reasons people choose mobile

[Jedd]

This has probably been touched on before and if so I apologize.

I've just got my business license, etc.. and have had the chance now to talk to several people about mobile grooming. Keep in mind that there is a large population here and one where no mobile groomers exist so it's a new concept to most. Everyone I've talked to tells me what a great idea it would be and then tells me about how they hate leaving their dogs all day somewhere to be groomed. One woman said she even started crying when she was told that she couldn't pick her dog up until 5 pm and she walked out with the dog.

Anyway, I was wondering what others have found to be the number one reason people choose mobile.

[wet noze]

There are many reasons...

1. Dog is old and sick
2. Owner doesn't want the dog in a crate
3. Doesn't want to leave the dog over a few hours
4. You are always the one grooming the dog
5. Dog doesn't like other dogs
6. Dog gets nervous and upset away from home
7. Owner is unable to get the dog back and forth to a shop
8. Owner wants to develop a relationship with the mobile groomer
9. Dog is groomed straight through in an hour

These are a few reasons off the top of my head.

I know you're just starting out. Have you done your research on how to run a mobile business?

[Jedd]

Have you done your research on how to run a mobile business?

Hey Ellen,
I read your book. Was there something else I was supposed to do?

I realize that there are several reasons that people might want to use a mobile service. The point is, is that I was struck with just how many, and I mean EVERYONE that I've talked to in the past several months, has brought up only one reason that they would use a mobile service. They don't like to leave their dog. That's it. Nothing else has ever been mentioned. Even when I bring up the other points that you listed.

This tells me that I need to really stress the 'no leavin' doggy' part in anything that I use for advertisements. I was just curious if others have noticed the same thing.

[Jenneversage64]

I think the #1 reason is......

they don't want to leave the dog all day when a mobile can groom in an hour or hour and a half. I can do some little shave Yorkies in 45 minutes and they still look cute, and not rushing it. Mobile needs to cost more, as we do less dogs in a day. But it depends on what is most important to them. Some people can't drive anymore. That is the second reason.

[SharPeiMom]

I have a lot of elderly clients that seem to get really nervous about leaving their pets or are physically unable to take them. Convenience is a big part of it for the folks who are going to work. I can groom their dog while they're at work and they don't have to bother with the grooming at all. I have some that the pets are older and have a difficult time taking them back and forth to the shop. I have some special needs pets maybe blind or missing a leg and those clients really like having that personal communication with their groomer. Some folks just want their pets to be pampered so they LOVE mobile. There's just so many reasons why someone would use a mobile service. I have found that I seldom have a really BAD dog. Even the most nervous ones seem to calm down when it's only me and them and they realize that they are still at home (I have windows that they can look out of). Good luck on going mobile. I love it and can't imagine grooming any other way.

[Mamabearwith2]

I've worked in a shop and in my mobile and for the most part, the initial nervousness usually goes away after the third groom in the mobile. I also make it a point not to slam shop grooming and I tell potential clients that some dogs really enjoy watching the comings and goings of a shop.

[wet noze]

I also make it a point not to slam shop grooming and I tell potential clients that some dogs really enjoy watching the comings and goings of a shop.

Good point Mama. I have felt that some dogs do better in a shop. Especially ones that cannot tolerate being dried straight though. Also, some people perceive mobile as being cleaner which is not always true. (forgive me for saying that, no harm intended.) Maybe it's because we do less dogs a day. It's more of a one on one situation and they can see inside the van. This might be less likely in a shop depending on the situation.

You might mention "Tender Loving Care" in your advertising. That is what people REALLY want and they want someone they can trust with the dog. If you can instill trust in that owner, that they don't have to worry about Fluffy, you've got a customer.

I'm so glad you read the book. I was worried that I was being pesky after I posted that. I want everyone to do well and not make any boo boos. Good luck with the business!

[A1Mobile]

To most of my clients, I am a huge convenience. I have a few clients that are neurotic about their pets...I'm sure they would be a nightmare client for shop owners with constant calls about when is "baby" ready, but the majority have better things to do than hold a day open for dog grooming...which works for me!

[SpikeyTheYorkie]

Jodi Murphy has a couple of DVD's on Mobile Grooming. One is the business side of things, the other is actually filming her an entire day in the mobile, so that you can see what it's like. I found them to be excellent, and her ideas for the business side are excellent as well.

Well worth the money (though I borrowed mine from a friend).

Tammy in Utah

[SharPeiMom]

Jodi Murphy has a couple of DVD's on Mobile Grooming. One is the business side of things, the other is actually filming her an entire day in the mobile, so that you can see what it's like. I found them to be excellent, and her ideas for the business side are excellent as well.

Well worth the money (though I borrowed mine from a friend).

Tammy in Utah

Yes I totally agree with Tammy. I have the mobile series from Jodi and they are worth their weight in gold. I went into mobile right out of school and was a nervous wreck but her mobile Dvd's helped so so much. That has got to be my favorite. You better have some time though cuz she really takes you through a whole day of mobile grooming.