why won't she tell people she has moved??

[petgroomer82]

I had another client walk in this morning, I got all excited thinking I might have a dog to groom today(have been really slow for the last two weeks)...she looks at me and says "wow this place looks great, is this place under new ownership?" I say "we are a new business, we just opened in March." she replies "so does 'so-and-so' still work here?" No the grooming shop that used to be here has moved to a new location. I explain to her a vague description of her new location, and tell her that I do grooming as well, but she leaves...she probably would have thought I was too high anyway. But why hasnt this girl told any of her clients that she has moved?? That just seems like the first thing I would have done...I know she isnt there all the time, I think she must only be there when she has appointments, even though she has hours of operation on her door....I dont get it, and I feel like I am trying to steal her clients...I need to make money but I feel like I should treat her the way I would want other groomers to treat me, I hate people that are only out for themselves....is that wrong should I be trying to sway every client that walks through my door? I would like to hear your thoughts...I am really confused by this whole deal. Thanks.

[Aussheplady]

First off, stop directing them back to her. I would simply state that "Business name" is a grooming business started at this location in March, the former business moved. I don't remember off the top of my head the location but you could probably call them to get directions. If they don't have her number let them call information! (you might even add an "I can't believe she didn't send out cards to her clients to let them know of her move") You are not the information booth for the former business. If you are getting "wow's" on appearance, maybe they will come back and give you a try if they either can't find her or find your shop more appealing or more convienent. You aren't going to be able to steal loyal clients if they are truly loyal and there is nothing wrong with simply refusing to be her information directory. I wouldn't directly try to push the client to try you, but if they seem the least bit interested, you could offer them a tour of your place. You might also post a price list or at least a list of services offered so they can learn more aobut you without having to ask.

[kygroomerguy]

Its good to be honest up front like you are and let them know your not the same shop but there is nothing wrong with trying to real them at the same time. After all your in business and there walking in your door. I’d go for it. They live close by, work or shop in the area, If there used to that location they may be very happy not having to drive somewere else if you can offer the same servise there looking for. I don't see anything wrong with. especially if she isn't keeping touch with her clients to let them know she relocated.

[Valerie74]

Good advice above and this has happened to me also. The first thing I would have done is say 'Oh, Im very sorry Ma'm...I neglected to introduce myself. My name is (***) and your's is?" I would have said nice to meet you, shook her hand and the next words out of my mouth would have been "What breed of dog do you have and let me tell you a little about OUR products and fine services!" Use her name several times and give her a spin around your fine new shop. A magnet, pen something would have helped with a "Thank you for stopping by and you're very welcome to stop in again or call should you ever decide to try our service". I have seen folks do a 180 degree turnaround when you engage in conversation - and about YOUR business and services - not her's! JMHO

[c.c.]

Maybe she only told the clients she wants to keep.

[SpikeyTheYorkie]

That's not another shop's customer walking through your door, it's called "Opportunity knocking." You are not "stealing" clients when they walk through your door and decide to stay. It is stealing when you try to force them to stay and try your service.

Like someone else said, you're not the information desk, you're a business, and the people walking through your door are yours if you allow them to be. Introduce yourself and what you offer, but I wouldn't offer them the address of the former groomer---that was her responsibility to inform her clients, not yours!

Tammy in Utah

[Fur Elite]

I would go with C.C.'s assessment on this one. She probably told anyone she really wants about her move and figured the others would find her if they were persistant enough but probably hopes they won't. Might not be for any reason that you wouldn't want them for, so hook them as your own and decide if you want to keep them later!

[Pixie]

DITTO to everything that has been said.

The old business is not paying you to direct the clients to her new shop is she? Didn't think so. Make the most out of it. They could be your clients if you work things right. Go for it.

[bitty]

That client is probably the type of client who is a walk-in. Didn't have a particular appointment, just thought she'd drop in for a grooming. Maybe she didn't call ahead. Sometimes when you move you don't have everyones correct address to send them a card. OR like stated on the other posts, perhaps she only told those clients she wanted to keep!! Who cares the situation, just go for it. The former owner of your location probably didn't know another salon would go in (atleast not soon enough to make a difference) or the owner is just busy getting everything ready in the new shop. Again, be nice, introduce yourself, ask if they would like a tour, brochure or whatever. Even if they don't take you up on it now, they may in the future. Good Luck!!

[petgroomer82]

Thanks for all your advice

I will def. start trying to sell to her clients when they walk in. I know that they have appointments with her because they always ask if I have her phone number so that they can let her know they will be late, they tell me if they arent there at the time they are supposed to that she leaves...I dont know, But I do know that I am considerably higher than her, I am one of the highest priced in my town and she is the lowest, so I guess that has been part of the reason I let myself off the hook for not trying to sell to them. I just thought that people should treat others the way they expect to be treated, but I guess I would never move and not tell my clients. She did know that another grooming shop was moving in after her, she was evicted and the landlord is not the nicest guy, he said I could have her equipment, which I thought was very rude of him even if he had been stiffed out of rent for a few months...anyway, thank you for your advice I will try to start talking more to the people that come in, I get atleast 2 a week.

[Pixie]

You may be more expensive than her but you may also be a better groomer than her. Don't let your higher price stop you from trying to get those clients.