Just moved from NJ to FL

[LaunderDog]

I just relocated from Jersey and am starting all over again in FL. I certainly did not do enough of my homework before I moved and now I am absolutely horrified at how much less groomers charge for their services here! Shame on me for not being prepared but now I am wondering if I am even going to be able to make a living here! I am a part-time mobile anyway (still commuting around young kids). I was only doing 2 to 3 dogs a day up north and won't be able to do much more here now. Besides all the normal costs of running the business, I am now going to have to pay monthly storage because I cannot park my vehicle in any of the Deed Restricted communities here. Ouch! I truly need some advice/suggestions on how to make it work here! Any suggestions would help. Thanks!

[purrrfect]

Where in FL. are you located?

[LaunderDog]

I'm in northern Pinellis County. Dunedin, Palm Harbor area.

[ferretlov]

I dont know what to say.....except we are planning to move back to PA as well, I am not sure when we will be able to do that but Im hoping for this summer or fall.I have grown up here (outside orlando) and Im sick of things the way they are down here I only moved down here when I lost my son I wanted to be close to my parents now,5years later im ready to go back and live normally.

[purrrfect]

Welcome to Florida! I am in the southern part of pinellas county.As you have already figured out you are in an area that has been hit hard by the recession and is over saturated with groomers.I know nothing about mobile but there are hungry groomers out there who charge far less than shop prices.
Figure out what you need to charge to be profitable.Do not try to compete with the cheapies, they come and they go.Decide who your target market is,and go find them.Remember that you are selling a luxury service...and market it as such.
I am in a shop,I am not cheap,and I am very happy to say that my business is booming in this weak economy.
Feel free to pm me

[kats_melody]

1. It's probably too late to mention this, but DON'T live in a deed restricted community in Florida. There are places that don't have rules about how you can live your life in your own home, without the approval of a homeowners association. The Gestapo were amateurs compared to the average "condo commando" with a "little man syndrome" and delusions of grandeur. Want to lose your house? Don't respond to a notice from the HOA and don't pay their petty little fines. Google "Florida and HOAs" for some real horror stories.

2. Charge what you need to stay in business and let your superior work do the work of speading the word that you're more expensive, but WORTH it.

3. Remember that even though the cost of living is high in Florida, it is less costly than the the Garden State. Florida has no income tax, the property taxes are lower, and there is no personal property tax levy.

4. Those groomers that cut their prices to the bone are also having to cut costs to stay alive. Lower quality products, less skilled groomers, less maintenance on the tools, it will all add up to bite them in the end.

Other than that, welcome to Florida. If you have the goods, you'll make it.

[Pawsitively Purrfect]

Sorry to hear that, BUT...

You are fortunate to have Kristen 'Gracy Rose' in your state. She is Mobile and has been for some time. I think she has two or three on the road now and should be able to help you out with issues you may be having.

[groominginstyle]

what about the St.Augustine area of Florida?

Any mobile groomers from down there?

[mylady]

Any mobile groomers from down there?

I believe Tat2dgroomer and 25yearsofclips are in that area

[WinterElixir]

I am not mobile, but I am in Central Florida.

[groominginstyle]

I believe Tat2dgroomer and 25yearsofclips are in that area

who are these groomers?

[PrincessPoodle]

Yeah I work for Gracey Rose and shs' awesome with any mobile question you could have! We're in central florida and right now we have 3 vans. You can check out our site www.fauxpawsspa.com We get a lot of business by only being a maybe $10-$15 more than a shop for a groom. Also, we do goto any dog related events and park our vans...dog parks, festivals, etc. At those venues we'll do nail trims, bows, paint nails , and chat up possible clients. Mailers are pretty successful for us too. The most frequent is word of mouth, so once you get going down here and make a few customers happy I'm sure they'll start sending ya their friends.

Good luck and be prepared to use your back AC on full blast!!

[Bingo is his name O]

Any mobile groomers from down there?

yes there are a few.

[25yrsofclips]

who are these groomers?

WE are GROOMINGDALES in S. Jacksonville and A DIVINE CANINE also in S. Jacksonville 20 minutes N. of St. Augustine both mobile

[kats_melody]

WE are A DIVINE CANINE also in S. Jacksonville 20 minutes N. of St. Augustine both mobile

I can imagine the logo for A DIVINE CANINE...a dog with a halo over his head? Maybe wearing a papal headdress? :-) If your shop were in a deconsecrated church...