As groomers, we love our tools. We research dryers, compare clippers, have favorite shears, and probably own at least a few combs or brushes that we would be genuinely upset if someone walked off with. We know good tools help us work more efficiently, produce…
If your cat grooming schedule is made up of mostly matted shave-downs or emergency-type grooms, you are missing out on the bread and butter of repeat clients. Individual grooms of the emergency type can certainly be profitable, but we’re only looking at today’s invoice and…
As professional groomers, we’re experts at planning our days. We carefully schedule appointments, estimate grooming times, coordinate staff and make sure every pet receives the attention they deserve. Yet many of us never stop to intentionally plan the business itself.
When we hear the word “upselling,” it can immediately create some discomfort. Many people associate the word with pressure tactics, awkward conversations or convincing someone to buy something they do not really need. And for some groomers who may have worked in a corporate setting,…
As professional groomers, at one point or another many of us have dreamed about what it would be like to work alone—no salon drama, no constant noise, no interruptions; just you, your tools and the pet in front of you. Whether it’s a home-based salon,…
Walk into almost any grooming salon today, and you’ll find no shortage of technology. Online booking systems, automated reminders, digital client notes, point-of-sale systems, social media platforms and mobile apps have all become part of daily operations. These tools promise efficiency, organization and growth. But…
At times, it can feel as if veterinarians and groomers are at odds with each other. Groomers tell stories of veterinarians blaming them for ear infections or other medical issues. Veterinarians, on the other hand, may not fully understand how or why groomers do certain…
If you’ve been in the grooming industry long enough, you’ve probably had at least one conversation you dreaded. Maybe it was telling a long-time client their dog could no longer be groomed safely, or maybe it was addressing a staff member who was chronically late,…
For many, the image of a dog groomer is a soothing one: gentle hands, puppy kisses and the rewarding transformation of a scruffy pet into a pristine companion. But the reality is far different…
Self-care is something every groomer needs to think about. We often hear about it in terms of getting massages or taking vacations, and while those things absolutely matter, they are not the whole picture.
Every grooming salon—whether it’s a large facility or a one-person, home-based business—will face a crisis at some point. A dog may have a seizure on the table. A dryer may spark. A winter storm may cause a power outage. These aren’t hypothetical; all of this…
You’ve probably noticed a new type of pet owner walking through your salon doors. They have their phones out, ask about shampoo ingredients and want to book their appointments online. Meet Gen Z—the future of your client base.