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Start a Fishing Supplies Business

What you will be doing.  Fishing is a favorite pastime in the United States and other countries.  Families that go camping often catch their own fish and cook it over an open flame.  Boy and girl scouts learn fishing and camping skills.  Televised fishing events bring in big money for the winners of the competition. 

As a fishing supply dealer, you will sell gear, accessories, and bait (locally) to fisherman, sporting programs, and stores.  Your prices will be cheaper because you can buy in bulk and drop ship to avoid a large inventory.  If you fish, you can design a new line of lures and have them manufactured to market on your website.  The website can also feature a calendar of fishing events around the country and important tips on fishing for experts and novices.  A web forum gives fishermen from all over the world a chance to swap stories and share techniques. 

How to start.  You will need an inventory.  A business license allows you to use wholesale dealers for your inventory.  Fishermen use lures, nets, rods, reels, coolers, hats, and the like.  A line of T-shirts with catchy phrases can be included among the fishing supplies.   

Reels are expensive.  A dealer may let you carry them in your inventory on consignment.  This will lower your overall cost upfront.  Check around the area and online for a list of fishing supplies.  The list offers a starting point for you to decide what you will carry.  Selling bait is a popular product.  Cut the overhead by harvesting your own. 

People create worm farms to use for bait.  The instructions for constructing one can probably be found online.  It is also a good way to create nutrient rich compost for a garden.  The worms can be sold live or shipped freeze dried.  Shipping regulations need to be adhered to when shipping these kinds of items.   

Starting costs.  The cost to you could run from $5,000 and up.  Some of the items that you will be carrying are not cheap.  Depending on the popularity of fishing in your area, the inventory may need to be large, especially in the spring and summer months when outdoor activities are popular. 

Setting up a website allows you to sell your fishing supplies at auctions and on your website.  A website component can increase business rather quickly so you must be able to meet the demand. 

Skills needed.  A person selling fishing supplies should love fishing.  You will be surrounded by everything that a fishermen uses so it won’t go well if you don’t even like to fish.  Prompt service is important especially during peak fishing seasons.  If you guarantee that an order will arrive on a certain day, make sure that it happens.   

Knowledge of fishing supplies and fishing in general helps in sales to people new to the pastime.  It also earns the trust of experienced fishermen who want to try your business.  Keep up with new trends and read the sporting magazines. 

Marketing.  Trade shows and flea markets will get you noticed by the local fisherman.  Advertising in the newspaper can direct people to your website and your home for fresh live bait.  Mailings to summer youth camps, church youth groups, and scouting organizations can bring business your way from groups. 

Over time think about expanding the business.  Your business can offer to sponsor fishing events locally.  Expansion can also include equipment rental or repair. 

Fishing is fun and a great adventure for the family.  If fishing is popular in your area, give a fishing supply business a try.

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