Does anyone run/work in a tack shop?

[icclemunchy]

I'm looking to start up my own online/mobile tack shop but im having some problems getting info from wholesalers, wondering if I could be really cheeky and pm someone some questions?

Gd luck at starting own business

I don't have any advice about suppliers,but can tell you that there is a huge gap in the market for boys riding stuff.A lot of my friends at PC are always complaining that all the hat silks,jodhpurs ect,are all aimed at girls in pinks and purples.They can never find anything in greens,browns,blues,oranges ect.They have all got money to spend,but the merchandise just isn't there.

Best of luck and send us a link once you get set up.

I work in a tack shop and manage all online sales, aswell as saddle fitting and rug washing/mending... What do you want to know?

I second Mirage. My ds is just getting to an age where the girls jods are no longer the right shape either. He'd also like things that are more interesting than plain black. Lots of sparkly pink whips/saddlecloths/silks/hat bags etc etc, but nothing in red or purple or whatever

Hi Crispy, ive tried to PM you but it wont let me? I Just need some info on trade prices/ markups. I need to work out how viable it is and how much i'll need for start up stock but not one company or wholesaler will give me any prices without an established company

Thirding (?) the lack of stuff for boys. Ds is 8 and it's so hard to find none spangly stuff.

I 4th-ing Mirage - trying to find stuff for my ds is de-moralising. I had a list of things I wanted for him at burghley, and the only thing I found were jodhpurs in navy, and that was a hunt...everything is pink and purple. It is off putting for him too.

Own brand of boys horse ball stuff would be amazing, or even custom sizing. Dh and Ds are both 6ft 5... they only have I pair of cream jodhpurs each. Did find a green pair in Germany. I guess that is more online business.

Other than saddles and rugs I do buy ever thing online it is just so much easier unless it is funky/colourful. Happy to choose a rug and then let them order them in for me.

Yes yes to boy's stuff - we've found you a gap in the market OP! Ds (10) has one pair brown jodphurs that he wears all the time, there is nothing out there that's good for boys. He doesn't want to look like a joules advert, just a normal kid that rides. Some kind of skinny jean / jodphurs would be great.

thanks for all your comments guys, its certainly given me something to think about :)

I have pm you

For those with DSons, have you tried equestrian clearance? They seem to have a good range of non pink/purple under the children's wear section. Hth

Also don't forget that boys grow up! Finding stud for hubby is also near impossible

You're putting your hubby out to stud??

lol