|
From Sally's
Desk...
Here Come Da Judge!
Gwen and I were traveling home from the
airport and took a detour through Harrisburg. It was the shortest
distance to Gwen's home. This day, a festival was going on in
the square, and we wanted to get a better look.
I turned down N. River Street, basically
an alley. The next thing I saw was flashing lights in my mirror.
"What in the heck did I do?" I questioned Gwen. We
had no clue.
"You were driving down a one way street,"
said a stern young officer.
"I'm not convinced there was a sign
at that corner," I stated. "Could we go look at it?"
He let me know that there was indeed a one-way sign and that
I could tell it to the judge, in no uncertain terms.
Gwen and I circled the block and came back
in the same direction. There was a sign, but it was facing the
other direction. I was right! I was indeed going to tell it to
the Judge.
I absolutely appreciate our police, but
I hate speed traps and setups. I was working off four points
already from a speed trap. If I got points on this, I would be
doing "hard time" in driving school. I sent in my fine
and requested a hearing.
Months later, a hearing date was set. Gwen
and I returned to the site of the crime and I took photos from
all angles. I researched the net for the Pennsylvania codes on
street signs. I highlighted the appropriate phrases such as "signs
must be set at a 45 degree angle to the direction of travel"
and "signs should be where the driver is looking for them,
etc." I was loaded with the law.
I brought my photos to Pete, our graphics
designer. He blew them up to full page size. I mapped out my
direction of travel on a Yahoo map program. I took another map
and located all my photo positions.
I just knew the judge would be impressed
with my details. He and I would stop the illegal fining of innocent
drivers such as myself. Together we would shoot down the defense
of this renegade cop and perhaps "have his badge."
Right would win out. I did my homework. I have watched Judge
Judy. I couldn't wait for my opportunity.
On the appointed day, I dressed in business
attire (I wore a skirt), put on a nice necklace and traipsed
in with manila folder in hand. I took my seat in a large hearing
room with over thirty malcontents and policemen. One by one,
defendants went forward to stand before the tall, rotund Judge
sitting high on his bench. He was a BIG man, an intimidating
figure with a huge voice to match. I figured my chubbiness would
definitely help me here.
Guilty. (bang!) Innocent. (bang!) On they
went. Finally, Sally Liddick was called.
Obviously impressed with my paperwork,
Gwen overheard the one cop say to the other, "He's going
to lose this one," as I went forward. My policeman came
forward. We were both sworn in, and he stated his case: Driving
down a one-way street!
"Did she make any comments to you?"
said the judge. "No," said the cop. Can't get me there,
judge. I am respectful.
Now it was my turn to state my case. He
looked at the photos. (They were professionally done, clearly
marked and arrowed at appropriate spots.) It was obvious that
the sign was not visible. The policeman was probably shaking
in his boots by now. However, the judge twisted and turned the
photos like they were taken on Mars.
"May I show you the code book on signs,
sir?" I questioned. I pointed out the appropriate passages
highlighted in yellow. He took the printout and held it up for
all to see, and laughed. "You gotta say she has her stuff
together!" he bellowed out to no one in particular. After
briefly reading one passage, he said, quite loudly, "Where
did you get this?" Ah, Ha! He is pleased with my thoroughness.
"On the net, sir." I answered
proudly.
He held up a thick book for all to see.
"This is the bible of traffic codes in this court room Code
book 75!," he thundered to his captive audience. I am sure
people were smirking at his outburst in shooting me down.
"Yes, sir. That is what I have, Code
75. May I show you it is on the printout," I said as I reached
for the document. He turned the print out over in his hands as
I tried to show him the marked passages.
"I have a witness, Sir," I said.
"Call your witness," he stated, and Gwen came down
to take her position to the right of me.
He looked at the cop, and announced loudly
and with arrogance, "She must have been lost."
Now I was ticked. This had gone on twice
as long as all other cases. "No, sir, I was not lost"
I muttered to him, not waiting for permission to speak. (I have
lived in this area all my life. Perhaps I was on the wrong side
of the tracks when I got my ticket. And coming to see a judge
in the worst part of Harrisburg was no picnic, either but I was
not lost.)
"GUILTY!" The gavel slammed so
hard that I thought he would crack the bench. He upped his octaves
double with pleasure in saying the word. There was no one in
the courtroom who didn't know that I lost my case. Weak cases
had gone by easily with innocent verdicts. But me? I'm guilty!
It took me two hours to calm down. We went
out for lunch and I just gulped the food, I was so angry. And
disappointed that a man sworn to uphold the law was so callous,
ignorant and hostile. I truly was disappointed and even incredulous
that it could happen.
So, what is the moral to this story? If
I take the time to write something, I usually hope that it has
some redeeming quality. And I think I have found it.
This is what I learned from the experience.
I call this Sally's Tips to Successful Traffic Court:
1. Life isn't always fair. I really did
know that.
2.Some judges are not just! I really didn't
know that.
3. Pride cometh before a fall! (That's
Bible. I probably was prideful.)
4. Keep your big mouth shut when the judge
talks.
5. Answer the judge only when he asks you
a question.
6. Don't try to help the judge find things,
unless asked.
7. Don't think that just because you and
the judge are both chubby that he will show you mercy.
8. No defeat is ever wasted it is a learning
experience.
9. If it is worth fighting in court, take
a GREAT lawyer with you.
