Always in defense mode...

[Crystal]

I find that where ever I go, or whatever I'm doing, I'm always being approached about a possible grooming job.

I just recently had a neighbor/customer say to me- I know that you don't do big dogs, but my buddy has a chocolate lab and he can't get the dog in the car and the dog won't let him groom him either. Then he says so I gave him your number anyway, can you help him out?

I told him there was no way I could accept due to the size, if the man couldn't get him in the car, what makes him think that I can manage it? So he goes on well he would help you get him in the van. Well for one thing- it's not just that part that is difficult- it's also maneuvering the dog, keeping him steady, and handling his shifting weight while trying to trim nails, etc. And it's not professional to involve the client due to the risks involved.

So here I am face to face with my neighbor having to explain myself. I hate being in that position. You just can't go on about your day all the time without someone putting you in the position that you have to switch to the biotch mode and say NO.

As soon as a friend or family member introduces me to others as a groomer- like this baby shower I recently went to. I found myself having to talk to people about grooming instead of enjoying the shower. I missed alot of the gift opening because people were asking me a ton of questions about what I do, can I handle their huge beast of a dog who had never been groomed and he's 10 years old, do I do housecalls for just anals, how much is just a nail trim, can I just shave their dog down and forget the bath, etc.

So then I have to explain all the details of what my grooming includes and give them an estimate, explain that I don't just glands without a bath and brush, or explain that I don't shave down a dog without a bath. I just feel like I can't always enjoy life, it was my friends baby shower and she introduces me to people that I had never met before. Lets just say, it turned out that none of them were the kind of clients that I want. They had imaginary L's on their forehead! I know that's harsh, but they were losers.

I missed seeing most of the gifts and the cake cutting due to the people treating me like they were flies and I was ****. You don't want to offend anyone, I tried getting out of the conversations quickly and change the subject a few times, but others started telling others that I was a groomer and I came to the house in my van, so then I'm being approached by others asking how much and can I come tomorrow, etc. Then when I did mention to a few how much when asked, they gasped and started asking why it's that much, they only paid XX at the previous place they took their dog to last year. I felt like saying SHUT UPPPPPPPPPPPPPP I'm trying to eat the shower cake!!!!!!!

On one hand I appreciate the assistance of referrals, but to be hounded is another thing. I just don't feel that a place like that was appropriate to discuss all the details of my business, I would rather focus on the reason we are there. Take my card, call me and we'll talk. Then I can tell them in private that they are a loser and I don't want them as a customer
.... hehehehhe

[Gracy Rose]

Keep business cards with you. I hand them out and tell them to call me on ... and I can then address their concerns, wishes, whatever they need on a more personal basis.

I find that this works perfectly for me.

[diamienono]

If I am at a personal function, I don't discuss work. I politely tell people my boss is a big meany and does not give me much time off and I want to enjoy it. Here is my card, give me a call on monday and I will see what I can do for you. I end it there.

[mustluvdogs1]

I wonder if Mds and Dentist have the problem.....

That is a shame. I have had a little of that myself. At the Christmas eve party of a clients.....dogs all pretty from my recent groom. A relative took my card, but never called. I would rather they didn't know the generous price + tip I get for Tyson the s .h, chihuahua and the two Fluffy (capitol F deliberate) Pomeranians. Sometimes at church, not IN church. Before or after, or some function. I just give them a card and figure they won't call: then I try to change the subject.I got my RV generator guys card at church just before service started. He is honest and fair, so it worked out well for both of us there.I imagine doctors are told about peoples ailments and dentist are looking at peoples' open mouths hahaha.Hairdressers at bad hair cuts....movie producers,auditions etc.

[sheilabgroomer]

I know where you are coming from!!! I also get tired of warding off the questions when I am in a non-working environment. Of course I appreciate referrals, but like you, there is a place for it, and it is not when I am at a party or out to dinner or at a baby shower. It can also get a little wearisome doing nothing but talking shop to clients outside of work if I run into them somewhere. I expect a little dog talk, but come on people, I do have other interests and hobbies.

