Shop vs Mobile

[baddog]

I have owned a grooming shop for 9 years, very busy 1400+ clients. I had a first purchase option on the building but my landlord died and her 3 greedy sons took over and want to sell the property for 2x the price she told me a few years ago. I have a year left on my lease , I am thinking aboutbuying 2 or 3 used mobile vans and continuting my business on the road. I have 2 groomers plus myself. have any of you left the shop to go to a van(as owner of both) and what is the biggest change you didn't expect.

[Gracy Rose]

I have both (currently) and must say I absolutely love Mobile.

[RoosMom]

I'm going mobile this summer from owning a shop- I'm looking forward to it, but can't tell you what I think yet!lol

[diamienono]

well, you do less dogs for more money, you can't give the wrong dog to a client. no more barking dogs in a cage. The down side is the weather really makes a difference. If it is raining it takes longer to dry dogs, if it is snowing I don't work. I love being mobile

[kellie]

I worked in a shop for 15 plus years, 10 of which I was the manager. I started my own mobile business last June and quit the shop-what a difference! First of all you don't work as hard or have to do as many animals, Second it seems all the customers are very appreciative for the service you provide, Third the money is better, Fourth more freedom, and Fifth the dogs' attitudes seem so much better knowing there home is right there. When I take them back to there owners most all of them usually turn around and come back to give me a kiss like they are saying "Thank you", it's awsome! I wouldn't go back working in a shop for nothing now. Good luck! P.S. one of the ways to make your business a sucess is to advertise and then sit back and watch your business grow!
Kellie

[Aussheplady]

Things to think about. Remember that with mobile, you are not there to see how clients/pets are treated by your employee. Make sure you can count on that employee to live up to your standards as they are representing your entire business. Also remember, employees are never going to care for a van the way an owner would. You also can not control dishonesty as well. Who is there to know they don't add in another groom for cash and never report the groom to you? I am not saying it can never work, just that you need to have a LOT more faith in an employee putting them into a van representing your business than in a shop where you are there to watch.

If it were me, I think I would rather buy the van and lease it to them for a flat fee each month. That fee should cover insurance, maintenance, and some profit to you. That way you know what you can expect each month regardless whether that person works or not. The person leasing your van can set their own hours, prices, book their own appointments etc. As for Graphics on the van, I would use my logo, business name, (in smaller print list "individually owned" as the leasee would actually be owning their own business and leasing your name and van) and phone number for the leasee.

I had once thought of hiring a friend that I thought I had full faith and trust in. Within a very short time, I saw her ethics and quality take nose dives. She was working at a kennel and would often call me for advice. When she started telling me that she was cage drying poodles because "it won't matter, they are getting a short clip anyway", I started getting concerned. She did work for me on weekends and I rode with her at first to help her feel more comfortable as well as make myself comfortable in letting her drive. I sat up front doing paperwork while she groomed. She would call in sick 2-3 times a month, her level of quality became only what was needed to make the client feel they got a groom. I prefer to do my absolute best and surpass the client's expectations. To say the least, the decision for her to work for me was decided against. We are still best friends, I just don't feel we are on the same page regarding client relations.

[Rebekah]

Thanks, Everybody you answered my question.

[socalkevin]

i worked in a shop setting for 5 years.....a couple in a pet something...i've been mobile for about 5 months..and ITS>>>>AWESOME>...i don't know why i waited so long..mostly becuase i had to save for trailer and truck and equipment.....I avg 5 dogs a day, can schedule for the day's off i want..the people are much friendlier..the dogs are more cooperative...the only thing that's different that i just found out is taxes...wow...kinda confusing to me...i think ihave to figure quarterly now...but i'll get with my tax guy later this week..........

[baddog]

Thanks everyone....Ausselady the groomers I mentioned have worked for me for 8 years, I have no problems with trust, they are older ladies who's husbands are cops. I have never had any issues of product or money loss, and they rarely call in sick. I value them , maybe that is why thay are such trustworty, capable, employees. I spoke to an insurance guy and he said in order to keep the vans in goos shape have the groomers sign a contract making them responsible for the deductable, should they be at fault in an accident. As for keeping track, Nextel phones now have "pinpoint" GPS.

[Aussheplady]

That is super that you have found some real GEMS in the business. I would want to hang on to them too. Never thought about the idea of making them responsible for the deductible, great idea.

Hope things work out wonderfully for you. I know overall, mobile is SO much less stressful than any shop I ever worked at and we see fewer neglected pets too.

[BeyondBlessed]

Go mobile!

I could NEVER go back to a salon! I absolutely ADORE mobile grooming.

(Although, I will say, that I am spoiled since I live in great weather 11 months out of 12)