[snakelover]

Hi
In about 6-7 years i am wanting to open a reptile shop, and tropical fish.
I was woundering what Qualifications I would need.
And any advice on opening one would be great.

 

[superhannahmarie]

Firstly you will need to identify the area in which there is need for a shop - there's no point in opening a shop a 15 minute drive away from an already established shop, so I suggest you get a great big map of the U.K and mark on it all the shops that are already open. This should allow you to see any gaps in the market.

As for qualifications you will ideally have a higher certificate or diploma in animal management, plus the City&Guilds pet store management certificate. A specialist certificate in herpetology, such as those offered by Proteus or Compass would also be an advantage.

In the meantime get as much experiance as you can, and if possible, start building a collection of breeding livestock at home - this way you know that any babies you sell in your shop will have been cared for properly, as well as possibly saving you money in the long run.

Good Luck!

Hannah

 

[snakelover]

Hi
Thanks for the advice.
I have read a million care sheets. so i no abit from care sheets, but i have only ever had one snake, the one iv got now a baby PRB. I do read alot about evrything to do with reptiles.(and fish). I am hoping to get some lizards soon. so i now what im doing with them and i will have a lil expireienc with them. I dont have well expirience with lizards and snakes, evrything(most the stuff) i now comes from reading. I spend all day reading upon lizards nd snakes.

Hope that makes sence :? :wink:

 

[Guest]

It does make sense mate but their is a whole world betwen knowing your stuff from reading up on it and then knowing your stuff through owning it.I would advise you to find employment within the areas you are looking at.Another rep shop would be ideal really or widen your knowledge through what you own.Also remember that things change all the time and whilst this can be a nightmare for the general shop owner it is a good thing as we are learning new things about our pets all the time.Thats where forum come in handy.What is being used in husbandry today could well be obsolete in 5-10 years time.

I think you are going about it the right way though mate and if you are serious about it then i wish you all the luck.Its a hard business to do and requires a lot of time.

 

[snakelover]

Thanks Greenphase.
I'm not going to open a shop unless i now evrything i need to now. OVIUSLY. But i am serious about it and i'm going to work my ass off to get myself a good shop and good healthy reaptiles.

 

[Robbie]

Without going into the livestock side of owning an exotics shop, most businesses lose money in there first couple of years. You'd likely need a hefty savings account or a few investors to see you through.
Then you'd need to find livestock suppliers with the relevant certification. An accountant. You'd maybe even need an independent vet to check on your stock from time to time? A bit like the DWA condition.
I'm not 100% on all that. You need to do ALOT more research into the formalities of a public trader.