OT BIG TIME - Need Assistance

EXCUSE ME ?? Anal WHAT? They do WHAT to the dog? I don't think I wanna know! I'll stick with cats... they bathe/groom  themselves..

Dogs have anal glands that are suppose to empty themselves but sometimes they get impacted.  That is why you seem some dogs scooting around on their bottoms.  They squeeze the nasty fluid out of them.  :barf: Rachel

Because I'm the crazy cat lady.. I couldn't begin to tell you what people pay.. but I do have some suggestions...  1. I would call around to other groomers/pet stores..and just say you wanted to get a price on what it would cost to have YOUR dog groomed... call different places with different dog types to get an idea.  2. When you're starting a business.. you want to have 6 months working capital ... so I would say figure out what it's going to cost with gas/insurance/maintenance etc of the van.. along with paying YOURSELF (don't forget to figure in your own taxes and insurance) along with the cost of supplies. You can then estimate how many dogs you would have to groom to meet that capital.  3. Offer coupons.. people are willing to try out a new service if they have a coupon. Coupons are like cash in the tax world so make sure you save what is redeemed and the cost of those can be deducted from your tax return. Check with your tax advisor. If you have any questions about setting up a business.. whats needed.. or whatever.. I'm just a phone call away...  I'm VERY proud of you for going after your dream!!!  Stephanie

Thanks Crazy Cat Lady!  The only problem with calling local groomers is some them have a difficult time giving out their prices for fear you will undercut them and take their buisness.  This was a problem I ran into when I started the Pet Sitting business, luckily I found some local pet sitters that were online and got their pricing from their website.   I have tried being that sneaking with the grooming however NONE of our mobile groomers are online.  .  I have left a message with a local mobile groomer to see if they would be willing to help out but who knows if I will get a call back.  I called them once before and never heard from them.  Even though their website says the help with setting up the business.  But I am starting to think if they are wanting it to be a franchise of their company. Let me tell you great minds think alike.  I have enough working capital for about a year.  I made sure I included it in the loan amount I was asking for.  So that is covered.  I will be offering a coupon when I mail out to my pet sitting clients a 10% of their groom when they refer someone and a 10% off their groom if it is bundled with the pet sitting, ie if we groom them while we are taking care of them, they get 10% the grooming services. If you have any other suggestions please feel free to let me know.

OK.. I just read what I posted and I sound like a freakkin DORKY TAX DWEEB!!!

No, Stephanie! You sounded very smart and hip!  Good advice, by Dolliethe way!

Good Morning, Julie! I'm so proud of you.  You are taking such a big step!  I know you will do well.  Animal lovers don't mind spending money on their "babies."  I think Stephanie's ideas were really good ~ especialy the coupon idea ~ maybe something in a Val-Pac type mailer might be a good idea. Hope to see you soon. Love,  Dollie

Julie,

I have been going to Lowcountry Pet Wellness. Here is their site.

http://www.lowcountrypet.com/grooming.htm

Good Luck
Jennifer

Hi Julie.  It's been about a year since I have had my dogs professionally groomed but back then it cost me about $55 for each dog.  One is a golden/chow mix and the other is a border/chow mix.  They got bathed, toenails clipped, and trimmed. Since I got my clippers I have been doing it myself - poor dogs!!!  They look pitiful but at least it's free!  I did such a bad job the last time that my ex bought me the "Dog Grooming for Dummies" book.  Honest!  lol. Good luck and I'll definitely try you out if it isn't too expensive.