Moving to a pet store Environment?

[baron1282]

I am trying to start a Pet Store in my town. I am working on the business plan and getting things in place. Hope things work out on that front. It will be a full service pet shop with all pets being solid. Even Conures.

I want to be different. I priced out the food and even at a discount the seeds cost just as much as the zoomed pellets to feed my store birds. So I plan on each of my store birds for sale will be on a pellet diet and not a full seed diet. Don't see why all pet stores don't already do that! It's healthier! As for socialization of the bird, I would have them out for an hour a day. Give them some toys to play with as well, so they are not board all darn day. Like some pet stores already do. I already can tell people what to expect and get them over the pet honeymoon, and make them really see what owning a pet bird will be like! So I know they will go to a good home with lots of love! I also plan on a buy back program. If they end up not liking the bird I will buy it back (Not for what they bought it for, I am thinking only 100 dollars), so they won't end up a forgotten pet in a cage forever.

Anyway, my question is not about what to sale or how to sale and feed my birds. I only plan on having two or one for sale at the most at any given time.

My question is my current pet conure. I will be at the store ALL Day 9 to 9. Would it be wise to move him to my store so we can be together. Behind the counter with me! I already plan on having a pet Macaw in my store as the store mascot! I love the Bird Birds and I have being getting training on how to handle them, and I can't wait to own my own! I am not worried about the big guy as he will be use to the pet store because that is where I will only have him.

My Conure will be at home for 12 hours a day by himself if I don't bring him to the pet store with me. Would it be good for him to be in that kind of environment again so long as I get him out and play with him like I normally do now? I can't see it being an issue! He might like it more because he will have other birds to call! He wouldn't be in the same cage as any of them, his own cage still behind the counter with a big "NOT FOR SALE" sign. Anyway, thoughts?

 

[MikeyTN]

That would be no different from some people bringing their birds with them to work so I don't foresee that to be an issue unless someone that brings in a sick bird, then there's a chance he could catch it!

 

[Featheredsamurai]

A local bird store near me(they also board) only allows birds to enter their store if they have been to a vet to be tested for a long list of specific illnesses. Either that, or not allowing birds to be brought in. It may annoy some people, but a responsible parront will appreciate you caring about the birds safety first.

 

[916animal]

Okay so speaking strictly from a business stand point, every square inch of your store is valuable real estate. The space for which your personal bird from home will take up space that could provide sales for the store. Especially if you already plan on having another bird as a store mascot. Retail is all about the bottom line. How you use your space and knowing how to correctly merchandise your inventory is key to your business succeeding. That space could provide for allowance to pay another employees salary to help ease your life. You don't need to be so tied up with the load of the business mostly on your shoulders. Just something I learned from business education and personal experience.

Now on the other hand you can get your bird a companion, test the waters and play it by ear. But if it is what would ease your mind and make you happy by all means bring him with. Maybe he can go to and from. But you might also want to separate him from your work environment and have him for your enjoyment at home. I'm not saying you wouldn't enjoy him at work, but there is a certain mindset when your at work and your at home. Just a few things to think about.

Good luck with your store! What an awesome business to be in. May you be blessed in your new venture!!!

 

[Blancaej]

I own a candy store and bring Savannah into the shop 3 times a week. I found more then that was a lot for her. So I do every other day to give her days of rest. Seeing people go in and out of the store all day is a lot of stimulation, so the 3 times a week works well. I tried it with my grey and just decided it was too much for him so I don't bring him in as much anymore.

I have a cage at the store for Savannah to hang out. I would say try it and see how your conure likes it. You don't have to bring him everyday. A few times a week would work. Good luck with your new venture.

 

[Mayden]

Okay so speaking strictly from a business stand point, every square inch of your store is valuable real estate. The space for which your personal bird from home will take up space that could provide sales for the store. Especially if you already plan on having another bird as a store mascot. Retail is all about the bottom line. How you use your space and knowing how to correctly merchandise your inventory is key to your business succeeding. That space could provide for allowance to pay another employees salary to help ease your life. You don't need to be so tied up with the load of the business mostly on your shoulders. Just something I learned from business education and personal experience.

Now on the other hand you can get your bird a companion, test the waters and play it by ear. But if it is what would ease your mind and make you happy by all means bring him with. Maybe he can go to and from. But you might also want to separate him from your work environment and have him for your enjoyment at home. I'm not saying you wouldn't enjoy him at work, but there is a certain mindset when your at work and your at home. Just a few things to think about.

Good luck with your store! What an awesome business to be in. May you be blessed in your new venture!!!

