Sunday, July 7, 2013

How to Start an Aquarium Maintenance Company

Aquarium Maintenance Company
If you're a fish hobbyist with experience in maintaining and starting new tanks, the aquarium maintenance business may be for you. This business is easy to start on your own or with a partner, can be run from home and requires few supplies. Many aquarium maintenance services offer to set up tanks for clients and then maintain them. The aquarium maintenance business requires expertise, so successfully running your own aquarium before going into business is a necessity. Before you start visiting clients, make sure you have the proper registration, insurance and supplies.













Step 1

Write a business plan for your aquarium maintenance company. Decide what your business will focus on: maintaining existing aquariums, installing and maintaining new aquariums, and saltwater or freshwater aquariums. Determine your target market, whether it is businesses, homeowners or a broad market of fish enthusiasts. Research existing aquarium maintenance companies and evaluate how well they’re meeting the needs of your target market. Define ways that you can set yourself apart from the competition by offering lower rates, specialized services such as creating artful tanks, knowledge of rare fish, guarantees, or by showcasing your expertise. Choose a business name that will attract your target market and differentiate you from competitors. Make a list of supplies you’ll need and ways in which you’ll market yourself. Set your prices by researching what other competitors charge.

Step 2

Register your aquarium maintenance business. Go to your city hall to secure registration materials and applications. Fill out and submit the applications, and then wait to receive confirmation of your registration before you start doing business.

Step 3

Aquarium Maintenance CompanyGather supplies. Purchase fish food in bulk from online wholesalers. Acquire cleaning supplies such as algae scrubbers, aquarium-safe cleansers and aquarium siphons for water changes from local or online aquarium supply stores. Make sure to get a water test kit. Search online auction websites for good deals on gently used aquariums and stands if your business installs aquariums as well. Buy these as well as filters, gravel, heaters, lighting equipment and other decorations on an as-needed basis. Visit local wholesale conventions to purchase interesting fish as necessary; make sure to bring your business license with you, as it will be required to make purchases.

Step 4

Write a business contract for clients. State which services you are responsible for and how often you will perform specific duties. Include a statement that you are not responsible for the death of fish unless you have done something specific to cause their deaths.

Step 5

Apply for liability insurance to protect you from damages. Expect an expensive premium as aquarium maintenance companies often have issues with damages due to flooding.

Step 6

Aquarium Maintenance CompanyMarket your aquarium maintenance business. Create fliers with a list of your services. Describe how you clean aquariums and what you do to ensure fish health. Design professional-looking fliers that distinguish you from competitors. If you are an expert in tropical fish, say so; if you create artful tanks, mention it. Include contact information such as phone numbers, email address and website address, if you have one. Post fliers on local bulletin boards, place ads in online and print versions of local newspapers and start a fan page on a social networking site to get the word out locally. Visit local businesses, such as doctors’ offices and restaurants, in person to offer your services, particularly if you’re in the business of setting up tanks. Drop off a flier or business card at each place you visit.


About the Author

Megan Martin has more than 10 years of experience writing for trade publications and corporate newsletters as well as literary journals. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Iowa and a Master of Fine Arts in writing from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.




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