People of all ages love stuffed bears, and you can allow them to enjoy the chance to stuff, dress and accessorize their own bears. You can run this business from a fixed location or even a trailer that allows you to travel with your bear stuffing equipment. The following is some advice on how to start a plush toy animals business.

Decide whether you want to purchase a bear stuffing franchise opportunity or start this business from scratch. Franchises can be expensive but do provide equipment and business strategy guides as well as the benefit of customer name recognition.

Apply for a business license. You can usually apply through your local county clerk, the department of licenses and inspections or a similar agency in your jurisdiction. Choose a name for your business and register the fictitious name. You can learn how to register a fictitious name by contacting your secretary of state’s office.

Decide where you will set up your bear stuffed toy animals. You may choose a storefront in a high foot traffic area or opt to start this business from a mall kiosk. You may alternatively purchase a truck, van or trailer and sell your bears at festivals, fairs and carnivals. You might even travel to birthday parties and other special events to sell your bears and accessories.

Purchase the equipment you will need to run your bear stuffing business. You will need a bear stuffing machine, boxes for the bears, a computer, printer and software for creating bear birth certificates. You will also need unstuffed bear skins, bear stuffing, bear clothing and a range of accessories for the bears. In addition, you may want to purchase other types of unstuffed animal skins to give your customers more choices.

Design and market a website for your bear stuffed toys wholesale business. Use it to describe your services and provide contact information. Include a form visitors can use to request more information or your presence at a special event.

Market your business by placing ads online, in newspapers and in telephone directories. Have your business listed in party and event-planning directories. They may agree to refer customers to you. An event planner may even want to hire you for one of his upcoming events.