Having a mascot can certainly draw customers in. There's a store by me who has 'Buddy the cockatoo' in their store - sure they could whack out a fair few more items where his cage is etc. But there would be less customers because a lot of people come to scritch and see Buddy! When there, they feel obliged to buy something. It's what I always end up doing. Had Buddy not been there, I'd never bat an eyelid or bother going in!

I think as long as the other birds are health tested, etc, then bring him to the store! It's new experiences, company, and with you all day, it's great

 

[crimson]

you are living my dream....there was a pet store here in town that went belly up, and I inquired about taking it over, with a similar concept you have.

I had the money, but not the time or commitment it would take, I still have kids and with breeding my own birds it would have been too much for me and my family

personally I think it's a great idea that you buy back birds but I must caution you. please remember MOST people do not properly take care of birds. Even when you educate them on what they should do, they may not.

taking back a bird will put your other birds at risk unless you are going to quarantine them for at least 30 days. Even if they let the bird outside once, that bird will be subjected to critters, and if the bird is returned to the store, your store will be subjected to them, without you knowing. What about illnesses? we all know how well birds hide those, would you have money to set aside if one required a vet visit? please don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the idea, it's just something to consider, with some risk involved.

please keep us posted!

 

[baron1282]

There is always risk with buying back a used bird! That's why my Idea would be to have a certified Vet look the bird over before I buy back the bird. They must present me a note with the bird getting a clean bill of health. I will then pay the vet fee and at least $100 for the bird. If you think about it, it would be a steal for me. I would get the bird back for around $200 and I would sale it again for the normal pet shop price of $450.

I wouldn't pay them back full retail price, because it was their risk, not mine! I would tell them all I can, and beyond that it's their responsibility, and if they don't want the bird anymore they shouldn't be rewarded for their irresponsibility.

That is going to be the hardest part of my Job! Letting animals go! Especially to people I don't think are fully up to the care requirements. I know I can say no, but if I did, I wouldn't make any money! Plus I would get a bad reputation for being the guy that never sales anything. In the end it's like what one guy says! It's all about the bottom line! I don't want to be the typical pet store, that just does not care about the health of the animal and just sales animals for the heck of it, but at the end of the day I need to put food on the table!

So my only defense against selling to unfit people is to educate as much as I can! My hope is to provide enough information to the person to really let them know what they are getting into. That goes for Fish, Birds, Reptiles, and Small Furry Animals! I won't be selling Dogs or Cats! I will be selling their accessories.

As far as my little guy coming, I will see how it goes at first. I just don't want him to be lonely. At this point I am still a few months off from even seeing if this store will be possible! Got to get the Loan, and everything else rolling! Thanks for all the luck!

 

[Featheredsamurai]

When I worked at petsmart I had people who I felt weren't ready for a bird, even after I told them as much as I could about their care. I would give them a pamphlet for the species, tell them a few great web sites(research), and suggest they think it over for a night before committing to it.

 

[916animal]

Okay so speaking strictly from a business stand point, every square inch of your store is valuable real estate. The space for which your personal bird from home will take up space that could provide sales for the store. Especially if you already plan on having another bird as a store mascot. Retail is all about the bottom line. How you use your space and knowing how to correctly merchandise your inventory is key to your business succeeding. That space could provide for allowance to pay another employees salary to help ease your life. You don't need to be so tied up with the load of the business mostly on your shoulders. Just something I learned from business education and personal experience.

Now on the other hand you can get your bird a companion, test the waters and play it by ear. But if it is what would ease your mind and make you happy by all means bring him with. Maybe he can go to and from. But you might also want to separate him from your work environment and have him for your enjoyment at home. I'm not saying you wouldn't enjoy him at work, but there is a certain mindset when your at work and your at home. Just a few things to think about.

Good luck with your store! What an awesome business to be in. May you be blessed in your new venture!!!

Having a mascot can certainly draw customers in. There's a store by me who has 'Buddy the cockatoo' in their store - sure they could whack out a fair few more items where his cage is etc. But there would be less customers because a lot of people come to scritch and see Buddy! When there, they feel obliged to buy something. It's what I always end up doing. Had Buddy not been there, I'd never bat an eyelid or bother going in!

I think as long as the other birds are health tested, etc, then bring him to the store! It's new experiences, company, and with you all day, it's great

Here in Sacramento at the Bird Shop we have Trouble the Macaw and since we live so close we often go in just to see him! Mayden has a valid point, it does draw people in when you have a store pet/mascot. I was just throwing out some thoughts strictly from a numbers stand point. Especially if you already plan on one mascot. The first 3-5 years of a new business is very crucial. Making the most of your space till your well established is to you benefit. It's not about just filling up every inch, it's how you fill it that makes a difference. Ultimately the choice is yours and you will do what's best for you and your store.

