I agree with Brad that you have to be in it for the love of the animals not the money. We opened up on Dec. 16th and I've worked everyday 12 hours a day. Yes this means Christmas, New Years, St. Patty's day (cleaning animals hung over = NOT GOOD LOL) It will be your life and you'll have very little time for family or friends. I managed a store here in NY that did pretty well. So I gained a lot of experience on what to do and what not to do. I also have an Associates in Animals Science. My girlfriend is a Vet. Tech, and my employee has been the pet industry for over 20 years.

I do disagree with some of the posts though. We only sell Reptiles/Amphibians/Arachnids, Hand-Fed Baby Birds, Exotic Mammals, Small Animals, Tropical Fish, and NOW SALT FISH & CORALS as well as all the supplies that go with every animal. We have nothing to do with Dogs/Cats or Supplies. We are the only Exclusive Exotic Pet Store in our area. This is our niche and we love it.

You also have to think about LOCATION. We are lucky. We found a place across the street from a Super Wal-Mart and Target just opened up next door (parking lots attached). It doesn't get better than that. Our store is around 2,000 sq. ft. and I already talked with our landlord and he is going to put an addition on for us. We are way over our projected gross income.

We also do a lot with the internet that adds to the income on days that are slow. Also think about employees. Find people that have a lot of knowledge and give them a test before you hire them. They are NOT there to play with the animals period. We are always doing research to find better products for the animals. Also put aside $$ for advertising.

If you provide your customers with a CLEAN ENVIRONMENT, INTELLIGENT STAFF, AND OF COURSE HEALTHY ANIMALS they will come back again and again. Keep the store freshly stocked with not only supplies but different animals. Change it up and be creative. If you have the same animals all the time people get bored and won't come around as often. We have customers that come in 2-3 times a week because they know we're going to have something new for them to look at. I suggest applying for your USDA permit to carry exotic animals. We have fennec foxes, coatimundis, sugar gliders, hedgehogs. If it's legal we try to get it in.

Last thing is find a Veterinarian that will work closely with you and your customers. We are able to provide a Complimentary Vet Vistit with every animal we sell. It's a basic health check but reassures our customers that we sold them a great animal. Be involved in your Local Herp. Society and encourge your customers to coin the club.

DO ALL THESE THINGS AND YOU WILL SUCCEED. FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!!!! GOOD LUCK AND CALL ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. I'D BE MORE THAN WILLING TO TELL YOU ALL I KNOW.
CARL
ACK'S EXOTIC PETS
315 699 4754

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