How TheRatShop.com got started:

TheRatShop.com began in the fall of 2003 due to our need to find some form of income to support ourselves during a rough time. Gavin was technically unemployed due to some visa problems and I had left my job in lieu of raising our first baby. It seemed like a good time to open the shop because a few other prominent online rat supply shops were having to close their doors for various reasons. We discussed the possibility for a while and finally decided to take the plunge into online retail sales.

During our formative years, we relied, almost exclusively, on word of mouth advertising to grow our small business and we still do. Our growth has been consistent and managable and has allowed us to maintain a high level of customer service since we are still able to run everything on our own. We pride ourselves in providing excellent products at affordable prices with exceptional customer service. Our customers are our greatest asset and we really try to go above and beyond your expectations. We truly enjoy running this venture together and we look forward to serving you for years to come.

Personnel profiles:

Diane Nesom is the inspiration behind the shop.

I have been involved in the rat community since 1998 when I started Rattie Ratz Rescue. With five years of rat experience under my belt, I felt confident that I could provide a wonderful shop for pet rats and their families. I am the one who researches what products to bring into the shop and informs customers about the best product options for them and their rats. I am constantly learning about new products and I try to stay as up to date as I can in all areas of caring for domestic pet rats.

Gavin Nesom is the technical guru.

Without Gavin, there would be no Rat Shop. He was the original webmaster and created our first shop from scratch! He is responsible for all things technical and financial. He fixes the bugs, deals with providers, and makes sure that I have the money needed to buy the fantastic products you have come to expect from us. He picks up the slack whenever needed and is, quite often, the person packing up the orders while I am busy sewing hammocks and other things on the machine.