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Thread: ideas from other pet store owners (help)

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    USA - Missouri
    Posts
    18
    Quote Originally Posted by Giselle
    I'm mostly interested into animal welfare, so I was intrigued by your concept of post-adoption/breeder support I've had a family member try this out (helping people find breeders), and it's usually not a good idea. The reason being is that you will get a myriad of bad breeders who can easily deceive you. Once that breeder is in your good favor, you're sending them a constant supply of customers. Also, reputable breeders don't often breed year round, so it's unlikely that you'll be able to find a perfect match for all of the prospective puppy buyers. It can be discouraging for both parties and the plan might even backfire! However, if you really want prospective buyers to meet breeders in person, direct them to the breed club of America and keep an updated book of performance events (agility shows, conformation shows, herding trials, lure coursing events, earthdog trials, etc). This will give them a chance to see what certain breeds are really like, without the possibility of endorsing a less-than-reputable breeder. All the benefits without the risks! =)

    Have you thought about specializing in a certain area? I like holistic feed stores, but they're often too boutique-y and froo-froo for me. Maybe you could be the rare down-to-earth, straight-to-the-point pet shop that supplies holistic feed without all the lace and frills. Not that frills are a bad thing

    ETA: I'm attaching the link of a chain feed store that really exceeds all standards. IMO, it's the epitome of a good, reliable pet store =)
    http://petfoodexpress.com/petfood/index.asp
    Thanks for the information lots of good stuff to think about.... I actually have pretty much decided against the breeder stuff as well from different things I have came across on my own... one is who do you trust.. as you said. so maybe if they breed cats/dogs they can leave a card on a bulletin board maybe and if people are interested then they can use that and they are on their own. so good advice!

    I do want to do my best to make sure I follow up with a call even if they buy a gerbil just to see how things are going and if they have any questions. I know I have had pets in the past that I have gotten out of the excited omg they are so cute stage then get them home and go OK NOW WHAT DO I DO WITH THIS THING? course that was when I was younger and didnt have my own zoo ha! I plan on having sheets to give out for each animal on some do's and don'ts just for the customer when they leave the store. Last year I was going to get a couple chinchillas and I ended up rescueing 2 ferrets so I waited on the chinchillas. I have always wanted a chinchilla but I am glad I waited before jumping in. I always thought they were adorable but never really researched them. Then right before we bought one I did do the research then I found out for example they shouldnt get wet... and if they do make sure they really get COMPLETELY dry or they could end up with a fungus because of the way their hair folicals grow. But I ended up getting my Taz and Zoe (ferrets) instead but I am still thankful that I did the research. so I want to make sure that I have that kind of infomation available before they walk out the door. I dont want anything bad happening that I COULD have prevented by giving just a little advice. Its just little helpful hints that could save an animals life and I want to make sure that I am not sending animals out with people that do not have a clue on how to take care of it. I do have the best interest for the animals I hope everyone knows that and I am not just doing it to push them out the door as some pet stores do. I want to be known for the knowledge and that they can email me or call me at any time with questions and concerns and I want to make sure that I have talked to each vet in town to know what animals they specialize in so that if I do have to tell them hey time to take it to the vet... I can tell them what vets specialize in that particular pet.
    When Taz got sick I called my normal vet, guess what... he did not specialize in them but he did send me to another vet and he was wonderful, unfortunately tazzy didnt make it and had cancer and had to be put to sleep a few weeks later. so I want to make sure I know also for the animals that I would carry on who does best for that breed.
    thanks again for the advice... I am on lunch hr but will take a look at the site when I get home tonight to read up on it.

    Kim

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2001
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    2,004
    Maybe you could have quick care sheets near the animals. Have a basic first page then in a second page have what most people would consider pros and cons. ... or points to consider.

    I also agree with the others about possibly adopting from the local shelter then selling. It is amazing what people will try to turn in besides dogs and cats. A lot of people would respect a pet store that actually does rescue. Be sure to be up to date on your knowledge of quarantine though.

    Definitely allow rescues to have adoption dates though!

    Also, would it be possible to give a discount to people that come in to buy educational materials (books), then at a later date buy the pet? I'd think that would show that the person gave forethought to getting the pet. So if a person bought a $5 book on anoles and you're selling anoles for $35 when they came in a week later to buy the anole you'd tell them for buying the book their total (tax inc) only comes to $32.

    Quote Originally Posted by finsnfriends
    I do want to do my best to make sure I follow up with a call even if they buy a gerbil just to see how things are going and if they have any questions. I know I have had pets in the past that I have gotten out of the excited omg they are so cute stage then get them home and go OK NOW WHAT DO I DO WITH THIS THING? course that was when I was younger and didnt have my own zoo ha! I plan on having sheets to give out for each animal on some do's and don'ts just for the customer when they leave the store... ... but I am still thankful that I did the research. so I want to make sure that I have that kind of infomation available before they walk out the door. I dont want anything bad happening that I COULD have prevented by giving just a little advice. Its just little helpful hints that could save an animals life and I want to make sure that I am not sending animals out with people that do not have a clue on how to take care of it. I do have the best interest for the animals I hope everyone knows that and I am not just doing it to push them out the door as some pet stores do. I want to be known for the knowledge and that they can email me or call me at any time with questions and concerns and I want to make sure that I have talked to each vet in town to know what animals they specialize in so that if I do have to tell them hey time to take it to the vet... I can tell them what vets specialize in that particular pet.
    ...
    Kim
    .

    Let nature guide your actions and you will never have to worry if you did the right thing. ~ crow_noir

    The pet world excels where the human world is lacking; sterilization and adoption. ~ crow_noir

    Please, if your dog is arthritic look into getting it Elk Velvet Antler. Look up my posts on it, PM me, or look it up on a search engine; but please if you love your dog and want it to live many more years consider this option. I've seen so many posts on here about dogs needlessly suffering. I can't make a new post about EVA every time so this plea is going here. EVA also helps with other ailments such as anemia.

