Call Now: (888) 344-8658

News » Business

Search for a News Story:

5 Easy Ways to Give Yourself a Raise

Let’s face it, many salon owners aren’t charging as much as they feel they should. Local competition and price-sensitive clients are two strong reasons why. In some cases, grooming rates are already as high as considered possible without losing customers.

In most service-based businesses, payroll is the highest expense. A typical grooming business pays out more than 50% to 60% in payroll, alone. When salons are paying out those percentages, raises are rare.

We’ve talked to lots of groomers. It’s no surprise that one of the main complaints with their jobs is not making enough money. It’s not all about the money but having fair compensation for the work we do is not unreasonable!

When people come to me and ask how they can earn more, I always remind them that time is money – regardless of how you are paid. The faster you can get through a pet safely, the more money you will ultimately make. Read the rest of this entry »


Melissa’s Top 10 Ways to Build a Strong Clientele

Anxiety-Disorder-SymptomsAre you thinking of opening a new shop where there isn’t a grooming salon or expanding into a new market area with your mobile unit? You are probably giddy with excitement over the prospect of all those new clients.

Watching that superstore getting ready for its grand opening? You are probably worried that you’ll lose clients.

Are you fretting over how much to raise your prices? You are probably agonizing over how many clients will look for other options to get their dogs groomed.

These are real worries.

Your current and prospective clients have four options.

  1. Use your service
  2. Use a competitors service
  3. Do it themselves
  4. Not do it at all

Sometimes the biggest challenge you have with building a clientele is not your competitors – it’s your prospects.

So how do you win clients over? How do you encourage them to patronize YOUR place of business?  Simple.  Stand out in a positive way! Read the rest of this entry »


Paying Groomers – What is Fair?

How and what professional groomers get paid is always a hot topic. There are so many variables:

  • Hourly?
  • Commission?
  • Pay rates?

MoneyOver the years I’ve tested just about every possible combination of scenarios to try to determine what was fair, what worked, and what didn’t.

When I started my first business, I groomed in the vans right beside my mobile groomers. My team earned 50% commission of the grooming charges. We also had an extra “house call charge” for the front door service per stop (not per dog).

My mobile fleet grew from one van to six in about five years. Plus, I added a grooming salon to the mix. We were busy all the time. However, every once in a while, cash got tight.

Have you ever been there? Read the rest of this entry »


Are You Taking Care of Your Best Customers?

CSRIt’s hard to believe, but the major holidays are just around the corner. What does your appointment book look like? Are you booked out until after the holidays?

If you are, CONGRATULATIONS!  Give yourself a huge pat on the back. Being proactive with your schedule feels great, doesn’t it?

If you’re still trying to fill holes in your schedule, there’s a question I’d like to ask.

Do you know who your most valuable clients are? Whether you are a solo flyer or work with a team, you can benefit from knowing what type of client brings in the most revenue.

When it comes to the busy holiday season, knowing how to prioritize appointments can be very helpful. As much as we would like to get to every client, there are only so many hours in a day. It can be hard to decide who gets appointments and who gets turned away. Read the rest of this entry »


The Importance of Rebooking Appointments

Rebooking clients is one of the easiest ways for groomers and pet stylists to boost their income. Encouraging clients to rebook on the day of their service will help keep a steady stream of pets coming into your salon.

cozy petClients that rebook before they leave return on a much more frequent basis than those who do not. Let’s face it – life gets busy. Personally, if I did not rebook my own hair appointment before I left the beauty salon, I’d be there a lot less frequently than every five or six weeks! Our pet owning clients are no different.

Many groomers don’t encourage their customers to rebook their pet’s next grooming. They think the client will come back when they are ready. While that may be true, it’s more likely the client will not return as often as they should. Read the rest of this entry »


Count Me In!

Sign up to get notified when we host FREE Facebook Live Events!

Thanks! We'll remind you to join our next Facebook Live event!

Count Me In!

Sign up to get a reminder when your Members' Only Facebook Live Q&A is about to start!

Thanks! We'll remind you to join our next Facebook Live event!

Count Me In!

Join us for our FREE Webinar and get tips, tricks, and the secrets to success from our team of top dog-grooming Experts. We'll send you a reminder email the day of the Webinar.

Thanks! We'll remind you to join our next Facebook Live event!

Count Me In!

Join us for our FREE LIVECAST and get inspired by our team of dog-grooming Experts. Learn the tips and tricks other members have used to fuel their success through Learn2GroomDogs.com. We'll send you a reminder an hour before the LIVECAST begins.

Thanks! We'll remind you to join our next Facebook Live event!

Count Me In!

From the atmosphere and lay out of your salon, marketing to attract and keep clients, to how many dogs you are going to do that day, Melissa and Joe will help you map out a plan for Success!

Thanks! You will be sent reminder emails and a special link to join the webinar!