10. Hire the best lawyer that you can NOT
afford.
The last one is an interesting one. Let
me explain. When Barkleigh was just an infant, I got a business
newsletter in the mail. Ironically, it contained a profile of
a successful businessman, who eventually became my landlord.
I get a lot out of success profiles. And this one contained a
golden nugget.
He told of his early successes and failures
and one of his great life lessons. He said, "Hire the best
lawyer that you CAN NOT afford." In other words, if you
commit to a project, get the best lawyer available. Don't save
money on this one. A good lawyer will win your case quickly,
and in the long run, save you money.
Get a specialized lawyer. Don't go for
a "jack of all trades" guy for the tough stuff. Use
them for wills, etc. They will spend lots of your money just
researching what the specialized lawyer knows cold. I can't tell
you how often this has paid off for me. And I have told it to
staff with the same good results.
Go to a big firm, that has lots of top
lawyers in it. And try to get a lead into that firm from someone
you know who may use one of their lawyers. That inside contact
will find the best guy inside the firm for you. That way you
will get the best of the best!
So what do I do now? Well, I might just
call my lawyer.
Here's What's-his-name...
For years, I have mistakenly called the
author of last month's Groom Boat cruise article (and esteemed
editor of the GroomTeam USA newsletter), Jeff Davis. I've known
him for years.
One day, after a frank discussion about
the industry, he said, "Do you think you could call me by
my real name?"
"What's that?" I questioned.
"Jeff Davison," I heard. I was
dumfounded. I have called him by another name for years and was
not the wiser. I changed my mental notes to Jeff Davison.
When this excellent writer and photographer
volunteered to cover the Groom Boat, I was thrilled, until I
got this e-mail.
"You and I have both enjoyed a few
good laughs over my last name, but when I am published for the
first time (in the grooming industry), I would have hoped that
you would have gotten the name right. It really is Davidson,
not Davison."
Oh, such is the world of Sally's Mental
Notes. Some things just fall through. I hope you enjoyed Jeff
DAVIDSON'S article, last issue. I know I did. I hope he forgives
me now.
God bless you.
Sally
sally@barkleigh.com
P.S. Is that Daviddson with one
D or two?
Brushing Blockbusters
by Mary Faith Moore
As you go about unearthing head and tail of a happy panting
furball on your grooming table, why depend on second rate equipment?
On your next adventure to scramble through your grooming toolbox
and resurrect a couple of gnarled brushes and a comb (with teeth
spaced like a jack-o-lantern), think about owning the right tool
for every job at your fingertips. Expanding your equipment entourage
is easy, once you examine the vast assortment of innovative and
fashionable items available to a modern day pet professional.
Imagine brushes fashioned from lightweight natural beechwood,
contoured to fit the hand, slickers with gel grip handles, and
combs that glide through the coat smoothly and gently! There
are so many excellent options that this feature must be divided
into two parts. So, read on! Regardless of what size breed or
coat type crosses the threshold of your grooming shop, you will
discover the perfect tool for the job, designed to provide you,
the groomer, ultimate brushing efficiency and comfort!
Chris Christensen
Handcrafted in Germany, Chris Christensen brushes and combs have
long enjoyed the loyalty of dog show enthusiasts. "Their
brushes are easy on the coat and last forever," says Carole
Powers, professional groomer and owner of champion Borzoi. "I
won't use any other brush on my dogs!" A determined entrepreneur,
company President, Chris Christensen, bought every dog brush
he could find, tore them apart, and set out to fashion what resulted
in an exclusive line of combs and brushes.
"Building grooming tools first for the dog show industry
gave me the opportunity to create a superior line of implements,
regardless of cost," explains Christensen. From the unique
Little Wonder brushes, to the Triangular Slicker, to the 5-piece
buttercomb series, each Chris Christensen implement is hand-crafted.
Brushes are ergonomically constructed with a natural (lightweight)
Beechwood body. An easy grip handle is contoured to meet the
needs of any brushing style or direction. "Our buttercomb
is similar to the greyhound comb, only better," says Christensen.
"We rounded the core top and polished the teeth so they
are the smoothest imaginable. Every implement in the Chris Christensen
collection is truly beautiful to hold and behold, yet built to
withstand everyday wear and tear, an excellent addition to the
discriminating groomer's tool collection. Request
Reader Service Card #1096 for more information.
ConairPET
ConairPet, a division of Conair Corporation, the market leader
in consumer brushes for over five years, introduces the next
generation of professional pet grooming tools, a fashionable
line of thirteen ergonomic and comfortable pet brushes, rakes
and combs in the most popular styles used by professional groomers
today. Designed with an exclusive Gel Grip handle, the Conair
brush features reinforced pads for long lasting use, pins with
comfort tips for safe brushing, and are available in four fun,
translucent colors purple, magenta, turquoise and graphite.
Mix and match! There is a size and style brush, comb or rake
for virtually every breed of dog," says John Vasone, Senior
Category Manager. Conair also produces a complete line of clippers,
trimmers, blades, shears and dryers for pet professionals. What's
next? We plan to introduce more grooming implements in the very
near future," promises Vasone. ConairPET products are available
through all major grooming product catalogs. Request
Reader Service Card #1097.
