Dog Owners: what would you pay?

[Ellisa]

I'm thinking of starting a "doggie deli" type thing where I can work out of my home. I'm thinking of making maybe 8-12 types of "cookies" or treats and selling them in bags. Depending on the type of cookie and the size (small, medium & x-large) there would be between 2 (x-large 5" bone) and 8 (small 2" bone) cookies in a bag.

To start, I think I'll put a set price on them and find local vets and grooming places who will sell them at the counter (probably going to have to give a cut to them). I'm thinking $1 - $2 per bag for a sale price. (Ingredients will be listed on the bag along with a disclaimer that I'm not responsible for allergic reactions)

Any thoughts? You guys are so creative and helpful.... I really appreciate any input.

 

[brekin67]

I would pay no more than $8 for a bag of 8-12 cookies.
Good luck.

 

[a1tinkfans]

I think anyone that would buy them at a VETS will be very conscious of ingredients and freshness. Perhpas repeat customers, but then only when they come back to Vets office? that is usually not that often. Would you be willing to ship?
Maybe you can have a small FREE display area to "start it up" in one location to entice people (sat at vets is usually busy).
FYI....
On the "PEOPLE/food/ingestable" side of business, it is VERY serious and laws and rules apply, what is it on the dog food side? I would be prepared before you start so you know what is expected of you.

Do you have an insurance policy to cover you just in case???????????

(for example, delis around me used to sell chocolate pops, holiday candy made by people, NO more, no one wants to take the chance of an issue. Usually the $$ made is too small to take the risk.

Didn't mean to sound down about your idea ( i thnk its great you're wanting to start something) but think you should be very well versed in "possibilities." just in case. Best to be prepared then go in blind.
Best of luck to you!!

 

[dakcp2001]

there is someone in my neck of the woods that sells "organic fresh dog cookies" and I have seen them in lots of little shops at the counter, as well as bakeries & ice cream shops. They seem to sell well in the fancier suburbs.

Are their any dog groomer type shops, or little stores that sell dog clothing? I think if you find your target audience, you could do well.

 

[kacaju]

I have a neighbor who started a business like this and she is very successful. I know she sells them at groomers and street fairs.

 

[TupperMom7]

Groomers, vets offices and craft fairs would be a good place to sell your dog treats. I agree that places that have a limited amount of people traffic, like the vets or groomers, you might want to give out free samples with your information, like a business card or something. Give people's pets a taste of what is available. For craft fairs, you can try to sell them there. Maybe smaller packages so people can try them for $2 or $3 and let them know that larger packages are available. I have seen people at craft fairs selling dog treats, so I know that it is done. Good luck!

 

[dclfun]

Just as an fyi I would only buy organic and would want some kind of proof that it's organic. I now buy only products where all the ingredients are "usda organic" listed on the box or bag. There was a lady selling homemade dog "cookies" in her pet shop and who gave away free samples so I agree to let people take maybe one small sample to try for their dog- she offered chicken, sweet potato, fish, and all-grain with blueberries. Some dogs are allergic to wheat and corn, so listing the ingredients is a great idea. Good luck! Also to appeal to the human, making them in cute shapes will probably help with your sales. I've seen doggie cookie cutters in the shape of bones and paws.---Kathy

 

[CathrynRose]

I pay $9 per pound at my local Dog Bakery. - http://store.happydogbarkery.com/

 

[erin.w]

I would do two size bags, one small one for those that just want to "try" them, and a larger bag for the repeat customers.

 

[PatriciaH]

Here is our local bakery

http://dogbarkbakery.com/

and a close one

http://www.barkavenuebakery.com/

 

[Teresa Pitman]

There's a guy at our local farmer's market who sells paper bags of dog treats in different flavours. They are $5 a bag and probably have 15-20 small dog biscuits in each bag. I think he has other items too but that's all I ever buy from him.

Teresa

 

[JackJack08]

That is so funny! I was just searching the net for this very thing. Actually it was homemade dog food recipes I was wanting but this is close!! I think it is a great idea. I agree 2 sizes....maybe a $5 and a $9 or something??

