Potential tack shop

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horseygal123

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We are at a yard of around 90 horses and there are also shows run most weekends so therefore a lot of people coming in and out. There is room that could easily be used to hold the tack shop in and is easily rentable so that is not an issue. We would be looking to offer products at as low prices as possible due to the overhead costs not being too much and therefore believe that we could offer lower costs than many of the local tack shops as their overhead costs are more. I know that many show venues offer tack shops now and they always seem to be quite popular, nothing better than buying a present for your horse when they've been a star ;) We was also going to start an online website to broaden our potential customers and there will also be the chance for customers to order in products from a catalogue for their next visit etc.
What do you all think? What would you be looking to buy? Any suggestions or views would be much appreciated!
Many thanks :)
 
That sounds like a great idea. Earlier this year I went to a show and was very pleased they had an on-site tack shop when my mare broke her head collar. I'd go for stuff that people might forget too, like girths, gloves and whips.
 
Anything that is easily lost or broken such as buckets, lead ropes, head collars, brushes etc would probably be a big seller as would treats and first aid equipment :)
 
I looked into starting a tack shop, no rent on as part of a property. The overheads are MASSIVE, even just to hold a fairly limited stock you are looking at around £20,000 (there are just so many different sizes/types of things!)
If you still think that this is doable your 'footfall' model seems ok & TBH no tack business can survive without a good website & efficient mail order service.
Honestly for me it was too much if a financial risk so walked away :(
 
A lady near me has a small shop at a similar venue. She opens all day on event days and does a brisk trade in new items as well as second hand stuff which people bring with them. The sort of things which break or folks forget on the day, including small things like gloves etc, but also (surprisingly!) jods and jackets, saddles and bridles. Personally, I can't imagine arriving at an event, finding I'd forgotten my saddle and just buying a replacement, but it takes all sorts I guess .... Sounds like a good idea to me. Good luck with it.
 
I own a tack shop which we started 4 years ago. My biggest piece of advice is whatever you plan to spend, double it at least!! Our overheads aren't massive to be honest but its quite a low margin business, you also need to think about your local competitors as you will struggle to get supplied if you have other tack shops on your doorstep. I don't mean to sound negative and I love my business and it's successful but it's the hardest thing I've ever done! Good Luck xx
 
I've forgotten loads over the years - gloves, hat, bridle and horses have regularly broken headcollars and leadropes. I even know someone who forgot their horse too, but you can't stock that!
 
Thank you all for your input and advice! I will look further into it before I make the decision but am certainly interested in doing so. I'll let you all know if I do.
Again many thanks :)
 
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