Pet Supplies

If you are a person that has a great deal of concern for animals and are dissatisfied with the quality of ingredients offered in commercial pet foods, starting a pet food store could be a business venture that you'll find rewarding. Pet food stores are gaining popularity as pet owners seek foods that are natural, organic, raw, hypoallergenic, or made from whole foods. As a pet food store owner, you can peace of mind knowing you are offering products made out of high-quality ingredients for those seeking healthier solutions for their animal companions to consume.

Instructions

1 Make a business model. In this model, detail your goals for the business, create a mission statement, outline your overhead and operating costs, and your plans to make a profit. Creating a business model will help you have a good idea about what it will take to get your pet food store started financially.
2 Attain a business loan. Starting a pet food store business will be expensive. Talk to a financial institution about banking and loan options most appropriate for your business needs.
3 Select a location for your store. Ideally, find a place you know people with pets will frequent. A store by an apartment complex that doesn't allow pets, for example, may not appropriately reach your target audience. An area that has other frequently visited pet stores, or a busy strip mall, could yield the customers you seek.
4 Attain all the licenses and permits needed. Pet food stores owners need to apply with a county's public health department in order to receive the permits needed to operate as a food retailer for animals. Business licenses will also need to be filed with the city, county and/or state in which the pet food store will be located. As licensing requirements differ from state to state, contact your local government business administration offices to find out which specific forms will need to be filled out, and with whom to file them, in order for you to get a business license.
5 Find pet food suppliers. Do some research into the pet foods, supplements and treats that are most in demand; establish a relationship with those suppliers. A good supplier will guide you through what you might need to get your pet food store up and running, will provide referrals to other suppliers if they aren't able to meet your needs, and will let you special-order products.
6 Stock the shelves. Once you get the pet food you've ordered, arrange your store in a way that makes sense, is attractive and not too overwhelming. Keep in mind that you might need a refrigerated section for raw pet foods if you decide to sell this in your store.
7 Market your store. Make promotional fliers to hang on community bulletin boards and pass out at other pet-serving businesses. Make friends with all the veterinary offices in your area and do a survey of what types of foods and supplements would be helpful for their clients. Let these pet businesses know when you'll be open for business, and see if they'd be willing to display your business cards if you displayed theirs in your store.
8 Market your store. Make promotional fliers to hang on community bulletin boards and pass out at other pet-serving businesses. Make friends with all the veterinary offices in your area and do a survey of what types of foods and supplements would be helpful for their clients. Let these pet businesses know when you'll be open for business, and see if they'd be willing to display your business cards if you displayed theirs in your store.

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