How long were you grooming before...

[sassylittlepoodle]

Just wondering how long some of you groomed before you opened your own shop? I am a "generation groomer" so I have been around grooming for a very long time, though I just went out on my own for the first time about eight months ago. I have built up quite a clientel and I think I would have alot of followers.?. I am currently at a petsomething. Did any of you start out like this? I feel so torn. I just don't know what to do. I really need some outsider advice.(Not my hubbies. lol.)

[wagsmom]

I've been grooming for eight years, started at a petsomething that is where I went to school, I was with them for six years before going out on my own, I've had my shop now for two years and have over 500 clientele, and just about all of my clients from the petsomething followed. I also just hired my first employee!!be careful, you can't say anything to your clients while still at petsomething, I sent out postcards after leaving, but had a lawyer word them just right so I didn't get sued! Good luck!!

[furrybestjob]

I started out at a Petsomething, went to work for another mobile groomer and then opened my business. I worked 3 1/2 years as a groomer before opening my business last July. You'll know when the time is right to open your own business. Be sure to do a business plan so you know what you need and what to expect. Even if people do not follow you from petsomething (but most likely some will) you'll still be able to build a new clientelle. Good luck in whatever you do.

[joannar]

Hi there, im from the UK so cant offer much advice as to what its like in your area apart from the fact that you'll know when your ready you will feel it itching and you will take it further, good luck to you im sure it will be just fine for you with your knowledge behind your belt

[Aussheplady]

I have been grooming since age 11. I started working professionally at age 20. I am currently 41 and have only had my own business since 2003. Prior to that, (between 2 different states) I worked in 5 other shops and 1 corporate salon, I eventually managed 2 of the shops and the corporate salon. Honestly, I never wanted to own my own shop. I never wanted the bookkeeping hassle, but at the time I went mobile, I had a elderly dog that needed to be with me and going it on my own was what was best for her. I made a better income working for someone else than I do now if you include all the hours I put in each week.

[Fluffy Puppy]

It was 10 yrs before I opened up a shop.

I went to school, worked for a couple different shops, then a petsomething, then I bought a place from a groomer who was retiring. I only had a few people follow me to my new shop from the petsomething...too far of a drive to the new place for most people.

[Grinch]

I have been grooming for five years and I just opened my shop the middle of Feb. So far I have only done 175 dogs and have 28 more for this week. I'm hoping it will pick up more with spring and summer. On a good note about 70% of the ones I have done rebooked for 4-6-8 weeks out so looking ahead in my book Im already about half filled most days.

[Plexi]

I groomed 20 yrs at a vet, I've been home for 17 yrs. hope to go few more yrs.

[ejmj30]

I groomed my own dogs since I was in Jr. High, not that I knew what I was doing, but they looked alright. In college I bathed/trimmed for about 1 1/2 yrs, then went to petsomething for another 1 1/2 yrs, then opened my own shop. I wasn't really ready to open my own, and wanted to wait, but couldn't pass up the oppurtunity for the location I'm at. Customers are happy, and I continue to learn, that's the best I can do. So just around 4 yrs I'd been grooming and/or bathing professionally before I opened my own.

[Woof_x_2]

I groomed for 6 yrs. before opening my own shop. I have owned 3 shops in 13 yrs. My first one did VERY well but I didn't want my baby going to a daycare so we moved 16 miles north to our home. Hubby built a nice addition for me to do business. Then almost 3 yrs. ago we built a new home and pet spa and resort. Business is AWESOME. Best thing I ever did.

Don't be scared going out on your own. Do the best job that you can and treat the customer right and you'll be fine!

[scrubapup]

I groomed out of my home for about 5 years. Did some occasional grooming at the vet clinic when I was a vet tech and the groomer needed help, or wanted to take a day off. I opened my shop last July, and business has been insane. Which is exactly what I was hoping for, but it's been a little overwelming. I went from grooming 3-5 dogs a day in my home, to 10-12 a day at the shop. 8-9 is my comfortable limit at this point, but I have a really bad habit of not being able to tell people NO.

I'm getting better though. **smiles pretty**

[Pixie]

I was taught to groom at a shop in my late 40's. Groomed there for maybe 1 1/2 years. Ownership of the shop changed and a few months later ( 6 maybe) I was fired for no good reason. My clients wanted me to groom and they hunted me down so I opened up a shop in my garage. I started out with 4 of my old clients, they passed the word around. I didn't really have much experience under my belt but when my old clients asked to groom their dogs what's a groomer suppose to do?

[RevWind]

I started at a petsomething, moved to a private shop 5 months after finishing training. Have been there a bit over a year and am trying to start a mobile salon. So I guess about 2 years for me. I've heard of people starting their own business right out of grooming school. It all depends on what you're comfy with.

[sassylittlepoodle]

Ok, how long did it take to build new clientel? The place I am looking at is about 15 miles away from where I am now. The good thing is there are no other groomers in the area and its a fast developing area. The Tri-cities is number 29 in the nation for fastest growing cities. So here I am in the thick of it. I am just nervous about not making the money to support the buisness.

[indecisive]

I have been grooming for 11 years and have not opened a shop. Maybe one day. One of my main concerns were hiring groomers. I have worked with many good groomers and also nightmere groomers who should have picked another profession. If you want to go in business alone and keep a small business then you will know when you are ready. If you want a larger salon make sure to collect good groomers along the way who would be interested in working with you for a successful and well known trusted facility.