Handbook. A one-year membership costs $175.

For more information, call the VSDA in Encino, Calif., at 1-800-955-8732.