Of the more than 10 million pets that go missing from their homes every year, only 1 million will find their way home again, according to the National Humane Society and the National Council of Pet Population Study and Policy. Pet identification tags make it more likely that these pets will rejoin their owners, and in fact, some jurisdictions require them. Make a business out of helping families find lost pets.
Instructions
1. Create a business plan to get organized and prevent possible obstacles. For example, decide whether you'll work alone, or with others, and whether you'll sell exclusively to one store, or to several. Make sure you comply with all applicable laws. Ask your county clerk what permits or licenses you may need to run a pet tag business in your area.
2. Choose a name for your business that conveys that it's pet-related. Ask the county clerk, and check with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, to ensure that your business name is distinct from those of other pet tag businesses.
3. Apply for an employer identification number from the Internal Revenue Service, if you plan to hire employees. An EIN is like a Social Security number for your business, and some companies may require you to have one, before you can purchase supplies.
4. Buy a variety of pet tags with your business name and contact information engraved on the back. Choose a company that gives you a discount for bulk orders, to increase your profit.
5. Divide your total business costs, such as pet tags and business licenses, by the number of tags in your inventory to determine a base price. Visit local pet supply stores to find out how much pet tags cost, and use this as a guide to determine a price for yours. You might charge more for more ornate tags, for example.
6. Take representative pictures of the items in your inventory. Include at least one picture of the engraving on the back.
7. Make flyers for your business that include your business name, pictures of your inventory, prices and contact information. Give them to the managers at local pet supply shops, kennels and veterinary offices to advertise your business. Post them in public places such as parks, where people often walk their dogs.
Tags: your business, business name, your business name, your inventory, business that, contact information