Kim Laube Company
An innovator in the grooming industry, Kim Laube Company has
again developed a "must have" tool for the serious
grooming professional. The Laube Fluff comb is a lighter-than-air
plastic comb built for high styling. Debuted in February, the
Fluff Comb, specifically designed for fluffing up fur when scissoring,is
quickly gaining popularity among groomers in the shop and in
the competition ring. Professionals appreciate the lightness
of the Fluff Comb, which guarantees it is easy on the wrist.
Scissoring and combing is strenuous," says Laube. "Many
people don't realize how much wrist action is required."
In addition to the Fluff Comb, Laube offers the most precision
comb system in the world. Patent pending, the Laube Blade Combs
are available from distributors across the globe. Request
Reader Service Card #1098.
Coastal Pet Products, Inc.
Coastal Pet Products offers two distinctive lines of pet grooming
tools. Safari (designed for the grooming professional) and Evolution
(built for the pet enthusiast). Imported from England, Safari
grooming tools include a comprehensive collection of hand-crafted
brushing tools and combs with an unconditional guarantee. Safari
brushing tools will withstand normal wear and tear," explains
Dawn Biffcutter, Coastal Marketing Director, or you will receive
full credit for the item purchased.
From fine toothed flea combs to slickers with comfort grip
handles, Safari tools are built to last. Our brushes have a higher
pin count, handles are built so they don't come apart at the
head, and our combs are stainless," says Biffcutter. The
coastal Evolution line offers an assortment of brushing tools
with rotating pins to help detangle and demat without damaging
coat. The rotating pins make the brushes easy to clean,"
says Biffcutter. "Groomers like the retractable slicker
combs." In addition to the fine workmanship of its tools,
Coastal offers an economical drop ship program, which allows
the grooming retailer a price break for ordering directly from
Coastal, through their local distributor. Request
Reader Service Card #1099.
Les Poochs
For the grooming professional, the Les Poochs' Brush System is
a career saver... a collection of brushes in three sizes, sporting
a series of stand alone features, which, at minimum, are revolutionary.
Available in three styles (soft, medium and firm) and two sizes
(under or over forty pounds) the Les Poochs Pro-Brush saves up
to 70% brushing time, ensures a happier pet client and virtually
eliminates repetitive motion syndrome for groomers. Sporting
the world's first flexible head, Les Poochs Pro-Brush is extremely
durable (stainless steel teeth), water proof and has the longest
and most bristles per square inch of any brush on the market.
An ordinary brush doesn't flex when it hits a mat," explains
Michel Raviol of Les Poochs. "You back it out, and it hits
again, ripping at the coat until your dog client hates you. Our
brushes flex, magically opening up to remove mats, without breakage.
The Pro-Brush Two offers independent suspension! Just like a
Schick razor, our large brush follows the counter of a gentle
giant's body," says Raviol. "It's a magnificent thing!"
More and longer bristles per square inch assist the groomer to
line brush with the correct length of stride. "Short strokes
will kill your arm," says Raviol, "increasing odds
of developing repetitive motion syndrome. Every Pro-Brush is
packed in a Plexiglas protective shield and priced from low fifties.
It's a must-have for salon use and an attractive fast-moving
item for grooming retail departments. We offer very nice discounts
for groomers," says Raviol. Request
Reader Service Card #1100.
Multi-Chem Products
Mane N' Tail is a pint size indestructible slicker brush, which,
although originally designed with the horse in mind, has versatility
beyond simply brushing Black Beauty. "We recommend our Mane
N Tail brush for safe brushing of dogs, cats, rabbits and humans,"
says Beth Boardman, owner, Multi-Chem. Mane N Tail has long bristles
spaced in T-shape rows, so groomers can use it for combing, brushing
and dematting. Says Boardman, "It even works great for picking
out the mats on llamas! Pocket midget, Mane N Tail goes anywhere.
It's nice and flat and can be tucked away at ringside (before
showing)," says Boardman. In addition to using Mane N Tail
to refresh almost any species with hair, it makes an excellent
attention getting advertising tool for the grooming shop. For
just a handful of pennies more, Multi-Chem products will engrave
(in gold oil) the savvy shop owner's business name and telephone
number on the back of each brush. Lots of shops use them as giveaways,"
says Boardman. "It is a great way to promote your grooming
business." For information on ordering Mane N Tail, Request
Reader Service Card #1101.
SpongeCo
Pet Sponge is an amazing all natural multi-use rubber sponge
that lifts away pet hair from surfaces and removes electric static
from stubborn pet coats. All Washable Pet Sponge has a Micro-Fiber
surface that lifts debris from most clinging surfaces. Colorfully
packaged for re-sale, Pet Sponge shouts appeal to finicky pet
lovers, who will appreciate removing annoying fur balls while
freshening furniture, autos, and pet bedding in a flash! PetSponge
demolishes dirt, debris, lint, soot and even smoke residue! Say
goodbye to flyaway fur! One rub-down with Pet Sponge and Fido
will be static free! "Especially for the busy grooming shop,
Pet Sponge can be purchased in bulk, eliminating costly packaging
cost. We also offer Pet Sponge in business card size," says
Joseph Fitzgerald, owner of SpongeCo. "Your business logo
attached to a mini PetSponge makes an excellent marketing tool."
Joseph and SpongeCo. offer grooming shopkeepers wholesale prices
with a minimum purchase of just six sponges. Request
Reader Service Card #1102 for more information.
