Ask For Testimonials

[wet noze]

Many of my customers tell me how happy they are with the groom. What I've been doing lately, is when this happens I say, "I would love it if you would write me a note or send me an email. I am putting together a book of testimonials." Some of these customers do and some don't. With the one's that do, I have been putting the notes and emails in a nice book which I whip out when talking to a potential customer. It's really helped me. So, don't be shy. I ask in a no pressure way. It's also wonderful to have something like this for a keepsake. Good idea for mobile, shop or home groomer.

[neanea]

I think it would also be a great thing to include in any of your advertising! A testimonial or two could make or break any ad.

Another way to do this would be to use a comment card where the user can choose to remain annoymous. This will not only be a good way to acquire testimonials, but a good way to identify weaknesses in your business.

Great idea and good topic!

[captainandcoke]

Its a good idea!!

I have them in a book to show new clients, I've used then in ads and have one on my flyer. Its also the most hit page on my website. I find potential client like to know your going to be good with their pets, and existing clients love to help you out by writing nice things about you so its a win win situation.

[HoundLover]

maybe another thing to do is if your going to use it on a flyer or in a newspaper ad maybe have a check box with the question next to it...would you mind if your testimonial was used for a flyer,ad,whatever.
this way people can't get angry that you used their testimonial without their permission...
Hound

[Doggone]

Another way to elicit good testimonials is to run a contest such as How my groomer helped my fuzzy fur baby feel and look better,and offer the winner a free groom and or a photo shoot w/an addvertisement or what ever.People want and respond to the "whats in it for me"mentality,good thinking on your part,a little tweaking on your part and by golly you got it! lol Good luck and keep us informed as to how it worked for you.

[Pixie]

What a great idea!! Maybe I should also look into something like this.

[wet noze]

What a great idea!! Maybe I should also look into something like this.

Pixie, You should. I have taken my book into Vet's offices and shown it to them as well as potential new customers. Many people are happy to write something up, even if it is just a few lines. You could even ask some of your faithful customers. I'm putting a book together, blah, blah, blah, would you like to contribute. It'll get you started.

[sassylittlepoodle]

Thats a great idea! I am pretty new and I have a few customers who have refered me to others. That would just add to new clients worries about going to a new groomer.

[ejmj30]

Me being ultra competitve, I like the contest idea, but how would you pick the winner? Just pull their name out of a hat, or have it have something to do with what they wrote?

Plus tell them it will go in a book next to their pet's picture. Does anyone display the not so positive ones? If there are any!!

[Doggone]

You could show the not so great comment's to your advantage by also showing what you did to resolve the problem and asking for a second reply from the customer.It shws goodwill on your part and encourages people to speak up it they are unhappy w/something.I have noticed if someone is unhappy they just don't go back and it is usually a communication problem that if we knew about,we could change.I understand peoples reluctance as I am guilty of doing it myself.If I don't like my hair cut,or the resturant,ect..I just don't go back again.