Start & Run a Pet Business. Heather Mueller
Storefront
Storefront businesses appeal to the consumer on two basic levels. The first is that products are tactile; people generally like to touch and inspect items they are interested in purchasing. The second is impulsiveness; some people find it more appealing to buy and take home the product right then and there instead of waiting seven to ten business days to enjoy their purchase.
When opening a storefront pet-retail business, your location is what your customers will associate your product with. In many ways it will be the face of your business. Successful storefront pet-retail businesses are generally bright, clean, and open, allowing customers, two-legged and four-legged alike, easy access to products and merchandise.
As with any business, create your displays to be fun and educational. This not only attracts the customer’s eye, but also reduces time-consuming questions regarding product information.
Costs associated with start-up of a retail business can range from $10,000 to $100,000 (USD or CAD), depending on your target market. Such factors can include location, overhead, equipment, wholesale prices of products and merchandise, renovations, employees, and marketing.
4. Nonprofit and Volunteer Work
Those wanting to create a nonprofit- or volunteer-based venture are not in it for the income. Nonprofit usually means low wages (if any wages at all), especially when dealing in the realm of pets. Many nonprofit or volunteer businesses are very successful, but success is not often based on economic gain. The following services fall into the volunteer or nonprofit sector of the pet business:
• Shelters
• Rescue groups
• Search and rescue
• Assistance groups (e.g., Blankets for a Cause)
• Pet visitation services
Becoming a volunteer at a local animal rescue association is a great way to network with potential supporters of your new business. It is also a valuable way to gain knowledge of working with various types of animals.
Volunteer and rescue groups are mostly created as nonprofit organizations. However, some are not operated as businesses or have business subsidiaries to help fund their efforts. Different business practices and legal requirements apply and these will vary from one jurisdiction to the next.
For many people, the reason behind creating a nonprofit organization is that a gap in services needs to be filled, rather than the motivation to create a lucrative business. It has been my experience that although very rewarding, those who create nonprofit or volunteer pet businesses are not doing so to make money. It is their passion and love for animals that drives them.
Be aware of all local and state or provincial laws pertaining to the creation of a nonprofit organization. The application process can be tedious. However, depending on your location, there are government services in place to provide assistance with the application process. Check with your local government office for more information.
Be aware that most current state and provincial laws require that in order to be a registered nonprofit organization there must be direction by an appointed board. Therefore, you may create the organization and be its founder, but you may have to defer delegation to your appointed board. Note that in Canada it is illegal to be a paid employee while sitting on the board of a nonprofit organization.
One of the main reasons in creating a nonprofit organization is the tax incentives or reductions that are offered due to low profits (if any). Grants are also more readily available to those in the nonprofit sector. Some choose this method as a way to fill the gap without having to rely on personal funding for the endeavor. There is also the ability to fundraise for your cause. Events such as dog jogs, benefit concerts, and silent dinners and auctions can be a multifunctional way to generate revenue while networking within your community. Depending on the event, you could also have a lot of fun!
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