Setting up a reptiles retail store

[slitherin Herps]

I am currently looking into setting up a new retail reptile store, in southern ontario and would appreciate any help and/or advice on issues such as how to find a good wholesaler, supplier etc...

[arkuden]

dont know how much it matters to ya, but if you are selling snakes buy bulk from breeeders. Help out the market, dont import them at all!

[Invictus]

Not to mention, don't sentence the animals to death. Stores that routinely bring in imports just end up bringing in parasites and diseases that wipe out half their collections, and the animals are usually kept in disgusting conditions because of overhead costs. Reptile stores don't usually make it anyway - I'd consider branching into other pets as well, especailly aquaria.

[Bartman]

Im working at a reptile only store and they seem to be doing GREAT. They are moving into a much larger location in the summer.

They dont only sell the reptiles, but they obviously sell all the food too, and then they also do birthday parties, seminars and other things like that.

I know most of the big "show" pieces such as the gators, retics, burms are pets people basically threw out or he bred himself and has had for quite a while.

Most the other stuff they breed themselves or if they pass a good deal they will buy in actually small amounts.

I know hes goin to get some cresties soon and meeting the guy at buffulo and hes getting them for dirt cheep. And ive seen people come in and offer him like 20 beardies for 20 bucks a piece.

[Rina]

Pet stores here in Queensland Australia have just been allowed to sell reptiles in the last few months which is something we don't support. This is for several reasons"
1. Impulse buying - Some one spots a baby stimmy all tiny and cute, take it home and as they are strikey buggers lose their cuteness and get either neglected or thrown out the window.
2. Often the young staff working in the pet shops don't have a clue how to look after fish or puppies properly let alone a snake or lizard putting the animals health at risk which has already been evidenced by an increase of reptile visits to local vets.
3.Housing in the shops and sourcing of the animals has produced to date a frequency of respiratory issues.

As licensed breeders there is more responsibility in selling animals as if you have taken the time to breed an animal you want to ensure that the buyer understands what they are letting themselves in for and that the animal will have a great home. This ends in the pet store environment once you leave the shop.
All said and done, good luck on setting up your business as if you are someone experienced in reptiles, you animals health will be foremost rather than the all mighty dollar, although that is a nice bonus. Good Luck!
Regards Rina

[shaggybill]

I dont like that. Preventing the selling of reptiles because someone might make an impulse buy is taking it to extremes. Maybe in Australia it's a bigger issue than it is here in the States, but I'd have a cow if our govn't did anything like that.