thinking about opening a reptile shop....

I am thinking about opening a reptile shop. The ones around her just plain stink, and I need a new life direction.


I you are, or have been a reptile shop OWNER, shoot me an IM. I have a question or two for you before I take the "leap"


thanks,

Mike

anybody out there????

Have you checked out PIJAC yet? They should have some good info/resources that will help you get started.

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Originally Posted by xdeus

Have you checked out PIJAC yet? They should have some good info/resources that will help you get started.

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Thanks!

why not work part time at a pet store, stinky or not, and see how it really is before you jump into it?

I have been thinking about doing the same out here, or something of the sort. a good reptile store is rare around here and i think it would be helpful to those who own herps in the area :)

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Originally Posted by mcavana

I am thinking about opening a reptile shop. The ones around her just plain stink, and I need a new life direction.


I you are, or have been a reptile shop OWNER, shoot me an IM. I have a question or two for you before I take the "leap"


thanks,

Mike

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There is a lot more too it then just having bad reptile shops around.... YOu have to ask yourself some questions

1)Can your area support a Reptile Shop?
--Do I have to carry other products?(Dog, Cat, Bird, fish)

2) How much funding will I need in the first 3 years to get it off the ground.
--Rememebr it takes a lot to get goign)

3) where will you get your live stock?
--Same place others are?
----Remember your animals will then look like theirs when they first get them
--Will you pay more for better animals?
----Meaning you will have to charge more also

I have done the retail thing. I did not like it. I now only do Reptile shows and advertise online. People do come to my home and look over the collection and purchase. Or I deliver animals in my area free of charge for a certain amount bought.

hey guys i got an idea why don't we start a organization that specializes in reptile shops. that way you could have breeder info,prices or you could trade amoungest yourselfs. what do you think?

If it's your passion then go for it but be very careful and do your homework well. There seems to be an awfully high failure rate amongst reptile shops and even those that survive seem to do little other than narrowly get by. I think you need to really research the market, look at your own financial situation and then have a a talk with the small business advisor at your bank.