How long did it take?

[Gypsy Styles]

Before you started getting calls? I know it's not instant but just curious how long it took for you to get your first client when you started out new.

What can I do to encourage people to try me out? Here is my current "Ad" on CL. I also put out flyers in my area to the Vets and a bunch of other places.

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Are you nervous about taking your dog or cat to a shop away from home, where it could potentially pick up illnesses? Maybe you are worried about leaving your pet for long periods of time, left in a cage with loud dryers?

With "House Call" Grooming you won't have to worry about any of those things! Wouldn't you want your pet to be as comfortable as possible in his/her very own home. With mom or dad right there for them if they get scared or worried?


It really IS as good as it sounds! Check out my web site for more information as well as some before and after pictures. I have a Very low, special discount for seniors and disabled persons who need my service. I am only serving clients in Yorktown, Gloucester, Mathews, Hayes area's.

I also do Animal Care, such as cleaning your pets living area will it be Yards, Cages, Tanks or any other place you need cleaned.

My name is Ally and I hope to hear from you soon!

[email protected]

[flyingfur]

I don't know if it's just me, but I have a very low opinion of Craigslist. I would never advertise there, afraid all I would get would be crazies! Take an ad in your newspaper, post on grocery store bulletin boards, at vets, etc.

[Canopener Sally]

I was looking at your "discount." That's crazy talk! Is that a flat rate? I hope people won't try to take advantage of the "disabled" discount. You can be "disabled" but fully able to do things about the house, like brush a dog.

I can't really say how long it takes to get calls. I've got a website but no phone listed. I basically only take referrals but would take an appointment otherwise if the breed was right. I got into house calls so slowly since being in school I didn't want a "real job"

I would think if you put yourself out there it wouldn't be long.

I would put just the facts about your service in the ad less pitch.

[RudyRoo]

I know some people on here have had luck with CL, but I never did. Got a few calls, but most were bargin hunters. I had better luck with find a groomer on this forum and my own website, which I submitted to google and bing. You are looking for people willing to pay a little more for a speciality service, don't think you are gonna find them on CL.

[lightning]

Not Sure how to address this without offending mobile groomers!

Let me start by saying this is not directed at anyone imparticular, but I would like to address this issue and ask why mobile groomers do this!

The very 1st line in this advertisement of the site: (nothing personal, just using your post as an example to show the meaning of what I am about to say) which is this:

"Are you nervous about taking your dog or cat to a shop away from home, where it could potentially pick up illnesses? "

Does anyone besides me see what is totally wrong about that sentence?

Why is it that mobile groomers find the need to advertise their sites/services by "putting down" grooming salons/shops/non-mobile groomers' works? As you can see in the illustration above, that is, (however I am sure it is unintended to be a) a clear slap in the face to us that are not mobile, but it is exactly that, whether it's meant to be or not. I just don't know how anyone being in this industry as a whole, doesn't support your fellow groomer/salon/shop. Instead, phrases like the one above are advertised for the world to see and makes people/clients to be question the overall health issues of a shop owner, not to mention any other issues that shop owners have over the years gotten branded with.

I don't even have a shop open yet and this bothers me, as I plan on having my own shop. But continuously reading things like this on "other groomers" websites make me leary of doing so because of the Bad advertisement from other groomers. I have yet to see any statements about mobile groomers and anyone questioning or advertising their services not being above board and/or having any potential health issues.

I am not naive as to think there aren't places that have potential health issues, but to single out shops/salons or anything that isn't mobile just isn't fair to us that aren't mobile.

Can somebody please explain to me "WHY" you do this? Help me understand this issue please! I just can't believe this business is that cut throat that we can't work as a team and support each others work/work place.

Like I said, this isn't directed to anyone imparticular, but to all groomers as a whole, so please don't take it personally.

[Gypsy Styles]

Yea

You guys are right! Thanks for the tips. I think I may try and be less pitchy and all were good suggestions!

Thanks again!

[Canopener Sally]

Does anyone besides me see what is totally wrong about that sentence?

..., not to mention any other issues that shop owners have over the years gotten branded with.

