Reptiles in petshops in QLD.

[womas4me]

All dealers in WA MUST ACCEPT any unwanted pet herpetofauna covered under the provisions of their license from any licensed keeper whether or not any remuneration is given to the keeper. Should stop people just releasing into the wild you would hope.

[cwarren72]

I am on the North Side of Brisbane and have been contenplating the idea of opening a Herp Specialty shop. Anyone in this area who would like to meet up and talk about the idea email me, looking for ideas and even other interested parties. cwarren72@optusnet.com.au

[sxereturn]

Colin - I'd be interested in working there...I'm cheap to hire and know my stuff. However, I can't put any funding into it. And I'd have trouble selling to just any old gimp...

[cwarren72]

That's part of the overall plan. I would ideally like to be able to turn people away that seem as though their hearts aren't in it. Also things such as people who wish to get there licence would be encouraged to do a begginers course with ongoing assistance. If all goes according to plan I will have something up and running before the end of the year(if not sooner) I could jump in right now but I would rather wait until we know exactly what is going to happen with all the new rules. Planning on having THE STORE, if you know what I mean? Starting my home work already.

[iluvsmyreptiles]

Alot of people are doing this...so move fast guys.
There is already a herp specialty shop in Manly-west.

[Greebo]

Someone opened a Herp-only shop in Wodonga....not far from Wagga.
They lasted about 6 months.
I guess they turned away to many prospective customers.
While I applaud your enthusiasm Cwarren, you are niave if you think a business (no matter what it is) can afford to turn away customers.

[womas4me]

Greebo, maybe it was the town it was in

[Greebo]

Albury/Wodonga is a pretty big town.
I didn't mean to sound all doom and gloom.
It would be great if Cwarren could make a living out of something he loves.

[luke]

best of luck to any one who is attempting to get a shop started
it will be a great experiance if you get it goin !!!

[moiette]

this morning i was at the nerang (qld) pet barn and they had pythons, turtles and lizards...a very sad day.

[Already_Gone]

With all the changes, if we werent part of this group and didnt talk to other herpers, How in gods name are we supposed to know about the new regulations?? I only found out about the new movement permit situation by talking to a breeder I know. I was given a turtle last week and i didnt even know that I required to submit a movement advice!!!! The guy I got it from knew nothing about it either. Imagine if NPWS did a check on me this week??? They would be asking me questions!!!

I rang them up yesterday and required about a few things. They are getting rid of specialist licences and so it is either recreational or commercial. A specialist licence will now be a rec licence with a clause stating that you have their permission to keep restricted reptiles. They guy on the phone checked and told me that if you make money off your herps, you are allowed to sell them, but it is not allowed to be your main source of income. So to me that means if you have a job that you earn more money from per annum, thats ok. He agreed but suggested I check with the ATO.

I also asked them whether they were sending out the new regulations + legislation to all licence holders, he said no, just the new applicants.

Rec Licences are now $50/5 years

There are no more 6 monthly-yearly returns... it is up to the keeper to ensure that their bookwork is up to date. NPWS will know how many herps you should have from the movement advices you have submitted. They are now $2.50 and you dont have to show your licence or tell them the number over the phone. It is the same price for everyone.

For more info go to:
http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/ecoaccess/plants_and_animals/

Sorry about the long winded post

[Fuscus]

Pet shops are an excellent entry point into the hobby. Adelaide has at least three shops, all very good and the prices ain't that bad, One had a pair of unrelated bredli (about six months old) at $750 the pair, about $25 over the normal sale price over the internet. When you buy from interstate you don't get a change to fondle the animal before commitment. IF you get a good shop in your area it is an asset.
The downside is selling to the shops, remember they are a business and need to make takings exceed costs. This means that shops will pay low prices for livestock, generally around 30 - 40% of the selling price. They are paying $20 for hatchling EWD at the moment (in Adalaide) and selling for $45 to $50.
To stay in the livestock business you should use the third selling rule - athird for stock, a third for overhead and a third for you. Not all the animals you purchase sell, some die, some get damaged while some just don't sell. Its a fickle business.

[cwarren72]

Greebs I know the shop you are refering to in Wodonga as my daughter and ex live in that area and so I frequent it regulary. The reason that and a couple of other shops attempting to (so Called) specialise in herps failed was because of what I believe was two factors. Firstly that region is made up mostly of farmers and unfortunately there is not a big enough population or interest in that area. I am sure you can imagine what farmers think about snakes? I grew up in the country and if you don't know what they think then I could tell you. Secondly, they weren't really specialist in the true sense of the word, While I belive I would have to carry other stock for other animals (odd type pets) to possibly subsidise the shops income for some time until it gets on its own feet I would make sure that 90+ percent would be for herps. As for your comment about being niave towards turning people away, Well all I can say is that while I know your comment was not made in malise I would have to say that it is you who is niave to think that I couldn't and wouldn't. Not trying to be rude to you there.
I think often it is the things we don't do that make or break a buisiness as much as the things you do do. I am wanting to start the shop for primarily an income and to say otherwise would be a lie but secondly and by no me least I also want there to be somewhere you can go as a herpist in Brisbane where you can obtain all your needs, be it in person, on the net or over the phone. I am sick and tired of having to run around trying to find this and that and being forced to pay ridiculous amounts for things we know should be cheap. Besides all this I don't need much of an income to be happy, I mean think of all the fringe benifits??? All them herps I get to have even if it is only for a short time in between selling them.

[jimmyb]

was talking to the guys at Aquarama in Brisbane last week. they said they have plans to start selling reptiles soon.... no specific dates given though.

Aquarama
Corner Stafford Rd & Shand St Stafford QLD 4053
ph: (07) 3856 6600 Aquariums & Supplies


cheers,
jimmy

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Iluvs, have you the details on the shop at Manly, I wouldnt mind checking it out!
Cheers
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