He doesn't need a full groom...

[PAWS]

I got this on a message yesterday: I have two cocker spaniels and 1 beagle. I would like to find out your pricing and availability. One cocker is 17 (??!!) years old and doesn't need a FULL GROOM, JUST A BATH, NAILS AND SHAVED ALL OVER. For some reason, I almost died laughing...no full groom, but lists everything? I had taken some dog biscuits to a retirement community in baggies with my card stapled to the tops. An elderly man calls me to get an appt. for his tibetan terrier (I am mobile, btw). He just wants a bath, and I don't have to use warm water (no way)! I told him my price and what it included. He said, "but how much for just the bath?", I said, "I don't break it down that way." He said the shop he takes her to only charges $24 and my price seemed a little steep. I said, "If you like that price and just want a simple bath, by all means, take her to that shop. My service is the way it is because it is a good idea to keep the nails trimmed, ears cleaned and keep the coat in good shape. I bring the shop to you and get the grooming done quickly and don't put Happy in a kennel. Just me and Happy spending some quality time together " He said he would call me when they wanted the dog to have a haircut!

[Maggy]

By full groom, maybe she meant full coat?

[lbboop99]

I don't know, sounds like a full groom to me. Pretty much every dog that comes in here get a "full groom" even a lab! The nails and ears are included and if they don't want that done the price doesn't change.
I have a guy with a Bichon who comes in a lot, and when he calls, sometimes he says the dog needs a bath and haircut and other times he says the dog just needs a bath. But the dog has a horrible coat and gets a full groom anyway, sometimes I give him a price break if comes in a week later and it is just a bath, but I think he says that to get a better price, but that usually doesnt happen.

[PAWS]

You are probably right, Maggy! She may have been thinking of a cocker "breed clip" or something. Either way, she was probably just trying to get a deal.

[pugnacious]

LOL I love it when I ask people if their dog just needs a B&B or if he needs a full groom and they say "a full groom but he needs a BATH, also!" ha ha

[Maggy]

What I hate is when I ask "What would you like to have done" so they think for a second then say "Bath, nails, ears, and a haircut." and hand me the dog. lol WHAT KIND OF HAIRCUT??

[PAWS]

I started just asking people what they want and what condition the coat is in. If there are mats, I give my "speil" about how we will have to wet clip if cannot be dematted within reason, blah blah, then give an estimate. If I try to ask light trimming, full haircut, just sani-feet-face, etc, there are just too many opinions of what a "haircut" is!

[GriffonsMOM]

I love those......." well you don't have to do the nails , take off the anal glands, and maybe just a trim where the matts are but leave the rest, how much will that cost?" on a pelted dog who's nails are curved into the pad??!!

I love explaining to clients that I do not cut corners on my grooms. As a professional I do a thorough job and all these things will keep their pet in good healthy condition. There are two prices ......Bath and light trim(face, feet, rear and feathers neatened if applicable) or Full service groom.......Both of which include the nails, ears, face, feet, rear and a bath!!

[mustluvdogs1]

How about this message I got....

Caller ID said Pay Phone. Old lady voice, snippy. "The dog is too small and I don't want ya comin to my door!!!" She called me, I didn't call her. So she walks to a PAY PHONE to tell me this? Had she wanted me, how long would she stand and wait for my return call in 101 degree heat? Didn't sound like kids goofing around. I just laughed at that one! HAHAHAHA