how can I start my own reptile shop?

Question

I need to know where to get my reptiles and supplies and stuff

Answer 1

most ple start by there own collection, and buy a store to keep them in and wutever they sell, they sell. Some ple jus order them from a petshop line(which is a bad idea cuz they only do it for profit and think of the animals as money makers and not animals themselves) and go from there....
good luck.

Answer 2

What "Having a blonde day" said - plus - contact local folks who breed herps. You'll get animals where you will know more about their history and conditions they've been kept in. And you won't have shipping fees like you would from a breeder, so your prices may be lower than than your competitors.

If you already keep herps, look at the names of the manufacturers of your products. Then, visit those companies' websites. You don't go through them directly, but through one of many distributors they have around the country. Also, look through any herp magazines (Reptiles, Reptile & Amphibian, Reptilia, Reptile Hobbyist, Vivarium) for oddball companies that your local store might carry. You won't have room to stock everything from every company, but find standard items (lighting, tanks, food, supplements) and some items (especially with tank decor) that may be different than what other local stores carry to set yourself apart.

Join a reptile organization in your area (if you aren't a member already). You'll meet breeders and potential customers. Talk to them. Find out what products they like, what they use, what they keep, what they breed, etc. Also, find out what they CAN'T find locally and offer it.

Hire knowledgeable employees who can answer questions for customers. Keep a good variety of herps, from easy-to-keep standards (leopard gecko, bearded dragon, corn snake, ball python) through a few challenging species for advanced keepers (chameleons, tree monitors) and a variety of prices (not everyone wants to pay a couple hundred to a couple thousand for color morphs - they just want a pet).

And whatever livestock you sell - plan to sell everything it needs, plus replacements.

Answer 3

do your homework and research reptile suppliers that can ship to your "shop". Also research a list of breeders that you can get your animals from, you could also breed them yourself in the shop. To save on costs you can also breed your own roaches, crickets for yourself and to sell. Look into what you need for shop fittings etc.
Have you thought about trying to set up an online shop, possibly on ebay or something, less overheads as you can work from home.

Answer 4

Having a Breeding section, and a Retail section of my store, it makes it easy. I personally recommend U.S.Global Exotics on the web. Over the years you will get burned here and there, no-matter how talented you may be. Jason is very reasonable and has excellent prices. A small liner ad in local paper will bring in some activity. Number one suggestion; don't rush head-on, go steady and save $$$$, bargains come up, you got it covered. Good deals mean more profit. Good Luck !!