My mother is a RN, and I remember when I was young realizing that she would "duck and run" if she saw someone that she knew as a patient in the grocery store or wherever. If they "caught" her and she had to actually have a conversation it was with a huge fake crocodile smile on her face and an invisible "back off" shield up that apparently only I could see...lol

I never understood why she was like that. All of those people seemed so sweet and friendly. Well, now I know...hehehe...and I also just grin and bear it and make nice to keep the doggies coming:-)

[Mary1980]

It sounded like some great business being generated. What made them losers?

[Soap]

I find that where ever I go, or whatever I'm doing, I'm always being approached about a possible grooming job.

I just recently had a neighbor/customer say to me- I know that you don't do big dogs, but my buddy has a chocolate lab and he can't get the dog in the car and the dog won't let him groom him either. Then he says so I gave him your number anyway, can you help him out?

I told him there was no way I could accept due to the size, if the man couldn't get him in the car, what makes him think that I can manage it? So he goes on well he would help you get him in the van. Well for one thing- it's not just that part that is difficult- it's also maneuvering the dog, keeping him steady, and handling his shifting weight while trying to trim nails, etc. And it's not professional to involve the client due to the risks involved.

So here I am face to face with my neighbor having to explain myself. I hate being in that position. You just can't go on about your day all the time without someone putting you in the position that you have to switch to the biotch mode and say NO.

As soon as a friend or family member introduces me to others as a groomer- like this baby shower I recently went to. I found myself having to talk to people about grooming instead of enjoying the shower. I missed alot of the gift opening because people were asking me a ton of questions about what I do, can I handle their huge beast of a dog who had never been groomed and he's 10 years old, do I do housecalls for just anals, how much is just a nail trim, can I just shave their dog down and forget the bath, etc.

So then I have to explain all the details of what my grooming includes and give them an estimate, explain that I don't just glands without a bath and brush, or explain that I don't shave down a dog without a bath. I just feel like I can't always enjoy life, it was my friends baby shower and she introduces me to people that I had never met before. Lets just say, it turned out that none of them were the kind of clients that I want. They had imaginary L's on their forehead! I know that's harsh, but they were losers.

I missed seeing most of the gifts and the cake cutting due to the people treating me like they were flies and I was ****. You don't want to offend anyone, I tried getting out of the conversations quickly and change the subject a few times, but others started telling others that I was a groomer and I came to the house in my van, so then I'm being approached by others asking how much and can I come tomorrow, etc. Then when I did mention to a few how much when asked, they gasped and started asking why it's that much, they only paid XX at the previous place they took their dog to last year. I felt like saying SHUT UPPPPPPPPPPPPPP I'm trying to eat the shower cake!!!!!!!

On one hand I appreciate the assistance of referrals, but to be hounded is another thing. I just don't feel that a place like that was appropriate to discuss all the details of my business, I would rather focus on the reason we are there. Take my card, call me and we'll talk. Then I can tell them in private that they are a loser and I don't want them as a customer
.... hehehehhe

Crystal, I have this problem too! What is it with women at showers??? And the people always live too far away, dogs are too big, is a biter or they question why you charge so much and put you on the spot. I am nice about it, because I try to be an ambassador for mobile groomers in general.

Plan A: I try to make a joke about how I just can't get a day off. *Most* people laugh and I stuff some appetizers in my face so I can't comment further and then try to change the subject or excuse myself.

This is one of the reasons I get tanked at family get togethers. Which brings me to plan B: Hey, here's my card, you should call me because I won't remember anything anyway.

Good luck,

Soap

[piffy]

"Take my card, call me and we'll talk. Then I can tell them in private ...."


The minute this starts I tell people to please call, so I may spend quality time answer questions. Because I would hate to miss quote you.

[SpikeyTheYorkie]

You're less selfish than me, Crystal, I Loooove talking about my grooming business, LOL.

If they asked me (if I were mobile) if I'd only do anal glands, I'd say, "Yes, for $40." And let them gasp, lol. Maybe if you "act the part," they will think you are some grand exclusive exclusive that they, too, "must" use your services...I don't know, I just don't mind when people ask me.

