Article: Many pet stores will offer different services such as grooming, animal training, and boarding. The more diversified your services, the more likely you are to be successful.  If you decide to offer additional services, you’ll need to make sure you’re aware of different legal requirements and the local market. You can find this information by checking with your local regional animal care office and visiting local pet stores. Even if you offer several different services, it’s a good idea to have a service in which you specialize to help attract clients. For example, maybe you know a lot about natural pet foods and toys. Consider specializing in selling organic products. It’s important to not be too diversified. Offer several different services that you do well instead of dozens that you do marginally. Set up pricing structure for your services. Knowing how much you want to charge in advance can make you appear more professional when you meet with clients.  You may want to set base rates and tailor them according to how much work each individual product will cost. Be aware the large retailers may offer the same products for a lower price, so consider if and how you want to compete with them. Looking at what other pet stores or manufacturer’s suggested retail prices will give you a point of reference. Make sure your prices are commensurate with your experience and your region. Once you know your price structure, install an invoicing and payment system. Consider the types of payment you will accept and how you will write receipts, which will help legitimize your business and make it easier to report income.  Make sure to have a separate bank account for your business than you do for personal finances.  Likewise, have separate credit lines for your business than you do for yourself.  Make sure every aspect of your pricing and billing is transparent to clients and vendors. Maintaining fair business practices is vital to your success. Ads are often the first impression potential clients have of you and you’ll want to consider different media to attract clients. Hooking your potential customers and keeping the message simple and concise can help attract a wide array clients.  If you decide to design your own ads and website, research local businesses advertising to guide your design. You want your brand to be simple, distinctive, and attractive to your clients and potential customers. Design your ads to complement your brand. Use similar color and design schemes so that clients and potential customers associate these elements with you.  Partner with other businesses to advertise your pet store. You can work out a system where other local businesses or national manufacturers to display your business information in their office or on their website in exchange for putting their information in your store or on your website.  Getting involved in community activities is a type of free marketing, such as sponsoring a local dog park. Donating a service or making a contribution to a charity gets your name out in the public you want to serve. Guarantee the quality of your products and services. If you believe in them enough to guarantee satisfaction, potential clients may be more likely try out your business and current clients may be more likely to keep coming back. Staying in regular contact with your target markets by email or regular mail will keep your pet store name readily available. It can also direct clients and potential customers to your media accounts or retail space.  For example, you can write a monthly or bi-monthly newsletter, but make sure to keep your information concise and the sales pitch at a minimum. Let customers know about any upcoming specials or promotions you have. Develop different specials or offers for clients that do not decrease your profits. Offering people an incentive can attract them to try out or return to your store. Think of something inexpensive but effective at enticing possible clients. For example, create a food buyer club. For example, for every ten bags of food purchased, a customer could receive the 11th bag free. You can also offer a discount to first time clients or on slower business days. Small businesses rely heavily on word-of-mouth advertising. Train employees how to build clientele through referrals and client relationships. Give a discount or upgrade on later visit to clients who refer a friend.  Be sure your business cards, media sites, and ads mention how clients can "friend" you on social media sites. Mention the benefits of being a friend of your store and consider coupling this with sweepstakes and daily deals offered only through your social media sites.  Develop incentive programs for referrals. For example, you can run a contest for clients who refer the most new customers by rewarding them a free bag of food or other pet supplies. Pet supplies can be a very lucrative business that is as susceptible to trends as other industries. Staying abreast of current pet store and pet supply trends can help you maintain a successful and healthy business. Read trade publications, attend continuing education, and network with other pet professional to help you stay current in your skills, services, and trends. If you want to expand your business farther, consider selling your products online. This can can help increase your profits.  Your web site should present a snapshot of the experience a client will enjoy at your store. It is important that your store have a professional looking website because it can draw in potential clients and help keep your current customers. < Include sections on different services, products you sell, and any specials you offer. Structure the web site so that search engines can easily locate and bring potential clients to it. In the early stages, you may need to be the only person on staff- or you may not yet have the finances to hire staff. If you decide to hire someone to work with you, you’ll need to interview the person and make sure they are professional, experienced with animals or pet stores, and can help you grow your business.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Offer different pet services. Set up a pricing structure. Install an invoicing and payment system. Set up a marketing strategy. Guarantee your products and services. Write informational newsletters. Offer specials to potential and current customers. Encourage client referrals. Stay on top of pet store and supply trends. Sell your products online. Consider whether you want or need to hire staff to assist you.