The desire to spoil a pet that provides unconditional love is a strong motivation when it comes to consumers parting with their money. Given all this,  it appears pet products have the ability to weather a tough economic storm.

Think about it:  Even in these economic times people continue to spend money on their pets. A leading box-mart pet store boasted a six percent increase in sales, amid U.S. economic struggles. Such a large increase when the economy is in strife clearly shows that pet products may be recession-proof.

What does that mean for you?
Maybe now is the time to collar the pet product market. Where do you begin? The majority of pets are dogs and cats, and as a result, most of the pet products purchased are for dogs and cats. But, what else do you need to know to come out ahead of the pack?

Who's Buying  For Their Pets?

Research has shown that baby boomers and empty nesters are the most common purchasers of pet products. Boomers love to dote on their pets, which, in turn, creates a need and a opportunity for dog accessories, cat toys, pet clothing and other pet-oriented products.

Empty-nesters with stable, disposable incomes are buying upscale collars, dogs beds and even doggie pools.Young professionals who are delaying the start of a family and opting for raising a pet are also jumping on the pet accessory bandwagon. A versatile customer base from all segments of life is what makes pet products a tremendous sales opportunity.

Selling Pet Products

As a retailer, what sales strategy should you take when about selling pet products? You need a clear starting point, whether expanding the pet products you offer or adding them to your existing product mix.  Take stock of what you already have and how pet products relate to your existing merchandise.

Do you offer gourmet foods? Gourmet pet foods maybe the perfect way to dive into the pet industry. If you carry jewelry, try adding dog or cat-inspired jewelry and upscale leashes and collars. New products are best introduced when you associate it with a product you already sell.

When you take time to work new products into your sales mix, you will have a greater success rate. One of the biggest mistakes a retailer can make is adding a product that is too different from their normal product mix.

Think about it:  It is far easier to sell a customer a dogie tee shirt, if they normally buy your line of human tees. The combining of human tees with dog tees is not at all far fetched.

The tee shirt example is just one example of how “cross selling” can help you integrate pet products into your store. “Cross selling” is an easy marketing tool that any shop can utilize. Just remember items like jewelry can lead to selling dog collars and pet charms, while gourmet food can lead to selling gourmet pet food. Adding a product that is different from what you currently sell, yet compliments or parallels your current mix, is a great way to slowly introduce a new product.

FGmarket has several great pet product suppliers below who can help you ease into a recession-proof pet product market.

All C & D cat products have one goal in mind keeping a cat happy, content, safe and entertained. They make quality cat scratch posts, kitty trees and cat condos. These sisal scratching post combined with carpeted perches give cats an appropriate and fun place to scratch. Not only perfect for scratching, these perches can be placed in a window allowing cats a view of the outside world from a safe indoor environment.

For owners that want to give their cat an outside experience, but are afraid the cat may escape the safe environment of their own yard, C & D has the ultimate cat enclosures. Designed to allow cats freedom to experience the outdoors, their cat enclosures allow cats to romp in the fresh air while keeping them safe in their own backyard.

Dogs shouldn't feel left out. C & D Pet Products has something for them as well. From bedding to toy boxes and from ramps to travel products, dog owners will find great products for their pooch. Whether large, small, geriatric or a pup, C & D has a ramp for every dog and situation. They have a water dock ramp for the aquatic pup. Their ramps give geriatric dogs a way to climb easily onto the couch for a snuggle. Any dog needed a step up will adore the ramps and steps from C & D.

Pet travel is a rising trend. Dogs love to be on the go. C & D's travel products for pets make it easier to load and go. The Buddy Pet Lookout is a clever pet car seat that keeps small dogs safe in the car while allowing them a window view. With its clever pull-out tray, this car seat makes it easy to care for a pet's needs during a trip.

Who should you turn to when you need quality pet products for cats or dogs? When it comes to scratching posts, cat condos, ramps, pet car seats, bedding and more, the number one place to turned to is C & D Pet Products.

When it comes to convenience, it isn't always about having the cutest dog house or fanciest kitty litter pan. Customers are looking for products that are about more than looks; they need functionality.  Petware focuses on just that!

Created from 98% recycled material, Petware's products are also eco-friendly. What is better than purchasing a beneficial pet product while helping the environment at the same time?!

Petware Pet Carrier

Designed from a sturdy clear space age polymer, The Crystal Clear Vue Crate and Carrier allows you and your pet to see one another. You no longer have to worry about what your pet is or isn't doing, and your pet will find comfort in being able to see his surroundings.