  3. #3
    My daughter worked in a pet store for two years in speciality.

    Here were some of her complaints.
    People coming in and wanting to buy animals such as rats, hamsters, piggies and not knowing what to feed them or what cage to buy.
    I think anyone buying a small creature should recieve a flyer with basic info on it such as foods to feed and those that are poisen. Just one sheet filled with facts would be wonderful. Also a lot of the bedding is bad for bunnies. The flyer should list the correct bedding for all animals. Just basic stuff but these things help ensure the health and happiness of the pet and the owner.
    I would also like to see Papaya tablets for buns in pet stores usually you have to order them on line. And a nice selection of toys and proper snacks for the little creatures as well as books on animal care geared for small children as well as adults.
    The best of luck to you.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Wiltshire England
    Posts
    1,650
    Hi,
    Monicas ideas are good about the flyers. Include bedding for hamsters because they have to be made out of natural materials coz my friends hamster died because they brought bedding from the market and the hamster pouched some and swallowed some and the bedding wrapped around the hamsters intestines and gave it a pro lap.
    My hamster was from a very good pet shop. They wouldnt let you leave without picking up your hamster first. They also gave advice and everytime you go in there (if your regulars) they ask how your pet is and they recommend good toys and foods, they also pick their animals for sale up almost every day plus they dont let their pets go if it doesnt look healthy or fat enough. I love that pet shop!
    -Ellie

    'If everyone else's opinion is what matters, then do you ever really have one of your own?'- Jodi Picoult, Nineteen Minutes

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2000
    Location
    Ft. Wayne, IN
    Posts
    7,464
    You are more than welcome to call Mike at our pet food store too. The phone is 260-483-0944 and he's here M-Th 10-7, F and Sat 10-6 and Sun 12-5 (except tomorrow, Easter).


    Don't buy while shelter dogs die!!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    USA - Missouri
    Posts
    18
    Quote Originally Posted by mugsy
    You are more than welcome to call Mike at our pet food store too. The phone is 260-483-0944 and he's here M-Th 10-7, F and Sat 10-6 and Sun 12-5 (except tomorrow, Easter).
    Oh thank you so much, I will try to give him a call this week. Are you sure he won't mind? I don't want to step on petshop owners paws...but its not like I will be giving him competion since I am in Missouri and hes there lol.

    I just could use all the help I could get.. I want this store so much I can taste it and I can't wait for it to be opened and running. It is a scary idea but I think A wonderful business to start. The work doesn't scare me its the supporting my family the first few months without my other job. I know starting up will take time for the revenue to come in but I also know its worth the step.

    For example, we have 2 pet stores 45 minutes away, we cleaned out our salt water tank last night and now we are in need of salt for it to get it up to spec.... GUESS what... 1 pet store (just fish store) was closed for the EASTER weekend and the other store was out. OMG! I am praying that I can make it through another day without my saltwater tank crashing and my fish dying. Course I blame hubby for this since he didnt think it through cleaning it we would need salt. lol! always blame the hubby. Course we thought the fish store would be opened and she threw us off by being closed.

    So I know there is a need I know I am not the only one in town with a salt water tank...

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    USA - Missouri
    Posts
    18
    Quote Originally Posted by mugsy
    You are more than welcome to call Mike at our pet food store too. The phone is 260-483-0944 and he's here M-Th 10-7, F and Sat 10-6 and Sun 12-5 (except tomorrow, Easter).

    [email protected]

    I hope thats what I gave you!
    Thanks again for so much information. Tell Mike I really appreciate all the time he gave me and all the information that he gave me. What wonderful people.

    Now off I go for web searching til I am crosseyed !


    Kim

  8. #8
    I have one tip, Make A Web Page! Tell people what is in your store and encourage them to come to your store. Also offer an online purchase option.


  9. #9
    Any updates on your store?


  10. #10
    Bump. Please reply, finisfriends. Does anyone know where he/she is?


  11. #11
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    USA - Missouri
    Posts
    18

    lol its sooo good to be missed! :)

    Well thank you for all your concerns... I had a little set back financially and have to put the pet store on back burner but hopefully not for long.
    IT IS STILL MY DREAM and I do plan on opening but unfortunately not as fast as I wanted it open. I am still doing all the research that I can on it and I have my name picked out, business cards (minus info), wall colors, how I want it arranged etc all picked out or visualized in my head lol so its still just all in the making.

    I have added to my home zoo lol the last few months... as I had reported when I first signed up I had to my male ferret down feb 13th and now have gotten a new male. Zoe's in 7th heaven because shes got another playmate.
    My aunt gave me her ferret because she felt like she was not giving him enough time so we know have "ENZO" and Zoe and OMG hes nothing like she is. He runs full force and I swear he doesn't stop! He is twice the size of Zoe but he does try to be a gentle giant..

    I have also gotten 2 new male degu (frick n frack and nope i didnt name them) and are just a hoot! We of course have added more fish ( 2 parrot fish (molly and polly), 1 shark, 7 sucker fish, and well my guppies are still giving me lots and lots and did I say lots of babies? lol We just got another 46 gallon tank that we are getting ready to turn into a saltwater tank. The one we have we got and it was already set up so this will be our first saltwater tank that we will actually start from scratch ourselves.

    But part of my not being here is putting in extra hrs at work and of course taking care of all my babies. I do appreciate all the concern and yes I still want my pet store and still doing my research and still making a list of things I want and need. I can't wait til I can get on here and tell you when the grand opening is and all the other good news!

    take care!
    Kim
    [email protected] is my email

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