Side business

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josh11

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 9, 2006
189
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Ontario, Canada
so im thinking about setting up a small side project when im not working.
i was thinking about doing a aquarium maintenance business thing.
now i know ppl like all of us wouldnt use this because, well we're us!

but what im asking from you all is some advice...
right now i'd only be doing fresh water, and these are what services id be offering:
set up/tear down
complete over haul
moving/relocation
weekly and/or monthly maintenance
cleaning, vacuuming, filter cleaning, water change, water treatment

redesign, aquascaping, species specific design

fish rehomeing

i was thinking something like $15/hr

can anyone think of anything else? or have any advice or info?
thanks!
 
A few points:

-Search for other similar businesses in your area, and see what services they provide and what they charge for them.

-Your biggest issue will be getting your name out there. Take a look at some local professional printers and photographers to come up with a professional looking flier, business card, portfolio to show your previous work, etc.

-You will need to go through the legal motions to set up and maintain your business. This can take some fun out of the fish hobby, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process and have to start from scratch (though it's a good learning experience).

-Most importantly, do you honestly feel more than qualified to do all of those things you have listed? Is your knowledge base strong enough to feel confident doing this professionally? I'm not trying to be insulting here. This is a legitimate question that I would be asking myself.
 
i wouldn't mess with moving/relocation because if something goes wrong and a fish dies some people are probably going to try holding you liable, I wouldn't charge an hourly rate though, as setting up a tank will take less than an hour and if you're efficient cleaning should take less than an hour if the tank is under 55 gallon. I'd try charging something like this:

29 Gal & Under - $10 weekly (gotta be worth the gas)

29+ - 55 - $10 weekly or $15 every other week (more work)

55+ - 90 -$15 weekly or $20 every other week

90+ - 125 - $20 weekly or $25 every other week

125+ and up - $25 weekly or $30 every other week

might be a bit high but you could start there and check the market
 
I've been competing with Best Buy, Staples, etc etc for Computer repairs, Virus Removal, and PC Upgrades. I've been at it for over 6 years and avg. about $8,000 a year. 2010 averaged about $200.00 Hardest part is getting your foot in the door without a business backing you up.

Word of Mouth, References from people you know. And trying to sell a location on a set-up and maintenance would probably work better. I'd hustle the local Dr's offices, Dentists, etc etc.

just my 2c.

Mike
 
I thought about doing the same thing. I love cleaning fish tanks. Id love to do it for money as well.
 
you need to do saltwater, not just freshwater....as that is where a lot of your possible clients will be looking for, especially businesses and other places that have a SW tank in the lobby/waiting room
 
I started up my own landscaping business 4 years ago and like calioutlaw1a said, the toughest part is getting your name out there. I spent a ton of money advertising the first year, then after that was pretty much word of mouth.

The most important thing is listen to the customer. Be friendly with them and they will recommend you to everyone they know. And remember, the customer is always right...even when their ignorance pisses you off so bad that you want to punch them in the side of the head:swear:
 
There is a whole lot more to it! I have been in business for over 19 years & in the industry for over 26.
One, the prices above are not enough!!!
Average a dollar a gallon is a rule of thumb up to maybe 100 gallons?
Liability, insurance, call outs at 1 in morning tank, leaked all over the $25,000. rug, sink backed up. Employee broke something or did not show up. have to be here Yesterday, dont get paid for six months!! Billing, taxes, blah blah blah
get my drift?
If you do a couple here and there but its not all what its cracked up to be. Yes you can make money at it just like many things but it can cost money also. Plus you do not feel like cleaning your own tanks after doing it for 12hours.

me Dave
 
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