How to Start a Reptile Business

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Research reptile licensing requirements. Before starting your licensing research you will need to know how you will obtain your reptiles, if they are native to your state and if you intend on establishing your own breeding program. Also you need to consider if you will be making any out of state sales. Answering these questions will help you determine if you need to obtain special licensing for your reptile business. There is a list of state restrictions available in the USDA's regulation report but be sure to contact a representative of your state's Fish and Wildlife division for up-to-date information.
Step 2

Research the reptile market in your area. Gathering all of the information available through the BBB and Chamber of Commerce will give you insight into your competition and your target customer. Go to any pet store currently selling reptiles, talk to reptile owners and make notes about what is already available at what price. Talk to reptile breeders and discuss where the majority of their stock is being sold.
Step 3

Write a reptile business plan summary. Even if this will be a relatively small business, to start, you need a business plan. There is conflicting opinions as to where to start writing a business plan but the first section is the summary. The summary contains results from the other portions of the plan so some prefer to write the summary last and some prefer to write it first with assumptions and then correct it after writing the other sections. The choice is yours but it is your introduction to the plan so be sure to follow through with a complete review either way. The best way to introduce the research you have done regarding The Human Society of the United States' concerns on reptile sales is in this summary.
Step 4

Write a reptile business plan market comparison. Include details about the Reptile Brokers, Reptile jobbers and the Shows and Stores that carry a reptile inventory. Answer who is selling reptiles and why your approach to reptile sales is sound. You researched and made notes on this portion in step two so you simply have to summarize your findings. Write the report like you are writing it for a loan officer even if you don't need outside financing.
Step 5

Write a reptile business plan marketing plan. Reptiles are often found in the homes of allergy sufferers and apartment dwellers that may not be able to enjoy the companionship of a pet otherwise. Explain how you will market directly to those customers. This section will include all of the plans you have for marketing your reptile business. It includes your target customer information and the details on how your advertising budget will be spent.
Step 6

Write a reptile business plan management summary. Include relevant information on all of the management team. How long have you worked in the reptile industry and what experience your team members bring to your new business. If you are working on your own but intend to consult with breeders and representatives at the US Fish and Wildlife Service be sure to list the information relevant to the experience that you will rely on to manage your reptile business.
Step 7

Write a small business plan financial forecast. Calculate your projected annual sales with categories that include specific pets like Geckos, Turtles, Iguanas and feed, cleaning supplies and habitats. Calculate expenses with categories such as care of the reptiles by a veterinarian, food while they are in the store, heat rock and lighting expenses, overhead and any other expenses. The income and expenses need to estimated for the next five years, placed in a spread sheet and you will need to make notes regarding known and unverified increases or decreases in both the income and expense portions. For example if you have a lease proposed that includes an annual increase be sure to change that amount for each year.
Step 8

Write a reptile business plan capital requirements report. Take what you have learned about inventory, displays, leasehold improvements and non tangible items like licensing fees, start up costs and deposits and write a formal report regarding the cost of these items and how you will be financing them. Your initial investment in habitats, cages and specialized lighting will be included in this section. To estimate your initial expense you can get quotes directly from Alibaba.com if you have not found a local source yet.
Step 9

Review all the portions of your reptile business plan and make any revisions needed. A complete review of the plan before printing is the best way to catch any misstatements and delete any preconceived ideas with the facts obtained for your plan. The plan needs to be specific to your location and your beliefs on the sale of reptiles but include answers to any outsiders concerns for the safety and well fair of the reptiles in your care.
Step 10

Obtain licensing, registrations and insurance needed. Insuring your business with an insurance company that is familiar with your reptile line and understands the expense involved in obtaining and maintaining a live inventory will be expensive but well worth the effort in the long run. Obtaining all of the required documents can save you thousands in legal fees down the road so be sure to protect your investment in your reptile business before you open.
Step 11

Obtain staffing, inventory and operations equipment. Getting a staff that is educated in the care and feeding of reptiles is paramount to your success. Operations equipment, including the correct temperature controlled habitats and cages need to be in place before you receive your first delivery of reptiles. You have to have a place where the animals can be displayed with the proper temperature controls to protect your reptiles before the are sold and you will need an inventory of habitats for any first time buyers.
Step 12

Launch your marketing plan with a notice in the local paper and open your reptile business. Most newspapers are interested in the new businesses that are opening and will send out a reporter free of charge so be sure to call and let them know everything about your reptile business.

Comments

jenng said

on 11/1/2009 GREAT ARTICLE ON How to Start a Reptile Business 5*

on 10/17/2009 I live in a reptile-rich area, and this is not a happy fact, at least not for me. I applaud you, though, for sharing how to start a retile business. This is well-written and I hope the right people find it and read it.