Ready to trade in your weary old brushes and combs for a brand
new set? The designers of the right tool for the job are waiting!
Spare some room in the toolbox! Next month we will introduce
another lineup of fantastic brushing tools, as we continue our
blockbuster-brushing feature!
Barbara Zirk
and Melissa Manion
Creative Styling Winners at Groom Expo
Emerging victorious in the top level of
the Barkleigh Creative Styling Contest at Groom Expo in Hershey,
Pennsylvania was Mary Oldham of Dogs-R-Us in Williamsport, Maryland,
with her entry entitled Final Frontier. Her black Standard Poodle
sported the universe, on his body, complete with planets and
stars, while Mary stood nearby in her space garb. The magical
scene appeared on the March issue of Groomer to Groomer magazine.
Barkleigh Creative Styling Contests are
three-tiered, allowing a winner in each of three levels, Expert,
Intermediate and Novice.
Level 2 winner was Barbara Zirk, of of
Fredericksburg, Virginia, with her entry entitled Under the Sea.
Level 1 winner was Melissa Manion, of Youngstown,
Ohio, with an entry entitled Pirates.
Joanne's "Ah-Haaas!"
by Joanne Russell
Hemostats can have many uses, especially the old ones. (I don't
want to mess up the good ones I'm using for ears.) I use them
to reach into small places that I can't reach with my fingers.
For instance, after unplugging my Oster dryer, I pull out any
hair that has been sucked in and tangled around the motor. This
hair can slow down the dryer and make it overheat.
Sometimes the plug in my sink is pushed
down too far into the drain and I can't get it out. Out come
the handy dandy hemostats and I can pull it right out.
When making bows, and I need a "third
hand," I can use them to pinch the bow while I wrap the
rubber band around the ribbon. Also, when putting the bow on
the dog, I can reach through the tiny rubber band and pull the
hair through without scrunching the bow.
One of the best ways I've found to use
hemostats is to calm down new dogs that are scared or nervous.
To keep them from jumping around or pulling away, I use the hemostats
to carefully reach into the ears and pull out some hair and ear
wax. I hold this under the dog's nose and let him "sniff
himself." Usually this will calm him down and I can regain
his trust.
Q & A
Q. Hi, Groomers What can I do about clients who constantly
miss their appointment or are always at least an hour late? Sometimes
they miss their appointment so they just show up the next day
and think it's no big deal and get mad if I can't fit them in.
I have posted a notice about charging a
fee for missed or late appointments, but the first time I charged
someone I lost them as a customer. So, now I am afraid to charge
the fee. I charged her because she called the day before and
begged me to squeeze her in. Then she didn't show up. She said
I should expect people not to show up. That's the kind of business
it is. Is it true that I should expect people not to keep their
appointments? Diane Levesque, Diane's Westies
Q. I was reading the article in Groomer to Groomer
about the dogs dying in enclosed dog dryers and was wondering
how are these dogs dying? Are they using heated dryers?
I groom at PETsMART part time and at home
part time, as well. I hand dry most every dog when grooming at
home, but, at PETsMART we do use kennel drying with cool air.
I'm a concerned groomer and don't want
any dogs to die under my care. I hope to be grooming full time
at my home in the very near future and would like to know what
never to do while drying a dog that would result in their death.
M.A.
Q. First I'd like to say that I'm thrilled that you've
added the Q & A column to your magazine. It's great for me,
as I feel pretty isolated from the grooming industry. I groom
out of my home in a small, rural town, and work alone. Yeah,
yeah, I know. I need to attend grooming seminars. Well, that
brings me to my question.
Since I groom alone, if I go away, no dogs
are booked, and therefore, no money comes in the door. Any suggestions
on what I can do? Tracy Kaecker, Designer Fur
Q. My
business has grown far bigger than what I ever anticipated, and
I'd like to hire a groomer so I can take time off to show my
dogs. I would also like to attend some seminars and not feel
guilty. I've put the word out at dog shows, vet clinics, talked
with my clients about it and even placed a help wanted ad in
the newspaper. But, I cannot find an experienced groomer.
I'm willing to train someone, but I have
several concerns. Do I still charge my regular price when a trainee
is grooming the dog, or do I offer a discounted rate? Also, since
it is my business, I'm petrified of a dog being injured by a
rookie groomer. Of course, I'd feel terrible for the animal's
sake, but from the business perspective, especially being in
a small town, I'm afraid it could have a big, negative impact.
I also am afraid of putting all the time and effort into training
someone, only to find out they will never be a good groomer.
In short, I'd like to hear from any groomers
who have trained someone from scratch telling how it worked out
for them and their customers. Better yet, how do grooming shops
find good, experienced groomers??? Tracy Kaecker, Designer Fur
A. Dear Sally I live in Sydney, Australia and have
just received my copy of Groomer to Groomer, and the first thing
I read with great interest was your article on pet deaths in
salons. I have been grooming for eighteen years and started off
in salons where I also saw dogs die or nearly die in drying rooms.
I also saw a lot of abuse by so-called "carers." This
led to my starting one of Sydney's very first mobile grooming
services, which I have happily done.
