Though one-third of all pets go missing at some time, many find their way home before their owners report them missing, according to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy. Pet identification tags increase these odds. Start a pet ID business to make money while helping animals. You don't need any special license, only a sense of style and marketing skills.
Instructions
1. Determine the target market for your pet tags since this will determine how you run your business. For example, if you will sell to local humane societies, you may be able to charge higher prices since the humane society may require adopters to purchase tags before taking their pets home.
2. Name your business. Keep your target market in mind to choose a name that will help you sell to them. For example, "Pet Protection" may appeal to customers who must buy the tags while "Lose-Me-Nots" may appeal to customers who want ornate custom tags for their pets.
3. Acquire the permits or licenses you need to operate your business where you live. Check with your local county clerk and/or your secretary of state office for more information. Regulations vary by region but you will likely need a sales tax and use permit and a resale certificate.
4. Get an employer identification number from the Internal Revenue Service since some companies may require one to sell you supplies. An EIN is free and identifies your business for tax purposes.
5. Purchase an assortment of pet tags and collars in bulk. Have your business name and contact information engraved on the tags to serve as an advertisement to anyone who sees them.
6. Assemble the collars and tags in matching combinations. For example, hang a silver tag with a pink paw print on a pink collar. Take a picture of each combination. Be sure to have plenty of each type available to sell.
7. Divide your total business costs by the number of IDs you have to sell. This is the minimum you can sell each tag for to break even. Check the prices of similar IDs in the places you want to sell yours to determine an appropriate sale price for each type of ID you will sell. You may be able to sell some for a higher price than others.
8. Make fliers advertising your business. Include pictures of your IDs, the prices and the best way to contact you. Give these to the managers in the places you want to sell your products.
Tags: your business, appeal customers, each type, places want, places want sell, target market, their pets