[Yoshi-22]

i know this is out of no where, but im planning to open a pet store in the future, once i get a lot better experience in saltwater, i would love to open one. does anyone where i would like find a dealer? The store would just be saltwater, not that fresh crap, fresh is too lame, but back to the question, im not really looking for a specific dealer, just how could i find one.

Thanks
Brandon

 

[Doug1]

Yosh, before you go off the deep end I recommend that you work in a store and get a feel for the real work involved behind the scenes, as well as making supplier contacts. You might need to to do a busuness feasability study and prepare a business plan as well if you plan on getting a SBA loan.
Will your area support a SW only, traditionally SW is least profitable from livestock point of view and the highest cost to keep alive. Most stores make the $ on dry goods, then you have the interenet to compete with as well.

 

[Geoff]

having worked in retail before, there is a lot of work behind the scenes. i agree with Doug about getting your feet wet first. other than that i think that it is a great idea.

The store would just be saltwater, not that fresh crap, fresh is too lame

hey now, i think mbuna are really cool.

G~

 

[Yoshi-22]

sorry but i think freshwater is not as cool than salt. I know salt is more risky, but it could be worth it in the long run i guess, yes i will have dry goods in the store also. Ill try to get into a fish store, that makes sense Duh!!! Im such a moron. Im taking accounting now, so maybe that will help, im taking it in college also, i think im majoring in it, its so much fun.

Thanks
Brandon

 

[Alice]

Don't dis my tetras

 

[Yoshi-22]

heh

 

[Prismaco]

Yoshi, here at my work we make 75% of our money from fresh water fish, and 20% on Saltwater and 5% on dry goods, checmicals, ect... and we are West Coasts Largest tropical fish wholesaler. You have to also look at it this way. See if you can keep a tank up and going healthy for 1 year. If you can just imagine 30+ tanks. But thats only my $0.02...good luck


-Paul

 

[Junkzoo]

That's how i started,,,,working, managing, owning,,,,,best way to go IMO, ya learn how to treat people so they trust you , and come back and spent $$ salt only is ok, but go look around at a LFS that has both,,,,people have money to buy fresh, a lot of them (me included) started that way.
that's the best way to learn the "biz", from the bottom up. you'll learn what needs to be done, and can pass that along as you move up (owner)
it's also a good oportunity to learn livestock, equipment(i used to hold "school" with employees to teach them about different equipment, disease control remedies, what filter and why , works onna certain size tank, so they can quide the customer toward a correct purchase,,,
a good time to learn about retail, making connections with distrib's and wholesellers.
used to be my credo:,,,
"made one person happy,he/she tells 5 people,,,
tick one off, and they tell 10 people,,,"
in a world of on-line and "mega-pet stores",best way to survive is to offer the best selection you can, live/drygoods,solid-honest advice(and be able to back it up)
we all look for bargains, ya gotta make the customer wanna come in and spend their money at your place,even if "Bubba's E- Fish Shack"can sell it cheaper on-line,,,
good advice /customer service is PRICELESS. their loyalty is what'll pay the bills.
i'd come home from the shop , and my voice would be shot, from talking everyone, some of which did not end in a sale (then), but ya gotta do it
sore voice then,,,sore fingers now,,,never changes!:funny:
you're lucky this question was not asked in person LOL
also, only carry drygoods that you use /would use, altho ya gotta carry some things for people starting out too,,and tell the newbies why they want the cheaper things vs. top end, maybe in the beginning, and point out that upgrading might be in order,so you don't get a lot of "but you told me that this filter,light,food, etc. ,was the one to get, and now i need something different?"
sorry for the loooong post, but i hope you got something out of it,,,
oh back to your question,,,
on a dealer,,,watch the delivery truck at the LFS,,or ask the help there , where they get their stuff,,,look around for boxes too(names)
do a internet search-wholesale pet dist.,,,,
dunno if these places i know of go up to you,,,
Wilson
Allpet
TFD-Indy(lil south)
there's a couple more drygood places too, but can't 'member the names at this time,,
some places do both livestock /drygoods
some either or
Good Luck,,
any specific or more questions, feel free in asking me,,,i'll try to help,,,

 

[Junkzoo]

PS: ALL the people i know that own shops,,,started working in one,,,:idea:

 

[Yoshi-22]

thanks for your reply, that helps


Thanks
Brandon