With business and starting a new one, or with any financial decision we have to learn to separate emotion from financial plans and decisions. Sounds cold but its how you get a clear plan. Once the business is up and going and your numbers are following your plan then you can add some emotion in your decisions because you have already put down your foundation. Because our personal touches are what draws people in to our establishments. I like to see people set themselves up for success! All I'm saying was just to shine a light in a corner that sometimes gets overlooked.

You don't have to take everyone's advice, just take the bits and pieces that make sense to you that you feel comfortable. And most of all never take advice personal. I am very envious of your new venture and I'm sure you will succeed! As far as bringing your birdie to the shop I might suggest getting everything settled first. Give time for routine to set in and get the kinks worked out. Our animals tend to get stressed in new environments. Yes they do eventually adjust, but they can feel any stress or tension in the environment they are in. So limiting the extra stressors is in your birds favor. But I do think it would be fun to have a traveling buddy! What ever you decide will be fine, whether you keep him home, move him to the store or have him travel back and fourth with you because you have his best interests at heart. Best of luck to you!!!

 

[916animal]

Another suggestion that just came to me after re reading your posts. Your are opening up sort of rehoming concept bird store. Do you have a program in place where say like once a week or month, what ever you think is a good time frame, having a class that covers the basics of bird care? This way with the buy back birds you have a little more piece of mind that they are going to a home that got the common sense bird care education. The bird could only be available to those whom have taken the class. It may not sit well with everyone to have to take a class but it will hopefully weed out a few potential problems. A serious and committed person will be willing to take the class. It also shows them that the bird is coming from an environment that the bird was clearly well cared for. They are getting a break on the fee for the animal so a class should not be a problem for them.

The key word is basics! People do get turned off when they think they have to jump through hoops to give a pet a good home. The class can be just for fun, you can also invite schools as an educational field trip or go to them. The kids can be sent home with a cute little certificate that mom and or dad will in turn see and that will also draw people into your store. Also do a product of the month and do a separate class on product knowledge to let people know all about it. A lot of time company reps will come out and do that for you, and even sometimes provide samples! Being involved with your community will be a huge benefit to you. There is also doing photo session in the store for people and their beloved bird(s). You can also turn that into a contest drum up excitement that way. With this you can either work with a professional photographer and get a fee or percentage or do it yourself. Something else that works is having a photo corner that people can come in and even take the photo with one of your birds or with theirs and do it with their phone. Thus having them post a pic on Facebook putting it on your store page and linking it to theirs. Getting the most likes for the photo of the week or month determining a winner for thus picture with the most likes and a prize of say a bag of food or a toy or store credit. But have a different theme every month or at least for every contest. Your customers can go to the store page and vote for their personal favorite. And all the friends on each of these voters Facebook users will see your stores name and word spreads fast! Word of mouth is HUGE, and you cost of advertising is slim.

Sorry I got off on a rant and away from the original post, hubby is watching football and I had time to get carried away since I have no interest in watching to game on tv! Lol Again just some ideas and wishing you a great start!

 

[MagegrayWolf]

I had a pet store near me who had a section set aside just for their flock. The birds were useful for bringing in repeat customers who wanted to interact with the birds, then maybe buy something while they were there.

I love your idea of the buy back program. It's something I wish more pet stores would implement (not just with birds).

Wish helping to inform people might I suggest free handouts. Like a print out of safe/not safe food that birds can eat. I could also include basic safely tips, things that are common mistakes that first time owners make. This material could be left out for anyone to take and could be included free when someone purchases a bird. If you want to get more advanced with this idea you could also include a list of informative websites the person can go to to learn more.

 

[MonicaMc]

I like The Bird Shop! Except it's a little too far away from me! LOL


My only question is, are you sure you would want to be there for that many hours? I'm just thinking of a store near where I live that closes at 6 (annoying when I worked the same hours as they were open on weekdays!) and has shorter open hours during the weekends.

Just bringing it up as a precaution as people can get burnt out if they work too much! Unless of course, you are used to it!

 

[Blancaej]

Having a mascot can certainly draw customers in. There's a store by me who has 'Buddy the cockatoo' in their store - sure they could whack out a fair few more items where his cage is etc. But there would be less customers because a lot of people come to scritch and see Buddy! When there, they feel obliged to buy something. It's what I always end up doing. Had Buddy not been there, I'd never bat an eyelid or bother going in!

