Specialist reptile shop

Hobby keepers, first-time buyers (often families), experienced breeders and people upgrading their enclosures.

Retail margin on animals and on equipment and food. Repeat sales of food, supplements and bedding usually bring customers back every few weeks.

• Solid reptile husbandry knowledge
• Friendly, honest advice for beginners
• Stock control and basic retail pricing
• Handling animals calmly and safely

• Licences to keep and sell reptiles differ by state and territory, so check with your state wildlife agency
• Council approval for a pet shop and the premises use
• Public liability and stock insurance, plus power safety for heated enclosures
• Animal welfare laws and any pet shop codes of practice in your state
• Live animal losses and slow-selling stock tie up cash
• Check any rules on keeping venomous species, and on staff handling them, before stocking

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your premises, fit-out, enclosures and opening stock, and whether you stock live animals. Live animal losses and slow-selling stock can tie up cash.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your location, range and mix of animals and supplies. That is revenue before costs. Expect to work at least 40 hours a week.

Check licences to keep and sell reptiles with your state wildlife agency, as they differ by state and territory. Also check council approval for a pet shop, animal welfare laws, pet shop codes, insurance, power safety, and any rules on venomous species.