I want to open my own LFS!!!

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Red_Man

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Sep 14, 2010
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Indiana
For the last couple years I have tinkered with the idea of opening my own pet store that will be mainly focused on aquariums and the like. Just recently however I have taken a serious incline into actually doing it. I love this hobby and am tired of all the crappy service and advice new comers and even the guys who have been in this for a while. I am looking to open the store somewhere in the Carmel, IN area (still doing research to exactly where it will be) as that is where most of my family lives. I wanted to post this to see what kind of feedback I can get and if I can find anyone who runs/has run a LFS at one point. I'd love to pick your brains and see what info I can scrounge up! Thanks for reading this and look forward to all the posts to come!
 
The one thing I learned is if you can do it than go for it,otherwise you'll be looking back at it and regret not doing it when you had the chance and always wonder what if.


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I hope the reason you're opening it sticks with you. Seems like ALL of the lfs that I've gone to that cater to fish keepers are run by grumpy, lifeless, unfriendly, rushed, owners. Freaking hire someone with a smile if you can't crack one out anymore.
 
I say go for it. I've actually been thinking about the same thing myself. I'm a businessman to begin with and I have a lot of ideas I'd be willing to share with you...and I'd like to hear what you're ideas are too. I can also answer your business related questions as I'm sure they will come to mind at some point. Best of luck. Just remember...it takes money to make money. I've designed a business model that might blow your mind if you have the start-up cash but you can do the same thing at almost any growth rate according to my model. I've accounted for smaller revenue streams and smaller investment. It's flexible.
 
I always wanted to be a vendor. And import fish for people and sell them. But I have now clue how to get a import license and such. I have a good amount of disposable income thou.


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I hope the reason you're opening it sticks with you. Seems like ALL of the lfs that I've gone to that cater to fish keepers are run by grumpy, lifeless, unfriendly, rushed, owners. Freaking hire someone with a smile if you can't crack one out anymore.

Sounds like you've been to Exotic Aquatics in Baltimore...
 
if you've never worked in a lfs do so... haveing been on that side of the hobby for the past 12 yrs will change how you view things. if you have then good luck to you! its a hard business to succeed in.
 
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