Monster Fish Keepers store?

[Otto_VonBacon]

I was thinking while at petsmart looking at a small display tank housing 5 medium sized Oscars, 4 of them half dead for a reason I'm sure you can guess.

What if we made a small franchise store? maybe some of the people who are making their own small lfs right now can start it. it can be called "The Monster FishKeepers" or something. We would have employees and management who truly know what they are doing, spread our knowledge around to people, all the profit can go into keeping the site up, and various non-profit organizations.

Idk, may sound stupid, those poor oscars :cry:

[lordofthejewsjr]

I was thinking while at petsmart looking at a small display tank housing 5 medium sized Oscars, 4 of them half dead for a reason I'm sure you can guess.

What if we made a small franchise store? maybe some of the people who are making their own small lfs right now can start it. it can be called "The Monster FishKeepers" or something. We would have employees and management who truly know what they are doing, spread our knowledge around to people, all the profit can go into keeping the site up, and various non-profit organizations.

Idk, may sound stupid, those poor oscars :cry:
+1, but where would the stores be? (better be one in san diego):nutkick:

[xiahaolong168]

better be one in NYC!!!

[xiahaolong168]

they should start with one in nyc and as business becomes better, start opening in other places.

[lordofthejewsjr]

they should be run by the members of mfk especially those that know alot or they can interview people and test them. the prices should be voted on like a democracy. no ripp offs

[lordofthejewsjr]

they should start with one in nyc and as business becomes better, start opening in other places.
i disagree. they should start in san diego:p

[lordofthejewsjr]

or they can start two, one in the west coast(san diego) and one in the east coast.

[Dynamite]

And one in seattle area!

[Otto_VonBacon]

Well first off we would have to find someone who knows alot, and is wanting to start a lfs.

[lordofthejewsjr]

i'd volunteer but i'm still in school

[Otto_VonBacon]

Also get legal permission/cooperation with the creators of MFK.

I am as well, still in school but i would be willing to work at one if it was close enough. :)

[lordofthejewsjr]

i'd help work from 5-9 i come out of school at 4. i'd have to go home, eat, feed my fish then go work.

[lordofthejewsjr]

we need a response from a mod!

[Otto_VonBacon]

could also be used as mfk meeting areas, local frag swaps, and maybe some contests like we have here.

[bigcol]

i volunteer but im in the uk lol and you guys want to start in america, does any1 need a flatmate or lodger in the us or we just start in the uk then branch out

[zennzzo]

Better get your "Business 101" and "Economics 101" classes down, then figure out in this economy who is going to front the money for a business that relys upon disposable income to support.

I think signing and panhandling would be a good place to start...It would be 10x easier that starting and running an LFS right now...

[bigcol]

its not hard to start a business, its also easy to get the funds to start the question is where to start, you need to find a gap in the market of a certain area preferably a rich area or well off community as thats where the money is waiting to be made

[Riv D]

could also be used as mfk meeting areas, local frag swaps, and maybe some contests like we have here.

There is a fish club in Queens, but I can't really relate to the other members because they're into tiny fish, it's always the same people, and some times it feels like you're invading their "Click".

[Riv D]

Better get your "Business 101" and "Economics 101" classes down, then figure out in this economy who is going to front the money for a business that relys upon disposable income to support.

I think signing and panhandling would be a good place to start...It would be 10x easier that starting and running an LFS right now...

:iagree:

[zennzzo]

its not hard to start a business, its also easy to get the funds to start the question is where to start, you need to find a gap in the market of a certain area preferably a rich area or well off community as thats where the money is waiting to be made


:screwy: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :screwy:

Better get busy and show me this one!...

[bigcol]

:screwy: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :screwy:

Better get busy and show me this one!...


:ROFL::ROFL: its really not that hard, might take a while to sort it all out but once you get started it all works out fine

[markx2005]

lol u must never been in business rich areas they dont spend money they jump in car travel x amount of miles to save few pence on loaf a bread, u need middle class area where people are normal and do actually spend there money

[bigcol]

lol u must never been in business rich areas they dont spend money they jump in car travel x amount of miles to save few pence on loaf a bread, u need middle class area where people are normal and do actually spend there money


oooo ok mr smarty pants lol maybe your right nd maybe your not how u know untill you try :ROFL:

[markx2005]

it basic econimics m8 supply as much as u like if no demand there it not going to work

[crowconor]

well since you guys cant decide on where to start the store boston sounds the best hehehee

[bigcol]

thats why i mentioned looking for gaps in the market

[zennzzo]

lol u must never been in business rich areas they dont spend money they jump in car travel x amount of miles to save few pence on loaf a bread, u need middle class area where people are normal and do actually spend there money
That's right!...how do you think rich people get rich?...they don't spend it!
or they get the best deal (cheapest)


Cracks me up all these opinions that think starting and running a business is easy...It isn't easy in booming economic times, and right now businesses are going under at the fastest rate in history.

1 in 10 homes are being foreclosed on...

This tells me is the ones who think it's easy DO NOT pay any bills or even work for soda money...:ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL:

[zennzzo]

oooo ok mr smarty pants lol maybe your right nd maybe your not how u know untill you try :ROFL:

Well to start with,
you pay attention to current world affairs...then you might pay attention to current world economics...then you pay attention to local economic conditions...you then might do a economic feasability study...then if all that looks good to you, then you might wanna think about, long hours, hard work for little or no money for a few years, till you get a business off the ground that consumes your every waking moment...then if you think you can do all that, go for it you have a 1 in 10 chance of making it...
Oh yeah and then remember you will be competing with the dot com industry that has little overhead in the way of a building/employees/insurances/etc...

