How to Run a Pet Store
Running a pet store is not simply selling animals and pet supplies. If you are serious about owning and operating a pet store business, you need to acquire the appropriate licenses, learn where to buy items and pets at wholesale rates and build good relationships with your clientele. Pet store owners who have a deep love for animals, enjoy helping families meet the needs of their pets and want to make money doing something they like can run a store that will thrive.
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Instructions
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Figure out which type of pet store you desire to operate. You have several choices: online pet store; traditional brick-and-mortar business carrying supplies, not animals; or one selling both supplies and animals. If you choose to run a store outside your home, it will be more involved. You will have to maintain the location, interact with people and pay for a lease or mortgage.
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Obtain the necessary licenses. If you elect to operate away from home, contact your state department of business to learn your licensing procedure. If you operate strictly via the Internet, you will require no license.
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Be prepared to pass your inspections. Expect periodic visits from the state inspector to verify you are in compliance with state pet store laws. Ask your health department to provide you with a copy of the laws you need to follow so you can be ready for the inspection. Common items they may look for include clean cages, sufficient food for all pets and moderate temperature levels.
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Build great relationships with your suppliers. If they charge good prices, provide great merchandise and service and are willing to offer discounts if you buy in bulk, stay with them a long time. This way your business becomes more systemic and easier to plan.
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Hire and train employees. Make sure they are thoroughly knowledgeable in every aspect: how to work with animals, people and in compliance with all laws. Promote from within and offer management positions to the deserving--always on time, earning customer praise and in complete accord with your management philosophy and objectives.
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References
- Photo Credit pets carnival image by hazel proudlove from Fotolia.com
