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Starting a mobile grooming business...
First off, I would like to say hi to everyone here. I've been reading the posts and have found them very informative. Second, to introduce myself. I'm a grooming manager at a petsomething, and have done this at a couple of different petsomethings. I would like to start a mobile business, but have no idea where to get started! It seems so overwhelming, and there's information coming from every direction. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to get info? Also, I've been looking to buy a used mobile - it seems to be a better idea in the beginning, then upgrade in a couple of years. Any advice anyone has would be great. Thanks so much in advance!
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I would suggest you go to the old board and look at the mobile thread there-LOTS of good info on business start-up and operation. I would also view John Stazko's series of tapes for the grooming industry. Lots of relevant info there. I like his pricing formulas and the way he figures appointments. I have the older set but there's a newer set out now, too. -
On the old board there were plenty of topics on business planning and it would be a great starting point. You have a great idea in starting with a used mobile unit and then upgrading. I started with a cheap motorhome and now have a really nice trailer. You have to start somewhere.Comment
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Welcome and good luck I don't have any suggestions cause I'm a land lover but there is a ton of info on the old board, also check out the classifieds for a used rig there are lots of them"Whoever Said That Money Can't Buy Happiness Forgot About Puppies"
Nancy
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Hi just wanted to say good luck...... i am in the process myself and it is not easy some days my head is spinning and my gut is twisted but hey when i see the big picture it is soooo worth it .... i decided to get a new van from wnt it should be ready by the 14 of feb. in the mean time all the paperwork and legal issues need to get in order..... yuckkkkkkk. I would love to tag along with someone in the area but have no takers..... i would suggest u do that also if u can. good luck and keep me posted ........Comment
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Might I suggest Grooming Business in a Box. I have heard good things about it.If your dog is fat, you are not getting enough exercise!Comment
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Hi it sounds like you are making a good decision to in biz for yourself mobile.Buying a used unit is a good thing to get your feet wet so to speak.Just make sure it in good working unit.I would also research if you want a generator or inverter.Or if you'd like you could choose to plug in.Look up as much as you can on the board if not already.Make out a business plan and try to stick with it.In mobile you are pretty much grooming the same just have to work straight thru on a dog and when you are owner you are running the whole operation.Good luck.Comment
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RoadRover I know exactly how you feel.My wgnt will be here Sat.I'm past the sick at your stomache and the what the heck was I thinking stage.Now I'm really excited I can't wait till it gets here.Jason The graphics guy is real creative everyone has been super.I'm really happy that I went ahead and bought new.Originally posted by RoadRover View PostComment
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Thanks for all your advice, everyone!Comment
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talk about new buyers jitters...I was nervous when i signed the papers...but the first night the van was sitting in my driveway there sheer terror started.Comment
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There's pros and cons about new vs used. Ued does save a lot of money, but with new you have warrantees, the "wow" factor, reliability. If you go used don't go too old ... get a good, low-mileage vehicle with all maintenance records for the vehicle and for your generator (if you are going with a genset). The classifieds on this board always seem to have a lot of vans, also give WagnTails a call, they get trade-ins and I think they refurb them.
Look for a 2004 or newer as that is the year they moved the genset to the side from the bottom - a MUCH better location for several reasons.
I started my mobile fresh out of grooming school and it took off immediately. I was very quickly making a lot more money and having a lot more fun than I did in nearly 20 years of cube-life. You've already got experience so you're that much farther ahead!!
Be open and above-board with your current employer. You may be pleasantly surprised to get referals from them, not every dog does well in a salon. I get referals from salons who no longer can handle fragile, older dogs.
Good luck!Comment
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