[bigcol]

Well to start with,
you pay attention to current world affairs...then you might pay attention to current world economics...then you pay attention to local economic conditions...you then might do a economic feasability study...then if all that looks good to you, then you might wanna think about, long hours, hard work for little or no money for a few years, till you get a business off the ground that consumes your every waking moment...then if you think you can do all that, go for it you have a 1 in 10 chance of making it...
Oh yeah and then remember you will be competing with the dot com industry that has little overhead in the way of a building/employees/insurances/etc...

ok this is starting to get a bit wierd, 1st off i dont need to work as we have just sold our business (toy shop) and second who said anything about trying now, i said it was easy and it is if you do your research properly, as for the rich communitys that was where we had our toy shop and it was amazing for 5 yrs. so lets not turn this thread into a slanging match and get back on track :screwy:

[zennzzo]

ok this is starting to get a bit wierd, 1st off i dont need to work as we have just sold our business (toy shop) and second who said anything about trying now, i said it was easy and it is if you do your research properly, as for the rich communitys that was where we had our toy shop and it was amazing for 5 yrs. so lets not turn this thread into a slanging match and get back on track :screwy:
you had a toy store in a rich community that was amazing for 5 years?!

1 question...if it was so easy...why did you sell it?

[oscarcrazy]

Some of the biggest sales companies in the US are folding and losing tons of bucks. So a mom and pop shoppe like the one being proposed is going to flourish easliy? Let me drop my teaching contract right now!!!:ROFL::ROFL::screwy::screwy::screwy::screwy: :screwy:

I know that financial success can mean risk, but starting a store today would be like wearing gasoline as colonge on a date with a fire breathing dragon.

[markx2005]

Lol cause it was in rich area they bought toys first year he been waiting 5 years for them rich people to allow kids to play with toys to brake them lol.

[bigcol]

you had a toy store in a rich community that was amazing for 5 years?!

1 question...if it was so easy...why did you sell it?

take a look at the way the economy is atm nows as good a time ta get out as ever dont ya think lol

[markx2005]

Nar not really you would of lost alot on market value

[zennzzo]

Some of the biggest sales companies in the US are folding and losing tons of bucks. So a mom and pop shoppe like the one being proposed is going to flourish easliy? Let me drop my teaching contract right now!!!:ROFL::ROFL::screwy::screwy::screwy::screwy: :screwy:

I know that financial success can mean risk, but starting a store today would be like wearing gasoline as cologne on a date with a fire breathing dragon.I hear that!!..where do I sign...

take a look at the way the economy is atm nows as good a time ta get out as ever dont ya think lolsounds like amazing went broke :screwy: :screwy: :screwy: :screwy: :screwy: you can't even make your mind up on which side of the discussion you are on...I'm out...:ROFL::ROFL::ROFL:

[bigcol]

Nar not really you would of lost alot on market value

lol your like a clown loach on cucumber eh m8 lol, lost a little but made lots in the time we had it so not much to grumble about to tell the truth i was glad to get outa there too much hard work :ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL:

[bigcol]

I hear that!!..where do I sign...

sounds like amazing went broke :screwy: :screwy: :screwy: :screwy: :screwy: you can't even make your mind up on which side of the discussion you are on...I'm out...:ROFL::ROFL::ROFL:

:ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL: lets not get ahead of ourselves now ey m8 and if you recall all i said was its easy to start a business but you seem to find that difficult to believe, and whats with all the:screwy::screwy::screwy::screwy::screwy::screwy ::screwy: lol sounds to me like your getting a bit mad for nothing afterall its only a discussion dude:D:D:D:D:D:D:D.


if i decide to open a fish store i would quite happily franchise as monsterfishkeepers

[bigcol]

i would say heres a great place to start too
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/merchant/colin17466

[markx2005]

You would franchise it aye you must of made alot of money out of that toy store lol

[bigcol]

You would franchise it aye you must of made alot of money out of that toy store lol

sshhhhhh :screwy::screwy:

[zennzzo]

Wait here I gotta get my boots....the tall ones...
:ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL:

[Otto_VonBacon]

Well, it dosint have to be a franchise right off the bat, you just buy some proporty in a place that has good demand for fish.

I live here in texas next to a lake, with tons of "rich" people, the closest lfs is a good 20-30 maybe 40 miles away, the next best thing is Petsmart and Petco. an exaple would be my uncle, his business is just going up right now becuase, well he owns a natural gas company, BUT THATS NOT THE POINT! he's been wanting a nice reef tank for years, but has always been to busy to make one, nor do i think he knows were to get the stuff for it.

If we build a store, in a place that really has no other fish store there, around abunch of rich, and middle class people, we would get some business.

I think business would be, moderate at best, may not be able to get a few more stores up and running for awhile, atleast because of our large user base, we would already have people willing to expand the franchise when the time is right.

This is all about location, location, location. you build it in a neighboorhood with 5 lfs's already in it, we will go down, you build it in a neightboorhood who's best fishstore is petco... you should get some business.

But what do i know, i only 16...

[bigcol]

Wait here I gotta get my boots....the tall ones...



:ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL: erm ok then :thumbsup:

[bigcol]

Well, it dosint have to be a franchise right off the bat, you just buy some proporty in a place that has good demand for fish.

I live here in texas next to a lake, with tons of "rich" people, the closest lfs is a good 20-30 maybe 40 miles away, the next best thing is Petsmart and Petco. an exaple would be my uncle, his business is just going up right now becuase, well he owns a natural gas company, BUT THATS NOT THE POINT! he's been wanting a nice reef tank for years, but has always been to busy to make one, nor do i think he knows were to get the stuff for it.

