Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I wasn't sure where to post this question, but i was just wondering how much money can be made by owning a pet store. I just graduated from college and i am looking into starting a business. I would be interested in opening a petstore because this stuff is my passion. I would want to carry a large herp selection as well as cages and aquariums. I have some ideas to make the store into more than just a pet store, more of a hobbiest dream come true.

If anyone can fill me in on how much it would take to get started, and how much income i would expect, i would appreciate it.

Thanks.
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0.0.2 RES's
0.0.1 Common Snapping Turtle
0.0.1 Eastern Red Bellie
0.0.1 Map Turtle
0.0.1 Bearded Dragon

Most of the herp entrepreneurs who own such specialty shops must breed their own reptiles in order to supply live animals. Many importers and wholesalers sell ill reptiles who are in poor health. This is where "common" type pet stores obtain their reptiles and you should avoid those sources. Also, if you plan to set up shop locally, you may eventually fall in the pit, because of a limited population. You can however, reach may more people if you choose to run an internet business.

Turtlequest;

I don't own a pet store but I do manage the reptile department of a rather successful small business pet store in a large city. I have been managing both part-time and full-time (school takes up a bulk of my time) for nearly six years now. Off the bat, I can tell you that owning a pet store is no glamorous task. I am sure I don't have to tell you that owning any business is a time-consuming expedition that requires much dedication and responsibility, as well as money. However, when done right, being your own boss in a pet store environment can be a very rewarding experience, assuming you hire educated, experienced employees who are truly passionate about what they do.

I'm not sure where you are located, but I am in a big city (Chicago) and here most new small businesses don't make it past eight months, pet stores included. I see small shops set up all the time, only to see them empty later. The main problems include:

1. Bad location. Having a good location is the key.
2. No credentials. It would help if most of these people had at least an Associates in Business or Marketing Management Certificate, as well as experience with animals, obviously.
3. Bad selection. Most unsuccessful businesses here specialize in dog and cat foods. Let the giant chain stores dominate that sector. Stock specialty animals/supplies.
4. Lack of advertising, and last but not least-
5. The lack of realization that a small business requires dedication. A lot of these new pet stores are opened by impulsive, young, well-meaning young adults who love animals. After a few months the idea of being in a pet store every day wears out. One must think long and hard before doing this.

So the answer to your question varies. For some, owning a pet store can be a successful, exciting job. For others, well, it can be just the opposite. Personally, I love my job. It doesn't pay great, but let me tell you, I'd rather be doing this at what I make than work as a telemarketer for nearly twice of what I make.

Good luck in your endeavors.

Joe
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2.2 Solomen Island ground boas
0.1 Solomen Island tree boa
1.0 green tree python
1.0 jungle carpet python
1.0 coastal carpet python
1.0 Boa constrictor imperator
0.1 Borneo short-tailed (blood) python
1.0 CB sunbeam snake

I'm also glad that you chose the pet store route... I HATE TELEMARKETERS!!!!