I think as long as the other birds are health tested, etc, then bring him to the store! It's new experiences, company, and with you all day, it's great

I totally agree! My birds take up some square footage in my shop but people love seeing them. I wouldn't have it any other way. Plus, I get to have them here with me. I do have customers who love coming in to see them!

 

[Mayden]

Having a mascot can certainly draw customers in. There's a store by me who has 'Buddy the cockatoo' in their store - sure they could whack out a fair few more items where his cage is etc. But there would be less customers because a lot of people come to scritch and see Buddy! When there, they feel obliged to buy something. It's what I always end up doing. Had Buddy not been there, I'd never bat an eyelid or bother going in!

I think as long as the other birds are health tested, etc, then bring him to the store! It's new experiences, company, and with you all day, it's great

I totally agree! My birds take up some square footage in my shop but people love seeing them. I wouldn't have it any other way. Plus, I get to have them here with me. I do have customers who love coming in to see them!

Even if you had my less favoured stock, over another store, I'd come to yours because it's way more interesting. :54:

 

[Blancaej]

I'm the largest candy store in Vermont, I try not to disappoint!

The birds definitely add an entertainment value to the shop!

 

[baron1282]

I like The Bird Shop! Except it's a little too far away from me! LOL


My only question is, are you sure you would want to be there for that many hours? I'm just thinking of a store near where I live that closes at 6 (annoying when I worked the same hours as they were open on weekdays!) and has shorter open hours during the weekends.

Just bringing it up as a precaution as people can get burnt out if they work too much! Unless of course, you are used to it!

If I don't work that many hours they will just go to the Jack's Pets in Harrison that is 35 miles away. I like Jack's Pets but I don't want my customers to go there.

Besides when it's my own store, I won't be working! I think the difference between working and not working is having someone higher up breathing down your neck all the time. When I am working, it's for myself and no one else. So it won't feel like work when I can take a break anytime and goof off when no customers are in the store. The only work will be stocking shelves, cleaning cages, making sure my animals are healthy, cleaning the store, and selling to customers. Simple!:42:

I am really thinking the store hours will be as follows.

M: 1-9
T: 1-9
W: 9-9
T: 9-9
F: 9-9
S: 9-9
S: 1-9

The One to 9 is because some people don't shop on Monday Mornings, and Tuesday are kind of slow. Sunday's is because I go to Church.


On the store Mascot I think it's important for a small store like mine to have a draw. I can make the fancy displays, and I know how to bundle on the Gondola's to make a nice Display to sale things. I worked retail all my life and was a manager for a store. I got the retail side down! When I get a bigger store (THE HOPE), I am going to do more than just a bird. I plan on having a few pets that most people do not have, a sort of little zoo. I want a Shark Tank which would be a 20 thousand gallon tank with at least three Black Tip Reef Sharks, my Macaw, and a Big Lizard. My plan would be to have four exotic pets that most people can't take care of, each connected to their respected area's of the store.

Of course that's the dream! My main goal now is just to break a little over even.:32:

 

[MonicaMc]

Sounds like a plan!


My local bird store has a greenwing macaw, a sun conure, a white bellied caique, a quaker, a major mitchells cockatoo and a hyacinth macaw as store pets. They used to have a vasa parrot as well, but she was sent away and got a boyfriend! (I think in other words, set up in a breeding program). Everyone can handle the caique, and many people wish they could handle the hyacinth but that beak tends to scare them! Even though I've known her for years, and I've handled her, that beak still scares me! LOL The other ones aren't so easily hand able by strangers.

 

[bluecrownmama]

Sounds awesome to me. And like a lot of fun. Someone needs to open a petshop in western maryland please! My only thought is a "give back" not a "buy back" program. Or a "bird behavior consult" program might help, and another way to bring in money. Good Luck! So exciting!

 

[ruffledfeathers]

Love the idea. We have a local store that sells "home made" dog cookies, cakes and treats as well as dog supplies (and Penny tries to do her homework with what brands to carry in terms of food, treats that she doesn't bake and collars/leashes). They do some contests and team up with local rescue groups for events. I think it adds character to a town to have such a store instead of just another huge retail chain.

Having the store puppy is great too. Every pet lover in town knows Tallulah.

My dogs love visiting and will pull their leashes toward the door when we walk by, even on Sunday when they are closed!! (But mom, she gives us COOKIES?!)

And, speaking of the store mascot pet being burned out--true. Tallulah was acting funny, so Penny had an animal behaviorist (kind of like a pet psychic/communicator) do a session with Tallulah and she said "she wants some days off to stay home and relax". LOL. Now she is only in the store a couple times per week.