is there any advice you can give me to give our "business" that extra little umff???

Question

my friend came up with the idea to start a pet grooming "business", and we decided on the prices and made a bunch of flyers to post around town. but it just seems to me that this won't go as planned and we won't make as much money as she had hoped...and i would really like to see this work. is there something that you can recomend we do that can give our so called "business" something extra so that we actually do make some kind of money??? every answer is welcome (except those that make fun of this idea...it was hers not mine and you will not get the extra 10 points for your answers...seriously people don't give me those stupid answers cuz i give you my answers truthfully... and we REALLY need help)

Answer 1

We own 3 businesses. I also was a business management major in college and took many marketing classes. Some of these you may or may not like........ But anyhow...
1. Coupons. Using a percentage off is less significant to people than using a dollar amount.
2. Business cards. Use them as a coupon. Give discounts for when people pass them on to a new friend.... Bring in this card with (owners signed initials) on it and get $5.00 for new customers [think referrals].
3. Another coupon... buy 10 groomings, get one free of equal or lesser value.
4. Farm and market your target area with fliers. once again, use coupons. Don't put in mail boxes as it illegal (you can put them in newspaper boxes). Put up fliers at local stores, clubs, animal stores (i.e. PetSmart),local shelters, etc.
5. Join your local Chamber of Commerce and introduce yourself to other business owners via meetings or by going from business to business.
6. Keep a running list of all your clients and call them to remind them to come back in when it's time.
7. Promote yourself at local events that are low cost such as "party in the plaza" or whatnot.

For more ideas check out your local ;library on marketing or call a few distant pet groomers and ask them how they got started.... like a few cities away so they don't feel like you're invading their turf.

Good luck! I wish we had more groomers here b/c I can NEVER get a friggin appointment.

Answer 2

You must remember it takes time to establish a business and build clientele. It takes time for your work to get noticed and for "word of mouth" to spred. You can help you cause by finding worthy charity events such as private school fundraisers or a womens breast cancer run and offer gift certificates to them for door prizes or items to auction to raise funds. You will have potential clients visit you and you will have the opportunity to show off your work and make a happy customer in the future. The best thing for this type of business is happy repeat customers who refer new clients to you. Maybe give a client a small discount for recommending a new client. Every chance to groom a dog is a sales opportunity that must be given you best effort. It will take some time but you will suceed if you give it your best and do good work. Hang tough, there is nothing easy about running a company or growing one, but the rewards can be great!

Answer 3

I can't speak for the pet grooming business, per se, although I do own a dog.

Basically, you have to look at your competition. Are you competing against PetCo, PetSmart, a large Vet? Become involved in pet clubs and other related avenues that could expose you to pet owners/breeders directly. For a small bussines directly meeting and proving yourself to customers could be infectious. You'll have to rely on word-of-mouth as well as small advertising.

Just remember, in the end if you bend over backwards for a customer you may find that you get a friend for life and many referrals. Obviously this has its limits, but when you're starting you may have to operate at a loss to build your business. Don't plan on making $$$ from day one unless you're in it for the short-term.

Contact Vets with fliers, business cards. Contact any pet related business that isn't offering your service. Keep a database of your customer's pet's names. Send them mail. Come up with a plan for regular grooming that could keep you employed. Think of other things like flea treatments, nail clippings. Don't be one dimensional. Of course, if you don't have experience in many of these areas get ready to experience a liability.

Good luck. If you're in Southern California you can start with my dog.

Answer 4

Not knowing all the particulars...maybe you could offer transportion to and from - have a little boutique where they could buy some supplies for there pets - a short term doggie day care - advertise on-line - discounts for more than one pet or a referral - get door tags and go around to people's homes.
Best of Luck to you both!

Answer 5

Your business growth at first will depend on word-of-mouth from satisfied customers to their friends and co-workers.Are you kids good dog-groomers?
Fliers are a good idea but a 1% to 2% return on fliers is normal. Maybe offer to pretty- up some doggies at your local shelter for free and take pictures, before and after, of your work. Offer decent discounts at first.
Keep your day job til you really get going.
Good luck. Try to avoid the terms "doggie-style" and "doggie-fashion"

Answer 6

it will be stated that advertising is the key, but that's obvious. i'd say your best bet BEYOND adverts is going MOBILif you're in a city
of any size, bringing the service to the client is a plus that's hard to refuse. all that's required this time of year is a tub, some heavy extension cords, a folding table.
also DIVERSIFY!!! if you go mobile offer some othe services. one thing that's growing quickly as a consumer service is a pooper scooper service. that's not only pet related, but has the potential to build your client base. and listen: i am dead ser-
ious. i see both of my suggestions in action in MY RURAL area!

Answer 7

call around and, find out what the big pet grooming places are charging and, go 5% below that. successful or not, split everything right down the middle and, dont let money come between You.

Answer 8

the key is the advertising! good advertising means more people to consider using your service. advertise a bonus for the first 10 or so customers. if you can find a better means of advertisement than fliers, do so!

Answer 9

Bikini car wash!!! But seriously, that ish works!

Answer 10

UMMM,I got nothing.