If we build a store, in a place that really has no other fish store there, around abunch of rich, and middle class people, we would get some business.

I think business would be, moderate at best, may not be able to get a few more stores up and running for awhile, atleast because of our large user base, we would already have people willing to expand the franchise when the time is right.

This is all about location, location, location. you build it in a neighboorhood with 5 lfs's already in it, we will go down, you build it in a neightboorhood who's best fishstore is petco... you should get some business.

But what do i know, i only 16...


16 or not youve just made alot of sense matey, very nice pointand thats exactly what i was talking about, thanks dude

[onlikedonkeykong17]

sounds like an awesome idea!

[bigcol]

sounds like an awesome idea!

it is awsome but it will defo not work atm my lfs can get any type of fish you like well atleast he says he can and i well believe him too his prices are very very reasonable also so it can be done just the wrong time to do it

[Otto_VonBacon]

it is awsome but it will defo not work atm my lfs can get any type of fish you like well atleast he says he can and i well believe him too his prices are very very reasonable also so it can be done just the wrong time to do it

Ask him for a narwhal :ROFL:

[bigcol]

Ask him for a narwhal :ROFL:

now you got me lol i aint got a clue what that is lol so what is it, i will ask him like lol........ oh right its 1 of them lol
http://www.instablogsimages.com/images/2008/05/14/narwhal-paulnicklen-getty460_5YcbJ_16437.jpg

hes good but somehow i dont think he that good :ROFL:

[Otto_VonBacon]

now you got me lol i aint got a clue what that is lol so what is it, i will ask him like lol........ oh right its 1 of them lol
http://www.instablogsimages.com/images/2008/05/14/narwhal-paulnicklen-getty460_5YcbJ_16437.jpg

hes good but somehow i dont think he that good :ROFL:


"Oh just follow me, i got some 'round back."


oh, we would also have to be sure to get the point across that we x% of the profit is going to organizations.


people like the feeling of supporting something...

[bigcol]

yes thats true, it wouldnt be hard to do that either, public notifications is the easiest way to get attention, like local newspapers and fliers maybe a bilboard or 2, 1st to get a percentage would be this site as its very beneficial to any fish hobbyist or enthusiast so it pretty much a big part of the whole thing. Maybe even towards saving the species organisations they would be good for business also

[Otto_VonBacon]

After we got going, have a good income we could offer something like a fish version of the GeekSquad, and go to peoples homes and help them setup tanks and whatnot.

But before we get to exited we need to make sure the admins of MFK are in on it.

Starting a company with the same name as an already esatblished website is infringement i think, and MFK could sue us to the ground.

We would also have to use the current MFK logo, because it looks badA$$.

[frnchjeep]

This is all about location, location, location. you build it in a neighboorhood with 5 lfs's already in it, we will go down, you build it in a neightboorhood who's best fishstore is petco... you should get some business.


Actually, thats not true. They say the best way to be sucessful with a new business is to move in on a florishing market. If you want to open a laundromat, you move in next door to a mom and pop shop that has been there for a hundred years. You make your store cleaner, faster, newer, with better cleaning machines. The customers are already there. You just need to get them into your store.

In MFK's situation, it will be a better, healthier, cleaner enviornment because we are a group of people that care about what we would be selling. We have an advantage, already.

In my state, there is am LFS with knowledgeable staff, awesome displays, and a clean store that dosent stink when you walk in the door. They are surrounded by inferior LFS's. They charge tripple the price and business is booming. It dosen't have anything to do with how rich the customers are, what matters is how good the product is and how well it is presented.

[Otto_VonBacon]

Actually, thats not true. They say the best way to be sucessful with a new business is to move in on a florishing market. If you want to open a laundromat, you move in next door to a mom and pop shop that has been there for a hundred years. You make your store cleaner, faster, newer, with better cleaning machines. The customers are already there. You just need to get them into your store.

In MFK's situation, it will be a better, healthier, cleaner enviornment because we are a group of people that care about what we would be selling. We have an advantage, already.

In my state, there is am LFS with knowledgeable staff, awesome displays, and a clean store that dosent stink when you walk in the door. They are surrounded by inferior LFS's. They charge tripple the price and business is booming. It dosen't have anything to do with how rich the customers are, what matters is how good the product is and how well it is presented.

Thats true... i guess it's a healthy combination of both, we need to find a place with a high concentration of MFK members, and other variables need to be taken into consideration before picking a location.

[Yanbbrox]

Better get your "Business 101" and "Economics 101" classes down, then figure out in this economy who is going to front the money for a business that relys upon disposable income to support.

I think signing and panhandling would be a good place to start...It would be 10x easier that starting and running an LFS right now...
It's a fair comment, we are looking at moving all our fish into one tank just to save on the electric, triple the filtration and hope they all get along, it's getting that bad out there, 35000 jobs gone in a month in my area alone, I'm next. I feel the LFSs are going to have a tough time all around

[bigcol]

ok all excellent points so wait untill the economy sorts itself out then put it all into action but 1 question as not many people on here no each other that well who is going to be silly enough to hand funds over to the winning location to get this all started and off the ground? there has to be some level of trust amongst the investors of such an operation

[Otto_VonBacon]

It's a fair comment, we are looking at moving all our fish into one tank just to save on the electric, triple the filtration and hope they all get along, it's getting that bad out there, 35000 jobs gone in a month in my area alone, I'm next. I feel the LFSs are going to have a tough time all around


Well we can't exactly start overnight, so ofcourse were going to wait till the economy improves for our intrests.

