Thinking of Opening a Shop

[bigbris1]

Hey guys/gals, it's been a while. Right now we just have 4 firebelly toads but having to travel a ways in either direction just for crickets has got me thinking, why not open a shop in the neighborhood?

Everyone and their mom has a dog or cat in the hood and I know many of you would visit if I carried interesting stuff.

Talk me out of this idea.

But most importantly, those of you who have been here at some point, please offer advice.

Thanks!

Bris

 

[albano]

but having to travel a ways in either direction just for crickets has got me thinking, why not open a shop in the neighborhood?

Talk me out of this idea.

IMO...it would be safer/cheaper to have crickets, Fed Ex-d daily to your home, than open a new business in this economy! (Especially, a pet shop!)

 

[tosiek]

There is a reason there are so little pet shops around. Be better to open a starbucks or a a pizza place =P

 

[roc5288]

If you want to make a good living off of it i would say maybe not. But if you want to do something you really love and money is not a issue go for it. Good Luck in your decision.

 

[TRIGGERMAN]

Why don't you just breed crickets? It's not that hard. Opening a pet shop is tough man it takes alot of money to start. There is alot of overhead costs as well especially in manhattan not to mention all the maintenance of keeping all the animals cages/tanks clean and display worthy. You also need several extremely knowledgeable employees. It's definitely not worth it you don't have a ton of cash around to experiment with.

 

[bigbris1]

It's not just about the crickets. I would probably have several tanks, SW/FW, sell dog/cat/bird food & supplies. Sell tank setups and offer installation.

 

[jcs11236]

good luck

 

[125reefer]

naaa to risky especially in manhattan.enjoy the hobby.

 

[cowfish]

If you decide to open a store - which I'd advise against doing unless you have a lot of starting capital - you're better off focusing on one area rather than trying to have a general all animal pet shop. You will not be able to compete (price-wise) with stores like Petco, Petland, on-line e-tailers etc. due to their wholesale buying practices and limited overhead.

An aquarium business needs a good maintenance department in order to really make money. There's a lot more $ in cleaning tanks than in just selling fish.

I wouldn't even think of starting a brick and mortar store unless you have or can get $200-300K. You most likely won't turn a profit for the first 2 years.

If you don't need money and are just interested in the businesss venture than go for it. Otherwise, you need to form a very detailed business plan and have some idea of what you're doing. www.Wetwebmedia.com has a nice bit of information regarding the aquarium/ornamental fish industry.

 

[jrobbins]

hey bristol! welcome back man!

don't let anyone talk you out of doing it if it really is your dream in life to open a pet shop. however, i think the other guys are right that it's a really tough business. have you done a business plan, or any market studies yet?

 

[Dre]

[PDF OVERLAY][/PDF OVERLAY] have you done a business plan, or any market studies yet?[PDF OVERLAY][/PDF OVERLAY]

Very good question...Did some one just say ''If you want to do something you really love and money is not an issue go for it ?''

 

[roc5288]

Did some one just say ''If you want to do something you really love and money is not an issue go for it ?''

Yes i did.. Since i do not know this person, I don't know his financial situation.
He could be a millionaire for all i know. And just wants to do something he loves. I also said if money is a issue then maybe it will not be a good idea.