How to Open a Tropical Fish Store
- 1). Choose the area where the tropical store store will be located. The store should be in an area where the population has disposable income. It should be in a location where there could be a good amount of walk-in traffic. Easy access for delivery trucks is important.
Discuss these questions with the local Chamber of Commerce. - 2). Plan to have enough cash reserves that will not only pay for the construction and remodeling of the space but will cover all start-up costs as well.
Allow for several years of minimal income while the store establishes its name. The sum needed varies according to the store's rent and the business owner's own personal needs but it's safest to assume that the store won't cover its costs for several years. If it does, all the better! - 3). Obtain all necessary licensing for opening a tropical fish store. Applications for licenses for tropical fish stores must be made through the local state's Department of Agriculture. The representative of each State's Department of Agriculture will be able to provide the state's requirements for operating a tropical fish store in that state.
- 4). Learn about the varieties of tropical fish (see references below). Find out what the needs are for each type of fish and make sure that the store is equipped to properly care for each different species. Things to think about will be:
Aquariums--how many will there be? Which fish can be together in a tank? Will there be freshwater and saltwater fish? Which fish need to be in aquariums that receive sunlight? Which fish need to be in aquariums that are shaded?
Food--what types of food do each of the fish need? How will the food be obtained?
Staffing--how will the staffing work? Who will provide care for the fish on weekends and holidays?
Needed items--what other items will be needed to successfully maintain and care for the fish? Filters? Pumps? Vegetation?
Veterinary care--there must be access to a qualified veterinarian specializing in fish care who will be able to advise and assist with health issues. Nothing will close a tropical fish store faster than an sick contagious fish. - 5). Find a licensed contractor who will remodel or build the shop according to the design which has been decided upon.
Ask the contractors to see samples of their previous work, especially their commercial remodeling or construction. Speak to their previous clients to ask their opinions about the contractor's work.
Source...