Pet Business and More: Step-by-Step Startup Guide - Entrepreneur magazine (Compiler)

Americans love to pamper their pets. It's estimated that we spent nearly $36 billion on our cats, dogs, birds, fish, horses and other pets last year alone! And that number is expected to grow, continuing the decade-long trend of increased spending on pets. This means if you love pets, there are plenty of opportunities for you to turn your passion into a profitable and rewarding business.

Our guide gives you practical, real-world advice, tips and insider secrets for starting five of the most in-demand pet-product and pet-care services, including pet sitting/dog walking, dog training, pet grooming, pet-food/treat sales and upscale pet products.

We walk you step-by-step through every aspect of setting up and maintaining a thriving business including:

Getting funding
Finding suppliers and products
Equipping your business
Attracting--and keeping--customers
Pricing competitively
Taking your business online
Keeping records
And much, much more
You'll also hear from industry experts, as well as fellow entrepreneurs who've built successful operations and are eager to share what they've learned in the process.

Startup costs are fairly low. You can operate most of these businesses out of your home -- two can even be strictly internet-based to really keep expenses low. And all of them can be launched and run profitably without employees. If you're fascinated by all things furred, feathered and finned, this is the guide for you. Order yours today.

The First Three Years
In addition to industry specific information, you'll also tap into Entrepreneur's more than 30 years of small business expertise via the 2nd section of the guide - Start Your Own Business. SYOB offers critical startup essentials and a current, comprehensive view of what it takes to survive the crucial first three years, giving your exactly what you need to survive and succeed. Plus, you'll get advice and insight from experts and practicing entrepreneurs, all offering common-sense approaches and solutions to a wide range of challenges.
• Pin point your target market
• Uncover creative financing for startup and growth
• Use online resources to streamline your business plan
• Learn the secrets of successful marketing
• Discover digital and social media tools and how to use them
• Take advantage of hundreds of resources
• Receive vital forms, worksheets and checklists
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From startup to retirement, millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners have trusted Entrepreneur to point them in the right direction. We'll teach you the secrets of the winners, and give you exactly what you need to lay the groundwork for success.

BONUS: Entrepreneur's Startup Resource Kit!
Every small business is unique. Therefore, it's essential to have tools that are customizable depending on your business's needs. That's why with Entrepreneur is also offering you access to our Startup Resource Kit. Get instant access to thousands of business letters, sales letters, sample documents and more – all at your fingertips!

You'll find the following:

The Small Business Legal Toolkit
When your business dreams go from idea to reality, you're suddenly faced with laws and regulations governing nearly every move you make. Learn how to stay in compliance and protect your business from legal action. In this essential toolkit, you'll get answers to the “how do I get started?" questions every business owner faces along with a thorough understanding of the legal and tax requirements of your business.

Sample Business Letters
1000+ customizable business letters covering each type of written business communication you're likely
to encounter as you communicate with customers, suppliers, employees, and others. Plus a complete guide to business communication that covers every question you may have about developing your own business communication style.

Sample Sales Letters
The experts at Entrepreneur have compliled more than 1000 of the most effective sales letters covering introductions, prospecting, setting up appointments, cover letters, proposal letters, the all-important follow-up letter and letters covering all aspects of sales operations to help you make the sale, generate new customers and huge profits.