Help! New client with Std. Poo Puppy...

[PAWS]

Okay, I won't call this lady until tomorrow, but need some advice first. (I am not asking for actual $$ amounts.) The fanciest trim I can do on a poodle is a lamb clip of varying lengths, and I don't really care to groom the big guys, but here is my chance to start a new baby off right. My question is how much to charge her? She is only 5 months old. My little poodle price is a little more than half the standard poodle price. I was thinking I would charge this for groom #1, then add a little for the next two, assuming she would have me come every 4 - 6 weeks. This would allow me to start the puppy out with "some" clipping and get it used to the process. Then, by groom #4, have her at the adult price. (This whole idea is also assuming the coat is in decent shape. I have no idea if she has even been groomed a first time.) Any tips?? Obviously, I will make sure I am covered for my time, but I want to give her a range. I also plan to tell her I am not a poodle specialist, and she may want to do some research of other mobilers who may have more skills.

[Misty]

Hi Paws, make sure you let her know what the adult price is from the beginning. I have had more people think they should just pay the puppy price forever. They really complain when you raise the price, even when you tell them it will go up as the dog grows up.

[furrybestjob]

At 5 months old she's going to be a pretty good size (and I sure hope she's been groomed before, or you're in for a real treat.). I'd give her a quote probably about $15 more than your base rate and that would be for just a bath, brush, and go up from there. Give her the price of a full adult groom, because you might end up doing that and don't want to short change yourself.

[carla]

I started doing a lower puppy price but I guess I am not clear with people, because when I raised it to the standard adult price they were offended. I charge the smae for puppies that I do for full growns many times they take longer anyways.

[Fur Elite]

I agree with furry. At 5 months st poos are pretty big...they are bigger than a mini poo. It will probably be close to 75% of its adult height. And the dog might be a feisty puppy...especially if it isn't used to grooming. I decided to charge hourly for standard poodles....because you never know what you are getting into.

[eddieeeee]

I'd charge adult price since they're getting the same service as an adult Standard would. Also, keep in mind, puppies are often MORE difficult to groom since the process is new to them and they tend to be more "puppy hyper", too.

eddie

[amysue2638]

I would also let her know what the price is for a std. poodle from the beginning, but that (assuming the coat is in good shape) depending on the size of the dog at this time the price could be slightly lower and that you will need to see the dog to quote her an exact price.

Also, unless you really do not want to groom stds at all, I would be more inclined to see what type of clip the customer wants before you suggest she may want to contact a groomer who is a poodle speciailist. Just because it's a standard doesn't necessarily mean she will want anything fancy. I groom 3 standards and they all get a #4 all around with clean face and feet -- that's what the customer wants.

[katydid]

Another vote for adult price. Five months means training time...you'll probably spend more time table training than grooming!

[Chicken]

Heh, just posting to say that on the main forum page, when this post is the first on the list, is says "Help! New client with STD".

Made me do a double take until I realized it meant Standard, and not a client with an S.T.D.

[Helly]

I'd quote full adult price too. If you end up not spending that much time and want to lower it "Just this once" you can always do that. But stress that fees are based on time spent, next time it'll be higher.

[pamperedpups]

I agree with those who don't charge a puppy price. Puppies are usually MORE WORK and I certainly hope this isn't the first time this pup has been groomed or it'll be a rodeo and a #10 strip all over! I would also hold off on suggesting another groomer unless the owner requests a foofoo trim you feel you can't handle.

[barknpurr]

Heh, just posting to say that on the main forum page, when this post is the first on the list, is says "Help! New client with STD".

Made me do a double take until I realized it meant Standard, and not a client with an S.T.D.

OOOhhh - you're nasty! LOL

[PAWS]

Well I called her today...got voicemail, yay! I gave her my adult fee and said after discussing the details I could give a more accurate "range". I mentioned that I have no experience in show grooming but to call me back if she was interested. I also squeezed in my spiel about what type of unit I have, etc. We shall see what happens! As it is, I have plenty of little guys in various versions of a lamb clip with and without clean face/feet. So, for pet poodles, i feel confindent in my skills.

[PoodlePal]

No puppy prices on standard poodles here (especially at 5 mos.). I find that puppies usually require a lot of time because they are afraid of the bather, dryer and the clipper.

[toomuchfunbnme]

Interesting point!

This is a very interesting point. When I think of a puppy price, I kind of think of a really young puppy that doesn't really need alot of work, but they are just more or less coming to get into a routine and get used to the groomer. This type of puppy would be more work than normal. I'm glad to read this post because now I am rethinking my offering a special puppy price!