I totally hear you. Let's not forgot disease can be spread through equipment, bacterial infections, fungal infections, parasites, etc. I see nothing wrong with the shop set up. I personally would love to have a salon but housecall fit my current situation. The major benefit to doing housecall and where other salons in my area really drop the ball- letting the owner stay and watch every aspect of the process. And there it's a niche. But a lower volume salon could easily accommodate the same owner's wishes if the groomer were inclined.

A good clean salon with employees that strictly enforce vaccination requirements makes it perfectly safe to take your dog to the salon.

[Gypsy Styles]

Hmm

Yea, I can see where some folks might take offense to that line. Probably a good idea to lose that as well. I don't want to come off as rude to hard working people running salons and shops.



Thanks for that tip too. After all that's what we are here to do right? Help eachother and encourage!

I agree that some salons are really nice and clean and take super care of the pets! Others.. not so much!

[RudyRoo]

I agree, ya don't need to bad mouth salons trying to get HC customers, here is what I came up with to promote my HC:

....... our company is based on the belief that all dogs need proper care and grooming, no matter their age or temperament. Our unique Housecall Grooming Service offers professional one-on-one grooming of your dog in the comfort of your home.
We bring everything needed for the groom and set up our "grooming salon" in a location of your choice in your home. This could be in a bathroom, laundry room or garage. Pet parents are welcome to stay during the groom and many dogs enjoy having mom or dad nearby. The dogs are brushed, bathed, hand dried and clipped in a relaxed fashion. No crating! This service works well for senior and sensitive dogs that are unnerved by being left at a grooming salon.

I went after the senior and tempermental dogs and it has worked pretty good for me, I get lots of old & blind, or dogs that have behavior problems at the vet or the salon. One little Chi had to have 3 vet techs try to hold her to have her nails done, all the while fighting and biting.... but, at home, she just stands there and lets me trim her nails,,, go figure,,,lol

[petgroomaustralia]

Maybe you could put...Would you like the convenience of having the groomer come to you? Would you like to have your dog groomed inside the familiar surroundings of your home where you are welcome to observe the whole process? or something similar that enhances the advantages of house call but does not make a negative statement about other types of grooming.

[Canopener Sally]

I agree that some salons are really nice and clean and take super care of the pets! Others.. not so much!

You are correct. I don't know of many top notch, clean salons, on a local level. I hate that and think pet owners do also. I'd love to have someone to refer to and have a professional relationship with. Clean, well managed salons are out there and the members of this board are likely among the ones running them.

[lightning]

Now that's what i'm talking about

Fantastic responses! Backing each other up, supporting each other and giving credit where it's due as a whole......... that's what it's all about Thanks ladies, gentlemen, makes me proud to be in this profession

[Smart-n-Pretty]

Are you nervous about taking your dog or cat to a shop away from home, where it could potentially pick up illnesses? Maybe you are worried about leaving your pet for long periods of time, left in a cage with loud dryers?

With "House Call" Grooming you won't have to worry about any of those things! Wouldn't you want your pet to be as comfortable as possible in his/her very own home. With mom or dad right there for them if they get scared or worried?


It really IS as good as it sounds! Check out my web site for more information as well as some before and after pictures. I have a Very low, special discount for seniors and disabled persons who need my service. I am only serving clients in Yorktown, Gloucester, Mathews, Hayes area's.

I also do Animal Care, such as cleaning your pets living area will it be Yards, Cages, Tanks or any other place you need cleaned.

My name is Ally and I hope to hear from you soon!

[email protected]

rotflmbo!!! Sounds like a used car lot! "Call CRAAAAA-zee ALLY! Call SUNDAYSUNDAYSUNDAY!!!

[Gypsy Styles]

rotflmbo!!! Sounds like a used car lot! "Call CRAAAAA-zee ALLY! Call SUNDAYSUNDAYSUNDAY!!!

OMG lol it really does!

Ive changed it since then and now sounds nicer to all and I am actually getting calls lol.

Thanks everyone! *loves*

[MyBoo]

Hello

I use craigslist and it works, that is how I had gotten my weekly client and he refers me to people. I also am really slow right now, but think it could be because of the weather? I have also put fliers up everywhere, vets, stores, etc.. Still not many calls yet.. :-( Anyone know what else I can do to get more business? Everyone who uses me say that they love my work too, what all did you do to get more business in? I'm hoping to have a website made soon too. <3