Business Q&A: Spike and Paco Wear

Spike and Paco Wear, a new online business that is based in East Meadow, recently launched its website in mid-July with a variety of accessory offerings for four legged friends.

Owner Kimberly Ackerman and her husband, Tim Bila, along with their three dogs – Spike, Paco and Paquita - started the business after they saw a need for I.D. collars, which is a collar with a metal engraved plate attached.

Ackerman took time out to chat with Patch about the business, how it began and what makes it unique:

Tell us how Spike and Paco Wear got started.

It pretty much started because our dog Paco eats his dog tags. The vet said he had metal in his teeth and was concerned. We went online and found a big collar with a chunk of metal on it  - it looked uncomfortable. My husband did research and he found a company that would sell us the machine, the collars, and tags.  We had a little extra money from our wedding and decided to start it.

What was your inspiration for the business?

It was pretty much our dogs. Paquita even eats her tags. [Paco] is not the only one. There has to be other dogs out there that need these collars.

How is your online business connected to the East Meadow community?

We make all of our stuff at home. Our business address is our home address. It is home based.

What special items and accessories do you offer?

We have pet memorials, we have luggage tags, military tags, a gold plated Australian crystal jeweled tag. The ID collars have a piece of metal embedded in the collar that bends and conforms to the dog’s neck. You don’t need a tag and don’t need to worry about it falling off or the dog eating it.

What separates the accessories available at Spike and Paco Wear compared to other pet stores?

Well, compared to the pet stores the tags are actually cheaper. Most pet stores don’t have the collars. And Spike and Paco run it.

Why will customers keep ordering from Spike and Paco Wear?

Because the quality is great, the service is great and we are home based. Spike, Paco and Paquita are adorable and they are great entrepreneurs.

What’s your vision for the business in the future?

Yeah, expand it a little more. There are definitely more products. We are not out to make a million dollars. We are just looking for a little extra income to buy some extra cookies for the dogs. 

What advice do you have to those looking to buy a new collar or tag for their pet? 

The least amount of information possible. The phone number is the most important. The more writing on the tag the smaller it will be to read. I recommend everyone buying a tag and collar for the pet.