The Crystal Clear Vue Crate and Carrier is only one of many products Petware has to offer customers and their pets. With a large selection of products, Petware has one-of-a kind pet feeders and bowls, litter pans, accessories and much more! They custom make each and every one of their products with pet owners in mind who want nothing but the best for their beloved pets.

Planning to out of town and concerned about who will feed your dog or cat? Petware's self feeders eliminate the worry of feeding your pet while you are away. Petware's pet feeders conveniently allow your dog or cat access to food whether you are home or on vacation. In the end it's all about what your pet really needs to stay happy!

Pet Oral Care

Why? Because bacteria is what causes the plaque on it's teeth and bad breath.  Giving this product to your cat or dog daily breaks down the plaque and tarter on their teeth and reverses gingivitis.

Using products that promote pet oral care for the prevention of periodontal disease and/or tooth loss will save you a trip to the vet. Petzife dental care products come in a spray or gel form, and both products are safe for cats and dogs.

Following the success of  their dental care line, Petzlife also has a line of pet shampoos and conditioners. The herbal ingredients used in these products calm hot spots, itching and scaly skin, and leaves your pet with a beautiful coat that smells great.

When you have a cherished pet, their health is very important to you. Pet health products that promote healthy teeth, coats and well-being are essential in keeping  pet active, strong and ensuring they have a long life. Petzlife products are just what you need to assist you in keeping your pet healthy. To learn more about their pet products check out this video.

During the winter, dogs and owners alike often forgo their usual daily walks and other outdoor activities. They opt instead to stay in the warm indoors, which is often to their detriment. Many owners begin to regret their decision when their beloved dog, which was once so calm and loving, begins running amuck in the house. After the couch has been chewed to bits and the curtains have been ripped down, many owners begin searching for a pet health product to help with the canine cabin fever. Well, relief is on the way.

GoPet provides canine exercise wheels that suit dogs of all sizes both indoors and out. GoPet's dog-powered exercise wheels and dog treadmills are ideal for owners living in cold climates, apartments or locations where walking a dog might not be safe. You and your beloved pup can cuddle once again– after Chompers has ceased to chomp on the furniture.

To burn off excess energy and stay healthy, dogs can exercise either on an exercise wheel or doggie treadmill. GoPet's canine exercise wheels can stand alone or be attached to a kennel, allowing a dog to exercise independently.

Own more than one dog? Never again will you have to make multiple trips out into the cold or pouring rain for your dogs to get the exercise they desperately need. Both canine exercise wheels and dog treadmills allow your dogs to get exactly the amount they need and on their own time.

PetRun Professional Dog Treadmill

Gone are the days of dragging your poor pooch along with a leash. Now he can hop onto his wheel or treadmill, allowing you to check "walk the dog" off your to-do list. Now that's a trick!

Tired of your pug wearing your rhinestone tee?  Maybe she needs her own rhinestone fitted tee. After all, if fashion is important to you, why wouldn't it be important to your dog?  Where can the fashion forward pooch find the couture they desire?

Although there are many wholesalers of pet clothing, Dog In The Closet (DITC) is the fashionista pet's dream shop. Like people, dogs come in all sizes. Providing a range of dog tee sizes for the tiniest pup to the largest dog, Dog In The Closet is the place for fashion-loving pooches.

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Demin Skirt

Tops aren't the only pieces of clothing that make a fashion statement. Denim skirts for dogs are the most adorable pet clothing item.  Any dog who pairs a denim skirt with a harness vest is sure to be the next top dog on the block.

Not only are DITC's harness vests functional and fashionable, they were voted one of the Pet Style News top ten editor choice winners in 2009.  Pet Style picked the harness because "A unique twist lock prevents unwanted escapes when walking and serves as a connector for leashes. What differentiates this look from the other sturdy harnesses with interesting engineering is its style." A fashion piece with functionality. What more could you ask for in a dog accessory?

Functionality is a major component of  Dog In The Closet pet clothing. In fact, their coats are made of denim with silk appliqués or 100% Italian wool to keep wearers warm during a walk around the block.

Created with attention to detail and sturdy material all with a touch of flair, dog clothing from Dog In The Closest will delight any well-dressed pup and owner. With so many dog clothing options like dresses, tee, skirts and harness vests, you dog will need a closet of their own.

Dog In The closet can be found in local retail stores or online. DITC can help you find a dog clothing retailer near you.  Interested in carrying the Dog In A Closet dog clothing line in your shop? DITC offers special wholesale pricing.