[Otto_VonBacon]

ok all excellent points so wait untill the economy sorts itself out then put it all into action but 1 question as not many people on here no each other that well who is going to be silly enough to hand funds over to the winning location to get this all started and off the ground? there has to be some level of trust amongst the investors of such an operation

Admins/mods of MFK, the original starters of MFK, etc.

[bigcol]

Admins/mods of MFK, the original starters of MFK, etc.

you would have to get to know such people on a personal level i know i would want meetings of such and business proposals and contracts drew up b4 i handed any cash over, but yeah it has potential to be a very big investment indeed

[bigcol]

we could also get our lfs to think about the idea of using MFS as part of their trademark this could turn into something global

[Otto_VonBacon]

you would have to get to know such people on a personal level i know i would want meetings of such and business proposals and contracts drew up b4 i handed any cash over, but yeah it has potential to be a very big investment indeed

Definatly a topic for discussion at MFK meets.

[bigcol]

i agree totally, i think we just given all the big boss men of MFK a huge idea with more potential than the big fish stores around these days

[lordofthejewsjr]

where are the mods? i want to read what they think of this idea!

[bigcol]

where are the mods? i want to read what they think of this idea!

it would be nice eh, to have their views also:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

[Otto_VonBacon]

Put it in my sig, hopefully they will catch on eventually.

You think the feedback thing is to agressive?

[bfhslilred93]

there are a few people on here that own stores so just change the name and boom mfkmart lol

[bigcol]

Put it in my sig, hopefully they will catch on eventually.

You think the feedback thing is to agressive?
no m8 not at all theres no harm in a firm hand in business and thats what this thread is all about, whats amazing me is your only 16 and your talking like you been doing this for years, your gonna go along way in this life dude :thumbsup:

[lordofthejewsjr]

no m8 not at all theres no harm in a firm hand in business and thats what this thread is all about, whats amazing me is your only 16 and your talking like you been doing this for years, your gonna go along way in this life dude :thumbsup:
+1

[bigcol]

there are a few people on here that own stores so just change the name and boom mfkmart lol

well if this does kick off like we all think it could, all they gotta do is put a stand along sign with, MFK and the site addy instructing people that there is a store or number of stores and plenty of advice also a great community site too. There is still alot to take into consideration but its an excellent idea which just might work :grinyes:

[Otto_VonBacon]

no m8 not at all theres no harm in a firm hand in business and thats what this thread is all about, whats amazing me is your only 16 and your talking like you been doing this for years, your gonna go along way in this life dude :thumbsup:

Thank you, i've always been interested in business, probably going to open one thing or another sometime in my life.

[bigcol]

Thank you, i've always been interested in business, probably going to open one thing or another sometime in my life.

just remember its never easy at 1st but after a year or so its all worth the sweat and tears, trust me lol. Im wishing i was living next door to you right now lol i would go into business with i mind like yours straight away :headbang2

[zennzzo]

:ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL:
Ahhhhh quit already, MFK ain't gonna do no LFS or an International Frachise of LFS', just because your local PetSmart has employees with less than fish geek knowledge, and certainly not with a group of inexperienced "visionarys" that haven't even started to shave, let alone know where they're gonna get the razor to do so...your allowance isn't going to last forever...;)
:ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL:

This thread is making for some hilarious entertainment though...

[bigcol]

:ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL:
Ahhhhh quit already, MFK ain't gonna do no LFS or an International Frachise of LFS', just because your local PetSmart has employees with less than fish geek knowledge, and certainly not with a group of inexperienced "visionarys" that haven't even started to shave, let alone know where they're gonna get the razor to do so...your allowance isn't going to last forever...;)


This thread is making for some hilarious entertainment though...

:ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::R OFL::ROFL::ROFL:
:ROFL::ROFL::ROFL: dreams can come true matey :screwy:

[Otto_VonBacon]

:ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL:
Ahhhhh quit already, MFK ain't gonna do no LFS or an International Frachise of LFS', just because your local PetSmart has employees with less than fish geek knowledge, and certainly not with a group of inexperienced "visionarys" that haven't even started to shave, let alone know where they're gonna get the razor to do so...your allowance isn't going to last forever...;)
:ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL:

This thread is making for some hilarious entertainment though...

I have a car, license, debit card, do shave...
Going to get a job at petsmart(ironic isn't it?) so i can at least do my part here. have to be 17 to work at petsmart though.

Don't judge others on age alone.

[lordofthejewsjr]

:ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL:
Ahhhhh quit already, MFK ain't gonna do no LFS or an International Frachise of LFS', just because your local PetSmart has employees with less than fish geek knowledge, and certainly not with a group of inexperienced "visionarys" that haven't even started to shave, let alone know where they're gonna get the razor to do so...your allowance isn't going to last forever...;)
:ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL:

This thread is making for some hilarious entertainment though...
you know there's nicer ways to say that :p

[lordofthejewsjr]

I have a car, license, debit card, do shave...
Going to get a job at petsmart(ironic isn't it?) so i can at least do my part here. have to be 17 to work at petsmart though.

Don't judge others on age alone.
ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh nice comeback. i'm 16 also and the only thing i have that you do is the shave thing. i'm worthless. but becoming a border patrol and sending illegals back should be fun.

[bigcol]

i agree with you guys and totally disagree with zennzzo there is no call or need to be so harsh i think i detect a hint of jealousy somewhere in his words

[Otto_VonBacon]

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh nice comeback. i'm 16 also and the only thing i have that you do is the shave thing. i'm worthless. but becoming a border patrol and sending illegals back should be fun.

cool, dad did that. lot of money in it if you climb the ladder right.

he started in the air force security forces, now he's in Afghanistan training boarder patrol officers on the Iran boarder, making high wages, and danger pay.

