Own your own fish store

[fuzzybob4]

Has any one opened their own fish store?

[Big_Pun]

ive worked at a couple and its not a money maker thats for sure, a lot of work. look around here and see how many have popped up and closed or sold off. many people think you can just buy some tanks filters and bam, but its very hard unless you have a lot money to get going and stat afloat while you get off the ground. and dont think you can survive on just maast people cause eventually people leave hobby or just run out of room to buy new stuff. without new customers its hard. i think this city has enough fish stores maybe too many to compete with the bigger established stores.

[fuzzybob4]

Where I currently live their are 3 LFS and in Austin down south their is only one, most are up north.

[Big_Pun]

Where I currently live their are 3 LFS and in Austin down south their is only one, most are up north.

doesn't seem like corpus has a big reef community and austin has a lot of established shops. if you think you can offer more than those shops in austin go for it.

[fuzzybob4]

I know that if I stated more in the south it would be busy, because of the traffic from San Antonio and San Marcos

[Big_Pun]

I know that if I stated more in the south it would be busy, because of the traffic from San Antonio and San Marcos

theres a few shop between san antonio and san Marcus there is darbys, pollys and a new store in san marcus or new braunfels cant remember ......

[fuzzybob4]

But that's only like 3 stores pulse Petco

[Big_Pun]

But that's only like 3 stores pulse Petco

thats alot for lil area san Antonio has like 5-6 decent stores and its not like they are making money hand over fist. but hey if thats your dream make it happen. im a lil jaded cause ive seem first hand what it takes to own a fish store and i wouldn't ever do it.

[Zack]

Is there a new store in sm?

There's earth angel but that place is just a rebrand of aanimal wonders

[fuzzybob4]

I only know of the Petco in Kyle and the Polly's pet shop in San Marcos.

[Zack]

Pollys is in nb and u city. Are you wanting to open up a store in corpis or down here?

[aquasport24]

Another one just poped up on Nacodoghes rd too.

[Big_Pun]

water world in new braunfels is the other one i was thinking about. see how fast we forget about stores lol

[Scutterborn]

Darby's is up near New Braunfels too.


- Ben -

[fuzzybob4]

I want to open one up in Austin, but have not found the right place yet. I'm also just string out, but I guess the ones we left off are not that good lol.

[Gseclipse02]

ive worked at a couple and its not a money maker thats for sure, a lot of work. look around here and see how many have popped up and closed or sold off. many people think you can just buy some tanks filters and bam, but its very hard unless you have a lot money to get going and stat afloat while you get off the ground. and dont think you can survive on just maast people cause eventually people leave hobby or just run out of room to buy new stuff. without new customers its hard. i think this city has enough fish stores maybe too many to compete with the bigger established stores.

when working at a store also notice a lot what your saying but yea defiantly dont depend on maast they provide less than %15 of your business i might even guess 10%

most stores that fail have one thing in common they dont have enough dry goods ... thats were your money is IMO

[Gseclipse02]

austin may have fewer stores but those few stores are top notch some of the best ones i have been too

[fuzzybob4]

Yeah I have noticed that a lot only carry corals and fish, not dry goods, or standard aquariums or stands.
yeah the ones in Austin are mince but I always go in and don't see the variety.

[ducati996]

Go for it if u don't try u will never know I support it

[fuzzybob4]

Thank you, all my friends are supportive of me setting up a store but the family is like it will never work.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

you have to enjoy what you are doing, without making profit, lets not kid ourselves making money pays the bills. It would be nice to go to a shop and have a burger and cold drink.
I mean you walk in and theirs fish tanks everywhere. Why not a bar first or burger shop. IM just saying or just a lounge area read a book, surf the internet, drink some coffee
try a new idea. . . just a thought

[Zack]

If you open a store in sab marcos and can provide quality goods at a good price, you got yourself a customer.

I hate the selection here and would love another local store

[Gseclipse02]

Yeah I have noticed that a lot only carry corals and fish, not dry goods, or standard aquariums or stands.
yeah the ones in Austin are mince but I always go in and don't see the variety.


cant really expect store to carry custom stuff ... it cost to much to just sit on it ... if some one wants they will order plain and simple


the one thing that ****es me off at every store except one ( i dont shop at) none sell drinks (Louis always offers me his diet coke but i dont want to take the mans drink) but i wish stores would at least sell some water bottles Gatorade

[KING]

Hey..are you new to the hobby..?.just asking cus i think if you have been in for more then a year. You would have to know its not all that of a good idea.. But if its what you want to do then go ahead an try it..its your money..But iv read some feed back from two good guys that have worked at a shop an are telling u str8 out its not good..but best of luck..

