Owning a Pet Store
Owning a pet store is a rewarding business endeavor for anyone who loves animals. The owner must be responsible toward the animals ahead of making sales. You will be busy feeding, cleaning and exercising your live merchandise. Learn the business of selling pets before you get into it.
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Instructions
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Set up a pet store
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Make a plan on paper, including your budget. Decide what types of animals you will sell. If you run a franchise, you may be limited to the types of pets you can sell. Consider the number of pets you will sell. More is not always better. If sales are slim, you will be responsible for all of your unsold animals. Note how much food you need to supply the animals with. Include toys for your animals. Plan out what other services you will offer at your pet shop, such as grooming or pet sitting.
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Find a location to do business. Either rent the space from a commercial real estate investor or buy your own building by approaching title companies. Title companies will give you a free booklet of properties and phone numbers for the owners. You can also rent the space or purchase a franchise business. High-volume traffic in busy metro areas are the best place to open your shop, but also more expensive. If owning a pet store is a full-time business endeavor for you, then choose a metro area with high traffic verses a town or country area.
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Check the costs for transporting animals to your store. Ensure that you have ample space for storing animals, and that your animals have proper food, water, toys, blankets and comfortable cages. Ventilation is important for any caged animal. Visit other pet stores to get a feel for what you should have in your store. See the resources section for purchasing pet fixtures.
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Acquire a business license and research any sales permits you need in your state. See the resources section.
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Hire an accountant before you start doing business. How you record your income and expenses in the beginning will help make taxes less confusing.
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Purchase a cash register and credit card scanner. You’re ready to do business.
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