[ProblEmZ]

you know there's nicer ways to say that :p


lol i always find cold hard truth refreshing. Alot of big dreaming and flip-flopping in this thread heh I agree with zenzzo heh

I haven't even seen a new lfs pop up in a long time, i've seen multiple non-franchise stores close up.

Also you'd be surprised how many members here are friends and colleagues. Not to mention how many people trade fishes locally.

But you guys have the optimism, but to start making money in "a year or so" is really dreaming positive. Good luck if you decide to start it, i doubt it but good luck none-the-less.

[lordofthejewsjr]

cool, dad did that. lot of money in it if you climb the ladder right.

he started in the air force security forces, now he's in Afghanistan training boarder patrol officers on the Iran boarder, making high wages, and danger pay.
nice. people underestimate us just because of our age. well screw them:swear::nutkick:

[Otto_VonBacon]

lol i always find cold hard truth refreshing. Alot of big dreaming and flip-flopping in this thread heh I agree with zenzzo heh

I haven't even seen a new lfs pop up in a long time, i've seen multiple non-franchise stores close up.

Also you'd be surprised how many members here are friends and colleagues. Not to mention how many people trade fishes locally.

But you guys have the optimism, but to start making money in "a year or so" is really dreaming positive. Good luck if you decide to start it, i doubt it but good luck none-the-less.

It dosin't have to be a franchise, it could just easily expand into one depending on how many people are willing to do so in the future once they see how one MFK is running.

And yes, it is a very big and risky idea, but no one really knows how things will turn out.

[bigcol]

it might be a better idea to stay on with the idea rather than curse and bicker about weither it will work or not.......

[bigcol]

ok im outa this conversation, dont wana be banned or suspended for being childish now do we, good luck with your lfs thinktank dude :thumbsup:

[zennzzo]

nice. people underestimate us just because of our age. well screw them:swear::nutkick:
It's not a matter of underestimation...
It's a matter of I have lived more years than I am going to live. That's long enough to see how these matters work first hand...

I think it's great that all this ambition is in your young bones...cherish it and direct it into making yourself and the world a better place...

Set your sights a little higher than the wows of a minimum wage fish getter at petsmart...

There are worse things in this world than that...;)

And even if your true passion is to own your own LFS, I'll be willing to bet anything it isn't going to be with a international MFK franchise, period...:grinno:

[bigcol]

It's not a matter of underestimation...
It's a matter of I have lived more years than I am going to live. That's long enough to see how these matters work first hand...

I think it's great that all this ambition is in your young bones...cherish it and direct it into making yourself and the world a better place...

Set your sights a little higher than the wows of a minimum wage fish getter at petsmart...

There are worse things in this world than that...;)

And even if your true passion is to own your own LFS, I'll be willing to bet anything it isn't going to be with a international MFK franchise, period...:grinno:

nicely said now that i agree with:D

[Otto_VonBacon]

It's not a matter of underestimation...
It's a matter of I have lived more years than I am going to live. That's long enough to see how these matters work first hand...

I think it's great that all this ambition is in your young bones...cherish it and direct it into making yourself and the world a better place...

Set your sights a little higher than the wows of a minimum wage fish getter at petsmart...

There are worse things in this world than that...;)

And even if your true passion is to own your own LFS, I'll be willing to bet anything it isn't going to be with a international MFK franchise, period...:grinno:

Well it started out as more of a "What if..." idea, i was actually expecting everyone to think i was crazy for thinking about it.

It really all depends what the sites higher "officials" say about it, because I've seen people who are making, or planing on making their own lfs, and i proposed this idea for them, all they would have to do is slap MFK on their front and offer such ideas discussed in this thread. Then we can expand from there.

Maybe i could get into it when I'm older, because right now i'm to young to start a business, and don't really have the funds to do so.

It wasin't like i was saying "HEY GUYS I'M GONNA START A STORE CALLED MFK..."

I was just bringing fourth my idea to others, to see if this would be possible/worth it.


As for me, petsmart is just a job to make money right now, i plan on going to college in something fish related.

[bigcol]

it was all an idea and thats as far as it would poss go from what i understand, as far as you owning your own then good luck m8 i think you on the right track with your idea

[Otto_VonBacon]

no hard feelings, it was just a proposal I knew the chances of it catching on were slim to none.

I was actually surprised it went this far.

[Otto_VonBacon]

Got a new sig out of it.

[bigcol]

Got a new sig out of it.

:ROFL::ROFL:

[[enjoyable_attempt]]

:ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL:
Ahhhhh quit already, MFK ain't gonna do no LFS or an International Frachise of LFS', just because your local PetSmart has employees with less than fish geek knowledge, and certainly not with a group of inexperienced "visionarys" that haven't even started to shave, let alone know where they're gonna get the razor to do so...your allowance isn't going to last forever...;)
:ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL:

This thread is making for some hilarious entertainment though...

