How do you go about pricing self serve????

[lbboop99]

I am going to be starting my self serve in a few weeks and I am trying to figure out how to price it. Do I want to make sure it is enough savings so that they use that instead of me doing it? How much of a savings do your customers get when they use your self serve as opposed to you doing it, like say a Lab or something? What if they want me to cut the nails, do you charge your full "nail cut" price or discount it as a "package deal"? Thanks for your help!!

[KarlaSnyder]

When I had my self serve wash (opened in 1987-am a home biz now), I charged by the hour for the room. At that time, minimum charge was $6 for 1/2 hour or less, a full hour was $12 with aditional $ in 15 min intervals. I didn't care what size dog it was-or even if they had more than one dog, although I did charge more for extra towels. We did nails at full price if they needed that service. I didn't furnish shampoo either-didn't want them complaining that my shampoo caused the pet problems. Sold a lot of shampoo to these people, as well as other supplies. The DIY wash paid the salary of my receptionist/salesperson, and added a lot to our retail sales. Quite a number of these clients would also bring in the pet for a full service groom.

I even had a girl come in with really long hair and rent the room to give herself a shampoo!!! Didn't care, as it was a rental!

[lbboop99]

I never thought of charging by the hour. There is a salon a few towns over and they charge a flat flee per dog. That is what I was thinking of doing. I am going to provide shampoo but they are free to bring their own also. I will charge extra for nails.
Thank you for your input, I do appreciate it!

[mskittylitter]

We decided to do a flat fee. Any size pet. All the other dog washes in this county start with a basic and then add on for extras things such as special shampoo, extras towels, use of dryers. The add on's make the prices higher than what they "advertise" I didn't want the hassle of that.The customers biggest complaint about the other dog washes was all the extra $$ . I would say that most of our customers like the fact that there is no surprises at our dog wash. We do of course charge if they want the nails trimmed.

[misscatahoula]

When I worked at a Petsomething they had self serve tub rental. You paid by the hour. Weekdays were one price; weekends a little more. Shampoo, towels and use of dryer were included. If somebody wanted a nail trim they were charged for the nail trim in addition to the tub rental.

[lbboop99]

mskittylitter,
that is the way I am thinking of doing it here. I think that might go over better with customers. I don't want to nickel and dime people. Like you said, no surprises.

[Gracy Rose]

When I bought my salon they had self serve set up already, she charged $$ for the first 30 minutes and $ for each additional 5 minutes. I was shocked at how many people would still try to cheat you... I even had a clock at the sign in table. So, when I moved my salon and rebuilt the Self Serve, I changed the format. I charge $$ per dog if we provide shampoo, towels, brushes, etc. I charge $ if they bring their own. I have found it to be way mroe simple. I now sell lots of shampoo and it has alleviated my worry of diluting and shampoos going bad, etc.

[lbboop99]

That is a good idea Gracie. I have already set mine up, it starts tomorrow! I have decided to charge $$ amount for 45 min. and that includes everything. I will not be discounting the price if they bring their own stuff. If they go over45 min. then another $$ charge applies. If I have any issues I will change it immediately. I have a timer right on the tub, but have thought that they will change it. It is digital though and I will pre-set it. If it's an issue I will move to where I am.