Pet Store - Page 2

peterm15 · 01-01-05, 11:57 AM

and always have a back up plan... thats the main thing...

beanersmysav · 01-01-05, 01:20 PM

I too have thought hard about opening a pet store, and since I live on commercial property anyways I can open one right outside or in my house, but I'm going to wait untill all the animals I have are my own, and will just sell my captive bred babies, and I will order a few captive bred animals from other breeders I know to fill my store with more of a variety. I'm lucky in this sense as I won't need to pay rent and my utilities will just be the same as in my house. I figure most of my money lost will go to supplies, internet hosting, cages and supplies for the animals I'm selling, and the big one - advertising.

So my advice to you would be try and find someone who's into the hobby for the love of animals that can split costs with you, and also has a place for you to open up where you're not going to have to pay a ton of rent. It could be a good thing especially if you have alot of your own captive bred animals you're selling. That way the sale of those animals are all profit and you don't get middled by anyone.

Also along with the list to animals I have below, I've got a buddy who I'm going into business with who's got an equally sized list of differant reptiles so the selection will be more varied. We still may lose some money but it will be a step in the direction towards providing some quality reptiles in this area.

And the big thing is make sure off hours you've got a stable job to keep cash coming in as you may not be making your money for the bills in the store, but outside of the store. For me the store will be my love and an extension of the hobby, if I make some cash on it. GREAT! But I know I may need that extra 600-1,000.00 a month for extra incentive to keep it up and running.

SaIiLdVaEnR · 01-02-05, 10:42 AM

A lot of it is based on location as well. If you have a crappy location, don't expect much business.

Aidan

Linds · 01-02-05, 04:53 PM

How much can be made? Lots of factors go in to that. Assuming you are successful in the sense of being able to sell what you have on a regular basis, you also need to take in to consideration the type of stock you have and how you run things. Often shortcuts that 'save money' are not at all desirable in the eyes of anyone even vaguely aware of how to properly keep reptiles. Most stores don't bother offering truly CBB Balls, since they can get WC or farmed for $10 a piece.

That being said, the world doesn't need anymore crappy stores contributing to the problem. However, all the best to you if you hope to acheive a clean, quality establishment that also works to support the industry from the inside, by supporting breeders as well as hobbyists.

Quote:

Originally posted by SaIiLdVaEnR
A lot of it is based on location as well. If you have a crappy location, don't expect much business.

Couldn't agree more. I know where I used to work, we also provided educational shows as well as birthday parties, and it were those services that brought in the bulk of the income. Second most popular were feeders.

JAdkins2451 · 01-02-05, 05:33 PM

Quote:

A lot of it is based on location as well. If you have a crappy location, don't expect much business.

I also couldnt agree more with this statement. Its supply and Demand if there is not a market for what ever your selling ie. just herps and related stuff, you will need a market for that. And if you live in a small town there might not be a demand for them.

Just my 2 cents

SaIiLdVaEnR · 01-02-05, 05:41 PM

I work in a petstore in the beaches of Toronto. This area is one of the most popular for day trips, walks, and just to take in the scenery of toronto. This area is also one of the most pet friendly, if not the most, areas in all of toronto. Having people come in on day trips is the best exposure, but the majority of our profits come from long term customers, mainly our neighbours. When you hear "location, location, location", they're not kidding!

Aidan

chas*e · 01-03-05, 11:17 PM

I grew up in the Beaches so the rent in that Petstore must be out of this world...

SaIiLdVaEnR · 01-04-05, 07:18 AM

I'm not aware of the exact cost of rent, but I heard them saying the place across of the street was a couple/few thousand per month.

Aidan