However, the mobile craze has only just
started here, and of course, every well meaning "animal
lover" thinks, 'Hey! I can do that!' I don't know if you
realize how far behind we are here, but we do not have any colleges
or proper training facilities here, and the franchise businesses
in particular are only giving a few weeks training and off they
go. Hence, this current summer I am hearing endless tales of
tips of ears, tails and penises being cut off. The worst was
a girl who was yacking on her mobile while she scissored a dog's
face. She cut the end of his tongue off. I am horrified by all
this and terribly saddened to see dogs traumatized by so called
pet lovers.
I, too, would like to see some legislation
happening here before it gets too big to handle, and something
worse happens. California Groomers, please keep me informed from
time to time on how the legislation is going and any tips I could
use. Anything would be much appreciated. Regards, Jacqui
Send all questions and answers
to Barkleigh Productions, Inc., 6 State Rd. #113, Mechanicsburg
PA 17050 · Fax: (717) 691-3381
E:mail: sally@barkleigh.com
Discover the
Secrets of Top Dog Groomers
Ultimate Dog Grooming reveals the secrets
of top dog groomers. Three sections cover caring for and grooming
the pet dog, grooming as a profession and specific information
for 170 individual breeds, including the grooming procedures
for every type of coat including: Corded and curly coats, long-hair
coats, medium length coats, short-hair coats, stripped breeds,
thick and dense coats, clipped and trimmed breeds and Poodles.
More than 500 color photographs and line drawings are included.
This book also provides advice for starting
your own dog grooming business, including how to choose and buy
equipment, the grooming process, detecting coat and skin disorders,
and special tips for handling problems that commonly arise. Ultimate
Dog Grooming: The Complete Guide to 170 Dog Breeds (Firefly Books,
March), written by Eileen Geeson with contributions by Barbara
Vetter and Lia Whitmore, is a reference book for dog groomers.
For more information, request Reader
Service Card #1103.
Discover
the Secrets of Top Dog Groomers
Pointer + Setter = Poinsetter
A traditional Christmas pet!
Kerry Blue Terrier + Skye Terrier
=
Skye Blue Terrier
A dog for visionaries!
Great Pyrenees + Dachsund = Pyradachs
A puzzling breed!
Pekingese + Lhaso Apso= Peekasso
An abstract dog!
Labrador Retriever + Curly Coated
Retriever =
Lab Coat Retriever
The choice of research scientists!
Newfoundland + Bassett Hound =
Newfound Asset Hound
A dog for financial advisers!
Terrier + Bulldog = Terribull
A dog prone to awful mistakes!
Bloodhound + Labrador = Blabador
A dog that barks incessantly!
Malamute + Pointer = Moot Point
Owned by... oh, well, it doesn't
matter anyway!
Collie + Malamute = Commute
A dog that travels to work!
Deerhound + Terrier = Derriere
A dog that is true to the end!
Bull Terrier + Shitzu = Bull****zu
A gregarious, but unreliable breed!
The Grooming
View
By Marea Tully
Independent Contractor or
Employee?
Whenever I give my business seminars, invariably
I am told that their employer tells them that they are an Independent
Contractor and not an Employee. Many business owners will try
to tell the people who work for them that they are independent
contractors because they do not or cannot afford to pay all the
additional expenses involved with having employees. This predicament,
however, doesn't make it legal!
To determine if the people who work for
you are employees or contractors, you must consider the degree
of independence and control. The following information comes
directly from the website www.irs.gov. It is critical that you,
the employer, correctly identify what specific category the individuals
providing services for you are in. Usually you must withhold
income taxes, withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes
and pay unemployment tax on wages paid to an employee. You do
not generally have to withhold or pay any taxes on payments to
independent contractors.
If you incorrectly classify an employee
as an independent contractor, you can be held liable for employment
taxes for that worker, plus a penalty. A disgruntled worker could
turn you in to the IRS. Granted they would lose their job, but
chances are they planned on leaving anyway.
If you have Independent Contractors, the
payer has the right to control or direct only the RESULT of the
work done and not the MEANS AND METHODS of accomplishing it.
For example, you can tell the plumber to unclog your hairy drain
but you can't tell him how to do it or tell him what tools he
must use.
If you have Employees, the payer has the
right to control what will be done and how it will be done.
The courts consider three main categories
for determining which kind of worker you have: Behavioral Control,
Financial Control and Type of Relationship.
Behavioral would include giving instructions.
When, where and how to work, what tools or equipment to use,
what workers to hire or to assist with the work, where to purchase
supplies and services, what work must be done by a specific individual
and what order or sequence to follow.
Financial Control would include the extent
to which the worker has unreimbursed expenses, the extent of
the worker's investment, the extent to which the worker makes
services available to the market, how the business pays the worker,
the extent to which the worker can realize a profit or loss.
Type of Relationship would include written
contracts describing the relationship the parties intended to
create, whether the worker is provided with employee-type benefits
and the length of the relationship. If you have employees, you
must issue a W-2 form annually and report wages on Form 941.
If you have independent contractors, you will issue a 1099 Miscellaneous.
If you would like the IRS to determine whether or not a worker
is an employee, fill out Form SS-8 which you can download from
the aforementioned site.
Certain states also have rules pertaining
to independent contractors. California, for instance, requires
business owners who pay or contract to pay an independent $600
or more must notify the state about it within twenty days of
paying them or signing a contract.
Colorado frowns upon contract or subcontract
labor in the professional pet grooming industry. The Federal
Government, in particular, takes a good look at Independent Contractor
status because it's easier to get the money and more of it from
businesses than have employees.
