>From: hotdish <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Marshall Farms >The only way I have come up with to "make a dent" in the profits of these >large breeding farms is to put together a website where breeders from all >areas or the US, can post all of their stock and have a simple order form >available for these large chain stores to order from (I am told that is >>the main reason they go through these farms; the convenience of "one-stop >shopping). Then, I would team with a vet(s) (possibly a chain) to give a >discount or some type of rebate for spaying/neutering (at the right time, >when sex organs have matured). This sound like a great idea...that I would like to see taken 1 step further. Imagine if all ferrets were being acquired directly from reputable breeders & shelters, & not being purchased from pet stores whose bottom line is their only incentive. I've dreamed of a system where the pet store would supply a voucher which would be presented at the shelter/breeder. The shelter/breeder would pay a very small commission to the pet store for sending the customer. This type of a system would provide customers to pet stores (because the shelter/breeder would promote those stores for the needed supplies), & gross profit without using valuable shelf space, initial outlay for the animal, or maintenance supplies or employee resources for the animals' upkeep. Shelters/Breeders would profit by receiving more exposure, placing more fosters, & selling more stock (at their discretion). This type of a system would ensure that someone who wants a ferret has the info needed to make an informed decision about whether or not a ferret is the right pet to fit into their family's lifestyle, as well as the necessary care and medical info. Any comments? >On another note: I think the moderator of this board does an outstanding >job! DITTO!!! Juliana (770) 984-1417 <[log in to unmask]> FERRET BUSINESS of GA (fer'it`biz'nis) n. 1 Ferret foster care & adoption. 2 Info about ferret care & ownership. 3 What a ferret does. 4 A collection of ferrets. 5 A direct result of ferret math. /That's BUSINESS as in a bunch of ferrets folks./ [Posted in FML issue 2713]