“My groomer hates me, she told me so!” This was the introduction I received as a man, his wife and their dog barreled through my salon door one morning. I blinked at them, surprised, so many thoughts racing through my head at once. Why did their groomer hate them? Who was their groomer?
The Client from Yelp! Read More
How do you get new grooming clients? Most of mine have either come from seeing a dog I groomed and talking with the owner, or often something I’ve said to a dog owner who repeated it to another dog owner. For example, as I get to know my clients, I always ask how the dog is at home, and, in so many words, if the owner is happy with the dog’s behavior.
Stuff I Tell My Clients Read More
It’s the second Friday of the month. The second one always starts out pretty much the same as the one two weeks later. You see, twice each month on Fridays I have a lady who brings in her Terrier mix for his appointment. Along with the dog comes a bag of treats. Not for the dog, but rather for me.
Have I Got a Gift for You! Read More
Sometimes a customer is unhappy with your grooming. In my experience, a huge percentage of the time this is due to the pet owner having an expectation of what the end result of the groom is going to look like, which is different from what the experienced groomer knows the pet will look like. Here is an example: A customer comes in with a 9 month old Shih Tzu puppy for its first groom. The dog has not been brushed or combed since birth and is encased in some very impressive matts and tangles.
The Art of Setting Expectations Read More
Do your customers know all the services you offer? Do they feel like you charged appropriately during check-out? It is important that your customer understands that what you do is far beyond just giving a dog a bath. It is also important that they feel they got more than what they paid for during check-out.
Grooming Menus and Receipts Read More
My neighbor has had a housekeeper for many years. She lives alone – no kids, no pets. She keeps her house very tidy, but needs a hand with dusting and doing the floors. She’s a great client. She has never once complained about a price increase, and the cleaning company has them regularly.
The majority of my clients are wonderful blessings; dear people that are the back bone of my business and allow me to support my family. And then there is my hemorrhoid, Ms. B., a preverbal pain in my rear, whom even after liberal medical treatment just seems to pop back up at the worst time.
There Should be a Cream for That! Read More
You can predict that when a customer asks for a full-fledged Poodle “Bikini Clip” on their Cocker Spaniel, the dog will inevitably wind up with a bout of Colitis that necessitates a Veterinary visit. Of course the waiting room will be full of other clients and EVERYBODY will want to know where the lady gets her dog clipped.
You Know You Are a Dog Groomer When… Read More
Pet groomers are not just stylists; they often act as consultants too. As a pet care professional, your clients will look to you for advice and recommendations when it comes to the grooming and coat care of their pets. They may also ask you questions pertaining to other aspects of pet care.
Grooming Homework Creates Loyal Customers Read More
There are many benefits to gaining new puppy clients in your salon. Puppy owners are excited about the new addition to their family, and prepared to give their new puppy the best to set them up for a lifetime of success. Unfortunately many puppy owners wait until their puppy’s coat is already becoming overgrown until they book their first grooming appointment,
Hosting Puppy Grooming Workshops Read More
Every time a new shop or mobile opens up, everyone gets nervous. Are they cheaper than me? What kind of services do they offer? Should I lower my prices to match theirs? Will they take all of my customers? Those are some of the questions that many business owners ask themselves.
Where’s My Customer? Read More
When I first went mobile, I immediately got involved in several social media groups to help me understand the new beast that I was involved in. It helped me learn some of the do’s and don’ts in the business, but ultimately, I was the one who had to make the decision of what I wanted to do. After all, it was MY Business.
Calculate Your Competition Read More