If you think your workers are independent
contractors, ask yourself these questions. Do they list their
own phone number in the yellow pages and do their own advertising?
Do they decide what days and hours they will work? Do they receive
the money for services rendered and then give you the fee for
their space or percentage you had agreed upon? Do they carry
their own Workman's Comp and Liability Insurance? Do they have
a business bank account in their business' name? Do they file
quarterly taxes for their income? Do the clients belong to them
or you? Do they set the prices and any add-on charges?
I bet to almost all these questions the
answer was no. If this is so, guys, you have employees not independent
contractors and you should be paying all the benefits employees
have a right to have which gives you the right to tell them what
to do and how to do it. Just because someone uses his or her
own tools does not make them an independent contractor.
If some of you have been innocently treating
your workers as contractors rather than employees, and now wish
to change over but don't think you can afford it, please reread
the article of pricing by the hour, adding the additional costs
into your expense figure, and it will work out just fine.
Finally, folks, if you don't understand
or have any questions, just pick up the phone and call an attorney,
or speak to your tax accountant. Call the IRS at 1- 800-829-1040,
and or go to www.irs.gov. For Federal Tax Forms call 1- 800-829-3676
or 1-800-554-4477 or go to their website. Publication 15- A has
detailed guidance, including information for specific industries.
Don't forget to check with your state governments regarding all
of the above.
See you on the road,
Marea
mareatully@yahoo.com
Wonders of Grooming...
Fat Fifi
By Bonnie Wonders
We've all witnessed it firsthand. Some
of us are even guilty of it ourselves. It is something not restricted
to the human world, by far. It is a disease that the planet is
obsessed with and the pet owning population is no stranger to
it. I am talking about obesity in pets. I know that several of
your customers popped into your head on that one. Let's face
it I know you have more than one customer who brings in a dog
that looks much like one of those giant pythons after it swallows
an antelope. I actually watched that on the Discovery channel
or something last week.
It brought to mind Mrs. Miller's Basset
Hound, Piddles. (Yes, he's true to his name). This dog comes
in just for a nail clip every month, and it looks like it swallowed
a basketball or a small child. (This would also explain the neighbor's
misplacement of their grandson.) At any rate, you KNOW how hard
it is to pick up one of these dogs by yourself. Going from floor
height at the ripe old age of 44 (mine, not the dog's) is getting
to be quite the feat. That's one of those breeds that if you
don't pick it up "just so," you're in deep trouble.
You have to distribute the weight equally so as not to get a
nasty fulcrum effect happening in mid-lift. It ain't a pretty
sight to see a dog seesawing in your arms as you lose your balance
and topple onto its owner unless, of course, if the owner is
of the opposite sex and attractive. Believe me, Mrs. Miller is
"0 for 2" in that respect. It also isn't pleasant to
see an 86 year-old woman with a lack of appropriate under attire
bending over to help you. Yeeech!!!
Then there are the Lhasas. Ahh, yes, a
hardy breed that should stand rather stately and muscular on
those crooked little legs. Most of the ones that I see, however,
look more like the Superior Tavern Ham variety. Remington comes
immediately to mind. Now, THERE is a dog who looks like the ultimate
bruiser, albeit a tad like he's had a few too many beers to go
with that ham. His legs are probably seven inches long or so.
However, you would never know it from his outward appearance.
It seems his armpits extend down to his ankles; or is it that
his ankles extend UP to his armpits? At any rate, he has several
chins, which make him look more like a Sharpei than a Lhasa.
His ideal weight, I have been told, should be in the eighteen-pound
range. He tallies in at forty-two! Another one of those chiropractic
nightmares!
Let us not forget the mighty Chihuahua.
Is it just me, or have you too noticed that most of them appear
to have indeed lived the good life when it comes to the food
fiesta? They waddle in and you can just envision them being suspended
from a ceiling and mistaken for a piñata. They almost
always have an attitude, too. And what other breed of dog that
has teeth that are only one half inch long could inflict such
pain when they sink them into you? Don't forget though, that
when they hurl that mighty twelve pounds into your flesh, it
is best likened to being bitten by a piranha. (No, not that I
ever have been, but they look pretty much the same to me when
you're staring at them head on.)
On the other side of the scale, so to speak,
are the big dogs. I love to do Golden Retrievers as a rule. However,
some of them resemble a piece of furniture more than a canine.
There is Wooley. I suspect he was named for the Wooley Mammoth,
judging by the size of him. He looks like a walking coffee table.
He is SO broad across that back of his, that you could literally
balance an entire meal on him. I have seen his appetite in motion,
though, and believe me the meal wouldn't stand a chance. It takes
three of us to lift him into the tub and we are all groaning
as we do it.
Ea$y Money...
A Fido Fiesta
By Mary Faith Moore
It's a Fido fiesta! Fresh from a spring
grooming session, canines have escaped the kennel and are celebrating!
As dogs across the country reclaim their rightful share of home
and garden, their masters flee to you for relief! Prepare with
plenty of fresh scent, breath mints, deodorizers, and stain removers.
Don't forget the de-skunking paraphernalia! This month is prime
for a deodorizing bath offer. Whether swimming, playing tug of
war, or bonding on a hiking adventure, dog lovers can seize the
opportunity to share the great outdoors with their canine companions,
which means it's time for you to fill your store with frolicking
Fido fare! Start with a fresh cache of toys designed for connective
play with Kongs (every size and shape), ropes and a rainbow of
balls. Reintroduce canine treats, rawhide pig's ears and greenies
(the ultimate pacifiers for dogs on the go). Sales will boom!