:ROFL::iagree::ROFL::iagree::ROFL:

[philhawk]

sorry about the novel but theres lots of things i have to say on the subject.

i think real idea that is being ignored by the detractors is that of a store that caters to people like us. people who want unique and interesting fish. people who are willing to set up species and bio-type tanks. people who care about the accuracy of the labels and completeness of the information on them.

i have to applaud and encourage anyone who can create a sound business plan and wants to start a business like this. i know that i would travel quite a ways to go to a store that actually carried awesome fish and took the time with customers find them what they wanted.

that being said being affiliated with mfk would have some serious ramifications that are being ignored. if you attach the mfk name to your store than they have a right to make desisions about what you sell how you sell, and the quality of care you give.

and by now you can see how diffently people view what constitues adequet care, or whats apropriate to sell. it goes on and on.

not only that but mfk has a good thing going here and it is unlikly (if they're smart) to lend their name to anyone, becuse anything you do would directly reflect on them. not to mention potentialy alienating the lfs owners who use this site.

a thing that would be very cool and feesable is an accreditation system.
a lfs could apply to be approved by mfk. (this is a whole different topic to be discused in a different thread, pm me or start your own thread if interested in it that)

other than that if you want to start a store when you are a little older go for it. im sure that all the mfk'ers in the area would come for a grand opening.

and all this talk about the economy sucking doesnt matter. A: by the time he opens a store the economy will likely not suck. B: the pet industry is one of the few areas that continues to grow during the economic downturn.

sorry again about the super long post, hope i didnt miss anything.

P.S. i do have a degree in business administration and currently work at a pet store.
P.P.S. all day i dream about opening my own store

[zennzzo]

P.S. i do have a degree in business administration and currently work at a pet store.
I didn't know you needed business admin degree to work at a pet shop...:WHOA:

[bigcol]

I didn't know you needed business admin degree to work at a pet shop...:WHOA:

i think it might help with starting your own business though zennzzo, he has a few good points but i totally disagree with starting a business right now, if you took the time to read all posts you would see im not the only 1 who doesnt agree m8, i aint being funny either but its true :D

[zennzzo]

i think it might help with starting your own business though zennzzo, he has a few good points but i totally disagree with starting a business right now, if you took the time to read all posts you would see im not the only 1 who doesnt agree m8, i aint being funny either but its true :D
It doesn't matter who agrees or who doesn't agree...

This community of Monster Fish Keepers has all the knowledge base of 47,000+ members...There are eyes and ears from this community that stretch globally. There are people here who keep 5 gallons of Monsters all the way to 100,000 gallons and beyond.

With the world economy like it is, and the national economy in the shape it is in, there has to be change. The days of Mom and Pop specialty stores in the brick and mortar format, is a thing of the past. There is no way, economically speaking that a privately run LFS can compete with the Corporate Chain stores...

The kind of master experience needed to provide such an elite staff is going to be expensive. Good help always does cost top dollar.
Commercial Rents are off the hook. Insurance for the public, and employees is at an all time high. Can you see the cost of unlocking the doors yet?...Before one single pellet is sold, before one single guppy is sold, you are looking at 5 digits per month...

Now here is the kicker... www.XXXX_xxx.com
Everything that we need or could possibly want is available online...AND
if you have any patience, you can shop price and get things at a small percentage of what retail outlets HAVE to sell their products for. And we share those deals amonst out 47,000+ members...

There are VENDORS here at MFK who can supply us with everything we need in the way of livestock, and they know what kind of quality we want. I'm talking livestock that was swimming in the Amazon or wherever a couple of weeks ago. Or in breeding farms 3-4 days earlier...That to me is where I want my livestock to come from.

Hardware as well, and all you got to do is search and you'll find the deals we share.

There are so many DIY projects here for that kind of person too. We love our DIY here...

SO... when I ask if you need a degree to work in a pet store, maybe what I should be saying is try and take a look around and see what's already here...You might find that the wows of the LFS and our hobby have already been addressed and the powers that be, have provided for that...it really doesn't take a dregree to figure it out...just use the search feature ;)

[chefjamesscott]

well im actually headed that way

i have my online names domained and i am buying big tanks for the express purpose of starting a fish company here in regina to help educate people about good fish keeping and will be able to house many monsters

i have lined up a 300g and a 1000g that i hope to have in place by mid spring to early summer

im gonna start by doing my home base fish room and fish building beside my house that we are building in spring but will branch to a 3000 sq foot fish facility hopefully by summer end

[zennzzo]

well im actually headed that way

i have my online names domained and i am buying big tanks for the express purpose of starting a fish company here in regina to help educate people about good fish keeping and will be able to house many monsters

i have lined up a 300g and a 1000g that i hope to have in place by mid spring to early summer

im gonna start by doing my home base fish room and fish building beside my house that we are building in spring but will branch to a 3000 sq foot fish facility hopefully by summer end
There ya go...that's thinking ahead!
You have a much better chance than a LFS ever did...lowest overhead possible is when you combine it with your living space...Good Luck to you...

[chefjamesscott]

i have been in business in the restaurant industry for over 12 years done what many said could not be done i have made it to notority for being a desired provider of foodservices

my first kick cost me a 270k loss and the loss of all my possessions from that restaurant from there i went back to serving tables for 3 years dug in my heels and made killer tips sometimes 400$ a night let my debtors know that i was not going to do the high an dry to them and almost all of them said ok man we will see you in days to come

at the end of 3 years of slinging food i was offered the chance to take over a 1 legged dog with rabbies who was about to get the lead solution from the landlord it was called Fratelli's Caffe, it was a top notch italian gelato cappucinno bar when it was first opened by the founders but their cousin/chef got cancer an passed in like 2 weeks and they just lost their taste for it an gave it away for a song to a korean investor, he made his money but then bought a franchise called cookies by george and sold it to his cousins who then used it as a vehicle to get their citizenship after which they just gave it to one of their employees a biker lady and her hubby who being christians proceeded to try to run it as a street outreach and they just drove it right through the pavement as business people would come pay for lunch and then watch street people help themselves for free can we say STUPID STUPID STUPID

so of course we got a very wounded duck but we were able to pull it out of the can and after 5 years of that were offered the chance to come take over our present local in the university of regina which i have just renamed All Souped Up but moving here necessitated the closing down of both Fratellis and A Joy to Serve my catering company

but here we are with a long term lease 20years in the university as well as a recent acquisition of a top notch light duty catering hall

here is a thread on ac that shows our restaurant and other things

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169487

so here we are 1 year into this university thing and the idiot ex business partner is dealt with and now its time to move and make my fish company rock as well as my old car company

i share all of this for one reason to ask you a ?

