Grooming Business Realities
Most companies do not give most of the information in this category freely. Some companies sell manuals with this information for hundreds of dollars and some franchisors hope to impart these pearls only after receiving a large check. These bits of "knowledge" or "working models" are not the stuff of magic, but rather simple business principles and common sense.
Tips To Succeed In Mobile Grooming
1. Have a GRAND opening.
Before receiving your mobile grooming trailer, you should be warming up to the proprietor of a pet supply shop or veterinary clinic in your market area. Once you have developed a relationship with the proprietor, ask if you could have your grand opening in front of his shop. The idea is to grow his clientele into your clientele. He most likely won't mind having the publicity. You need to set a firm weekend (or two) and go for it. Go to a party store to get the largest helium balloons in your colors and prominently display them from your trailer. Turn the radio up and make sure you have plenty of business cards. You could probably book your entire first week's business from this alone!
2. Use a cell phone!
Carry a cell phone and try to answer it every time it rings. Potential customers will call somebody else if you don't answer.
3. Always have an abundance of business cards on hand.
4. When not on an appointment, spend that time delivering flyers.
As a mobile grooming business, getting and keeping customers is your number one job. When not grooming a client's dog, use that time delivering flyers. If done properly, you will be surprised at how effective this can be.
5. Network with pet sitters and veterinarians.
Remember that pet sitters and veterinarians are entrepreneurs also, so don't be shy about asking for them to refer you to their customers. If you make a point of saying that you would like to reciprocate the gesture, they usually are happy to help.
6. Give a reminder call to your clients the day before the appointment.
Five minutes each day to remind your next day's customers will keep those inevitable "stand-ups" to a minimum. However, if you are stood-up, use your time wisely and flyer that neighborhood.
7. keep good records.
Not only do you need to maintain good financial records, be sure to keep a database of all your clients. Include as much information about the client and dog as possible.
8. Always make sure your trailer is clean.
This tip sounds too simple for us to mention, but when you shop your competition you will notice how dirty and neglected their mobile salons can be. Keeping your trailer clean will impress your clients and make your work more enjoyable.
9. Be professional.
Answer your phone clearly with the name of your company.
Dress appropriately.
Don't smoke while grooming the dog (your customers will know).
Don't succumb to gimmicks.
Don't use foul language.
10. Always be on time to your appointments.
People use mobile groomers partly for the convenience. You want to earn the reputation as the mobile groomer that people can set their watch to.
Cost Cutting Tips For Mobile Dog Groomers
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Keep your market area within a tight radius. This will save time between clients and also gasoline.
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Make sure your cell phone has plenty of minutes.
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Keep your trailer's tires and your primary tires properly inflated.
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Schedule your routes so that your first and last appointments for each day are close to where you keep your trailer over night.
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Ask for a discount each time you purchase supplies. Vendors usually have no problem taking 10% off if asked by someone they think will be coming back on a regular basis.