[Scutterborn]

cant really expect store to carry custom stuff ... it cost to much to just sit on it ... if some one wants they will order plain and simple


the one thing that ****es me off at every store except one ( i dont shop at) none sell drinks (Louis always offers me his diet coke but i dont want to take the mans drink) but i wish stores would at least sell some water bottles Gatorade

I'd offer you a soda if you ever came over anymore...

:)


- Ben -

[fuzzybob4]

Hey..are you new to the hobby..?.just asking cus i think if you have been in for more then a year. You would have to know its not all that of a good idea.. But if its what you want to do then go ahead an try it..its your money..But iv read some feed back from two good guys that have worked at a shop an are telling u str8 out its not good..but best of luck..

Ive been in the hobby for 9 years now, I have wanted to run my own business for the past 5 years, and I do know that most of the profit comes from dry goods, because people will all ways need fish food and filters and lights

[Big_Pun]

Ive been in the hobby for 9 years now, I have wanted to run my own business for the past 5 years, and I do know that most of the profit comes from dry goods, because people will all ways need fish food and filters and lights

leds last 50 thousand hours no one will ever need bulbs again lol...... sorry couldnt pass up that joke!

i know you want to see a variety of stuff but those who want special fish or tanks just order them, other wise who wants a 500 dollar fish to sit in a holding tank and die! or a tank sit for over a year.


JT ive thought the same thing on drinks lol!

[fuzzybob4]

Yeah I know what you mean but I would have may be one or two show tanks with rare things that I would be able to get a hold of for clients, that way they can see some of the cool things that are out their.
But yeah I know led's last a long time I have them on my 15 gallon, but transformers go out so people will need them, and other things.

[Zack]

If your serious about opening one up, nothing we say will stop you. I'm excited to have another shop to visit though.

[fuzzybob4]

Yeah. I hope to start one up but have to start up small, lol

[JerryD120]

I have been to Waterworld in New Braunfels, and must say, it is a nice store. They have a nice variety of fish (not so much in corals). And they have called me several times on my request of certain. They also have a good variety of dry goods (lighting,sumps,skimmers etc.). I would recommend them.

With that being said, I think San Marcos would be a good location. I work in San Marcos and everyone I work with, though only a couple of people, recommend going into Austin for a good fish store. Setup a good shop, put your name out there and see what happens. Just my opinions, but that it why we are here. Good luck!

[Zack]

Yeah, i know a few sm reefers whi would love to have you in our city

[fuzzybob4]

I was thinking in Kyle by the lowes in that shopping area. What do you think?

[Zack]

A little far but i wouldn't mind

[fuzzybob4]

I figured its a good mid way point between north Austin and San Marcos that way people in both directions don't have to drive to far

[JerryD120]

If setting up in Kyle, you may want to post in ARC (if you haven't already). I only recommend San Marcos because I work there. Anything beyond that I think you would have more traffic from Austin. Just my opinion. But I am always open to visiting new stores.

[fuzzybob4]

Yeah I have not checked to see what people say on their yet.

[ramsey]

Be different and open a coffee/fish store. I'd be awesome to have a place to hang out, drink coffee, buy corals and talk fish all day! :) Ok, maybe I'm dreaming but if it was going to work, Austin would be the place. A bar/fish store would be cool too. Just think about it, people will pay you to get them drunk, then you can sell them a bunch of coral and fish when their inhibitions are lowered! Haha

[Gseclipse02]

I'd offer you a soda if you ever came over anymore...

:)


- Ben -

lol thanks man !!! but soda is bad for you lol ... the caffeine gets me all hyped up lol

[Big_Pun]

Be different and open a coffee/fish store. I'd be awesome to have a place to hang out, drink coffee, buy corals and talk fish all day! :) Ok, maybe I'm dreaming but if it was going to work, Austin would be the place. A bar/fish store would be cool too. Just think about it, people will pay you to get them drunk, then you can sell them a bunch of coral and fish when their inhibitions are lowered! Haha

think gabe did that but it didnt work??????

[aquasport24]

I don't think it would be a good idea with a bunch of drunks in a China shop like enviroment...lol

[fuzzybob4]

Be different and open a coffee/fish store. I'd be awesome to have a place to hang out, drink coffee, buy corals and talk fish all day! :) Ok, maybe I'm dreaming but if it was going to work, Austin would be the place. A bar/fish store would be cool too. Just think about it, people will pay you to get them drunk, then you can sell them a bunch of coral and fish when their inhibitions are lowered! Haha

For awhile my girlfriend wanted to open up a coffee shop and had an idea of actually doing this, I think it would work of you has it kind set up like Barnes & Noble but with fish instead of books.

[jrossjr79]

IMO, if you want to go for it, go for it. But keep in mind there are alot of competitors all around, from the Big Stores, Internet, and the small Garage Businesses. Will take alot of work, and alot of money to keep afloat. It can be done, but keep in mind, first 6 months to a year you will sink alot of money into it and may not see a profit from it.

