Blog – Chicago Brandstarters

Pricing Strategy for New Products: A Practical Guide to Launch Success

Figuring out how to price a new product is your roadmap to actually making money. I'm not talking about pulling a number out of thin air. You need to strategically link what you charge to the real value your customers get. It’s how you confidently set a price that feels right for your brand, covers…

January 14, 2026
The Top 10 Questions to Ask When Buying a Business in 2026

I get it. You're ready to skip the startup grind and acquire something with traction. It's a smart move, but buying a business is like buying a used car: what's under the hood matters far more than the new paint. You're not just purchasing assets; you're inheriting someone else's wins, mistakes, and all their hidden…

January 13, 2026
Your 2026 Guide to the Top 7 Technology Events in Chicago

I get it. Chicago's tech scene is buzzing, but finding the right event can feel like you're hunting for a needle in a haystack. You've probably been to those generic mixers, collected a stack of business cards, and walked away with zero real connections. It’s frustrating. As a founder myself, I know your time is…

January 12, 2026
A Founder’s Guide to Venture Capital in Chicago

Let's get straight to it. You've got a killer idea, the grit to see it through, and you're building it right here in the heart of the Midwest. The short answer is a resounding 'yes'—venture capital in Chicago is deep, thriving, and has a flavor all its own. Forget the coastal noise for a minute;…

January 11, 2026
A Founder’s Guide to Freight Forwarders for Amazon FBA

When you're first getting a brand off the ground, all your energy goes into the product, the marketing, the pretty website. Shipping feels like a problem for another day. I'm telling you right now, that's a huge mistake. For Amazon FBA sellers, a great freight forwarder isn't just another line item on your P&L—they're your…

January 10, 2026
Amazon Account Suspensions: A Clear Recovery Guide for Sellers

That email from Amazon. The one with the subject line that makes your stomach drop: "Your Amazon.com selling privileges have been removed." It feels like a gut punch. Your revenue stream instantly freezes. Your entire business is thrown into chaos. I need you to understand that the most critical moments are the first 24 hours.…

January 9, 2026
Business Insurance for an Online Store: Protecting Your Brand and Profits

Running an online store without business insurance is like flying a plane without a parachute. You can focus on the view—sleek products, a killer website, happy customers—but one unexpected tailspin can end the whole flight. Business insurance for an online store is that parachute. It protects your personal assets, signals you’re a pro, and gives…

January 8, 2026
A Founder’s Guide to the Calculation of Gross Margin Percentage

Let's get straight to it. As a founder, the first number you must master is your gross margin percentage. This isn't just accounting jargon; it's the raw pulse of your business. The formula is dead simple: (Revenue – Cost of Goods Sold) / Revenue. This calculation reveals your core profitability before you pay for rent,…

January 7, 2026
The Inventory Turnover Formula Unlocked for E-commerce

Let's cut to the chase: the inventory turnover formula is just Cost of Goods Sold ÷ Average Inventory. Don't let the accounting jargon trip you up. This simple piece of math reveals how many times you sell out and restock your entire inventory in a given period. For any e-commerce brand, it's one of the…

January 6, 2026
How to Pay Yourself from Your Business: A Founder’s Guide

You’ve done the hard work. You built something real from nothing. Now for the million-dollar question: how do I actually pay myself from my own business? This isn’t just about moving money. It’s the moment your sweat equity turns into something that can sustain you, proving your business can support its most crucial asset. The…

January 5, 2026