I agree though, it does make you wonder why they'd make YOU the center of attention instead of the mother-to-be. If I were the mother-to-be, I might be ticked, lol.

Tammy in Utah

[Crystal]

Mary, was that a joke?

Well they really were losers. It was as if they never even heard of groomers, let alone a mobile groomer.

One wanted me to do anal expression without a bath- ewwwww. I would never do that, that's not good. Another was trying to get me to groom their dog with skin problems but no bath. That's just not the kind of people I want to work with, I'm already trying to weed out people like this.

I felt bad actually for my pregnant friend, I felt like I was steeling her thunder. But it wasn't my choice, she was the one who introduced me to her sister inlaw and then metioned I was a mobile groomer, it just snowballed from there.

I'll just have to be a little more assertive with people and not let things bother me.

[PAWS]

Regarding the neighbor, I would have said: I understand his situation. I cannot accomodate him, but I can definately refer him to someone who does big dogs.

I totally feel you about the attacks! I hate it when it is a group of my friend's friends, and they all expect discounts because they 'know' you. I hate the gasp at the price...why oh why can they not just say "okay" and choose to not call you?!? WHY must they make you feel bad??? Sorry, but that just bothers me! When I ask about a service price, I don't comment on it, I just use it or not. I mean, unless they call me and ask me WHY I didn't schedule something, I am not going to tell them.

When I get referrals in the clinic and they ask me about pricing, I say: I can get you an estimate and we can discuss they details when I am on my own time. I give them a card and tell them to call me. I know it is harder for neighbors, etc, but maybe you could say: Oh, I don't have my service map or price list on me, can I call you when I am in the office? I mean, a doctor or dentist cannot give you an accurate quote off the top of their head!

[c.c.]

This thread made me think of something that happened recently, lol.

I had gone to City hall to renew my two dogs liscenses, I had my mini poodle with me. The lady commented on how "cute" she was and where did I get her groomed? I didn't want to get into the whole 'Ask the groomer 20 questions' routine because I was in a hurry and am not taking new customers, so I just said "thanks, I just do her myself" BIG mistake LOL, now she has to tell me all about her Bichon and the groomer is SO expensive etc etc, and then she brings all the other people in the office into the conversation.....and by now I'm wishing I had just said "I'm a pet groomer" because the conversation seems to be suggesting I might want to enter that field and I could practice on their dogs LOL.......!!!!.....I just kept it light and moved on as quickly as possible. I should have known better!!!

Usually I enjoy talking about my profession, but when you find yourself with a group of people who really truly just don't 'get it' (as in the samoyed once a year if he needs it or not) I'd rather talk about something else.

[A1Mobile]

I love talking about my job so it isn't a bother to me at all. I really think you should take advantage of the next situation and offer a seminar on anal glands!!

[Meesh]

It is tough, especially if you keep a tight service area, the potential clients are more than likely not in your area. I agree with the advice to keep cards handy and give the person a card and just simply say something like "it's been a really long week for me and I'd really like to enjoy the shower right now and turn off the work week, but feel free to call me and we'll talk about it then." Then march yourself over to the drinks table!

Meesh

[Helly]

Crystal, try a little reverse psychology. As soon as they say something about grooming, agree that yes, you're a groomer. Then quickly ask what line of work they are in. Follow that up with a few questions about their job. Then look over their shoulder and say something like "Oh look. Suzy's opening the gifts now. Isn't that the cutest thing you've ever seen? Let's go watch."

I've also stopped the 20 questions game cold by describing the dog with maggots I had to work on, or some other dire, disgusting situation. Something along the lines of "Your dog isn't matted is it. Just last week I had this cocker on the table, and his right ear was so matted, and the mats were just packed FULL of maggots. Boy did that reek." or "The last (insert whatever breed they mention here) i groomed had this huge fecal mat. As soon as I shaved it off, poo just shot out of him like it was fired from a cannon. Poor dog. He'd been matted so bad he probably hadn't taken a poo in days." Keep going on and on until they decide you probably aren't the best person ot converse with.

Yes. I know. I'm evil. But sometimes I just have to entertain myself if they won't let me go.