Thinking Of Starting A Lfs...in Process Of Thining Of Things...

[WAShrimp]

What would you guys look in a LFS? Certain fish you would like to see? Certain invertebrates? Would you like both fresh and salt varieties?

I am thinking that I either would breed fish myself or get them from reputable breeders. I am new to the invertebrates, but have had fish most of my life. So I do know how to take care of tanks, and if I every have questions I hope I can ask here.

Would carrying rarer fish for the collector be a good idea.

I am thinking of having a way to show people all the things that can co-habitate in an aquarium, and give them information on care and such.

All information is greatly appreciated and all suggestions are very much appreciated...

Jen

 

[ncguppy830]

well i would be your number one shopper! 

 

[Blondielovesfish]

One thing I always like in a fish shop is if they have a temperature controlled room for their tropical and marine fish. I don't buy from anywhere that doesn't

Keep as big of a range as you can, in both fish equipment. Also, make sure you have experienced fish keepers as staff

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Here are a few things to consider.
 
1. You can not stock fish from breeders, you will have to buy from wholesalers. You can breed things that you sell, but not enough to stock a store.
2. It is almost impossible to make a store that doesn't go bankrupt by doing fresh water alone.
3. Aside from knowing how to care for whatever fish etc, that you stock, the most important skill you need is being a fish doctor. If you can not diagnose and treat the problems that will be coming in with your inventory, you are dead in the water (not to make a pun).
 
I really wanted a store and could have owned one had I wanted. I do not because I am unwilling to lose the amount of capital required to open one. So here is my suggestion. One can sell fish online from home.I know lots of people who do. Some breed, some import, some buy wholesale and resell and many do some combination of the three. Start by creating an online business. It takes way less to do and your risk is way less as well. If you can build up a solid online trade it will serve as your cash flow generator when you move to a full retail operation. The day your store opens you will already have an income stream to help pay the bills while the store can't be doing until it builds up a regular clientele and a reputation. Plus the online rep will transfer to the store.
 
Starting online will also give you a taste of what is involved. You may discover you really don't want a store after all.

 

[Liv15]

If I was you I would buy a load of things from a wholesaler ( aquariums, décor, equipment, etc) and sell them online. Save all your profit in a bank account which will then be used later on in setting up your business. It's called "retained profit". So start off not selling livestock or if you already breed fish then sell them locally, ie on a classified ads website, as well as what I said first.
Also make a Facebook page which will let people know about you and then when you decide to open a store you can post the grand opening time on there, lots of people would show up!

 

[draxis]

Put it right next to a Walmart, Petsmart, and Petco; then beat them and run them out of business!

 

[HHH]

In a lfs i would like to see more "oddities" by "oddities" i mean something other than the standard stuff. Such as different types of loaches