Thinking about opening a pet store....yes, seriously!

[BarbV]

Hi Barb,

I've been reading this thread with interest and I think I have an idea for you.

If you had a website that your customers used to book your grooming trucks, you could also have an online catalog that your customers could use and have product delivered when their grooming is performed. That would allow you sell high margin product and avoid the costs associated with a brick-and-mortar. You would just need to find some extra room in the truck to carry the deliveries.

Great idea!

I was doing the math on the mobile truck....to make it a success, I would need a fleet. One truck would support the groomer only....and since I'm just a wanna be groomer, but more a business person, I would have to hire a groomer. This dog won't hunt, unless I go big.

But combining it with other product and delivery service is very neat.

 

[BarbV]

I'm very close to moving to Phase 2 of my research....that is, actually talking to franchisors and banks and starting to build a business plan.

Every day I look at job postings in my field, and I really don't want to go back there. I'm tired of the corporate world.

I think I'm almost ready to go out on my own. Now gotta find the money....

 

[LoisAnne]

Our local pet store (Pet Supplies Plus) has a self grooming area, a groomer, who always seems to be busy and the part I like best, the owners allow the local humane society to have a room where rescue cats are shown for adoption. The cats live there, in cages, waiting to be adopted and there is a paid humane society employee there during the day. I know the adoption center brings in people and everyone who adopts a cat there gets a 10% voucher from the store on the food and supplies they need. I would guess that quite a bit of money is spent at the store due to the adoption center.
The store also has a big variety of pet food, high end and middle grade. No low grade food. They also have all sorts of supplies, toys etc. The part I don't agree with is the selling of rabbits, ferrets, fish and birds. But, I guess if you want one of those, you have to buy it somewhere.
We had a pet store (chain) that sold puppies...but it just went out of business, thank goodness.
Another small pet supply store opened up close to where I live and I stopped in once. They had such a small inventory that they did not even have my kind of dog food (Wellness) but did offer to order it. They closed within 6 months.
I wish you the best.

 

[Diana]

Good luck, Barb! I am sure you will go far.

Keep in mind that a lot of small businesses struggle to start out with and then gain momentum. It's going to be a bit of trial and error. But you have more brains than most - I am sure you will be fine.

I know what you mean about job postings. I sometimes like to look at them just for fun. It seems like usually, the best jobs aren't posted. This strikes me as somewhat unfair, but I guess that's how the world works. People like to hire people they know. I like being on the other side of it this summer (vs. last summer when I was looking).

Just a side note - I would think that summer/spring might be the best time to start up a dog business. I think most dog owners spend more time outside exploring during that time. Agility is good for winter, but I know with the weather around here we tend to hole up more when it's cold and snowy. Even though those first few months aren't everything, they are important.

In a "mobile delivery" idea - there's a business around here that does doggie treats in an ice cream truck. They made the truck look really good, and they were at the dog park party this year. They do doggie birthday parties too. Buffy really loved their treats... and she's picky. I don't know how much you make off something like that, but it could be good advertising to have a truck out there that has the ability to sell, even if it's not a main form of revenue. Then again, trucks are expensive. Depends how often you'll be carting things around to make it worthwhile.

 

[BarbV]

I looked into mobile - specifically mobile pet grooming. But when I did the math, it just didn't work out unless I was going to do all the grooming myself. Well, that ain't going to happen! Would only work if I buildt up a fleet, but frankly, that's going to take too long.

I'm getting ready to talk to some banks now.....scary! I can't present them with full blow business cases yet because I've only just received preliminary info, but I do need to find out if they have a stomach for this or not.

It's hard to pull the plug on this next step because it may kill my dream altogether!

 

[Emmasmom]

Barb - are there not some resources available that would help you come up with a small business plan? If not consider taking a course at college - you can do this online When I took my Medical Office Assistant course through Loyalist, one course was setting up my own small business.

 

[dawns2shelties]

Barb I also use a mobile groomer. When I had Chandler and Gypsy he and his brother would groom them beth at the same time. They would be done in an hour no cages involved. I love it because it reduces the stress of having them sit at an outside groomer all day. Last time he did Gypsy she was done in 45 miutes. He comes every 8 weeks. They charge me $65. per dog for groom and $12 per dog mobile fee. I assume the mobile fee goes to the owner of the company. He is so busy he isn't taking anymore customers. I can ask him some questions if you like. Good luck!

 

[BarbV]

Barb I also use a mobile groomer. When I had Chandler and Gypsy he and his brother would groom them beth at the same time. They would be done in an hour no cages involved. I love it because it reduces the stress of having them sit at an outside groomer all day. Last time he did Gypsy she was done in 45 miutes. He comes every 8 weeks. They charge me $65. per dog for groom and $12 per dog mobile fee. I assume the mobile fee goes to the owner of the company. He is so busy he isn't taking anymore customers. I can ask him some questions if you like. Good luck!

That would be terrific! I loved the concept, but couldn't see how to make money unless I was grooming myself.

 

[BarbV]

Barb - are there not some resources available that would help you come up with a small business plan? If not consider taking a course at college - you can do this online When I took my Medical Office Assistant course through Loyalist, one course was setting up my own small business.

Doing a plan is not my issue.....I'm an accountant by trade and was a VP at my last job. It's taking the final plunge......

 

[BarbV]

4.5 years later....on buying a pet supply store....and thanks to the forum!

It's been 4 years since I took the plunge.....and the first year was hell.

But first I want to thank the 80 odd responses when I first posted this 4.5 years ago when I was struggling to make the leap and invest my savings into buying a pet store franchise.

I got a phone call yesterday from someone who is also considering buying the same franchise and it caused me to go back 4 years and all the steps that I took that consider making this investment.

And I found this thread....with all the well wishings, and advice and feedback that helped me make my decision to go forward. So 4 years later, I just want to thank everyone who took the time to respond and give me your ideas.....many of which I employ every month.....e.g. community events, rescue adoption weekends, meet the expert, etc.

The feedback on this forum helped to give me the confidence to make this move, and 4 years later, I'm exceeding my business plan and my business is still growing in double digits.

I just wanted to take a moment and thank all of you who helped me and gave me ideas, and expecially those of you who have stayed close and continued to support me as I muddled my way through. You know who you are.

And finally to the forum overall......What a fantastic resource to draw from.

So, just saying thanks.