How Much?

[mcdanielnc89]

How much ya'l;l think it would cost to start up a fish store???..... and any advise you would want to give someone starting one? (other than research... LOOOOL...

 

[Teelie]

That would depend on where you live but at a guess, a lot of money from the bank.

 

[K.J.]

A big loan.

 

[jess6905]

iv been wondering the exact same thing

 

[Danno]

Well all depends on location, selection, and your bank. Plus if you are going to house fresh AND saltwater.

It is probably around 120 grand to start up the basics.

 

[mcdanielnc89]

i was thinking doing freshwater first and eventually doing saltwater lateron.....


my biggest fear would be gewtting in the hole and not getting out of it...

 

[Danno]

That would be a huge undertaking. This isn't something that you would just casually talk about. With that much money on the line.....

I couldn't even imagine the legalities of it all.

 

[mcdanielnc89]

well, It isn't going to happen for a couple of years I wouldn't think.. but WIth the way I have progressed my college is only going to take me about 4 months.(ONLINE) and I'm going for COmputer programming, Web and Graphic designing,. that's about 40 granda year or more possibly just for web design..... Then after those, I'm going to do an accounting class...

And take a class for aquaics...

 

[Danno]

$400,000 dollar year salary? You mean $40,000?

 

[mcdanielnc89]

lol, meant 40 grand on teh web design.. Imma be doing Web Design, Graphic Design, And Computer Programming al together... so might be around roughly at 160 grand or more a year.... sry for the mistake...

 

[wendywc]

Here's a list of items I came up with for starting a business. I'm no expert by a long shot since I've never done that, but I thought of quite alot of things that it would involve. And I'm sure I'm forgetting tons.


To get started...
- land ---if buying
- building ---if building
- application and other initial papers/processes for starting up a business
- tanks and tanks setup ---in a rack, for example
- plumbing/water, heater, and filtration system(s) for all tanks
- wiring and electric to support all tanks, filtrations, and lighting
- interior store setup (cleaning supplies, insulation, interior paint, store lighting, AC, heater, cash register, safe, security system,...)
- storefront setup (exterior paint, signage, locks,...)
- additional cleanup, repairs, and fees for building/business regulation codes, wiring codes, etc.
- time to cycle all tanks
- fish foods, meds, decors, lights, supplies,... to stock the store
- selection of tanks and stands to sell
- stocks of fish after cycling including shipping/transport
- time/cost for website setup with store URL and email contacts ---optional

Weekly/biweekly...
- staff pay
- restocking of fish and goods ---including shipping/transport

Monthly...
- lease ---if renting
- insurance
- electricity
- gas
- water/trash/sewer
- phone/internet

Yearly...
- federal and/or state taxes
- CPA hired to keep paperwork in check

 

[Bignose]

You should be able to research at least some of the info without delving too deeply into the question. How much would it take to lease a store in your area? What kind of deal would the water company give you? Or the electric company? How much does labor cost in your area? How many people live there?

Then, the secondary questions like how much competition you would have? How much demand would you have? Are there local clubs you can visit and see if there is demand?

Is there anyway you could work with your town's small business committe or development grant for your area to help you answer these questions? I.e. have someone help you with market research and business plans, etc. Something with a local university's business school might be a good/cheap resource, too. I think that having a lot of these questions answered would tell you a lot about how much it would cost to run and maintain a fish business in your area.

 

[iairj84]

Like has been said their are a lot of varying things to think before giving an estimate... It would depend on if you wanted to keep it just fish or all pets. The all pet stores can often times be a little more profitable IMO but often times lack the fish parts of the store. Space is also a huge concern and rent isn't cheap. You would also need the capitol needed to buy the products.

I've started an aquarium maintenance service in the area and I'm starting to get clients. This is a good way to start because their is not a large amount of capital needed to start. It's something you already know how to do and It's essentially easy money if you're good enough at it.

The Livestock is what brings in the customers but it's the dry goods that bring in the $$$!!!