Everyone Please Read? (good cage related)

[wolfhonor45]

Hello,
My name is Michael and I'm a single dad, plus a beardie owner
So, I've been trying to think of a way to make some extra money and I'm seriously thinking about
building crossfire enclosures and selling them online. What I want to know is what people would
pay for a crossfire cage? We're talking a standard 4ftX2ftX2ft crossfire with built in light fixture and
UVB tube fixture.

Something similar to this.
Please leave comments and questions, I'll be checking back periodically all day.

 

[wolfhonor45]

Even if you have no intention of buying one I just want opinions on what you feel a cage like this would be worth

 

[Onlymediocre]

Ive seen them online for a few hundred dollars, I made my own, and for what we have in it (probably at least $200, and I got my glass for free!), I dont think Id pay that upfront to buy one. But mostly bc Im a big "i bet I could make that" type person. Im sure theres a profit somewhere to be made with these, or there wouldnt alrdy be companies out there that sell them. If I were you Id look around online and see what they go for, figure out how much it would cost you to make one, and see how much of a profit u could rlly make trying to sell them. Also factor in if your going to ship them and how much thats going to add on to them consumer, bc I bet shipping would be terribly high on one (I know mines super heavy) Plus many ppl buying beardies w/o much research 1st (like I did, and Im sure many many others) wont realize they need such a big viv, so you could probably make ones in a smaller size (than the 4x2x2) to to sell (which would also work for smaller reptiles). I know that seems dirty, and we hate when pet stores sell us tanks too small to last long, but I can honestly say if I woulda been told hey u need to have a 4x2x2 for it when it gets bigger, I woulda looked at my little 6 inch beardie and thought, okay they are crazy and are just trying to get me to spend more on a bigger tank (when in fact the opposite would be true)

Id also check and see if wherever u are has local reptile shows (here we have one every month) and you could think about making a few in different sizes and renting a table there to sell them. I think its a very good idea tho, especially for those who are less handy with building things and want a rlly nice viv (maybe build a few that are a little shorter and put mesh on part of the top for lights in case someone with a snake may be interested). If you can find suitable wood for cheap enough, and get a good deal on the glass, or plexiglass, lexan, whatever (cause I know those are the 2 most expensive items) then I def think it would be worth building 1 or 2 and giving it a go. If anything you must enjoy building things to want to do this, so youll have fun, and you can let you kid(s) hlp so it would be good bonding time too.

 

[Onlymediocre]

heres a 48"x18"x24" on ebay for $320 w/ $175 shipping (to me in alabama) >> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wood-REPTILE-CAGES-Ideal-for-Bearded-Dragon-48-x-18-x24-/200499244561?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eaeafae11 but it has a mesh top and no light fixtures...

heres a 4x2x2 on ebay for $449 w/ free shipping... comes with light fixtures and lights and supplies (not the right reptisun tho, this is a 5.0) >>> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Custom-Cages-Bearded-Dragon-Standard-Cage-Set-Up-/180999481086?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a2468e6fe

If that hlps any... From how much I spent on mine, and the prices of these, Id say theres profit to be made... If you can find the market for it.

 

[Amy2]

The enclosure is awesome! Great job on it! I would buy one if it was a reasonable price, but I would be willing to bet the shipping would cost almost as much as the enclosure Where are you located? (State). I like the idea that onlymediocre had about making smaller enclosures, like maybe the size of a 40 breeder...I've heard of several people that keep adult beardies in that size enclosure. Also, making sizes for other reptiles is a good idea too, or you could custom build them to order, with a percentage paid in advance. The possibilities are endless, it just depends how much you want to get into it. I would definitely research it though. Keep us updated, and let us know where you are!

 

[wolfhonor45]

Thanks for the replies I would definitely consider building multiple sizes and as long as there were a demand I could even make them custom order. I'm looking into shipping right now, I'm located in Ohio. I was also considering shipping it with predrilled holes and screws to put the 5 sides together.. that may reduce on shipping due to bulkiness. If I were to do custom ordered my mind races with possibilities. I could even sell them already set up for specific critters to reduce the amount of deaths caused to animals by new owners being misinformed on what their pet really needs. I'm appreciating all of the input, feel free to keep it coming

 

[Onlymediocre]

That would be my main goal, Id even print out little care sheets for different animals, and when one was ordered ask what its for, and include a caresheet... You could maybe even make your own basking spots/hides, and sell them too! Styrofoam and grout isnt that much, and you make lots of dif kinds. Plus with including a care sheet youd show you care about the animals, and Id def buy from someone who seems like they care over someone just out for the $$$ anyday (even if it was a little more) Also your in ohio (i was born in columbus!) GO BUCKEYES! Im sure there should be reptile shows somewhere not too far. Id go and scope them out and see if anyone else there is selling anything similar, if they are see how much they are asking for them, if they arent inquire about renting a booth to sell them. Or start you a website, or maybe just print you some business cards advertising you make custom enclosures, and talk to ppl and pass them out. May be easier to start locally, then to jump into nation wide at 1st.

 

[Amy2]

Yeah, the pre-drilling and selling unassembled to save on shipping is a great idea! I thought of that too. I also thought that maybe you could maybe use lighter (or offer) wood for the enclosures being shipped, to help with the weight...I know that the melamine that they recommend for use with the crossfire is pretty heavy. I would love to buy one from you! Once you get things figured out, let me know.

 

[wolfhonor45]

I was also considering changing out the back panel from melamine to a thick cardboard similar to the stuff on the back of most small entertainment stands. seal it and it would cut the weight down by around 25%

 

[Onlymediocre]

Thats what I did on mine, I used blondewood and used a white backerboard (it reminds me of a dry erase board) on the back... works great. Tho I did run a 3" strip of the blondewood across the back longways to have something to screw eyes into to hang a hammock. So IF u decide to go that route, Id suggest adding a strip across the back to screw stuff into, most ppl have hammocks for their beardies and I dont think Id trust just the backer board to hold it. I dont know if you thought of that or not, but just figured Id point it out since thats how I made mine

 

[Amy2]

Sounds like a good idea!

 

[stangbanger]

local cage builder built my 4x2 tanks for $220....used 3/4" birch plywood, folding doors, and had the light fixtures mounted inside