Marie and dog owners I have a Q

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
Marie and dog owners I have a Q
4
Thu, 08-06-2009 - 10:21am

Marie (and any other dog owners who want to chime in!) I have a question for you.


I am finishing the first part of my practical dog grooming tonight and will be on a break for a few weeks. I just got a great deal on some used equipment (picking it up tonight) which means for all intents and purposes I *could* start doing some dogs (natural breeds . . . not dogs that require shaving or clipping, so mostly bath, blow dry, ears, nails, feet, furminating). I still will likely wait until my next practical is done so that I feel more comfortable so I have a few weeks still.


I was thinking when the time comes of advertising for new clients, but advertising my INEXPERIENCE as the key. I want it to be known up front that I am doing this to gain experience and that is why my prices are so low. I was thinking of putting a caveat that each client be required to fill out an evaluation form so that I can learn from my mistatkes if you will. I want to be clear about what I can and cannot do.


What do you think from a marketing perspective? Would this be shooting myself in the foot or a smart thing to do?


Any dog owners have any thoughts?


Bex -


"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift -thats why its called the present."


Bex -

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-04-2008
Thu, 08-06-2009 - 10:35am

I agree that you can't charge full price for a skill you do not yet have, and it sounds like a great idea in concept. The only caution I have is the issue of liability. I don't know how it is in Canada, but in the US people are suit happy. And you never know when a dog might bite you or if a customer might be upset at something you did to their animal. Therefore, as opposed to going out full boar and placing an ad, I might limit the services to friends and family. Maybe just let people in your inner circle know you are a dog groomer in-training, looking for people who would like low cost grooming (materials only) to complete your training.
Shoot out an email to yours and your BF's friends and family and let them know the services you can provide now, and the cost. If you word it right, they will understand you are looking to gain experience and have to charge for the tools you use.

-Marie




iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2008
Thu, 08-06-2009 - 12:50pm

I suggest starting with family and friends that would be more understanding.

Norma


"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus


iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2008
Thu, 08-06-2009 - 7:54pm

I got the groomers number from the vet office.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-17-2007
Fri, 08-07-2009 - 1:04am

Here I go again IF you want put a sign up in a retirement complex that you will bath short hair dogs for a seniors cheap because you are just learning. They have a lot of fox terriers and small dogs around here in the senior highrise down the street. Now there are some puddles too but a lot of fox terriers and Russell terriers and they don't have to be cut just give a bath too. In fact this one guy is in one of those motorized wheelchairs walking his dog each day. Since he can't walk maybe he can's stand to wash his dog either.


Oh I have a West Highland Terrier and if you become this educated groomer For God Sakes do not clip or shave their backs. I have already went through three groomers here in town because they have shaved my dog. I have even ask do you know how to trim a Westie and they will say yes then she comes home shaved and her tail is all wrong too.