Melissa Hoyer Webboard User Reg: 05-09-2005
Posts: 1340
Loc: SE Michigan
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Anyone ever started a dog-related business successfully?
I have been helping my mom with her business for a few months and it's going well. Background: We are making dehydrated meat dog treats and also selling bulk meats by the case. Business developed because we were both sick of the latest treat recalls and frustrated with the fact that we could be harming our dogs by giving them treats. It's more about providing quality products than a money-making deal...
I have a website made...we are set up on Etsy...we have a Facebook page set up. We've given out free samples, connected with some of the people I know through the local raw feeding co-op.
We are doing our first local delivery of bulk meats tomorrow and I am so excited!
Any one have any tips, stories to share, etc? I am an educator, not a business person. I always get such great advice here so thought I would throw this topic out there
Hey Melissa, Congrats to your mom and you for starting this new business! I think it sounds wonderful!
One suggestion that I think you might consider, if you have the time. I would start by reaching out to all the local, independent dog/cat stores in your area and showing them what you have to sell.
I think many stores are searching for foods/treats that they can trust. I bet you would be well received with much interest, just based on all the scary stuff that is out there about the chicken jerky from China.
I work in a store very much like what I am talking about and I know that the owner of the store is always interested in finding good quality, trustworthy foods to put in her store.
Surely, there must be stores like that in your area.
I want to wish you all the very best with this endeavor, I wish all the success in the world.
I believe that great ideas are born out of necessity and I think there is no better time than now for such a business.
Reg: 07-11-2002
Posts: 2679
Loc: North Florida (Live Oak area)
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Congrats on the new business! How exciting!
I second all of above and want to add to stores, don't forget Feed stores and things like that. A lot of my dog stuff is bought at the local feed stores and they usually are locally owned which can be a big plus.
You might also want to give out local samples by setting up a card table with little treat packages prepared and literature outside a Walmart or grocery store or something.
Same with vet offices. Leave samples and they may just order.
Reg: 07-11-2002
Posts: 2679
Loc: North Florida (Live Oak area)
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Another idea! Look on AKC website for breeders near you. When we register the litter we have the option of getting on their listing for litters.
Breeders love having a package to send home with new puppy owners. If you arrange to have a sample with your info on it their puppy package you may pick up some leads that way.
Local shelters and rescues could be another place to offer the same thing. As you get more established you can expand the geography but initially this should work in getting your samples out there is a cost effective manner.
Melissa Hoyer Webboard User Reg: 05-09-2005
Posts: 1340
Loc: SE Michigan
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Thank you all! Great ideas!!
We've been selling and shipping to some ladies on a GSD board that I have been a member of for years and to a few of my local "raw" friends, but I really want to get the word out. These ideas will help so much.
Did I mention having a mom in the treat business is awfully handy?
Ben McDonald Webboard User Reg: 05-25-2011
Posts: 439
Loc: Lawton, OK
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I'd love to take a look at the website, and go from there. There is a massive amount of information I can give you, but there needs to be a starting point. Where you are exactly in your advertising and marketing plan is going play a role too.
If youd like, shoot me a PM with your website address.
Melissa, I'm sure you know that we have a couple of really big dog shows in our area, the Detroit Kennel Club at Cobo in March and the big four-day series in Novi every February. I know there's also a Pet Expo in Novi. There are always lots of vendors at these kinds of shows. I have no idea what it would cost to have a booth, and it may be prohibitively high, but maybe by next year, you'll be doing so well you would want to consider it!
Good luck to you and your mom. It sounds like a very worthy and satisfying endeavor.
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Advice on starting a dog-related business
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