Need help with suppliers for Aquarium Business

OARrocks · 12/05/2009, 06:09 PM

Hi, i was wondering if someone could offer me some advice/suggestions.

I am recently expanding my current Aquarium business which because of the recent econ. turmoil has gone from a college side job to a full source of income since graduating. Up until recently i have been ordering tanks, stands, lighting, filtration etc. from my lfs for my customers but think it wise to start ordering for myself. This is my question, where do i look for good wholesaler's to supply me with the necessary equipment without buying retail. If posting suppliers on this forum will cause any problems or break any rules please email me at Fishy-business@live.com

Any input is appreciated.

FreakonaReef · 12/05/2009, 06:42 PM

Most wholesalers will want you to have a store front and be able to prove you have a legit business with references before they will open an account for you. Talk with your local fish store and see if they'll sell to you at 10% over cost for your customers. I'm sure if ya give them enough business right now they would work with ya.

s.reef · 12/05/2009, 06:58 PM

It depends on the company. Most need some type of copy of a business license and for you to fill out a form with other companies that you order from. Most require some sort of store front, sometimes they require pictures of the store.

Plato · 12/05/2009, 07:15 PM

Pretty much all on-line distributors have a wholesale discount. You will need a lawyer to establish a S corporation for your company. Hire an accountant one that will setup Quick books on your computer and help you with journal entries and monthly or quarterly taxes. Once you have your articles of incorporation get your business license and tax id #. Go to your bank get a business account setup. Some business may or may not deal with you due to the lack of a store front but their are so may that will as long as you have the proper paperwork. The most important thing is liability insurance for your company. In this economy businesses are more willing to accept almost any business that is legit, can't afford to be picky. I've been doing custom installations and maintenance for ten years now with out a store front and I have no shortage of distributors/vendors. Also you will want to attend all of the trade shows you can to stay on top of the industry. You can save a ton in the mean time buy buying on-line.

Arthur1 · 12/06/2009, 01:57 PM

Funny I'm getting to close shop sometime next year. Private accounts loosing jobs, business accounts not wanting to pay. Go figure... I knew I was in the wrong area. Send me a PM.

12/05/2009, 06:09 PM	#1
OARrocks Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 393	Need help with suppliers for Aquarium Business Hi, i was wondering if someone could offer me some advice/suggestions. I am recently expanding my current Aquarium business which because of the recent econ. turmoil has gone from a college side job to a full source of income since graduating. Up until recently i have been ordering tanks, stands, lighting, filtration etc. from my lfs for my customers but think it wise to start ordering for myself. This is my question, where do i look for good wholesaler's to supply me with the necessary equipment without buying retail. If posting suppliers on this forum will cause any problems or break any rules please email me at Fishy-business@live.com Any input is appreciated. __________________ You reap what you sow Current Tank Info: About 30

12/05/2009, 07:15 PM	#4
Plato Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: NC Posts: 638	Pretty much all on-line distributors have a wholesale discount. You will need a lawyer to establish a S corporation for your company. Hire an accountant one that will setup Quick books on your computer and help you with journal entries and monthly or quarterly taxes. Once you have your articles of incorporation get your business license and tax id #. Go to your bank get a business account setup. Some business may or may not deal with you due to the lack of a store front but their are so may that will as long as you have the proper paperwork. The most important thing is liability insurance for your company. In this economy businesses are more willing to accept almost any business that is legit, can't afford to be picky. I've been doing custom installations and maintenance for ten years now with out a store front and I have no shortage of distributors/vendors. Also you will want to attend all of the trade shows you can to stay on top of the industry. You can save a ton in the mean time buy buying on-line. __________________ Genesis 2:28 God blessed them and said to them,"Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Current Tank Info: 275 starphire, 3 x 400 watt MH + 4 x 80 watt T5's, 2 x MP 60 + 2 x MP 40, Orca 250 skimmer, CADS filter head (SeaVisions), ProCal Ca reactor, GHL controlled.

12/05/2009, 06:42 PM	#2
FreakonaReef Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: N. Las Vegas, NV Posts: 176	Most wholesalers will want you to have a store front and be able to prove you have a legit business with references before they will open an account for you. Talk with your local fish store and see if they'll sell to you at 10% over cost for your customers. I'm sure if ya give them enough business right now they would work with ya.

12/05/2009, 06:58 PM	#3
s.reef Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 269	It depends on the company. Most need some type of copy of a business license and for you to fill out a form with other companies that you order from. Most require some sort of store front, sometimes they require pictures of the store.

12/06/2009, 01:57 PM	#5
Arthur1 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Cape Cod MA Posts: 578	Funny I'm getting to close shop sometime next year. Private accounts loosing jobs, business accounts not wanting to pay. Go figure... I knew I was in the wrong area. Send me a PM.