 

[Momma2dakidz]

I pay $50 for 30 pounds of food. No way in heck would spend more money for treats........LOL.....call me cheap but they get cheap carrots, home made pumpkin bars, and any cheap healthy food. Now what i would pay dearly for is treats i can put in my own mouth as "bait" for my show dogs. I use alot of cheese and hot dogs because they are human edible. I would love to find someone that makes those textures from sweet poatatos, chicken or non allergenic veggies.

But honestly with this economy is anyone truly splurging on thier pets? I used to put in a monthly toy order, HA HA HA now they have strings and carcases to play with. I used to buy something new for them every month, they got nothing for xmas because nothing was needed.

 

[java]

14oz organic bag goes for around $8.(treats)

Or from the bakery case you can pay $1 for 3 small cheese sticks(which my lab eats in about a second.)
or $1 each for a "decorated" treat.
And I have been known to buy a Birthday "Cake" -just a giant biscuit decorated with Happy Birthday for about $8.

In this economy I don't know that I would be shelling out big bucks for treats. But $2 I would try it. Are you going to be making money at that low a price? Don't forget to include your cost of gas driving to all these dog places.

 

[GoldieSaysMeep]

I would be quite thrilled to see treats like that. My dog is allergic to so many things (I had an allergy test done... he is allergic to most ingredients in most dog foods and treats). If there were some that had no oats/soy/poultry/fish/brewers yeast/milk I would probably be willing to pay up to $15 for a bag.

I have in the past. Whenever I see a treat the poor baby can actually eat. Usually these fall into the high priced natural food stuff. I've made him a few things but I just don't have the spare time to make up tons of doggie treats so usually treats for him end up being scraps of whatever human food he can eat.

 

[Lmichele]

I have two dogs and have only visited a dog bakery twice. Once to buy special treats for their birthdays, then again for Christmas. Other then that they get Milkbones, which I get right from the grocery store. The prices vary, bags (8 oz) of treats can range from $5 - $7. As other posters mentioned, you need to look into any laws that may apply to this type of business. Try contacting your state's Agriculture Dept.

 

[RichNKatHolly]

You may want to also try setting up an e-shop etsy.com and see if your stuff goes well (if you are willing to ship). Then try a table at your local craft fair or market. You'll have a better idea on how the business will take off before you open an actual store with rent and all that.

I love stuff like this and usually only buy organic or all-natural so we would probably order from you (when funds allow)!

 

[aclov]

I did buy a bag from a lady at a craft show for about $3 and she had the ingredients listed on the back. I think she has a little shop somewhere.
Since I spend alot on my dog food I try not to spend alot on treats but when I buy them it's something organic. Do you know anyone that's a pet sitter or dogwalker? Maybe they can give a small sample to their clients.

 

[Starshine]

I would be quite thrilled to see treats like that. My dog is allergic to so many things (I had an allergy test done... he is allergic to most ingredients in most dog foods and treats). If there were some that had no oats/soy/poultry/fish/brewers yeast/milk I would probably be willing to pay up to $15 for a bag.

I have in the past. Whenever I see a treat the poor baby can actually eat. Usually these fall into the high priced natural food stuff. I've made him a few things but I just don't have the spare time to make up tons of doggie treats so usually treats for him end up being scraps of whatever human food he can eat.

Are you sure we don't have the same dog?

We also have a dog on a special diet, and any time I find treats that he can eat I tend to buy them regardless of the cost. If you could add some special ones for limited diets I think you would find a market for them even at a more expensive price. I buy most of our treats from SitStay if that helps give you an idea on pricing.

Editing to add that I think it's important that you list all the ingredients on your packaging as well- there have been many times that I saw treats but was afraid to buy without knowing if it was something our dog could have...

 

[DMRick]

I didn't read the whole thread, so I don't know if this was posted earlier. Make sure you check with your ag and markets (they do the inspections in our area for the health dept) to be sure you don't have to be linspected. In our area, you not only have to be linspected, you need a business license and a tax certificate. I recommend business insurance as well, in case something goes wrong (a dog allegic to something, chokes..you never know what people will sue over. I didn't say win, just sue).
We have several people in the area that sell dog treats, and they all seem to be doing good.