ARE YOU READY TO PUT EVERYTHING YOU HAVE ON THE LINE , TO WORK ENDLESS HOURS WITHOUT RENUMERATION

are you ready to have everyone around you judge you by appearance, are you ready to make your vision a reality without provision other than the vim an vigor of the passion you possess to make it a reality

i do not doubt the viability of what you suggest on this thread but wonder one thing why have no admins approached this matter in ten pages of posts

i totally agree with you on the viability of what you propose as this is a huge niche here in sask there is no shortage of lfs operating but there is no lfs staffed by passionate people who know their butt from a hole in the ground who are motivated by more than a desire to see money in their jeans

for me what im about to do with aquaria will be something that makes people go holy snikeys but in the end im actually going to be building or doing a catering hall that is also a public aquaria center when its not booked

location is of utmost need but the ability to finish what one starts is more so the utmost the ability to create the market and then fulfill the demand you have created

my studies of real life business have shown me 3 fail points for business

1 in the first year failure due to not having it to start with
2 in the third year failure due to creditors closing in and losing patience with the someday will come
3 in the fifth year failure do to familiarity breeding contempt for that which got you there how many successfull businesses fail because they take their customers for granted

i would suggest pm a admin to see what the viability of what you suggest

as for me i have reefscape doing the website and have been tossing about logo design ideas for over a year in my head have domained the ca. com. an biz. names and will roll out the website in the future

but i ask again 2 questions do you have a passion for this and do you have the sense of abandonment to risk losing everything by trying to make a business of it

if you can say yes to this then rock on start getting your feet wet learning the business end of matters i have been in the restaurant industry for over 30 years have worked with cord blue chefs but also killer dishwashers ,have done all aspects of the industry prior to stepping out and learned valuable lessons with first crash an burn but if you talk to most successfull restauranteurs you will find that they did not make success first time but learned and did not give up

[bigcol]

wow you guys are really going for it eh lol chill dudes

[chefjamesscott]

wow you guys are really going for it eh lol chill dudes


ummmm hope you can take this with a grain of salt and i mean it in the dearest of terms

BITE ME :headbang2

i will not chill as i only know one speed for life an that is flat out at present im running 16 tanks about 1000g of active water with five more tanks going into action within the next two months

I SAY GO MONSTER OR GO HOME :ROFL:

[bigcol]

ummmm hope you can take this with a grain of salt and i mean it in the dearest of terms

BITE ME :headbang2

i will not chill as i only know one speed for life an that is flat out at present im running 16 tanks about 1000g of active water with five more tanks going into action within the next two months

I SAY GO MONSTER OR GO HOME :ROFL:

:ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::ROFL::popcorn:

[philhawk]

im with you chef. theres always a million reasons to say no, but passion throws them all out the window and all you can do is say yes.

i believe we are all agreeing on the same premise. starting a business is very expesive and difficult; not to mention how difficult it is to make money in the pet industry. but do those obsicles make it impossble to survive in a competitive market or not be personally rewarding? absolutly not.

the point of my message wasn't to discourage anyone but only to caution about the use of monster fish keepers for any part of the name. i just wanted to emphasize to the poster whats in a name and all that comes with it.

all the things that were said about why mfk is great are the reasons i was talking about for not using mfk as the name. (the current vendors, the diy'ers, the lfs owners etc) but just because you shouldnt use the name doesnt mean you shouldnt follow your dream and find a way to make this community part of your business; like reffering your customers to the site to expand their knowledge or encouraging your employees to become involved in the site and nuture their passion for fish keeping.

im sure that everyone here can agree that anyone that starts a bussines will have the full support of the entire community; in spirt and for those in the area im sure you could get a few cusomers out of it.

good luck chef, and the same to the rest of you's.

[philhawk]

i have to dissagree about brick and mortar being a obsolete . the store i work at is less than a half mile from the next closest fish store and i know we both get a ton of business. we both continue to grow (even in the "bad economy") because the internet will never replace the convenience of the store. where you can go pickup the things you need immediately. and i know im not the only one who makes regular visits to the area lfs "just to see whats there" and for some reason you usually come home with something.

and nothing ever will be able to beat the ability to see first hand what you are buying before you get it. whether it be fish or a product. being able to talk to the actual person taking care of the fish about its eating habbits or being able to see all sides of the fish and its behavior.

its true that the internet has many advantages and for the mundane repete purchases its the way to go.

[bigcol]

lol for god sake it aint gonna happen lol so forget it, unless ofcourse you go alone which can be easy if done the right way and AT THE RIGHT TIME

[philhawk]

im not sure if you actually read my post or are you responding to something else? that is exactly what im saying.

