Butchers shops follow old traditions of meat handling and
still fashionable in many communities. The butcher is akin to a milkman
providing much needed service to his community.
To run a butchers shop it takes a keen sense of
community, knowledge and passion for the job. The main function of a butchers
shop is to provide the customer measured cuts of meat.
Many small towns still have butchers shops however large
supermarkets sell pre-cut meat to customers. Despite the decline in butchers
shop the meat market is ever popular.
Why
are Butchers Shops Popular?
Despite the changing trends in modern living why is the
butchers shop still popular. Unlike supermarket meat, butchers are interested
in the journey and source of the meat.
They provide advice to shoppers on meat choice, size and
cut. In meat shops the customer is not subjected to a fix cut and price. The
customer pays according to budget and size of cut.
Financing
the Meat Shop
You need proper financing to start a butchers shop. Majority
of the funds go into procurement of meat, lease payment and utility bills.
Other areas that require funds are company incorporation,
state and local government permits. Finance the business through target savings
and soft loans.
Borrow from friends and family or seek a core investor. Startup
costs include costly equipment, promotions, stocking premium meat and
transportation.
Training
You need to gain practical experience to become a
butcher. It takes several years of training and apprentice-ship to get
certified. If you don’t want to go through the stress hire a qualified butcher.
Register
the Business
To avoid liability claims you need insurance cover and
limited liability. Incorporate the business as a limited liability company and
provide safety equipment.
There are a few local and state laws guiding meat
processing and handling. Meat has many pathogens that require expert handling
and storage.
Carry
out a Feasibility Study
The feasibility study would help identify the competition.
Meat business is highly competitive and there are many places to buy meat
products.
The competitors include frozen food stores, supermarkets,
open market and other butchers in your community. Due to the huge profit in
meat business you need to develop a brand and carve a niche. The only way to
beat competitors is through quality product and pricing.
Location
Owning a meat store in a commercial area is important to
the success of the enterprise. The shop could be in a market place, crowded
corner or near residential homes.
Another good location is close to a popular grocery
market. Your store is required to pass health inspection test and food handler
certification.
Type
of Meat to Sell
The type of meat to stock depends on your business
template. Common meats found in butchers shop are chicken, pork, beef and goat.
They also stock duck, lamb and rabbit. Focus only on
specific meat types popular in your locality.
Selling mainstream products is an effective marketing
strategy. It reduces inventory while optimizing sales.
Equipment
Your butchers shop needs some specialized equipment. You
need sharp knives, plastic wrappers and slicing machine. Others are
refrigerator, trays, block paper and weighing scale.
Sourcing
the Meat
To reduce costs purchase your meat directly from farmers.
A good place to source meat is farmers markets.
Other sources for your product are wholesalers or small
vendors. The source of your meat is very important due to ethical issues and
increased awareness of such issues.
You need to build customer trust and loyalty by sourcing
your meat appropriately.
Promotions
Promote your enterprise though publications and special
offers. Use signage boards, posters and banners. Offer competitive prices, good
customer service and quality products.
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