Thinking of starting a small poultry store

[TAMMACLEAN]

I'm not sure if this is the right spot but here it goes. I've been thinking about starting a small poultry store. I can't seem to find the little things that I'd like to use for my chickens anywhere except online. I've been thinking of trying to sell stuff like peepers, bands, some medicines, and things like that. What are some of the items that you guys have a hard time finding and wish you could just go to the store and get? Does this sound like a good idea???

 

[galanie]

It would only be a good idea if you had lots of people around with chickens. The reason you can't find those items locally is because all the feed stores have gone to the system of stocking only what sells. Or what they think sells. If it sits there then it's viewed as cost. I personally like the idea, but I'd think whether it'd work depends on your location.

 

[Baymule]

A small store couldn't compete with the bigger online suppliers. Don't mean to rain on your parade, but you would buy smaller quantities and pay a higher price. My local feed store sells chicks every spring. They stock feeders, waterers, chick starter and a few other items. But if I want a specialized item, I go to the net. I am happy to give my business to a local businessman, but most people really don't care. They vote with their dollars and the cheapest price is the winner.

 

[Sweetly Silkies]

I agree with the others, though seriously if you were near me I would LOVE store like that. Maybe, you get get a few cabinet incubators and hatchers and do a little hatchery?

ETA- when people go to buy your chicks they could also get all the supplies for them?

 

[duckluck]

I agree with the others, though seriously if you were near me I would LOVE store like that. Maybe, you get get a few cabinet incubators and hatchers and do a little hatchery?

ETA- when people go to buy your chicks they could also get all the supplies for them?

A hatchery would be a fantastic idea..here in Chicago, one of the most popular and longest running exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry has been the chick hatching exhibit. It could help to promote what you sell.

 

[thaiturkey]

Every dream of a new start up business needs the same basic market analysis and planning as any other business. Too many people lose because they start a business that appeals to them but forget that it's the customers who will make it either a success or a failure.

You must first consider whether you can supply what they want, in the right way, in the right place at the right price. You need to estimate costs - rent, services, wages (including your own), stock, stock shrinkage (yes, customers and employees steal) and so on. Mark up the costs for profit or return on capital and you have an idea of what your sales volumes need to be.

Then you have to find out how much your stock items would cost and for how much you could sell each of them. Compare that with the minimum necessary sale volumes.

You have to be tough with yourself when doing this.

I think that specialist items are best sold on line. It's the place for speciality products. It's not as glamorous as having a nice little shop but profit is more important and a profitable business will last.

Good luck with your ideas. Enterprising minds are an inspiration to others.

 

[TAMMACLEAN]

I agree with what everyone has mentioned. I think I'd like to start small. I am already starting to breed and sell some if my chickens. As well as going tot start shipping eggs and chicks.

While I was looking for good chickens, not hatchery birds, I found that I had to have eggs shipped. I also had to drive an hour one way in order to pick up eggs. There isn't any close small places to buy chickens or hatching eggs. I mean I can order them from some small stores but they still aren't what some people want.
I was thinking of selling eggs, hatching eggs, and chicks as well as some items that are online only but people still would want. Sort of like a general store for poultry.

 

[galanie]

I wonder if any feed stores would allow a display of your products for a percentage of sales? Or a straight out "rental" type agreement? Then you'd get out there and yet not have to run your own store.

I think quality hatching eggs is a great idea! Perhaps have agreements with several breeders and as you get the order, you obtain the eggs?

 

[gamelife]

Have you thought about building your own website and just start off working from home? Test the waters and see if your on to something and grow from there.

 

[Sweetly Silkies]

you could also sell homemade nestboxes, mini coops and such if you have a builders thumb. and like she said above, sell stuff from home. buy bulk from some place and sell for 50% profit?