Consult federal and state laws before opening your treat shop.
Managing dogs' health includes knowing the nutrition in their food. Many dog owners choose to make their own treats to monitor their dogs' diets. In a struggling economy, this not only saves money on purchasing manufactured treats, but may serve as a way to break into the entrepreneurial market.
Instructions
1. Understand the law. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act regulates the manufacturing of pet foods. This ensures that consumable food products are made from quality ingredients in a sanitary environment; it also regulates the labelling of these products. Certain ingredients such as minerals, vitamins, flavorings and preservatives may need approval as additives -- while other components such as meat, poultry and grains, do not.
2. Know zoning and licensing requirements. Check with town and city officials for zoning restrictions which may prevent you from running your business from home. State laws may require you operate in a commercial kitchen. For those authorized to operate from home, a processing plan may need to be submitted; this illustrates your production process, equipment, sanitation procedures and rodent control efforts.
3. Determine the type of corporation you will be forming: sole proprietorship, corporation, S-corporation, Limited Liability Company, partnership, estate, trust, non-profit, other. Know the benefits of each. Once you have identified your organizational structure, obtain an employer tax identification number (EIN). Apply online through the Internal Revenue Service's website. Your EIN serves as your account number for filing taxes with the government.
4. Obtain liability insurance. Compare prices between major insurance companies. Familiarize yourself with the coverage, and know file a claim.
5. Secure a business license. This is typically run through local or state governments. Contact information can be found at the Small Business Administration website.
6. Choose your business name. Protect your business's identity and trademark it. The United States Patent and Trademark Office website offers information on complete this.
7. Protect your recipe. A patent grants you sole ownership of your unique recipe for 20 years. Discuss with your attorney, complete the application and how costly the process is.
8. Pick a vendor for your ingredients. Buying ingredients in bulk is more cost effective than buying from a local supermarket. Compare suppliers online. Know their methods of delivery, shipping costs, and the products in stock.
9. Price your treats competitively. Calculate the cost of producing your treats and price accordingly. Pricing too high may avert buyers, while under-pricing can affect your income.
10. Use the Internet. There are several ways to sell products online; including auction sites, marketplaces, classified listings, social media sites and by creating individual shops. Understand the differences between these entities. Some sites charge fees for goods sold, while others allow you the freedom to customize the site to your standards.
11. Build a name for yourself by marketing your product in smaller shops. Typically, you can find the owner of these stores on site, making it easier to get your foot in the door..
12. Try TV shopping networks. These outlets sell products to a large number of consumers. Applicants must apply online.
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