A BUSINESS SUCCESS?

[shawn13]

I have a buddy that's been in the herp business for over twenty years, and had become well established. This is his only income. He's open the information door for me on a few things to help enable me to possibly suceed.
My question is this, prior to my business, would any of you recommend some schooling in business marketing? Also, I thought of expanding into a green house with tropical folage like bromeliads, orchids, palm trees, Phillodendrons, etc. Being an avid tropical plant lover, I have an intrest in this field also. And this may also complement and help in the aid in more volumonous transactions, given the fact that possible sales may increase do to vivariums and the live plant concept.
Thank you for reading and any advice.

[spawn]

would any of you recommend some schooling in business marketing?

No. Unless you don't have your G.E.D. You can also read a few $30 books "Marketing for Dummies" and the sorts to get a basic understanding on capitalist industry. The biggest thing here is research your market THOROUGHLY. Make sure you have something unique to offer, and in good enough volume. If it isn't unique, make sure you can offer it at a better price than competitors. Otherwise you'll fail. I'm sure other people with experience in this market particularly will chime in on the issue.

[shawn13]

Thanks for responding. Wow, that's good news. I wasn't certain wheather or not college would inhance my credibility. But I see what you mean. I do love research. So, I'm sure this won't be a problem. I'm not prodding in any expeditious manner, and am willing to take on as much times as needed. I'll get that "dummy" book you recommended.
Beating the competitors, pricewise, with the the same product, I agree, is essential, while unique ones can be charged higher.
I appreciate this advice.
cordially,
Shawn

[MonopolyBag]

Ha, I plan on doing a similar thing. Me and my friend (currently in college) plan to start during college, but finish it, and start an aquarium and terrarium service and maintenance business. And eventually expand to an exotic pet store/greenhouse. But I think school is important to get more knowledge, life experience, and in case your business fails you have the college degree.

[DenZ0r]

Well I thought of this myself too. I'll give you some thoughts:

I speak in this about my country

1) Well there are about 4 online shops for our supplies. Biggest thing you could do to outrun you're enemies is Shipping time and Product prices
I really hate the 2-5 workdays estimates and then the products arrive 3 weeks later. I won't do business with them again anymore so..

2) In terms of additional products you could "sell" youre ability to create nice show vivs. You could go to companies, schools, etc. and show some nice flyers or something and you make the viv and they pay or something like that. So I think you'll need to have some additional things in the beginning. Even a part-time job will do I guess.

3) When you have you're shop it is also a nice place to sell you're frogs.

When you make a good plan things can work, but like monopolybag said you should have a back-up in the form of a degree or something.

Greetz

[shawn13]

Very well put. I, of course, have thought of selling my products directly from my store to walkins. The others, now that you've mentioned them, are starting to make my brain ponder. They would give me more faucetts and alot more leway.
Currently, I work in airmail in the international dept. Shipping is cheaper for me, but if and when I do leave this company, that won't help me then. The cusumers are certain to want the better deal as far as cost. The product itself I'm sure I can do, what shall I do about the cost it'll take to ship in a more expeditious manner without taking a loss myself? I heard from a friend, that professed that the PS2 was sold waaay under cost and took a loss. I asked why, and my friend said to knock off competetors. I of course, don't plan on selling game systems, but wonder how effective this is in the intention behind it. I'd think the customer would get mad once the price is raised because they're no longer getting such a sweet deal.

[Frognut]

The best advice I could give you is follow your dreams but not going to school is no shortcut to success.

[shawn13]

I'm just trying to think of finances. Wheather or not I can afford it. while I agree, college would be best, I want to make sure that it's within my tight budget.
You're right though, it's always nice to have that as security.

[Dangerously]

I know the local tech college (Delaware Tech 2-year degrees) around here partners with the University of Delaware and Delaware State University. You can spend two years at Del Tech and walk out with an AAS, then go finish the last two years of a four year degree at U of D (for example). That's quite a bit of savings over four years tuition at the U of D. Maybe there's something similar near you.

Having been through 3 or 4 fields in the corporate world, I find education always comes into play (two candiates being equal, who do you hire - the one with the BS or the one with the Masters?). Education itself may not seem to mean much sometimes, but the way it was explained to me was that "it shows you're trainable", and that you have a certain level of knowledge. Things are competitive out there right now - especially if you're in a field that can be offshored or outsourced (and most can).

I've worked with a former contruction worker that had an idea and turned it into a big business, and he only had a HS diploma. He wasn't very bright or businesslike, but he was smart emough to surround himself with smart people that could drive the business while he slept on the office couch.

Anyway.. just some thoughts.

[harrywitmore]

Something no one has mentioned or at least I didn't see it. The cost of heating a greenhouse has skyrocketed. It can eat up any profits you might have so you will want to think hard and long about a greenhouse for tropicals where you are. I spent $400 heating 2 small house here in NC last month and I have kept them cool.