dushido_

Sorry for reviving such an old thread, but I came across it while researching small-scale pet businesses and market stall experiences, and I found your post surprisingly relevant even all these years later. What stood out to me is that you weren't just selling products—you were building relationships and trust. A lot of advice about starting a business focuses on websites, advertising, or social media, but your experience shows how valuable consistent face-to-face interaction can be. The fact that customers came back week after week, brought their dogs for measurements, and even looked for your stall when you were absent says a lot about the importance of personal service. I also think your point about customisation is incredibly important. Competing on price against mass-produced products is difficult, but offering something that solves a specific problem—like properly fitting coats for non-standard dogs—creates real value that large retailers often can't provide. The discussion about expanding into products for cats and other small animals was interesting too. It’s a good reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come from paying attention to what customers are already asking for rather than trying to predict trends. I'd actually be curious to know how the business developed after this post. Did the market stall continue to be your primary source of customers, or did online sales eventually become a bigger part of the business?