Pet Supplies

Opening a natural pet food store, online or in your neighborhood, can be both profitable and fun. You can sell a variety of products for common household pets like dogs and cats to more exotic pets like lizards and fish. In addition to selling natural pet food, you can also sell pet treats, pet supplies, books and animal training supplies. Creating customer loyalty is important in order to run a long-term, successful business, as there are many websites and stores devoted to pet food and supplies.

Instructions

1 Lease retail space in a pet friendly neighborhood. Neighborhoods with dog parks, veterinary clinics or hospitals and neighborhoods that sponsor pet-friendly events provide an easier way to build customer loyalty than neighborhoods without many pet lovers. Neighborhoods with one or more pet supply stores increase competition and may make it difficult for you to establish a profitable natural pet food business.
2 Sell natural pet food products online by creating a website and opening a merchant account that allows you to accept credit card payments. Many web hosting companies offer website packages that include merchant account options. Create an online store to supplement sales of your retail location or sell products solely online.
3 Register your natural pet food store with the IRS to obtain an EIN (Employee Identification Number) for tax filing purposes. Contact your local chamber of commerce or small business office to learn about business licensing for retail stores. Ask if you also need a business license to run an online store.
4 Research natural pet food companies and contact those that supply the types of natural food (cat food, dog food, exotic pet food) you want to sell. If setting up an online store with limited space in your home or office to store inventory, ask pet food companies to participate in drop-shipping (sending products directly to customers after you forward the order and collect payment).
5 Create a business plan that outlines how you plan to organize your business and how much you expect to earn for the year. Include expenses for inventory, employees, website costs, insurance, marketing costs and overhead (electricity, maintenance and rent). Overall costs will be lower if opening a store online. If planning to apply for a small business loan, a solid business plan increases your chances for obtaining the loan.

---

• 

  How to Start a Pet Bakery Business - Animal Careers

  animalcareers.about.com/od/Animals/a/How-To-Start-A-Pet-Bakery...
  As demand for all natural, preservative free pet treats increases, ... This is a lower cost start up option than a retail store, if local regulations permit it.
• 

  How to Start a Pet Boutique - Animal Careers

  animalcareers.about.com/od/Animals/a/How-To-Start-A-Pet-Boutique.htm
  A web based store has a much lower start up cost. ... Some boutiques also operate a pet bakery and create all-natural gourmet treats.
• 

  How to Start a Pet Shop: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow

  www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Pet-Shop
  How to Start a Pet Shop. If you are keen to start your own pet shop, here are some suggestions. Find a suitable shop for sale or rent. It is probably best to take on ...
• 

  How to Start a Pet Business Entrepreneur.com

  www.entrepreneur.com/article/190440
  If you love all the creatures of the earth, starting one of these pet-related businesses might put you on the path to success.
• 

  natural pet store All About Pets

  pets.promo.web.id/s-natural+pet+store-page2.htm
  Nature & Nurture Pet Store - eircom Start Up ... All Natural Dog Food No Fillers604-846-3647 Chilliwack Dog Food Dog Grooming Pet Supplies
• 

  How to Start an All Natural Pet Store eHow

  www.ehow.com/how_5844616_start-natural-pet-store.html
  1/11/2013 Opening a natural pet food store, online or in your neighborhood, can be both profitable and fun. You can sell a variety of products for common household ...
• 

  How to Start Your Own Pet Store eHow

  www.ehow.com/how_4588392_start-own-pet-store.htm
  How to Start Your Own Pet Store; Print this article; Things You'll Need. A budget sheet; Show More. Instructions. ... How to Start an All Natural Pet Store;
• 

  Independent Pet Store Start Up Costs - EzineArticles Submission ...

  ezinearticles.com/?Independent-Pet-Store-Start-Up-Costs&id=994698
  2/19/2008 Your independent pet store start up costs is all going to be part of this. Sandra Reynolds is a therapist in Chicago. Check out these great Pets Advice ...
• 

  All Natural Pet Products Homeopathic Remedies for Dogs & Cats ...

  www.onlynaturalpet.com
  Natural Pet Food, Flea Remedies, ... Only Natural Pet Store Welcome to Only Natural Pet! Sign In; Register; 888.937.6677 Email Us. Pet Food. Cat Food for ...
• 

  Open a Pet Food Store Entrepreneur.com - Business News ...

  www.entrepreneur.com/article/172390
  Start your own e-commerce or regular pet food and supply store business. ... such as all-natural food ... For more information on starting your own pet food ...