Occupancy Cost per Sales for Dog Daycare?

[Clare]

Hello! I am working on a business plan for a dog daycare start up. My question is this:

What is the recommended or industry standard occupancy cost per revenue as a percent? Occupancy / sales = ......?

Our SBDC advisor recommends having this number but it is darn near impossible to find. Even the local Borders doesn't have books to buy for research in this field.

We're trying to determine what we can afford for property purchase and still get a bank loan and stay afloat.

Please and thanks!!

Clare

[itsadoggoneworld]

There is a wealth of information on dog daycare startup as well as 3000+ dog daycare facility owners and soon to be owners. It's been a great resource for us during our business plan prepartion. The websites is on yahoo groups and is pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/dogdaycare/]dogdaycare : Dog Daycare, aka doggie or doggy daycare[/url].

Melanie

[KathCT]

Hi Clare-
I tried to send you a private message but don't have enough posts to do that yet.
I started and have owned a doggie daycare in CT since 2004. If I can help by providing any information you need for your business plan I'd be happy to assist.
I am not familiar with the occupancy cost per revenue calculation that you mentioned.
Have you tried contacting Pet Care Services Association (formerly American Boarding Kennel Association) for financial information? As members, we complete a survey each year for that organization and they compile the data. It is available to members for business planning purposes.
Good luck,
Kathleen in CT

[Clare]

Kathleen,

Thank you so much for your offer. I truly appreciate it and would love your help. My email is clarefgannon(at)gmail. Please contact me there as I don't check this every day and I will supply you with all the info I can.

Thanks again for your offer!

Clare

[Clare]

Melanie,

I did see that group and considered joining but I don't have a yahoo account. Maybe I'll make one and join. Thanks for the heads up that they are helpful.

Clare