the perfect aquarium store

[okaquarium]

Hi all, I am thinking of opening an aquarium shop in my town. There is only 1 shop besides wal mart and it is not the cleanest of locations. was wondering if maybe some people from here could help me figure out the market im targeting.....not sure how this will work out but any help would be appreciated.

[lyquidphyre]

Do you have the financial backing to take on such a task?

[austinsdad]

I'd be more concerned about the experience with large scale fish housing. Huge and extremely sensitive undertaking IMO. Then again, maybe I'm reacting to my experience with saltwater.

Not sure what you mean about targeting a market. There's SW, and FW. Then there's livestock and dry goods. Not to oversimplify, but give us an example on types of "markets" in fish stores.

Good luck.

[Rejoice]

It's quite the endevour. A friend of mine from college opened one. His marketing was towards the corporations who wanted a decorative SW aquarium without having to do anything themselves. He had a few clever tactics for the initial set up. He found another pet store that had closed down and snagged the aquarium equipment for a lot less $$$ in auction. He invested in a very lowsy location for the office, where taxes were very low and the rent was peanuts. He then used that location as the central hub for the supplies.

As far as I know he's been quite successful. I don't know if that helps at all but it's my 2¢

Jess

[lyquidphyre]

I forgot to mention, if there is already one aquarium shop (besides wal-mart) in the area, that means there is a good enough market for it in the area. Now, if this place is as "bad" as you say it is, the probability of your store to be just as, if not more, successful is very good.

So if you feel you have the proper financial backing, the know-how, and the man power to establish this kind of a business, and make a profit, then I definatly say go for it.

However, I must say... you should REALLY read this article before making a decision:

http://www.characin.com/carey/articles/index.html

[okaquarium]

right now im trying to figure what this will cost...as for backing hoping for a loan from the bank. not going to mess with saltwater at the start....if people need something for saltwater tanks will be glad to order for them.....but trying to keep expenses down for the start up. was hoping also to buy and sell used tanks.....that way maybe someone dosent have $500 for a new set up they can get it used and save a few bucks....thats just an idea not sure how it will do, never seen it done before. if anyone knows of this practice let me know how its working out.....this may be just a pipe dream but its something i really want to look into as i think it would be a nice source for a second income....wife will work the store for me while i continue to work. the only other choices besides wal mart and the other store i mentioned is 45min drive away. i really belive the market for this venture is in my area but as was mentioned will be costly. well going to keep looking and maybe with a little luck and hard work i can pull it off.
as for the first post was really just trying to get to know the people in this hobby age ranges single or married what other interests they have. i belive u have to really know the people to provide great service to them.
any more advice on this matter would be great. its for the people like us that really enjoy the hobby and just want a good selection and decent price...which i hope i can offer....that i want to do this

[Daryth Darkmoon]

I was considering starting one of my own, but I know at this point I don't have the proper backing or knowledge.

One suggestion though....instead of buying and selling used tanks, perhaps you could sell used tanks on consignment. You could have the potential seller bring in pictures and descriptions depending on tank size, and let the seller and buyer work out transport on their own. That way you don't have to mess with storing and transporting the items.

[exodus]

Another thing you should include in your store is a good-sized section with well marked aquarium plants. I know for me, I cant find ANY locally other than amazon swords and the common ones, and you have to guess on the species because at my LFS they arent labeled.

If you can cater to both the "betta" end that'll be maybe a parent buying a fish for their kid, and the more exotic freshwater species like rams, ghost knives, eels, etc, geared towards the hobbiest, then you've got yourself a good start.

Stocking all the plant substrates would probably be a good move as well.

I really like the idea of buying and selling used tanks too, maybe you could reseal the old aquariums and test them, then bump up the price on them a bit so you make more profit, and the people buying them know they're getting sturdy tanks.

I think you could stay away from salties for the most part, because most likely the people that are really into saltwater will go to a saltwater specialty store.

Just my ideas - these are most of the things I find lacking at my LFS'

[austinsdad]

Thought about commercial set up and maintenance. Dentists, doctors, ect love to have those in their offices and waiting rooms. Some residential folks also.

[okaquarium]

would be more than happy to do commercial set up would also offer to set up for people buying tanks or if they purchased else where setting up for a small fee....i think a good selection of bettas is a good idea may also get into breeding and maybe online sales with them