How to Manage a Pet Store
The pet and pet product industry continues to grow every year, with sales numbering in the billions of dollars. If you love animals and want to manage a pet store, consider all the available options. You can manage a specialty store like a dog and cat clothing store, or helm a large pet supply store.
Instructions
- 1 Cultivate a great love and knowledge of animals. If you have a pet or pets that you love and care for, you're already on you way to being a successful pet store manager. If you manage a big box store, you'll have a whole list of corporate rules to follow, but animal (and customer) care will be your first priority.
2 Keep abreast of trends in pet products. Attend trade shows like the Global Pet Expo, which ranks as one of the fastest growing trade shows in the United States. You'll find out about the latest pet trends and products there, and get tips from other pet store managers about how to grow your business.
3 Hire friendly employees who love animals. A knowledge of and love for animals should be the number one criteria when interviewing potential workers. Other skills, like cashiering and stock work, can be taught later if the potential employee doesn't have experience in those areas.
4 Give great customer service. Answer questions promptly. Consult product literature or make phone calls if you don't know the answer offhand. As the manager, you'll need to take over if an employee can't help a customer.
5 Provide a clean, safe environment for animals on premise. Whether you keep only fish and hamsters and other small creatures or sell cats and dogs, always keep cages clean and make sure the animals remain happy and healthy. After all, customers will want to buy pets from a clean, organized store, and they'll come back to buy food and other items if they're impressed by your service.
