question for home grooming

[Callen172]

I am working on opening my own grooming shop in my home, but i was wondering since I'm pretty much going to be there by myself, do you ever have people just walk in randomly? I'm going to be listed in the phone book so people would be able to figure out where the business is located. I'm just a little concerned because how we have it designed, I will be washing the dogs in the back and have no idea really if people come in the front. I'm planning on having a dinger system that when someone comes through the front door it will ding in the back washing room, but i guess with all the crime out there it makes me feel a little vulnerable. Has this been an issue for any of you?

[Terry]

no problems here

This has not been a problem for me. I'm in a quiet rural area and haven't had any drop-ins. And when someone comes, my dogs hear them and bark - the best alarm. If I was still in the city I would be much more concerned.

[lbboop99]

I have had drop ins once in a while. I have a bather so I feel safer that there is two of us instead of just me. When I am alone, sometimes I lock my door in between pick ups and drop offs. They will ring the if it is locked. I feel safer that way. But it has not really been that much of a concern.

[KarlaSnyder]

Not a problem here. I live in a residential neighborhood. I did NOT put my address or even my street name in any of my advertising. People would call and ask 'where are you?'. They all seem to understand why I did it that way. I can lock the door if I want to, but rarely do. By appt only.

[Callen172]

Thanks for all the advice! I do live on a fairly busy street so I was a little worried about it, but I won't put my address anywhere on my advertising, I don't know why, but I thought I had to so people can find me, but when they schedule the appointment, I can give them directions. The bell idea is good also, in case I feel like I need added security.

[milhasavilla]

I haven't had a problem yet either. I'm so thankful! I live in town too, but it's a very small town. My shop isn't attached to the house and has a seperate entrance. Plus like others mentioned I also have 4 dogs that do alot of barking if someone comes in the yard. They know where belong and where they don't. If they come into the shop the dogs are ok, but if customers even think of setting foot in the yard they flip out. My address was on all my advertising, that may have been a no no. They still asked for directions anyway. So I don't know how much they paid attention to it. I don't do any advertising at all anymore thankfully. I think the bell is a great idea! I have thought about getting one of those myself. Even though I'm by appointment only, people still drop by. Most of them are regular customers though just dropping by with Fido to say hello. But if I'm in the back and come out and there stands someone who wasn't there a minute ago it scares me half to death. I hate that! So if nothing else the bell would save my heart from stopping on occasion. Good luck Callen, you'll LOVE working at home!!!!

[blupiiglet]

I have two little dogs that act as my door bell when clients arrive, as well! Until you get your bell system set up, you can just post a note on your locked door directing your clients to call you on your mobile if you do not appear in a few minutes! And just keep your phone in your pocket when you are out the back! Good luck with everything!

[PetsRus]

I worry about this too, mostly because I have my child out here. I do have a garage so noone knows if my husband is home or not since he leaves so early in the morning. I have a dinger that goes off in the bathing room when someone walks through the front door so there are no surprises. I still don't like people just showing up though but they do every so often. I also keep my bigger dog out here with me most of the time.

[Callen172]

Wow, it's good to hear that I wasn't just being paranoid. Thanks for all the tips and now that I know others have the same thoughts on this issue, I'll make sure I have safety precautions in place when I start my business.

[Pixie]

I work out of my garage, which is attached to the house. During the summer my big garage door is wide open, during the winter it is closed and the clients use the door on the side of the garage. I bathe, dry, groom all in the same area. I can see who is coming and going all the time. I haven't really done much advertizing, no phone book listing, a few flyers or business cards at different places. I can't have a sign in, on or near my house advertizing I'm a groom shop. Most all of my business is word of mouth. I'm appt. only. I have never had anyone just "pop" in. I live in a neighborhood. I work alone but I usually have someone else at home so I'm not totally alone, and I usually always have one of my dogs in the garage with me.
To be honest I have never worried about some unwanted person coming to my house.

[rhondastlc]

I do have some problems

Your situation sounds almost exaclty like mine. I groom in the back of my home and when I am bathing or the dryers are going, Anything could happen and I would not know it. I do have my own dogs that bark but can't hear them when the dryers are going, either. I do live in a small rural town so that helps. I do have a few individuals that cannot seem to use the door bell or knock they just walk in. I did finally wisen-up and get a helper to bathe and check the door for me. So this helps out ALOT. You could lock the door and leave a little note to ring bell by appointment only or something.

[ottatic]

i would be concerned about the privacy issue. What if you are having a party and you get a drop-in thats in desperate need and stuff. I wouldn't list the address and go by appt only.

[I Care]

We have a driveway alert that sends off a buzzing sound when someone comes down the driveway (I live rural area), I have the same problem of not knowing if someone might show up while I'm in the basement grooming so my husband is thinking of instead of the driveway alert buzzing, he's going to hook it up to a light that will flash in my grooming room.

Although when I groom I have the house locked up, and no one should be coming down my driveway since I only groom by appointment only and I call the owner when I'm done. I still think it would be a good idea.

Your situation sounds almost exaclty like mine. I groom in the back of my home and when I am bathing or the dryers are going, Anything could happen and I would not know it. I do have my own dogs that bark but can't hear them when the dryers are going, either. I do live in a small rural town so that helps. I do have a few individuals that cannot seem to use the door bell or knock they just walk in. I did finally wisen-up and get a helper to bathe and check the door for me. So this helps out ALOT. You could lock the door and leave a little note to ring bell by appointment only or something.

[Dmarie26]

I'm a home based groomer working out of a converted garage. My yard sign says By Appointment Only. I haven't had any drop-ins. I live in a quiet neighborhood. I do lock the door between clients. My 2 Bassets would let me know if anyone pulls into the driveway before I would see them.

[redbird]

big problem

I had to put up gates that lead directly to the shop door, and gate with large signs that say DO NOT ENTER.
Had several people come to my back door without appointmets or calling first.

I do have beware of dog signs in my yard, but I guess people can't read.
Nor are they concerned about large dogs barking at you.
Not going to discuss it, but it did not end well. Thank goodness for insurance.

My advice. Even if it seems stupid, put signs on every door, and gate as to wether you should go though it, or not, or shut it or not.