Have you ever considered opening your own mobile grooming salon? Andis Company Educators Dana Chavez–Rey and Cindy Oliver share their experience in mobile grooming and tell you what you should know if you’re considering it!
What is the start–up cost for mobile groomers?
Dana Chavez–Ray: There are many variables when deciding to start a mobile grooming business, starting first with purchasing your unit. There are several options, including purchasing a new mobile unit, purchasing a used unit or constructing your own. If buying a new unit, you will need a minimum of 10% for a down payment. If you are not an established groomer and you are starting out fresh, there is more expense as you will need your own equipment. Equipment includes, but is not limited to, blades, clippers, nail trimmer, scissors, combs and brushes.
Additionally, you will need general supplies such as shampoo, towels, etc. It is also beneficial to have a dedicated business phone. After considering all of these factors, including insurance, the average startup cost for a new mobile business is $10,000 to $15,000.
Cindy Oliver: Startup cost really depends on how much you have to invest. I didn’t want to invest a lot of money when I started out because I wanted to make sure it took off and did well in my area before I invested a lot of money. I bought my first groom truck (1991 Aeromate) for $3,500, and got a loan for $6,000 for my truck, insurance and supplies to get started. It was a self–converted groom truck I had for nine years and I later upgraded once by business had grown.
What are the benefits to mobile grooming? What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of going mobile?
Dana Chavez–Rey: There is less to clean and you are not confined to one location. Also, owners are available as soon as you are finished with your work, so the animal is not stuck in a kennel in a noisy salon. The noise and energy levels are significantly less too.
My advice: Do it! You should have gone mobile yesterday.
Cindy Oliver: The main benefit of being mobile is you are your own boss. You can work however much you want to, schedule the days you want to work, make your own hours and take off when you want to. You also make 100% profit on your grooming. Mobile is the best!
If you’re considering going mobile, ask questions to other mobile groomers. See if you can shadow and ride with a mobile groomer in your area for a day and see how it works and if you like it. Mobile is not for everybody. If it’s for you, then take the plunge and do it! ✂️