How do I Get More Clientele for my New Fish Tank cleaning business, its just me?

Question

Ok,
I work at a Pet Shop and I'm into the whole aquarium thing. I know a lot about tank maintenance and so far I've had 2 "customers" so I decided to make my own side business to help with college and expenses.

I tried just mentioning it to customers who come in, especially those telling me they have problems keeping their tanks clean, etc..Im thinking of having business cards printed, I can get them for like 10 dollars, (what to put on them, picture wise logo, i have no clue)...

Now, what do I tell them to have them interested? I basically am a stranger to them when mentioning this...and I base my prices on like the size of the tanks..

For a customer, I would be taking my own "equipment", as in, a tube connecting to the sink n the other end into the tank, my own water conditioners, water parameter studies, and myself (transportation getting there n back). I've charged 30 dollars for cleaning a 20 gallon tank, for 2 1/2 hours...

any questions, ill respond in the in the details part

Answer 1

The first key will be to show them that you actually know what you're talking about in the store. If you come across as a know-it-all, they probably don't want you in their house. You have to sound professional, look professional, and BE professional. Let them know that you offer cleaning services (but don't be pushy about it... mention it as they are about to walk away, or if they ask about cleaning or algae). Business cards are a good idea (your name, what you will do, phone #, email, rates, and a picture of either a healthy fish, or a pristine tank). You need to come up with a good basis for your rates. $15 up front and an additional $1 per gallon (10 gallon tank=$15+$1x10=$25; 55 gallon tank=$15+$1x55=$70). You can tinker with the prices... I would NOT charge by the hour, as it will often take you far less than an hour, and that just means you will have a huge price per hour, even if it is reasonable, which is a huge turn off... Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Soop Nazi

EDIT: I have made business cards for practically no money... Stationary stores should sell perforated business cards; all you do is use a software like Printshop and you can have about 80 cards for about $5... If you can get them cheaper, all the better!

Answer 2

You might want to solicit businesses like doctor's offices and restaurants, where there is likely to be a large aquarium display, and a lot of people filtering through. It's a great way to advertise your business, and display your work. If you keep these tanks looking good, you would probably attract more customers.

Answer 3

Open a website and spread your knowledge. People take home fish without "really" knowing what they are getting into... or how to keep their fish "ALIVE".

There are a few very good sites.... maybe you and "get some sponsors" can be another good one.

Then... make a few business cards, talk to your customers in person and hand them your cards with your website and let them know where you are 24/7.

If you provide them a place to meet you... (website, talk forum, email) they will come.

Answer 4

I have to jump in and tell you that I totally agree with Soup Nazi on this one.......he's got the smarts and knows what he is talking about. You should consider trying it "his way" for a while. Just remember, it is YOUR business but you need to "please" everyone you go out to work for, so you MAY just want to stay on the "lower end" of charging until you make a name for yourself. I can tell you that ANY business, whether fish or a solo attorney, takes TIME and ENERGY (otherwise known as "blood, sweat and tears", to start a business. Keep your other job and do these jobs on the side or you'll starve to death!! Word of mouth is going to be your best bet, so do as Soup Nazi says and walk the walk, talk the talk and you'll be on your way!!

BEST OF LUCK to you!! ;o)

Answer 5

our office used to have a reeftank which was maintained by a lfs the package included monthly cleaning and water changes and free replacement of dead fish/invertebrates, i never really liked the service because they didnt care about keeping the fish alive just making sure that there was something swimming around in the tank. just ranting. anyway, the point is i hope you dont adopt that policy. good luck in your undertaking.

Answer 6

Get the cards printed, when someone comes in to buy fish, pop a card in the bag.
If they're interested they'll call.

Answer 7

for every 2 fish tanks they send to you for cleaning, they get 2 ranchu goldfishes free.