Shure Pets is one of the few direct-sales companies that focus on pet products.  Founded in 2002, Shure Pets is growing rapidly and has 900+ associates as of this writing (June 2006). 

The pros and cons of starting a pet direct sales business in general are described here.  This page focuses more specifically on Shure Pets.

*Advantages of Joining Shure Pets as a Pet Consultant:

• Inexpensive start-up kit; only about $100 as of this writing to get going.  The starter kit (photo below) contains:
  - The Shure Pets® Business Guide (a policies & procedures manual)
  - The Shure Pets® Consulting Guide (details product information and assists with frequently asked questions regarding products and health conditions)
  - The Shure Pets® Planner Guide (monthly calendars and Event Planners)
  - Contact Information
  - Product Cat-alogs and Health Brochures
  - A purr-sonalized business card order form
  - A Shure Pets® pin (to increase customer awareness/brand recognition)
  - Local Tax Rate Card
  - A purple Shure Pets® tote bag

• Quite a few training methods: manuals, internet, newsletter, phone, and at company headquarters in Chicago

• Minimal sales to stay active: $300 a year and at least 1 transaction every 3 months.

• Can sell on eBay, to vets, clinics, groomers, and hold online parties - little restriction on where and to whom to sell the products

*Disadvantages of Joining Shure Pets as a Pet Consultant:

• You'll need to buy products to demonstrate, which may add several hundred dollars to start-up fees

• Shure Pets does not warehouse their products, they are drop shipped when ordered - which means that the company cannot control inventory precisely.  Product delivery delays are common.

• Founder has no experience in direct sales industry

• Inexpensive start-up kit attracts many people who are not committed to building a business and who just want to buy products at a discount, which makes it harder to retain consultants long-term

Shure Pets
1556 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312)944-3600
Fax: (312)944-3750
 

(Before you choose a pet direct sales business, be sure to check out Petlane, too.)

* The advantages and disadvantages listed here and on the Petlane page are based on information obtained on company websites, in press releases or other promotional materials, and through conversations with their respective pet consultants.  However, I also based comments on my own experience- I have been a member of BOTH companies - so I used my own judgment and experience to decide whether a particular point was an advantage or disadvantage.  You may certainly disagree, and people are building successful businesses with both companies.