Pet vendors abound with gear designed to
enhance the bond between man and his faithful companion. Essentials
include backpacks, sleeping bags, canvas kennels and safety gear.
Hound chauffeurs outfit their autos with seatbelts, harnesses,
barriers, car seats, and covers designed to keep the fur on Fido!
Capitalize on this vacation season! Consider a timed food dish!
Load baskets with travel dishes, water bottles, and no-rinse
shampoo! High ticket items spell big profits, yet are a dog-gone
dilemma for frugal grooming shopkeepers. Here are some ideas
for fetching storefront displays using "one offs."
Remember to add a plush pooch (or two) to highlight your scenes!
Auto Gear: Display a mock car interior
(use actual bucket seats, a wheel, the front end or bumper of
an old car) for exciting Fido auto gear.
Camping Gear: Set up a sleeping bag, tent,
canvas kennel, and travel bowls around a mini campground (use
mock pine branches, a round mirror (for a lake), tie the scene
together with some crafty fishing tackle accompanied by a nifty
pole.
Nautical Gear: A small section of a wooden
boat or piece of a worn sail, are the perfect backdrop for a
doggie life jacket, preservers, nylon saddle bag and a section
of kennel deck.
Pooch Cases: A street sign, railroad sign,
old coat rack or several travel posters (strategically placed)
go a long way to enhance your mini display of canine carriers,
which could include: a Pet-a-Roo (front pack), one to two types
of back packs and styles of pooch bags.
Easy Rider: Use the handles or front end
of an abandoned motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle, to flaunt Harley
or Nascar gear (leather jacket, collars and T-shirts).
Here comes the sun! Brighten every nook
and cranny with toys that frolic, float (nylon Frisbees, Water
Kongs), fly (Flying Squirrel, Flite Master), and fetch (Gripper
balls, Disc-O-Dog). Build displays that explode for summer fun!
Paint signs in brilliant hues! Decorate grooming clients with
flashy fabric bandannas! Add a twist of whimsical music, a cool
drink for pets and people, and you've set the stage for an exciting
summer fiesta and big summer dollars!
Canines Globally Clean
& Green
AMV, LLC has developed
the Groomer's Stone, a pumice-like substance used like a brush
to gently, yet effectively, remove shedding hair, caked on dirt,
dander, burrs. Safe and lightweight, it also draws out oils from
a dog's coat.Use it to calm "nervous" pets during grooming.
It does not dig into pet's sensitive skin and leaves coat soft
and sleek.
Easy to clean, this bar-shaped
product also removes pet hair from furniture, car seats, etc.
It makes an excellent retail item. For more information about
this product, please request Reader
Service Card #1105.
Pet Loss and Bereavement Conference Sheduled for May
The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement will hold its
2nd International Conference on Pet Loss and Bereavement May
28-30, 2004 in New York City.
Unique seminars will be given for pet care professionals,
as well as for individuals who have lost their own beloved pets.
A special ten hour Counselor Training Course will also be given.
Visit www.aplb.org or call
(718) 382-0690.
Pricing By The Hour Article
Dear Marea Tully I just wanted to thank you for the article
you wrote about pricing by the hour in your Grooming View column
in the Groomer to Groomer magazine.
This past summer I started my own mobile grooming business,
and my largest obstacle has been pricing. I am the world's biggest
wimp when it comes to pricing. I am always so worried that I
won't get the business if I price it at a rate that I "should"
price it at. So, although my mind is saying $50.00, my mouth
says $40.00 when they ask how much.
I am going to cut the last paragraph of your article from
the magazine and tape it to my phone. Hopefully, every time the
phone rings, I will see that, and it will give me the courage
to quote a price that will be more profitable for myself. - Karen
Morris
Little Known Facts...
· There are more pets than people in the U.S. - 350 million
pets vs. 280 million people.
· Six out of ten U.S. households own a pet, which equates
to 64.2 million households.
· Cat and dog owners overwhelmingly consider their
pets to be part of the family (92 percent).
· Seventy-eight percent greet their pet at the door
before their spouse or significant other.
IPG Certifications At Groom & Kennel Expo
Dear Barkleigh Bunch... Groom & Kennel Expo was even better
than I expected. Our seminar was a success and we certified a
record number of groomers at any one show... 42! Judy Kurpiel,
President of International Professional Groomers, Inc. 120 Turner,
Elk Grove Village IL 60007, (847) 758-1938.
Calendar of Events
COLORADO
May 12-19, 2004. Pet Services Expo,
Colorado Springs, CO.
Info: (719) 667-0715.
Request
Reader Sevice Card #1055.
May 17, 2004.
John Stazko' in Grooming Sensations,
Denver CO. Contact: (941) 322-0226, john@stazko.com.
Request
Reader Service Card 1056.
MICHIGAN
July 18, 2004. John Stazko's Grooming
Seminar, Dearborn MI. (941) 322-0226.
john@stazko.com
Request
Reader Service Card 1056
MINNESOTA
June 27, 2004. John Stazko in Grooming
Sensations,
Bloomington MO. Contact: (941) 322-0226.
john@stazko.com
Request
Reader Service Card 1056
MISSOURI
April 3-5, 2004. Groom Classic,
Kansas City MO. Contact: (800) 705-5175.
groomclassic@kc.rr.com.
