There is an easier way to sell aquarium shrimp online than in person, whether you are a freshwater hobbyist wanting to get rid of some high-quality cherry shrimp or a saltwater owner wanting to get rid of some cleaner shrimp.
At first glance, selling things online may seem easy, but it’s not easy to get people to see your aquarium shrimp. Luckily, you can kick-start the process by selling your aquarium shrimp on a variety of different websites.
As a shrimp hobbyist and breeder, you may find yourself with more shrimp than you know what to do with. Instead of being overrun by these tiny crustaceans, why not turn your shrimp bounty into a money making opportunity?
Selling shrimp can be a fun and lucrative side business for any shrimp enthusiast. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the many options for where and how to sell shrimp whether you have a few extra or are running a larger scale shrimp breeding operation.
Popular Places to Sell Your Shrimp
Here are some of the top spots shrimp breeders use to sell their homegrown shrimp stock:
Local Pet and Aquarium Stores
Your neighborhood pet shop is often a great first stop when looking to sell shrimp. Many independently owned pet stores buy livestock from local sources. Speak to the manager or aquatics staff about their interest in purchasing your homebred shrimp. Focus on easy to keep beginner species like Red Cherry Shrimp, Ghost Shrimp or Neocaridina varieties. Offer to provide care sheets to help their customers succeed with your shrimp.
Online Marketplaces
Online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Kijiji are popular for connecting local shrimp sellers and buyers. Create detailed listings with high quality photos of your actual shrimp colony. Be sure to describe the species, grades, and genetics. Join local aquarium enthusiast groups to post your shrimp for sale. Offer local pick up or shipped options.
Auction Sites
eBay and AquaBid are trusted auction sites for selling aquarium livestock worldwide. You can offer individual shrimp or whole colony packs. Remember to factor in shipping costs and only ship with trusted carriers like FedEx. Link to your online store or social pages so buyers can learn more about your shrimp operation.
Your Own Online Store
If you want to get serious about shrimp sales, create your own website storefront. This allows you to beautifully showcase your shrimp, share your breeding story, and process orders. Invest in high quality photos and videos to highlight your shrimp’s coloration and quality. Make it easy for buyers to contact you and process payments.
Pricing Your Homebred Shrimp
Pricing your shrimp inventory appropriately is key to success. Some popular shrimp species sell for:
- Red Cherry Shrimp: $3 – $5 each
- Ghost Shrimp: $1 – $2 each
- Neocaridina: $5 – $10 each
- Caridina: $8 – $15 each
Factors like color intensity, grade, age, and genetics impact pricing too. Be sure to research current market rates for the shrimp types you sell. Price just below competitors to attract buyers. Offer volume discounts for larger orders.
Shipping Shrimp Safely
Many shrimp buyers will be out of your local area, so shipping is essential. Follow these tips for safe shrimp transport:
- Only ship 1-2 day with overnight carriers
- Use insulated boxes and heat/cool packs
- Double bag shrimp with plenty of air
- Limit bags to 10-15 shrimp each
- Use ammonia absorbers and moisture control
- Provide tracking number and care instructions
Where to Sell Your Shrimp
Now that you know how to price and package shrimp, let’s explore some specific sales channels in more detail:
Pet Stores
Walk into pet stores with sample shrimp and sales sheets. Offer rare varieties they don’t already stock. Provide care guides and your contact info for future orders. Nurture relationships with store managers by providing great customer service.
Facebook Groups
Search for aquarium, shrimp keeping, and aquatic plant groups to join. Read group rules before posting any sales posts. Engage regularly by commenting on other posts. Once approved, create simple text and photo ads for your shrimp.
Craigslist
Craigslist has an active pets section in most cities. Create posts with details on the species, grades, genetics and quantity you have for sale. Be sure to include contact information and photos. Bump your ad regularly to stay on top.
eBay
eBay sees lots of aquarium livestock sales. Setup attractive listings with FAQs on shipping, DOAs, etc. Offer combined shipping discounts. Stay focused within the aquarium category to reach targeted buyers.
Build an Instagram account showing off your shrimp colony. Use relevant hashtags like #shrimpforsale. Engage with the shrimp community by liking and commenting on posts. Once you build a following, add a link to your online store in your bio.
Aquarium Forums
Join and participate in aquarium forums like FishLore Aquarium Fish Forum, My Aquarium Club, Aqua Addicts Forums, etc. Check their classifieds section and create WTB/WTS posts about your shrimp once you meet posting requirements. Remember to read forum rules and etiquette guidelines.
AquaBid
AquaBid is like eBay for aquatic livestock and plants. Establish a seller account and create listings for your shrimp. Include detailed descriptions, photos, shipping options and FAQs. Promote your auction listings on social media and aquarium forums.
Participate in relevant subreddits like r/shrimptank, r/AquaSwap, r/AquaTrade to promote your shrimp. Make sure to read community rules before posting any sales content. Offer promotions to Reddit followers.
Local Pick Up
Many local buyers will prefer meeting up for shrimp purchases instead of online shipping. Just be sure to take precautions when meeting strangers. Ask them to respond with a unique code word provided in your listing to verify their identity. Meet in public locations like parking lots. Never invite them inside your home.
Your Own Website
Create a professional brand and website for your shrimp hatchery. Showcase your facilities, shrimp varieties, genetics, breeding process, and founders through photos, videos, and blog posts. Make it easy for visitors to contact you and purchase online.
Growing Your Shrimp Business
Once you get the ball rolling, here are some tips to build up your shrimp selling success:
- Offer promotions like freebies, contests, coupons
- Keep an updated availability list of shrimp for sale
- Reward repeat buyers with loyalty perks and discounts
- Get word of mouth referrals by providing excellent customer service
- Ask happy customers to leave reviews on your website or social pages
- Stay active in shrimp keeping communities to network
- Consider selling supplies like moss, driftwood, aquarium plants, heat packs, etc.
- Invest profits into better equipment and facilities to expand production
Selling homegrown shrimp can be an extremely rewarding and profitable endeavor for the shrimp breeding hobbyist. Now that you know the top places to list your shrimp, get out there and start selling your shrimplets today!
Selling Aquarium Shrimp Online
Before you make a sale online, you should know the correct way to prepare aquarium shrimp for shipment. Shipping livestock is a delicate process, and youll need to closely monitor the weather and potential travel time.
Professionally-written descriptions, high-quality s, and reasonable pricing should be top of mind when advertising your aquarium shrimp online. If done correctly, you can turn this potential side hustle into a business of your own.
Sulawesi are some of the most sought-after freshwater aquarium shrimp