Good Luck and keep us posted if you decide to go through with it.

[fuzzybob4]

Thank you, I think I will plan to run it ot of a garage to start but than grow.

[Zack]

Get with Dan, he started his business and I believe he runs it out of his home (unless he got a brick and mortar). He may have some advice for you.

[fuzzybob4]

Is Dan his name on here?

[Zack]

I believe it's Dan@JOTS or something like that. He owns and operates Jewels of the Sea

[fuzzybob4]

Ok cool

[jrossjr79]

He is a great guy, although I do not remember is Screen Name on here, but owns his own store out of his house with Oystercrete rock and corals.

[fuzzybob4]

Does he have a web site

[Big_Pun]

Thank you, I think I will plan to run it ot of a garage to start but than grow.

ok first off many of you dont know this but wholesale companies will not sell to you with out an actual brick and mortar store front or a full internet commerce site. there are a few people on here who have got away with by misrepresenting themselves and just using a tax ID and not telling the wholesaler they are working out of their houses. this is morally wrong as it hurts LFS in that area. how is actual lfs who pays rent and overhead suppose to compete with a guy who can undercut prices because he is doing out his house. yes its great for the consumer but what happens when lfs has to close doors and we cant buy dry goods locally? if your going to do it, go about the right way. then we wonder why so lfs are hurting and open and close so frequently, ite hard enough competing with online stores.

[fuzzybob4]

I do own a tax ID and I do own the right to True Blue Reefs witch is the name of my store, I'm currently only selling to local people, but I don't drop the price as to where I can't make a profit or to be like oh you can come to me because I can get a better deal on every thing, it's not like that all with my store, and I don't do it to make my aquariums amazing.

[jcnkt_ellis]

Owning and running a commercial fish business out of the garage is perfectly legal according to San Antonio zoning ordinances, so implying something shady or criminal is going on because of it is improper.

[KING]

I really dont see the point of this hole post?. Was it to help ur reef club get some play or ur web site?

[fuzzybob4]

It was to find someone who has opened a business

[LuckySingh]

Thing is this these big online vendors are making these local fish store take a big hit ...



Thanks
Lucky Singh

[fuzzybob4]

Yeah, but a lot of people like to see what they are getting before they buy to make sure that the animal is healthy

[ramsey]

think gabe did that but it didnt work??????

Gabe messed up because he'd drink too then start giving you better deals on coral! :P I miss Gabe's, fun times.

[Gseclipse02]

ok first off many of you dont know this but wholesale companies will not sell to you with out an actual brick and mortar store front or a full internet commerce site. there are a few people on here who have got away with by misrepresenting themselves and just using a tax ID and not telling the wholesaler they are working out of their houses. this is morally wrong as it hurts LFS in that area. how is actual lfs who pays rent and overhead suppose to compete with a guy who can undercut prices because he is doing out his house. yes its great for the consumer but what happens when lfs has to close doors and we cant buy dry goods locally? if your going to do it, go about the right way. then we wonder why so lfs are hurting and open and close so frequently, ite hard enough competing with online stores.


who cares its a part of business the garage can only take some one so far. A store is at a different level to compete with ... if a place that small is hurting your business i think you have other issues reminds me of a store that got mad for people selling/ trading frags

[fuzzybob4]

Most good stores would sell frags or trade frags because by having some one come in and say hay I want to trade this large coral for 2 smaller corals they will get repeat business.

[Big_Pun]

who cares its a part of business the garage can only take some one so far. A store is at a different level to compete with ... if a place that small is hurting your business i think you have other issues reminds me of a store that got mad for people selling/ trading frags

says the guy who complains about paying retail for anything always looking for "hook up"

and its not fair when lfs orders from lets say sea dwelling then a guy out his house orders from them too at same price. now lfs will need to mark up higher to cover business cost but the home store gets the same fish and coral but can sell cheaper than lfs. where are you going to buy it, the place with cheaper price... i know i would

[Big_Pun]

Owning and running a commercial fish business out of the garage is perfectly legal according to San Antonio zoning ordinances, so implying something shady or criminal is going on because of it is improper.

but do they get the permit? also are they honest with wholesaler that they are not a brick mortar cause wholesalers have diff accounts and prices for real store or store out a house.

[Scutterborn]

It's capitalism at its finest, guys. People on this forum only account for a very small percentage of the customers at our local stores. Do you think the guy who's going to go in and buy a brand-new 350 gallon system all the way decked out with all the bells and whistles is going to go to some guys house? No. He's going to go to a nice store. Now, will some of us go to somebody's house to get excellent deals on excellent corals? Yes. However, I would be remiss to remind you that we are but a small percentage of the Marine aquarium customer base in San Antonio. I say go for it! If you have a dream and act on that dream I have nothing but hope for you. It's always the decisions that we don't make it we look back with sincere and utter regret.
I started my own business in 2008 right before the market fell. I lost everything. Never made a dime and only lost money. Do I regret it? No. I have learned from it. But I'd be a liar to say that I haven't thought about opening up my own business again.


