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Ever give out client info for reference?
Just had a nutjob call me about grooming her standard poodle (she referred to the dog's vet as its "pediatrician" and when I mentioned toy and mini poodles I got treated to a speech about how standard poodles are the most intelligent dogs on the face of the planet and her pediatrician, er vet, even told her that) ... anyway, she wanted me to give her the names of the owners of the other standard poodles I do. I gave her the name of the owner of the grooming school I attended and am still affiliated with, and its phone number, and we talked some more, but she insisted on talking with the other std owners and when I wouldn't give out their numbers she pretty much hung up on me.
Now, honestly, I don't really need a client like that (she also only wanted to pay $XX -- what she apparently is paying the groomer she is not happy with -- and she told me I'd never be able to get the $30 to $50 more I charge.
I'm mobile for one thing, so comparing me with a salon's price isn't appropriate. When I explained my set up and how it's a low volume, I am with the dog 100%, I don't have a bather or cage dryers, etc. She told me I should hire help so I can groom more dogs and charge less. Yes, she is telling me how I ought to run my business!
Anyhoo .... Of the two standards I do, the one that is "only" $30 more than she is paying now is going to be 18 years old in August (yes, eighteen) and we're pretty much going for comfort during the groom and the owner just wants him clean and not in pain. I don't do clean feet on him anymore because it was causing him obvious distress to lift his rear legs even a little. The one that is $50 over what she wants to pay is a giant that the owner has me take down to a #5F all over with a low topknot ... when he isn't chewing the hair off his legs she likes them to be fuller, but lately it's just been a buzz. Tonight's caller wants something more stylish, with pom poms on his ankles and a mustache, so talking to these two wouldn't get her anywhere anyway.
My question to you fellow groomers is: is it ever a good idea to give client names as references, even assuming I called them first to ask permission? My feeling is that no good would come of it. I'd be happy to take photos to show her and I do keep a portfolio, although no one has ever been interested in seeing it. She wanted to go see the poodles and meet the owners. The last thing I wanted to do was inflict this woman on my perfectly happy, unsuspecting clients.
I have very little room on my schedule for new clients anyway, so I can afford to be pretty picky at the moment. I get the feeling nothing I did would make this owner happy, so "buh-bye."
Meesh
Now, honestly, I don't really need a client like that (she also only wanted to pay $XX -- what she apparently is paying the groomer she is not happy with -- and she told me I'd never be able to get the $30 to $50 more I charge.
I'm mobile for one thing, so comparing me with a salon's price isn't appropriate. When I explained my set up and how it's a low volume, I am with the dog 100%, I don't have a bather or cage dryers, etc. She told me I should hire help so I can groom more dogs and charge less. Yes, she is telling me how I ought to run my business!
Anyhoo .... Of the two standards I do, the one that is "only" $30 more than she is paying now is going to be 18 years old in August (yes, eighteen) and we're pretty much going for comfort during the groom and the owner just wants him clean and not in pain. I don't do clean feet on him anymore because it was causing him obvious distress to lift his rear legs even a little. The one that is $50 over what she wants to pay is a giant that the owner has me take down to a #5F all over with a low topknot ... when he isn't chewing the hair off his legs she likes them to be fuller, but lately it's just been a buzz. Tonight's caller wants something more stylish, with pom poms on his ankles and a mustache, so talking to these two wouldn't get her anywhere anyway.
My question to you fellow groomers is: is it ever a good idea to give client names as references, even assuming I called them first to ask permission? My feeling is that no good would come of it. I'd be happy to take photos to show her and I do keep a portfolio, although no one has ever been interested in seeing it. She wanted to go see the poodles and meet the owners. The last thing I wanted to do was inflict this woman on my perfectly happy, unsuspecting clients.
I have very little room on my schedule for new clients anyway, so I can afford to be pretty picky at the moment. I get the feeling nothing I did would make this owner happy, so "buh-bye."
Meesh
I still want one. I love them.
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