For those in the Herpetoculture business.

[IamKaervek]

This thread is aimed at those of you who've taken the plunge into the Herpetoculture business, be it the supply of feeders (crickets, mice, etc.), the breeding of particular animals (Ball Python breeders, Gecko breeders, etc.) or general supply distrobution (Tanks, heating accessories, etc.). I would appreciate feedback from both online business-owners, and those of you with storefronts, but I am particularly interested in those who do all, if not most, of their business via the Internet.

First of all, what requirements did you need to meet before you could actually sell goods to the public? Was a business license required for e-commerce sites?

Did you find that, if you provide supplies, you needed a healthy amount of items in your personal inventory? Or was simply acting as a middle-man distributor (not actually having stock, but rather placing orders for customers through your business account) sufficient? Is the latter even an option, or a reliable business-move at all?

Finally, and I'm sure I'll think of more questions later, do you find that your business provides you with your sole source of income, or are you forced to do other work as well to survive and pay bills?

Like I said, all input is appreciated, but I'm really interested in what those of you have to say who do your business primarily on the Internet. I've never owned my own business, let alone owned one online, and am curious as to which steps need to be taken to begin a successful e-commerce business around the Herpetoculture lifestyle. When replying, please mention wether you do your business online, via a storefront, or both (perhaps display your sales in percentages, e.g. 80% online; 20% in-store). Also, let us know what your niche market is, e.g. breeding and selling herps, supplying feeders, distributing accessories and tanks, etc.

Thanks so much!
Aaron

[IamKaervek]

I'm not asking for any top-secret stuff, though I do have the clearance