“I estimate that 60 percent of pet stylists are not properly insured,” says Jeff Reynolds, executive director of National Dog Groomers Association of America, Inc. (Clark, PA.) “Several factors contribute to this industry-wide problem. Also, many groomers do not know that there are agencies available that specialize in the pet grooming industry and can offer both guidance and proper insurance.
Back when I was a baby groomer, a client walked into the shop where I was working with her two dogs. I had the client cards already out and knew what to do!
Client: You’re new. Is Katie here?
Me: No, unfortunately she is no longer working here.
Client: Ok, do the same thing as last time.
Setting Client Expectations Read More
More Important Than You Think
Almost everyone has a favorite restaurant. A place you love to visit and tell your friends about. Of course, that restaurant has to serve great food, but a lot of restaurants out there sell wonderful food. To become your favorite, and to win your loyalty as a patron – they have to do more.
It’s finally happened. You have worked long and hard to build your business, and now you have more work than you can handle alone. You know that it’s time to hire your first employee…but how do you go about it? Your first step is to decide what kind of help you need. Is it a brusher/bather, a receptionist with retail selling experience, a full-time groomer, or someone who can do a bit of everything?
Hiring Your First Employee Read More
What is success? What does it really mean….to you? To some, it may mean financial independence; you can buy whatever you want and not bother with the price tag. It may mean being able to pay the bills as they come in. Everything has a price, and success is no different.
The Measure of Success Read More
The Southeast’s Largest Competition and Trade Show for the Professional Pet Stylist, Atlanta Pet Fair, hosted record-breaking 2,124 pet services industry professionals as they took over the Hilton Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, Georgia this March 5-8. Produced by World Pet Association for the first time, Atlanta Pet Fair 2015 surpassed expectations.
Atlanta Pet Fair Surpasses Expectations with Record-Breaking Numbers Read More
An obviously upset groomer recently contacted me via social media. She had accidentally nicked a dog while grooming. I have had similar experiences on more than one occasion during the past 30 years, and could well empathize with her. I vividly remember the first time a dog I was grooming required medical care.
When Accidents Happen Read More
We all groom a “challenging” pet. Mine is Molly, a soft-coated wheaten terrier. Molly is a sweetheart. She is easily one of my best-behaved clients. What makes Molly a challenge is her health issues. I have overcome this difficulty because of effective communication between Molly’s owner and their veterinarian.
Effective Communication Read More
Have you ever wished that you had a magic wand that you could wave and instantly remove the mats and tangles from the coats of the pets that you groom? If you are like most groomers; it’s probably an everyday wish.
Brush Up On Your Retailing Skills Read More
Setting goals can be the best way to obtain long term success. Making goals can be for personal reasons like losing weight, exercising more, or to stop smoking. For the business owner, it can be about making more money, offering more services, paying higher wages, etc. However, only a small percentage of people will meet their goals if they try to do too much too quickly.
Small Resolutions Result in Big Rewards for Your Business Read More
As a small business, you’re always on the eternal quest for the next golden stash of new clients, and with it, the reputation of being the best groomer far and wide. In a service based industry such as ours, image and reputation can be the difference between a full client book and moping around listening to crickets chirping.
One of the things I do in the wee morning hours, when sleep is unattainable, is I cruise through the webpages and Facebook pages of pet-related businesses for ideas. Although I typically start my adventure looking for inspiration, I often end up writing an article about it instead!
Engaging the Pet Peeps Read More