Local animal feed and supplies shop
Sell feed, bedding and supplies to farmers, horse owners and pet owners from a small shopfront or shed.
- A$25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small shop or shed stocking bagged feed, hay, chaff, bedding and everyday supplies for horses, poultry, livestock and pets, usually in a rural or semi-rural area.
Your first three steps
- Visit local farms, pony clubs and stables to find out what they buy now and what they are unhappy with
- Ask feed mills and wholesalers about trade accounts, minimum orders and delivery to your area
- Price up a small shop or shed lease near your customers and check zoning with your local council
Who pays
Hobby farmers, horse owners, small livestock keepers, poultry keepers and local pet owners who buy regularly.
How it makes money
Mark-up on bagged feed, hay and supplies sold over the counter, with repeat weekly or monthly buyers and extra margin on bedding, treats and accessories.
Skills that help
- Knowing animal feed and basic nutrition
- Customer service and building regular customers
- Stock control and ordering
- Comfortable with heavy lifting
Watch out for
- Public liability and product liability insurance, plus stock insurance
- Council zoning and planning approval for a retail premises or shed, check with your local council
- Feed stored badly can spoil or attract pests, plan dry and secure storage
- Heavy lifting and cash tied up in stock, start with a narrow range
- Register for an ABN, and check when GST registration applies to your turnover
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: local animal feed and supplies shop
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an animal feed shop?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the premises and how much stock you buy. Starting with a narrow range helps limit the cash tied up in stock.
How much can an animal feed shop make?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on your location, range and how many regular customers you build. This is revenue rather than profit, so stock and premises costs come out of it.
What should I check before opening a feed shop?
Check council zoning and planning approval for a retail premises or shed, and plan dry, secure storage so feed doesn't spoil or attract pests. Also check insurance, register for an ABN, and check when GST registration applies.
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