Tips to Start a Pet Store

Entrepreneur's planning to start a pet store will prosper. In 2010 the American Pet Products Association estimates Americans will spend $47.7 billion on their pets, up from $36.3 billion in 2005. As sales steadily rise, so do prospects for new pet store owners.

Getting Started
Write a marketing plan. Itemize potential inventory and determine a niche, if desired. Decide if the store will sell pet supplies, pet medications and/or live animals. Weigh the cost of pet care, feeding and veterinary services against the profit margin of live products.

Choose what services the pet store will offer. Adding a pet groomer, pet photographer, veterinary clinic or boarding services will generate more traffic and increased sales. Customers will come to the store for a particular service and leave with an awareness of the additional amenities.

In the United States pet parents spent $17.56 billion on pet foods in 2009. That same year Americans spent $10.41 billion on over-the-counter medications and supplies, according to the American Pet Products Association. Live animal purchases accounted for $2.16 billion, while grooming and boarding services yielded $3.36 billion in 2009.

Finances and Supplies
Secure funding for start-up costs. Contact local banks and financial institutions where you've built credit. Be prepared to show a well-planned marketing plan and answer a variety of questions.

Rent or buy a pet friendly business location. Choose a store front that sits away from a busy road, preferably with a fenced area for pet guests during special events. Ensure it has the appropriate layout for the services offered. Look for a separate room to hold dog obedience classes or rough plumbing to accommodate a grooming salon.

Call wholesalers and set up accounts for the store's merchandise. Contact with small local businesses, such as a dog biscuit bakery or independent contractor that offers grooming services. Then, advertise on job boards, in veterinary office lobbies and the local newspaper for sales staff.

Marketing the Business
Design a website and start marketing the pet store products and services. Offer online shopping, printable coupons to bring into the store and pet care information. This will make you the knowledgeable go-to source for pet owners.

Hire clowns, set-up a pet care information fair and hand out flyers of coupons during a grand opening event. Call the local television stations, newspapers and radio for promotional coverage. Provide excellent customer service and valuable products at reasonable prices in a clean, welcoming atmosphere to gain repeat customers.

References and Suggested Further Reading:
Entrepreneur Magazine: How to Start a Pet Business
http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/businessideas/startupkits/article190440.html

American Pet Products Association: Industry Statistics and Trends
http://www.americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp

Entrepreneur Magazine: 10 Pet Businesses to Start Today
http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/businessideas/article80654.html

Pet Product News International: Pet Industry News
http://www.petproductnews.com/

Entrepreneur Magazine: How to Create a Marketing Plan
http://www.entrepreneur.com/marketing/marketingbasics/marketingplan/article43018.html

The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE): 60-Second Guide to Creating a Marketing Plan
http://www.score.org/60_guide_marketing_plan.html

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