How to Start a Premium Pet Food Supply Business
If you love animals and are dissatisfied with the quality of most commercial pet foods, consider starting your own premium pet food supply business. Operating a pet supply store is both a challenging and rewarding endeavor. Starting your own business can give you the satisfaction that you're providing pet owners healthier options for their animals.
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Instructions
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Draft a business plan. Having a written plan assists you in building a model of how you'll financially establish your pet store. In your plan discuss how your premium dog food is superior to the competition. Detail your goals, mission statement, operating expenses and how you plan to make a profit.
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Apply for a business loan from a bank or lender. Starting a new business is expensive. Consult with a financial expert about options most appropriate to your needs. Take a copy of your business plan with you.
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Determine a location for your pet food supply business. Locate a place where you know pet owners frequent. For example, consider opening a store next to a grocery store or in a strip mall. Don't open your premium pet food business next to an apartment complex that doesn't allow pets because this limits your ability to reach your targeted audience.
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Obtain all the business licenses and permits you need from your state and local agencies. Pet food businesses need to contact the county's public health department to register permits and operate as an animal food retailer. Contact your local business administration offices about specific forms you need to fill out to get the proper license.
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Register your business and business name with the Secretary of State. Consider hiring an attorney, if necessary. Apply for an EIN or Employer Identification Number from the IRS. Business that have employees or register as partnerships or corporations need an EIN.
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File a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) if you develop your own brand of premium pet food. Trademark applications can be submitted through the mail or electronically. You must include a sample of your design or mark that represents your pet food. As of 2010, filing fees for an initial trademark application costs $375 (paper filing) and $325 (electronic filing).
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Locate pet food suppliers. Do research into supplements, treats and foods that are in most demand. Establish relationships with suppliers.
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Stock the shelves of your pet food store. Keep in mind you may need a refrigerated section for organic raw pet foods if you decided to sell these in your store.
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Hire staff to manage the store, stock inventory and run the cash register.
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Advertise your premium pet food business. Make fliers to hang around community buildings, in vet offices, groomers and pet daycare centers. Leave your business card with friends and family. Develop a website that highlights your best products. Register on social networking sites to tell your customers about special deals and coupons.
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Tips & Warnings
Take some free samples of your premium pet food to local vets, groomers and pet day cares to attract more customers.
