Business

Customer Christmas Gifts: It’s the Thought That Counts

Dear Michell, it has been suggested to me by a groomer friend that I do something nice for my customers at Christmas. I am on a tight budget and I am slightly uncomfortable with the idea. Do you have any suggestions?
How Do You Know When to Fire an Employee?

“Dear Michell, how do you know when it is time to fire an employee? I have a groomer who refuses to take direction and insists on doing everything her own way. I have tried for a few years now to convince her that my way is the best.
No More No Shows!

Is there anything more frustrating than to have your carefully planned schedule screwed up by clients who don’t show or who cancel at the last minute?
What’s Your Number? Cell Phone Policies & Pet Businesses

Cell phones are a way of life in our culture today. In a few short decades, the cellular phone device has become a necessary personal mobile data center for most hard–working adults…as well as students of all ages, cranky toddlers and everyone in between.

AKC S.A.F.E Salon Program

The AKC Safety in the Salon course, taught by Susan Sholar, an AKC Delegate and grooming judge, was a huge sensation at Groom Expo this past September in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Those of You That Mobile, We Solute You!

The very first job I had in grooming was in a mobile unit. I was very inexperienced but eager to start grooming dogs. When I first started, there was no fleet of beautiful units to choose from.

Do You Know What Your Time Is Worth?

My time has value. So, in the back of my mind, was this vague notion of what I thought my time was worth. But that’s just what it was—vague.

Spooky Behaviors: Clean It up for Success

We often focus on behavior in our careers as Pet Professionals. Learning to manage the behaviors around us is key to having more successful, lower stress, safer grooming days.

Mobile vs Salon

Groomer to Groomer asked our Facebook followers: For those of you who worked both in a salon and as a mobile groomer, what do you find to be the pros and cons of each? The answers may surprise you…

Retail Your Spa

The wonderful world of passive income—retail! It should literally be selling itself. There are so many salons that are getting into the retail mindset and there are so many things to offer that it can be a bit overwhelming.

Waiting List Woes

“Hello Michell. We are so busy that we have a waiting list. If our customers don’t want to wait until we have an available appointment, we require them to book the earliest available appointment that works for them and then put them on the waiting list.”

Enough Is Enough

I have been grooming little Pixie since she was a puppy. She was a sweet, loving Yorkie and was easy to groom. Her owner, Helen, always loved Pixie’s haircut, tipped and rescheduled.

Family Matters

When you think of working families, you may instantly think of farming, carpentry or construction trades, small retail stores such as jewelers, or even the death–defying acts like the Flying Wallendas. I, however, instantly think of Pet Services businesses.

Time Management: Make Every Minute Count

Why is it that some people can accomplish a tremendous amount daily, while others don’t have much to show for their efforts? We each have the same 24 hours, why are some groomers so much more productive than others?

World Dog Expo 2018 Recap

The 2018 World Dog Expo unleashed the world’s most unique experience for dog lovers with celebrity guests, America’s Got Talent’s Sara Carson and Animal Planet’s Shorty Rossi.

The Revolving Door: The Hidden Costs of Employee Turnover

Every pet Grooming Salon is a popular salon in a mid–size town. When the owners of Everypet found themselves overbooked and understaffed, they placed an advertisement for a new groomer. Evelyn interviewed for the job and was hired.

Cage Free Salon: Is It Safe?

Hello Michell. I am finally opening my own dog grooming salon. I am so excited! I am very strongly leaning toward a cage–free salon. There are many reasons for my decision; cages are expensive, the owners don’t like to have their dogs in cages, dogs don’t like being in cages and it brings me joy to watch them run around and play with each other.

Email Receipts: Are You Missing This Free Marketing Gem?

Every time someone makes a purchase from your business they should get an email receipt. Even if you deal in cash—you know that green paper stuff no one ever has? You should have an automatic receipt template set up to send after the service is over.

What’s Your Value? A Look into Value-Based Client Relations

If you are nervous about discussing pricing with new or existing clients, you may have developed a “Value-Based Relationship” with your clients.

No Refunds! No Kidding

You told her that her dog would have to be short, and you thought she completely understood. You did your best, yet she blew up when she saw her dog. What happened? What could you have done differently?

Avoiding the Key to Failure

“I can’t tell you the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone.” — Ed Sheeran As professional pet stylists, we are members of a service industry. This means we do work for customers rather than providing goods or manufacturing things. And this, by its very nature, means that we […]

The Paper Trail

The Pet Grooming industry is experiencing growth and change at an unparalleled rate. As busy working Pet Groomers, we struggle to keep up with advancements in every aspect of our jobs.

How Our Clients View Us

I polled several pet owner Facebook groups. I was looking to get a good cross-reference between high and lower maintenance breed pet owners. And this was my question: How do you view professional pet groomers?