Request
Reader Sevice Card #416.
April 3, 2004. John Stazko in Grooming
Sensations,
Kansas City MO. Contact: (941) 322-0226.
john@stazko.com
Request
Reader Service Card 1056
NEVADA
September 22-23, 2004. Superzoo
Las Vegas NV.
www.superzoo.org.
Request
Reader Sevice Card #1088.
September 22-23, 2004. ProGroom Las
Vegas (In conjunction with Superzoo),
Las Vegas NV. Info: (717) 691-3388
info@barkleigh.com.
NEW JERSEY
April 16-18, 2004. Pet Industry Spring
Trade Show.
Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Contact: (312) 663-4040.
hhbacker@hhbacker.com.
Request
Reader Sevice Card #350.
April 22-26, 2004. Intergroom 2004,
Somerset NJ.
Contact: (781) 326-3376.
intergroom.com.
Request
Reader Sevice Card #351.
April 23, 2004. John Stazko in Grooming
Sensations,
Somerset NJ. Contact: (941) 322-0226.
john@stazko.com
Request
Reader Service Card 1056
NORTH CAROLINA
June 5-7, 2004. NDGAA Carolina Groomfest,
Charlotte NC. Contact: (724) 962-2711.
ndga@nationaldoggroomers.com.
Request
Reader Sevice Card #1089.
June 4, 2004. John Stazko in Grooming
Sensations,
Charlotte NC. Contact: (941) 322-0226.
john@stazko.com
Request
Reader Service Card 1056
MAY 14-16, 2004. OFF LEAD TRAINING EXPO,
Lebanon PA. For more Info: www.off-lead.com. (717) 691-3388.
MAY 14-16, 2004. PROGROOM PENNSYLVANIA,
Lebanon PA.
For more info: (717) 691-3388. www.barkleigh.com.
MAY 14-16, 2004. NATURAL PET EXPO 2004,
Lebanon PA.
For more info: (717) 691-3388. www.off-lead.com.
Sept. 9-10, 2004. Animal Behavior Conference, Hershey PA.
For more info: (717) 691-3388. www.off-lead.com.
BARKLEIGH
SHOW DATES
May 14-16, 2004
Off
Lead Training Expo,
Natural Pet Expo,
ProGroom
Pennsylvania
Lebanon PA
Sept. 9-12, 2004
Groom
Expo 2004,
Animal Behavior & Health Expo,
Hershey PA
February 11-13,
2005
Groom & Kennel Expo 2005,
Burbank CA
May 13-15, 2005
Natural Pet Expo 2005,
Lebanon PA
July 14, 2005
Off Lead & Natural Pet Expo
Progroom Great Lakes,
Lansing MI
August 4-6, 2005
Progroom South,
Atlanta GA
(In conjunction with SuperZoo)
September 15-17, 2005
Groom Expo 2005,
Animal Behavior & Health Expo,
Hershey PA
February 17-19, 2006
Groom & Kennel Expo,
Burbank CA
May 19-21, 2006
Off Lead Training Expo 2006,
Natural Pet Expo 2006,
Progroom Pennsylania,
Lebanon PA
September 14-16, 2006
Groom Expo 2006,
Animal Behavior & Health Expo,
Hershey PA
September 4-6, 2007
Groom Expo 2007,
Animal Behavior & Health Expo,
Hershey PA
Contact Barkleigh Productions, Inc.
(717) 691-3388 · Fax (717) 691-3381
www.barkleigh.com ·
www.groomexpo.com ·
www.off-lead.com
|
New England Pet
Grooming Professionals Announce Winners
New England Pet Grooming Professionals
announce the contest grooming results from their recent seminar.
Best in Show (Div. A) - Julie Wilkins
Best All Around Groomer (Div. A) - Vero DaSylva
Best All Around Groomer (Div. B) - Emily Morelli
Best Groomed Dog (Div. B) - Steve Madonna
Mixed/Miscellaneous
(Div. A) Jodi Murphy, Julie Wilkins, Linda Kay
(Div. B) Mary Beth Badman, Lori Vincent, Christine Dwyer Potpourri
(Div. A) Vero DaSylva, Lisa Ritson, Lisa Leady
(Div. B) Kim Woolwine, Deb Davis, Bethany Simard
Sporting
(Div. A) Vero DaSylva, Lisa Leady, Alicia Bismore
(Div. B)Lori Vincent, Becky McCoulaugh
Terriers
(Div. A) Vero DaSylva, Lisa Leady, Sue Watson
(Div. B) Steve Madonna, Rebecca McCoulaugh, Emily Morelli
Toy/Mini Poodles
(Div. A) Vero DaSylva, Jodi Murphy, Julie Wilkins
(Div. B) Yumi Maruo, Emily Morelli, Patricia Nemec
Standard Poodles (
Div. A) Julie Wilkins, Vero DaSylva, Rose Cabana (Div. B) Mary
Beth Badman, Terri Tomlinson, Andrea Bohdiewicz
Handstrip
(Div. A) Sarah Hawks, Steve Madonna, Lori Vincent
Oster Career Start Malinda Leone,
Marcio Mendes, Lisa Laroe
|