want to buy/start a pet shop - where do i begin?

kroberts13 · 3 January 2013 at 9:35AM

Hello,

I'm brand new to this forum today, I think i need to share a little bit about myself before i begin with my questions.

For 7 years I have wanted my own pet shop, I am now in a possition to get together a decent amount of money over the next 3 years. My husband is forces and we are posted abroad, i have a nice little job and i'm able to pocket my entire wage, as we are able to live off my husbands wages.

I can save between £16k and £30k depending on hours and overtime and maybe finding a 2nd job.

Having said all that, I have a few queries:

would it be better to start my own business or buy one for sale?

I have seen some shops for sale that include the actual property and a flat above, what financing would i need to apply for to be able to buy this kind of venture?

I am having to consider living arrangements as well, as my husband is soon to leave the Forces and we'll need to find somewhere to live.

I do know that as ex forces myself, i may be entitled to a scheme called "be the boss" which gives assistance and funding.

also any extra hints, tips and things i need to look into all gratefully received. this is all VERY new, we've only been here a few weeks and this is me only just starting to learn about what i need to know. also it's a complete career move for me, previously i've worked in the medical field since i was 17.

thank you in advance for your assistance.

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ValHaller · 3 January 2013 at 10:44AM

Have you ever worked in a pet shop? Have you ever been responsible for bulk management of a large quantity of domestic animals?

Wicked_witch · 3 January 2013 at 11:49AM

One thing I would say is be very sure there is a need for this kind of shop where you live. Four pet shops have shut down in the seven years I've lived in my current town- 2 had been there for many years, the other two were new businesses that lasted less than 2 years each. 1 sold pets, the others just supplies.

None of them could compete with the supermarket prices for supplies or Pets at Homes prices for pets and supplies. Also, vets tend to sell pet supplies as well now. So you would need to be very competitive, in a shop that is very convenient to get to (one of the new businesses that shut down was a 5 minute walk from the supermarket so people just didn't bother), open long hours every day and prepared to spend a very long time making a loss until you built up a good customer base. As someone who has several different pets, I am happy to spend a little more in an independent store with good quality products but I need the store to be reliable- open when I need the goods and to have them in stock. Again, the new businesses that opened could not manage that.

Sorry, going on a bit there! But these are the things you need to consider before spending any money.

gettingready · 3 January 2013 at 12:51PM

ValHaller wrote: »

Have you ever been responsible for bulk management of a large quantity of domestic animals?

Why would OP need that knowledge/experience?

OP - I have 4 cats and a dog. I order pretyy much everything they want/need from www.zooplus.co.uk and so do most of my friends who also have pets.

As above poster said, pretty much depends on a lot of factors but as with any other "speciality" - pet shops are closing down the same way as any other, due to people mosty buying online nowadays

ValHaller · 3 January 2013 at 1:27PM

gettingready wrote: »

Why would OP need that knowledge/experience?

Indeed. I am totally bald and have made a very successful living over the years, selling hair restorer.

googler · 3 January 2013 at 1:37PM

I think a clearer definition of 'pet shop' is required - is it one which sells pet supplies, or one which sells the pets as well as the supplies?

OP - do you have a particular location in mind? If you have, you need to research where all the current competition is, whether that's traditional shops on the high street, vets, or the bulk stores in retail parks such as Pets R Us.

Can you find someone already in the business to mentor you?

gettingready · 3 January 2013 at 1:37PM

ValHaller wrote: »

Have you ever been responsible for bulk management of a large quantity of domestic animals?

OP does not need to have this to be selling pet accessories/food etc etc

OP is not palnning to become a dog/cat/cow breeder but to run a pet shop.

faded_flowers · 3 January 2013 at 2:02PM

I would say find a niche! Specialist reptiles, pure breed rabbits or guinea pigs etc.

Also, are you happy to possibly be in work 365 days a year including christmas? Animals still need feeding and cleaning out regardless of the day

somethingcorporate · 3 January 2013 at 2:04PM

If you were going to buy a massive property including flat I'd expect you to have to stump up more than £30k.

Caroline_a · 3 January 2013 at 2:40PM

Many if not most local authorities now do not allow pet shops to sell puppies or kittens, so your pets would be reptiles, fish and possibly some rodents. Additionally you will have to jump through a lot of hoops even for those, as they may come under the Animal Boarding Act.

I would agree that most people now buy their animal food online as it saves carrying and is much cheaper. I have an account with a pet cash and carry, but actually buy my dog and cat food from Amazon - it's loads cheaper on there if you do a regular order!

I don't think this is a great idea, I have seen a few pet shops close too in our area, Pets at Home and the internet have put paid to them, and I would say I guess I'm partly responsible myself - I haven't used a small shop for some years.

gettingready · 3 January 2013 at 2:59PM

I have to say I have been thinking about it but an online version with products that are very often not available in UK but after some research.. given up on the idea.

want to buy/start a pet shop - where do i begin?

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