Ever thought about starting a fish store?

[ImaGuyGeek]

I think an LFS/Coffee house divided by a wall of aquariums and a doorway between the two. Places to sit and read, drink coffee, hang out and admire fish on both sides. Maybe pre made sandwiches as well. Kinda like a music or book store feel. Spread your business model out to multiple sources of income. On the Fish store side, run it with a Co Op business model in addition to the standard "Order/Sell" model. For the Co Op, Rely on all of your contacts here to be the first source for supply and allow all of us to bring in different variants for sale/display. Also provide a resale section for all the used equipment all of us cycle through. Also, you would have to have online sales and maybe even free internet with web cams.

If I was going to use a fun name... "Sips and Cyps" "Swimming in Coffee" or name each side separately with similar names "Coffee House - Fish House"

And Location... Somewhere close to your house. Near all the students and young professionals.

[Complexity]

A few other uses for the cafe/coffee house portion of the store.

• Of course, it would be the place to hold club meetings (great way to get fish people familiar with the store).
• Good place for auctions and swaps. Just make sure the store is open for business at the same time.
• Classes to show how to set up a canister or wet/dry, talk about different fish, tank decor, or whatever.
• Parties of various kinds, including even kids birthday parties (yeah, this one is a stretch, but other places do it, why not a place like this). Show the kids the different fish, let them feed them, and give them a betta or endler in the end (don't hit me for that).

I think there are two main goals to achieve. Get people in the store and develop a positive reputation with the people. Activities beyond just walking in to buy stuff can generate both of these things. As long as the store stocked what people wanted to buy at reasonable prices, and the people running it were knowledgeable and honest, the store would take off.

[Mzungu]

"Sips and Cyps" = Awesome.

[wesleydnunder]

I think an LFS/Coffee house divided by a wall of aquariums and a doorway between the two. Places to sit and read, drink coffee, hang out and admire fish on both sides. Maybe pre made sandwiches as well. Kinda like a music or book store feel. Spread your business model out to multiple sources of income. On the Fish store side, run it with a Co Op business model in addition to the standard "Order/Sell" model. For the Co Op, Rely on all of your contacts here to be the first source for supply and allow all of us to bring in different variants for sale/display. Also provide a resale section for all the used equipment all of us cycle through. Also, you would have to have online sales and maybe even free internet with web cams.

If I was going to use a fun name... "Sips and Cyps" "Swimming in Coffee" or name each side separately with similar names "Coffee House - Fish House"

And Location... Somewhere close to your house. Near all the students and young professionals.

I'd thought about a plant store or upscale bar next to the lfs... same reason; diversifying clientele, interests, income. I really like the coffee/sandwich shop idea.

If I can ever get the pecan business off the ground, maybe some day I'll have the money to invest in in something like a small deli and lfs... call it "Bettas and Brie".

Mark

[TonyO]

If I was going to use a fun name... "Sips and Cyps" "Swimming in Coffee" or name each side separately with similar names "Coffee House - Fish House"

... call it "Bettas and Brie".

Those are GREAT names! "A Tail of Two Stores."

A few other uses for the cafe/coffee house portion of the store.

• Of course, it would be the place to hold club meetings (great way to get fish people familiar with the store).
• Good place for auctions and swaps. Just make sure the store is open for business at the same time.
• Classes to show how to set up a canister or wet/dry, talk about different fish, tank decor, or whatever.
• Parties of various kinds, including even kids birthday parties (yeah, this one is a stretch, but other places do it, why not a place like this). Show the kids the different fish, let them feed them, and give them a betta or endler in the end (don't hit me for that).

I think there are two main goals to achieve. Get people in the store and develop a positive reputation with the people. Activities beyond just walking in to buy stuff can generate both of these things. As long as the store stocked what people wanted to buy at reasonable prices, and the people running it were knowledgeable and honest, the store would take off.

I know others mentioned diversifying, as well, and that's not a bad idea. Honestly, running activities in the store that bring in two types of clientele (new business, dedicated hobbyists) is key. Linking up with some of the clubs for meetings and auctions is a good way to build relationships with your more experienced fishkeepers. Providing classes and having knowledgable employees/accurate materials is good for people just starting out. Of course, quality stock and equipment at good prices is the key to success with both. You can have the more commonly found species, just be sure your stock is better than everyone else's!

[armthehomeless]

Diversification is a great idea! I like all these ideas... now who is going to act on them?

[armthehomeless]

Honestly, I'd work some weekends for someone like you or Tim for a lower wage. . . if you'd have me.

Also, while I'd want to do New World, I know I'd end up adding some of the others. . . I love gouramis and Synodontis too much to keep them out.

I would definitely have you! Let the recors reflect that TonyO stated the would work for a 'lower wage' . . .

[Complexity]

I like all these ideas... now who is going to act on them?

You!

[TonyO]

I would definitely have you! Let the recors reflect that TonyO stated the would work for a 'lower wage' . . .

I would, as long as it didn't interfere with the day job and it was one of the people that I know are top notch! Just know that, the jokes on you. . . I suck at netting fish (I almost never have to do it), but I'm getting better.

[SteveCGG]

How about fish store/sandwich shop called "Fish & Chips"?

[Andrew_B]

Mmm... Beer battered?

[BeefyG]

You!

You could use your kitchen to prep food, sell fish out of the bottom floor, and use your patio as a lounge/eating area. I'm sure all of your neighbors will be understanding and supportive of your endeavor.

Seriously though, I'll cook on the weekends if something gets going on this. (Don't tell my wife I said that)

[Nickintex]

(Don't tell my wife I said that)

HEY LINDSEY! Guess what your knucklehead hubby said on Fish Box?!

[armthehomeless]

You could use your kitchen to prep food, sell fish out of the bottom floor, and use your patio as a lounge/eating area. I'm sure all of your neighbors will be understanding and supportive of your endeavor. <img src="http://www.houstonfishbox.com/vforums/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Wink" smilieid="4" class="inlineimg" /><br />
<br />
Seriously though, I'll cook on the weekends if something gets going on this. (Don't tell my wife I said that)

I like this idea... I doubt my wife would though.
<br />

[eklikewhoa]

I would fully support though not financially, the endeavor if you were to pursue, Tim.