Things you learn when you go mobile

[mylady]

Let's see
Dunkin Donuts have the cleanest bathrooms
When you're shoreline, don't walk out the door without your gloves in the winter. Winding up snow covered freezing cold extension cords, not fun
Windshields frost on the INSIDE
Many drivethroughs are no longer accessible due to height restrictions, but Wendy's are usually fine to go through
Make sure if you have drawers, they are latched or they'll be opening and shutting and ruining your nice new edge on your shears
And just because you will be alone in the van does not mean you should eat cabbage freely before a groom. A confined space, not a good plan.

[Arrooh]

Ha Ha

I learned as other's have that even though no one is expected to be home knock/ring door bell anyway before entering home.

Cabbage etc is especially not good for housecall grooming.

Keep some nice light reading in the Van/car in case of a no show or a quick groom or as has happened, "oh just a bath today" when you get to a regular grooming appointment.

[Poodlestar]

I'm not mobile

but from what i've read... it's a good idea to have an extra set of grooming clothes with you, cause you know the moment you take your pants off to rinse off some bodily fluid, the owner of the dog is going to open the door to your van.

(that's just good advice for any groomer I guess, but in a shop you can at least hide in the bathroom)

[kats_melody]

With a laptop mounted on a mobile mount and a air card, you can run your business from your van.
Spend the extra cash for a back-up camera.
Having your spouse as a business partner and having him drive the van (and fix what breaks on the spot) is a godsend.
Nothing like Panera Bread for a good start to the day.
When you find a good mechanic, give him all of your business.
The job is never boring as the scenery always changes.
Having customers in gated beachfront properties has its perks.
Happiness is a van payment under $300 a month.

[Starshan]

With a laptop mounted on a mobile mount and a air card, you can run your business from your van.
Spend the extra cash for a back-up camera.
Having your spouse as a business partner and having him drive the van (and fix what breaks on the spot) is a godsend.
Nothing like Panera Bread for a good start to the day.
When you find a good mechanic, give him all of your business.
The job is never boring as the scenery always changes.
Having customers in gated beachfront properties has its perks.
Happiness is a van payment under $300 a month.

Where do you get a laptop mount? I really want one.

Shannon
The Soapy Puppy

[kats_melody]

Where do you get a laptop mount? I really want one.

Shannon
The Soapy Puppy

Ram-Mount The same people who produce them for police cruisers. Our setup has an additional mount for our HP OfficeJet Portable Printer. We can print receipts and use the laptop without generator or shore power, as both have batteries.

We can also use the laptop as a GPS using Microsoft Streets and Trips.

Another good thing about mobile grooming is you drive your own best advertising vehicle.

[Pmama3]

this is killing me yall, but how do I get my picture up there as an icon & how do i set up my signature? I love other mobilers stories!!!!!

[Mamabearwith2]

Make sure the trailer is HITCHED and the locking pin is snapped in.

Always make sure you have enough gas in the gene to finish a groom (also make sure when your trailer is built they include a gas gauge!)

Make sure you've put your clean towels in the rig before you take off on a 6 dog day

Yes, an F250 pick-up pulling a 15 ft. trailer CAN do a 360 in the middle of a busy intersection!

Happy clients are worth their weight in gold!

[Smart-n-Pretty]

Keep the Lysol and hand sanitizer handy.

[JMarti521]

Editing Icon

this is killing me yall, but how do I get my picture up there as an icon & how do i set up my signature? I love other mobilers stories!!!!!

Click on your own name/profile. Go to uper left where it says User CP. Then on the left column where it says Settings and options, click on Edit Avatar. You can use a stock avatar or go below and hit Browse to use a pic from your computer.

[Smart-n-Pretty]

this is killing me yall, but how do I get my picture up there as an icon & how do i set up my signature? I love other mobilers stories!!!!!

You take the picture you want to use as an avatar n RUB it diligently on the top left corner of your screen...

[cattledogz]

Always be professional and friendly. When a client is badmouthing other mobiles in the area just listen, smile, nod, move the conversation off the topic and/or don't engage. I've had numerous clients do this to me and it is very uncomfortable.

This also goes for relationships with other mobiles in your area. Befriend them, and help one another out. If it weren't for certain mobiles in my area (Hi Ricky & Cheryl!) I would've dissolved in tears a few times during my first days as I learned how to operate everything in my van. Some of it was so silly too...I'd get all stressed and I'd have Ricky on the phone and he'd say very calmly "It says it's inverting? OK now, check to see if the switch that says lights is in the on position. See your inverter is working just fine!!!" LOL Boy do I owe him a nice dinner for being my support hotline.

[mylady]

And just because you will be alone in the van does not mean you should eat cabbage freely before a groom. A confined space, not a good plan.

Just wanted to make an addendum to that. Fried eggs are no better!


Also I've learned:
Almost every Hess station sells diesel
Always remember to unplug your van before pulling out of the driveway (learned that one today)
What the amps used are on every piece of equipment and how much I pull at one time

If you plug heaters in overnight and are on shoreline, or even inverter, remember to unplug or turn off the heater before you start grooming for the day.

Draining your grey tank in your driveway, in the winter, leads to half a skating rink in the morning for you, or your kids, to slip on.

[MydogMissy]

When you have a VERY large dog don't tell him "hey, let's go for a ride!" then open the van and forget that the door to the front cab is open......

[wet noze]

Take a peek at your appointment book through the day to make sure you don't forget anybody.

If you have two dogs with the same name on the same day, make sure you figure out who's who.