Small businesses are the heart of our country and what our country was founded upon. Many large corporations are trying to eliminate small businesses today. I always prefer to deal with the small business over some of the big box stores.




-Ben-

[fuzzybob4]

Most wholesale company's will not sell their stuff to people who do not have a store from or warehouse of some sort unless you are doing tank mantenance, but even than you have to jump through hoops to get stock list and things like that.

[jrossjr79]

It's capitalism at its finest, guys. People on this forum only account for a very small percentage of the customers at our local stores. Do you think the guy who's going to go in and buy a brand-new 350 gallon system all the way decked out with all the bells and whistles is going to go to some guys house? No. He's going to go to a nice store. Now, will some of us go to somebody's house to get excellent deals on excellent corals? Yes. However, I would be remiss to remind you that we are but a small percentage of the Marine aquarium customer base in San Antonio. I say go for it! If you have a dream and act on that dream I have nothing but hope for you. It's always the decisions that we don't make it we look back with sincere and utter regret.
I started my own business in 2008 right before the market fell. I lost everything. Never made a dime and only lost money. Do I regret it? No. I have learned from it. But I'd be a liar to say that I haven't thought about opening up my own business again.


Small businesses are the heart of our country and what our country was founded upon. Many large corporations are trying to eliminate small businesses today. I always prefer to deal with the small business over some of the big box stores.




-Ben-



who cares its a part of business the garage can only take some one so far. A store is at a different level to compete with ... if a place that small is hurting your business i think you have other issues reminds me of a store that got mad for people selling/ trading frags


Both are very good points. And let us not forget, that just because its a big brick and mortar store that it is better anyway. Honestly ask your self, and not just based on price, would you buy coral frags from Petco, Petsmart, or from Dan or Ben? Yes Petco and Petsmart are the bigger Pet Store, but honestly, the care they provide for the livestock is bare minimum. I honestly will pay more for better service and better livestock. Price does not have so much to do it with livestock, at least as far as I am concerned.

Food, that is another thing, and honestly, I am not to trusting of what a big company puts into their food products, I rather either A make my own, or b order from that guy who constantly post on Craigslist.

Hardware, obviously there I will go who ever has the cheapest price, I will go for the deal here, as long as everything is on the up and up.

Most companies start out small, sometimes out of a flea market booth, or garage, a small vehicle, etc. Some of those grow to be big businesses. MS, Apple, some perfume company, and many others have those success stories. Hell even KFC has a very similar story.

But to point out something we should all have seen, remember grocery stores and retail stores, and coffee shops and donut shops that were in SA, and anywhere else for that matter. Most of this has been lost to Krispy Kreme, Starbucks, Wal-mart, and HEB. And all honesty, they drove the competitors out, then gave us crappy service with high prices.

Sorry, been drinking and felt like rambling :) Happy Father's day, and to the OP, good luck with your en devours.

[fuzzybob4]

Thank you, and yes most company have started off Sam and grown thats how you have to start in my opinion.

[350gt]

Tattoo shops hate artist working out of their garage..

Taco shops hate taco trucks......

One reason why is they get by on a lot of stuff that a shop has to abide by.... So many rules and regulations that someone working from home can away with....

But with that said....

I have no issues with one trying...

If you have a dream, follow it.. If not you will live the rest of your life wondering "what if".....

Good luck!

[fuzzybob4]

Thank you

[Ram_Puppy]

I'm convinced that the type of store most of us would want to open would need to be something along the lines of a medium sized store front which caters to the locals, with a large scale warehouse/operation attached on the order of liveaquaria.com or saltwaterfish.com. Such an operation would also need a buyer living in LA and other import cities and perhaps even develop overseas connections with collectors and such.

Why? as was stated - 500 dollar angels in the holding tank are 500 dollar risks - fish food sitting on the shelf is capital tied up and taking up space. You have to be competitive if you want to carry a lot of exotics and variety, and specialized equipment - or you have to be the only game in town. Otherwise your hit and miss - and we all want consistency. I live in NB and while I'm trying to give business to WaterWorld they don't carry the dry goods I like or livestock I am interested in. So if I need a LFS hookup - I hop in the ram and toodle up to Aquadome or down to Aquarium Designs. When I needed a new Skimmer I called up Jason ad AD and asked "Can you get me this Reef Octopus Diablo 12" 300-EXT" and he said "Sure - but i can't compete w/ Aquacave - you should order from them." Done and done.

In essence - I think unless you just have a really killer business plan - you gotta have a large successful internet store to subsidize the type of store thats going to carry the really cool stuff. I mean - if I can put that 500$ angel infront of all the interwebs AND you - then that's a whole different story.