1.make your own store
2.dont use mfk's name or other affiliation
3.invite everyone here to your store

[philhawk]

sorry otto about how out of control this thread got. it is a noble idea

[zennzzo]

i have to dissagree about brick and mortar being a obsolete . the store i work at is less than a half mile from the next closest fish store and i know we both get a ton of business. we both continue to grow (even in the "bad economy") because the internet will never replace the convenience of the store. where you can go pickup the things you need immediately. and i know im not the only one who makes regular visits to the area lfs "just to see whats there" and for some reason you usually come home with something.

and nothing ever will be able to beat the ability to see first hand what you are buying before you get it. whether it be fish or a product. being able to talk to the actual person taking care of the fish about its eating habbits or being able to see all sides of the fish and its behavior.

its true that the internet has many advantages and for the mundane repete purchases its the way to go.
Continue to grow?
When the cost of food and shelter starts to squeeze the disposable income, we need to be thrifty to continue.
I'm sure there are some that will never feel the tough times ahead, but when 1 in every 10 American Mortgages are being forclosed on, it's gonna get really tough for alot of folks.
Without capital to put into a business to get through the tough times alot of businesses are gonna belly up.
The Banking industry is so wadded up right now, you have to have alot of money just to get credit...
Watch and see...to me as a consumer, price point is the pretty high on the list of what really matters...

[philhawk]

maybe its one in ten where you live but where i live that is not the case. the number of jobs is growing and there hasnt been a significant increase in foreclosures. the national economy doesnt affect every region the same. and yes my store exceeds its daily sales budgets almost every day. and thats beating last years sales and the year before that. you will find that most souces agree (although they are suprised) that the pet industry has not been negitivly afected by the market downturn. beacuse when things get bad people still buy that special food for their best friend, and when the leash breaks they go buy a new one. and i know that if your tank broke you would be in the store picking up a new one to save your fish.
unless you are an excellent planner and put them into the tank that you have waiting because you knew that day would come. lol

[philhawk]

i agree that with credit is harder to get but i dont expect sound businesses to go under. it wouldnt make finacial sence to close a good business (for the bank). while yes it might exclude some from starting a new business or continuing a very young business, hopefully the result would be that the entrepenure would take a fine tooth comb to thier business plan and double check the market research and make sure that they are going to open a profitable business and then take it to the banks again.

[zennzzo]

national average of home forclosures is 1 in 10...I can dig up the bibliography if nessasary...
At any rate I do hope you continued sucess during this time of economic crisis, You seem to have the golden finger. When everybody except Wal-Mart and you, are posting losses, that's just great!

Make sure to teach everybody you can, the secrets of your sucess! That would change the entire economy.

How long have you owned your Pet store?

[philhawk]

sorry to give the wrong impression i dont own, i work at. but i like it so much and its a big part of my life so i (perhaps incorrectly) use the term "my". i just take pride and ownership of my work.

unfortunaly the secret is to sell dog and cat food. becoming peoples routine stop for pet food creates the stable monthly income you need to support the business. its not every day, week, or even month that someone comes and sets up a monster tank. and even when they do after the initail stocking it may be years before they make another significant purchas. fish food doesnt have the greatest margins.

[philhawk]

its because i dont own that i day-dream about having my own.

ive always thought of starting a live-rock business part time. aqua-culture of course.

[zennzzo]

sorry to give the wrong impression i dont own, i work at. but i like it so much and its a big part of my life so i (perhaps incorrectly) use the term "my". i just take pride and ownership of my work.

unfortunaly the secret is to sell dog and cat food. becoming peoples routine stop for pet food creates the stable monthly income you need to support the business. its not every day, week, or even month that someone comes and sets up a monster tank. and even when they do after the initail stocking it may be years before they make another significant purchas. fish food doesnt have the greatest margins.

its because i dont own that i day-dream about having my own.

ive always thought of starting a live-rock business part time. aqua-culture of course.

Mmmm...I see...:(

[Tsunamiboy77]

thinking outsife the box- i like it. but i really doubt its gonna happen unless a miracle happens and every1 chips in a dollar or two, and america's ecomomy goes on a super boom

[unannon]

I just read through all this, and I will tell you this: Experience is necessary, and if not, luck and research, however expierence, luck and research would be the optimum. You need to know what your doing, and hopefully you can predict how the market will react beforehand. I'm in college for business admin., and had the dreams of working for myself at somepoint as well. However, take a few courses, and you will see things you never even thought to consider beforehand. Overhead is huge and can not be stressed enough, nor can location. Sure there is the convenience factor, but not everything I buy I need right away, I'll hit those things online, so I believe there is middleground in that area, local business will stay because of the convenience, but so will online for the prices. Just because you like fish doesn't mean if you build it, they will always come, there are a lot more factors. Anyhow, most of what I was going to say has allready been hit on other pages. While I still say go ahead with your store (minus the MFK part), I will also say you better know what your doing, and prior research will make or break you. It's great to dream big, but not so big that you are not grounded by reality. Myself, I plan on working after graduation for other businesses, and will only open one if I find the right market, or find an existing market and know that I can do what they do, but better than them. If you plan on staying afloat, realize you are competing against sites as well, and that the difference between you and them, is personal costumer service, and make that your strong point as well I would think. I know for me at least, it's not always the prices that get me, because I know I can go online, but how I am treated while there, I've known plenty of people just walk out of stores when they planned on making a large purchase, just because of the manner in which they were treated.

[Otto_VonBacon]

I won't be starting a business anytime soon, first college, then possibly military. then maybe a business.

[BigDaddyMagnum]

Well if you opened one in NYC.. id DEFF want a job lol, sounds like an awsome idea.....

[hairdog]

To make sure you get the quality. You will need someone to do audits of the store. I work in franchise that has inspectors basically grade your store to hold owners\managers accountable for quality product cleanliness. The same would be needed for an mfk pet store to ensure that every store is consistent and you don't end up like wal-mart or a local white trash pet store owner in my town that got his buisness shut down and even his pets at home taken away for humane conditions.