Have you ever taken your dog for a walk — when all of a sudden something catches her one of her senses? Before you know it, she yanks the leash so hard you're certain your elbow has been dislocated? With the Wacky walk'r, your elbow, knees and back are safe. Your pup will no longer jerk you as she investigates the world during your walks.

Wacky walk'r Dog Leash

Wacky walk'r comes in two different stretch types. The original Wacky walk'r leash is 3ft long but stretches to 6ft.  This stretch length is ideal for neighborhood or park walks where dogs have plenty of room to roam.

For urban areas where you and your dog need to be a bit closer, the Urban walk'r gives you tighter control.  At 1.5ft with a stretch length of 3ft, the Urban walk'r still give your dog flexibility in a tighter area.  Both style of dog leashes come in sizes to accommodate your pet.

They, also, offer a product called the Crazy Coupler which allows you to connect two similarly sizes pets together on one leash.

There is nothing wacky about this dog leash … it is a clever and practical dog accessory that makes both the dog lover and the dog happy. As their  moto goes "we won't jerk your chain" and now neither will your dog.

How can a step for your dog save you money?  By removing the need to lift your pet into your SUV or truck.  Large breed, elderly and overweight dogs often need assistance to get in and out of SUVs or trucks.

Otto Step Dog Step

Handy to use, this step fits into your receiver hitch creating the perfect entry and exit place for your pet. Weighing only six pounds, the Otto Step is easy to store because it conveniently fits in your vehicle when not in use.  It's compact nature makes it easier to use then carrying around bulky ramps.

Although ramps are great, the Otto Step gives you a better pet safety product option . The price, convenience and the ability to easily store the Otto Step makes  it the best choice.

Still need a reason to purchase the Otto Step? Watch The Otto Step Story or read what others have to say about Otto Step.

Pet Products Equal Sales

Pet Greeting Cards

Pet products encompass all types of products for creatures such as ferrets, snakes, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, birds and pot belly pigs, just to name a few. All of these pets have devoted niche markets that cater to them. This allows the retailer a myriad of customers to draw from and target. Cat and dog products are the most commonly sold pet products. However, there is a fantastic opportunity to sell to the exotic pet owners, as well.

Pet Products Not Just For Pets

Pet products are not just for the enjoyment or health of pets, but are beneficial for people as well. Oral health care products for pets make owners happy. Why? Pets who have healthy teeth and gums have fresher breath and less health problem, which equates to smaller vet bills for the owners. After all, pets are not just possessions, but members of their families.

Pet Safety Data Tag

Catering to pet people involves more than products for pets. Have you noticed that pet owners will gravitate to greeting cards, t-shirts, coffee mugs or just about anything that have pets on them? Greeting cards are a fantastic way to capture a piece of the pet industry market. The key to capturing part of the pet market is to remember the pet product market is vast.  It incorporates all things pet-related, from treats, toys, clothes (for the owner and the pet) to items such as greeting cards, pet carriers and even pool ramps.

Don't Forget Pets With Feathers, Scales and Exotic Fur

Pampered Dog Gift Set

Items that pamper cats and dogs are always a hit. Cat toys, dog clothing or gourmet pet treats can easily be blended with your other products. However, don’t neglect the other less common pets, such as birds, reptiles or exotic pets. Their owners want to purchase toys, collars, and healthy items as well.

Interested in carrying a few pet products or wish to expand your current sales mix of pet products? FGmarket has made it easy for you. We've highlighted a few wholesale pet products below to get you started. You can find more accessories for dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, as well as pet toys and other pet products at FGmarket.

To jump start your pet product search check out the FGmarket market pet product vendors highlighted below.

Castlemere Pet Accessories

More than just dog bowls, Castlemere also has many wholesale pet bowls, pet feeders, great trays to catch spills and overflows from the feeders, leashes and collars and more! Matching sets are available and will get tails wagging over the fun designs and convenience of these pet accessories.

You're stocked up with great wholesale pet accessories when you shop with Castlemere. Plus, you know that your customers are going to return because these pet accessories are so helpful that just one will never do!

Are your customers looking for a matching set of dog bowls, trays and feeders? Are they wanting to leave your store with pet accessories that are functional, practical, and creative enough to match almost any decor? Then what your customers are looking for are wholesale pet accessories from Castlemere. With enough appeal to make customers stop in their tracks for a second look, Castlemere's wholesale pet accessories are a great boon to your customers and to your store.